cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ancrod: Normalization of fibrinolytic enzyme abnormalities in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis

Abstract Ancrod is a thrombinlike enzyme from Malayan pit viper ( Agkistrodon rhodostoma ) venom that has a selective enzyme substrate specificity for flbrinogen. Unlike thrombin, it splits only fibrinopeptide A from the fibrinogen molecule and does not activate factor XIII. Simultaneously with the occurrence of hypofibrlnogenemia there is a reduction of plasma plasminogen and a rise in fibrin degradation products, suggesting secondary recruitment of the fibrinolytic enzyme system. Ancrod was given to 18 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and glomerular and vascular microthrombl. Before treatment vascular plasminogen activator (VPA) was low or unmeasurable in 14, an inhibitor of urokinase-induced plasminogen activation (IPA) was elevated in 18, and an inhibitor of plasmin (PI) was elevated in five. Ancrod treatment resulted in prompt normalization of IPA levels in 13 patients; they were classified as fibrinolysis responders. In five patients IPA levels remained elevated throughout treatment with ancrod; they were classified as fibrinolysis nonresponders. In these five the PI level was elevated before treatment and decreased slowly toward the normal range during ancrod administration. The PI did not appear related to the nonspecific serine protease inhibitors, and was shown to be identical with α 2 -antiplasmin. In the fibrinolysis responders serial histologic studies showed a striking decrease or disappearance of microvascular thrombosis; in the fibrinolysis nonresponders mlcrovascular thrombosis persisted. The action of ancrod is discussed.
Irrevocable-choice algorithms for sampling from a stream

The problem of sampling from data streams has attracted significant interest in the last decade. Whichever sampling criteria is considered (uniform sample, maximally diverse sample, etc.), the challenges stem from the relatively small amount of memory available in the face of unbounded streams. In this work we consider an interesting extension of this problem, the framework of which is stimulated by recent improvements in sensing technologies and robotics. In some situations it is not only possible to digitally sense some aspects of the world, but to physically capture a tangible aspect of that world. Currently deployed examples include devices that can capture water/air samples, and devices that capture individual insects or fish. Such devices create an interesting twist on the stream sampling problem, because in most cases, the decision to take a physical sample is irrevocable. In this work we show how to generalize diversification sampling strategies to the irrevocable-choice setting, demonstrating our ideas on several real world domains.
Evaluation of Data Transfer Speed Between a USB Flash Drive and Laptop

Transferring data between a PC and an external drive is an important task in today’s life. The objective of the study was to determine factors affecting the file transfer rate and assess the statistical significance of each factor. Based on the literature review, three factors were determined: file size, file location, and available space in a USB 2.0 flash drive. Three levels were designed for each factor. There are three factors, each with three levels in a factorial experiment. So, 3-way Anova was used to understand the significance of each factor and their interactions. As a result, space availability in the USB flash drive has the most significant effect on data transfer rate. Furthermore, data transfer rate is also affected by the file size and file location. Hence, it is recommended that USB flash drives should have adequate free space to maximize the file transfer rate.
Comparison of platelet function and bleeding in thrombocytopenic patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (CIT)

Abstract Because of methodologic problems, platelet function in thrombocytopenic patients has never been adequately studied, and therefore individual differences in bleeding risk are poorly understood. Whole blood flow cytometry analyzes the function of individual platelets, thereby enabling assessment of platelet function in severe thrombocytopenia (Michelson, A. Platelets, 2nd ed, Elsevier, 2007). In this study, platelet function was compared in 31 ITP patients, 14 CIT patients, and 16 healthy controls. Clinical bleeding was related to platelet function testing. The immature platelet fraction (IPF, or reticulated platelets) was measured in a Sysmex XE-2100. Platelet surface P-selectin and activated integrin αIIbβ3 (reported by monoclonal antibody PAC1) were measured by whole blood flow cytometry in the presence and absence of 0.5 μM ADP, 20 μM ADP, 1.5 μΜ TRAP, or 20 μM TRAP. Bleeding was quantified by a comprehensive score that allocates grades of 0 (no), 1 (minor) or 2 (marked) bleeding at 10 anatomic sites (Page, L.K. Br J Haematol 2007). Mean platelet volume (MPV) and IPF were higher in ITP than CIT, reflecting, as expected, a higher rate of platelet production (Table 1). Platelet surface P-selectin without added agonist (i.e. circulating activated platelets) was significantly higher in both ITP and CIT patients than in controls (Table 2). However, upregulation of platelet surface P-selectin and activated αIIbβ3 in response to ADP and TRAP (platelet ‘activatability') was reduced in CIT patients compared with ITP patients and controls (Table 2). Stratification of bleeding scores by platelet count showed that CIT patients had more GI, urinary, and pulmonary bleeding at platelet counts Table 1 . All Patients Patients with platelet counts MPV IPF% Absolute IPF ×109/L Skin/oral bleeding Bleeding other than skin/oral CIT 7.2 11.0 1.7 6/10 5/10 ITP 9.2* 18.1 5.8* 10/11 0/11* *P Table 2 . (mean fluorescence intensity) CIT ITP Controls No Agonist P-selectin 7.6b 6.2b 3.1 ActivatedαIIbβ3 7.0 10.2 7.2 High ADP P-selectin 41.8a,b 114.0 87.5 ActivatedαIIbβ3 154.4a,b 390.2 381.7 High TRAP P-selectin 69.9a,b 296.6 505.6 ActivatedαIIbβ3 46.9a,b 241.2b 457.7 a = P
Developability Assessment of Clinical Candidates

The role of the developability (aka preformulation) scientist at the discovery development interface has been extensively discussed in the literature. In response to shifting trends in discovery and the continued push to shorten timelines and reduce costs, the engagement of the developability scientist on discovery teams has steadily moved upstream over the past two decades. In this new and continually changing role, the developability scientist has the opportunity to influence the selection of chemistry scaffolds entering the lead optimization phase and subsequently the selection of developable compounds for clinical testing. In its current state, developability assessment of clinical candidates is an assessment of the physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties of the compound, carried out with due consideration to the patient in question, the clinical testing plan, and the commercial landscape. This chapter describes the dynamic and integrated nature of this assessment, along with a description of the in silico, in vitro, and in vivo tools used, and illustrative case studies. Key areas of focus include: (a) Solid form design and selection. (b) Characterization of the physicochemical properties associated with the solid form, such as solubility, stability, and dissolution properties. (c) Absorption modeling, including the definition of clinical product performance criteria and the need (if any) for absorption enhancement. (d) Assessment of absorption enhancement potential using technology platforms that lend themselves to commercial development (including in vivo evaluation where relevant). (e) The assembly of a comprehensive data package that includes an assessment of potential risks to clinical and commercial development.
Cell-cell communication in diabetic retinopathy.

In diabetic retinopathy, high glucose (HG)-mediated breakdown in cell-cell communication promotes disruption of retinal homeostasis. Several studies indicate that HG condition alters expression of connexin genes and subsequent gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) in retinal vascular cells and non-vascular cells. A serious consequence of disrupted cell-cell communication is apoptosis and breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier (BRB). More recently, studies suggest adverse effects from HG on retinal Muller cells. This article focuses on HG-mediated changes in connexin expression and GJIC and their subsequent effects on the breakdown of retinal homeostasis, cell death, compromised vascular permeability, and interactions between endothelial cells, pericytes and retinal Muller cells in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. Additionally, options for rectifying disrupted homeostasis under HG condition associated with diabetic retinopathy are reviewed.
Modeling and analysis of depletion-mode NMOS transistor as transmitter/receiver RF switch

This paper investigates the concept of using depletion-mode n-channel MOSFET (D-MOS) as RF transmitter/receiver switch. A new TCAD modeling methodology to analyze large-signal GHz-range T/R operation of MOS transistors is developed. The D-MOS offers a significant reduction in RON and COFF over the widely used enhancement-mode MOSFET (E-MOS). An excellent figure of merit (RON×COFF) of 134 fs can be achieved(roughly 3X improvement over E-MOS).
WEIGHTED HILBERT TRANSFORM AND Ba METRIC

Abstract In the paper, the author generalized the Hardy and Littlewood's theorem to Ba space, i.e. for all Pm satisfying 1 α = inf p m ≤ β ≤ sup p m ∞ , m = 1 , 2 , ⋯ , and - 1 p m s 1 - 1 p m , the following inequality | | | x | s H f | | B a ≤ A α , β , s | | | x | s f | | B a holds if and only if - 1 β s 1 - 1 α .
Toward a holistic sustainable and happy neighborhood development assessment tool: A critical review of relevant literature

Abstract Holistic ecological indices can integrate the ways in which humans derive happiness (both pleasure and meaning) as either extractive, balanced, or regenerative processes. This critical review paper describes the need for and initial development of a new comprehensive research assessment tool for sustainable and happy neighborhoods: the Sustainable Neighborhoods for Happiness assessment (SNfHa) Tool. The SNfHa builds upon the foundation of the Sustainable Neighborhoods for Happiness Index (Cloutier et al., 2014a) and associated Sustainable Neighborhoods for Happiness projects (Cloutier and Pfeiffer, 2015; Pfeiffer and Cloutier, 2016). We first provide a critical literature review of the most relevant quantitative and qualitative measures within five domains: happiness, and ecological, economic, social, and cultural sustainability, to inform the development of a comprehensive assessment tool. Next, we provide brief insight on a neighborhood development project where the tool is being applied to assess the promotion of happiness through ecological, economic, social and cultural sustainability. The tool can also be applied in future Sustainable Neighborhoods for Happiness projects. Ultimately, we suggest that sustainable neighborhood development should promote the pursuit of happiness while regenerating local economies and ecosystems, rekindling or enhancing social connections, and revitalizing or maintaining desired cultural traditions. We need holistic indices that can promote the growth toward such a vision.
Radiation therapy beam modulation techniques.

The label conformal therapy has been applied to a wide variety of three-dimensional treatment planning and delivery procedures. The original concept for conformai therapy was to limit the normal tissue dose by conforming the treatment field to the beam’s-eye view (BEV) projection of the target volume under continuous rotation of the gantry [1]. A multileaf collimator (MLC) is generally used to efficiently collimate the multiple fields. Initial clinical trials are in progress with a form of fixed-field conformai therapy that relies on BEV field shaping of six or more fixedgantry fields to reduce the volume of normal tissue irradiated around a target volume [2–4].
Multi-mode Power Amplifiers for Wireless Handset Applications

With the increasing demand for integrating more standards in a single handset, multiple parallel transmit paths are normally implemented. To further reduce die size and cost, an adaptive multi-mode solution is more plausible. Accordingly a multi-mode power amplifier is highly desired. Efficiency and linearity are the most critical design parameters in the multi-mode PA design. Power amplifiers (PAs) in wireless handsets are key components that consume a significant portion of the DC power budget in the transmitter. For those with constant envelope signals, like GSM with Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying (GMSK), power amplifiers are mainly designed for high efficiency and there is no specific linearity requirement. Therefore, nonlinear but high efficiency PA designs, such as Class B [1] and Class E [2], are typically employed in these systems. For third-generation cellular systems with non-constant envelope signals, such as Wideband CDMA [3], stringent linearity requirements are posed in the design of power amplifiers for higher spectral efficiency. Class AB operation is typically selected [4, 5], because it has the best tradeoff between efficiency and linearity. For multi-mode handset power amplifiers, amplifier bias operation may vary with different system modes: Class AB is typically employed in high-linearity modes and Class B is more suitable in high-efficiency modes. Average power efficiency (over the full range of output powers), instead of peak power-added efficiency (PAE), is the key factor determining the talk time and battery
Understanding Pottery Function

My ethnoarchaeological experience among the Kalinga changed forever the way I look at pottery. When I pick up a vessel and see the patterns of soot, I can also smell the smoky wood fire as it curls around the pot and then rises slowly to the roof. The charred residue over the lip makes me envision a boil-over and a doused fire because a cook was distracted by a fussy baby. As I run my fingers over the surface of a vessel I can see the clay-stained fingers of the potter, skillfully shaping the wall with a paddle and anvil as she jokes with the other potters.
Yield and consistency of arrhythmia detection with patch electrocardiographic monitoring: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Abstract Background Patch electrocardiographic (ECG) monitors permit extended noninvasive ambulatory monitoring. To guide use of these devices, information is needed about their performance. We sought to determine in a large general population sample the acceptability of patch ECG monitors, the yield of arrhythmia detection, and the consistency of findings in participants monitored twice. Methods In the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, 1122 participants completed one or two monitoring episodes using the Zio Patch XT, a single-channel ECG patch monitor capable of recording for 14 days. Recordings were analyzed for atrial fibrillation (AF), atrial flutter, atrioventricular block, pauses, and supraventricular and ventricular ectopy. Results The mean(SD) age at the time of monitoring was 75(8) years, 52% were men, and 15% had a prior history of clinically-recognized AF/flutter. The median monitoring duration was 13.8 days. Among 804 participants with no prior clinical history of AF/flutter and at least 12 days of monitoring on a single device, AF/flutter was detected in 32 (4.0%); in 38% of these, AF/flutter was first detected during days 3 through 12 of monitoring. In participants monitored twice, findings from the two devices showed excellent agreement for supraventricular and ventricular ectopic beats per hour, but only fair agreement for high-grade atrioventricular block and pauses of >3 s duration. Conclusions In a general population of older individuals, new diagnoses of AF/flutter were made in 4.0% of participants without a prior history. A single monitoring episode accurately estimated rates of supraventricular and ventricular ectopy.
Depressed neuromuscular transmission causes weakness in mice lacking BK potassium channels

Mice lacking functional large-conductance voltage- and Ca2+-activated K+ channels (BK channels) are viable but have motor deficits including ataxia and weakness. The cause of weakness is unknown. In this study, we discovered, in vivo, that skeletal muscle in mice lacking BK channels (BK-/-) was weak in response to nerve stimulation but not to direct muscle stimulation, suggesting a failure of neuromuscular transmission. Voltage-clamp studies of the BK-/- neuromuscular junction (NMJ) revealed a reduction in evoked endplate current amplitude and the frequency of spontaneous vesicle release compared with WT littermates. Responses to 50-Hz stimulation indicated a reduced probability of vesicle release in BK-/- mice, suggestive of lower presynaptic Ca2+ entry. Pharmacological block of BK channels in WT NMJs did not affect NMJ function, surprisingly suggesting that the reduced vesicle release in BK-/- NMJs was not due to loss of BK channel-mediated K+ current. Possible explanations for our data include an effect of BK channels on development of the NMJ, a role for BK channels in regulating presynaptic Ca2+ current or the effectiveness of Ca2+ in triggering release. Consistent with reduced Ca2+ entry or effectiveness of Ca2+ in triggering release, use of 3,4-diaminopyridine to widen action potentials normalized evoked release in BK-/- mice to WT levels. Intraperitoneal application of 3,4-diaminopyridine fully restored in vivo nerve-stimulated muscle force in BK-/- mice. Our work demonstrates that mice lacking BK channels have weakness due to a defect in vesicle release at the NMJ.
Soil-litter mixing promotes decomposition and soil aggregate formation on contrasting geomorphic surfaces in a shrub-invaded Sonoran Desert grassland

Shrub encroachment into grasslands alters organic carbon pools and patterns of decomposition. Here, we quantify the influence of plant life-form patches occuring on contrasting geomorphic substrates on (1) soil-litter mixing (SLM) and litter decomposition and 2) the development of soil aggregates and soil-microbial films on litter. A factorial experiment in a shrub-invaded arid grassland tested the hypotheses that SLM would promote decomposition, and that development of soil films and aggregates would be inversely related to grass cover and positively related to soil surface clay content. Litterbags containing shrub (Prosopis velutina) leaf litter were deployed on a sandy Holocene-age soil and on a clayey Pleistocene-age soil under and away from shrubs on areas with low and high grass cover. SLM accelerated decomposition, with highest rates on sandy soils in inter-shrub areas with low grass cover. Decomposition on clayey soils was slower, despite more rapid development of soil films. Soil-microbial film formation in bare ground placements exceeded that in shrub or grass placements and was greater on sandy Holocene-age soils compared to clayey Pleistocene-age soils. Vegetation structure and geomorphology should be considered when modeling decomposition dynamics in systems with low plant cover and high rates of aeolian and fluvial soil movement.
Son las manifestaciones psicopatológicas del trastorno psicótico agudo y transitorio diferentes a las de los trastornos esquizofrénico y esquizoafectivo

ObjetivoEste estudio explora los aspectos psicopatologicos de los trastornos psicoticos agudos y transitorios (TPAT), una categoria diagnostica introducida con la CIE-10, para dilucidar su relacion con la esquizofrenia y las psicosis esquizoafectivas.MetodosSeleccionamos durante un periodo de 5 anos a todos los pacientes ingresados consecutivos que cumplian los criterios de la CIE-10 de TPAT (F23) asi como a grupos de control con esquizofrenia “positiva” (EP) y trastorno esquizoafectivo bipolar (TEQAB) emparejados en cuanto al genero y la edad en el episodio indice. Para la evaluacion de los parametros psicopatologicos durante el episodio indice se utilizo una lista estandarizada de sintomas. Se evaluo tambien los sintomas prepsicoticos (prodromicos).ResultadosDurante el periodo prepsicotico, se detectaron pocas diferencias entre los grupos. La diferencia mas importante entre el TPAT y los otros dos trastornos psicoticos con respecto a la fenomenologia de los episodios desarrollados era una frecuencia mas alta de “temas delirantes rapidamente cambiantes”, “estado de animo rapidamente cambiante” y ansiedad en el TPAT.ConclusionesEl TPAT muestra un cuadro psicopatologico caracteristico compatible con conceptos anteriores, como las psicosis cicloides y la bouffee delirante. Sin embargo, las manifestaciones psicopatologicas solas no son suficientes para establecer el TPAT como una entidad nosologica independiente.
How COVID may improve care: rethinking cervical cancer prevention.

These past months of the COVID pandemic have given us ample opportunity to reflect on the US health care system. Despite overwhelming tragedy, it is an opportunity for us to learn and to change. As we postpone routine visits because of the pandemic, we worry about risks for patients who delay cancer screening. We use cervical cancer screening and prevention as an example of how we can use some "lessons learned" from the pandemic to prevent "collateral losses," such as an increase in cancers. COVID-related health system changes, like the more rapid evaluation of diagnostic tests and vaccines, the transition to compensated virtual care for most counseling and education visits, and broadened access to home services all offer potential benefits to the delivery of cervical cancer screening and prevention. While we detail the case for cervical cancer prevention, many of the issues discussed are generalizable to other preventative measures. It would be a tragedy if the morbidity and mortality of COVID is multiplied because of additional suffering caused by delayed or deferred cancer screening and diagnostic evaluation-but maybe with creativity and reflection, we can use this pandemic to improve care.
Insufficient Calorie Intake Worsens Post-Discharge Quality of Life and Increases Readmission Burden in Heart Failure

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between calorie intake and post-discharge outcomes in hospitalized patients with heart failure (HF). Background Malnutrition increases adverse outcomes in HF, and dietary sodium restriction may inadvertently worsen nutritional intake. Methods In a dietary intervention trial, baseline nutritional intake in HF inpatients was estimated using the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and the Nutritional Risk Index (NRI) was calculated. Insufficient calorie intake was defined as Results Among 57 participants (70 ± 8 years of age; 31% female; mean body mass index 32 ± 8 kg/m2); median sodium and calorie intake amounts were 2,987 mg/day (interquartile range [IQR]: 2,160 to 3,540 mg/day) and 1,602 kcal/day (IQR: 1,201 to 2,142 kcal/day), respectively; 11% of these patients were screened as malnourished by the NRI. All patients consuming Conclusions Despite a high prevalence for obesity and rare overt malnutrition, insufficient calorie intake was associated with poorer post-discharge quality of life and increased burden of readmission in patients with HF. Inpatient dietary assessment could improve readmission risk stratification and identify patients for nutritional intervention. (Geriatric Out of Hospital Randomized Meal Trial in Heart Failure [GOURMET-HF] NCT02148679)
Adaptation of plant‐mycorrhizal interactions to moisture availability in prairie restoration

The strength and direction of plant response to inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AM fungi) is dependent on both abiotic and biotic contexts, often generating patterns of AM fungal mediation of plant adaptation. However, knowledge of plant‐community level effects of these interactions in grassland restoration is limited. We conducted a field inoculation experiment by inoculating five plant species native to a drier prairie and five plant species native to a moister prairie with mycorrhizal fungal communities from each prairie type. Species were paired by genus or family to account for phylogenetic effects. The inoculated plants were transplanted to study plots seeded with a restoration seed mix. Plots were manipulated to create either moister or drier conditions similar to environments of the plant species and mycorrhizal communities. In both transplanted and seeded plant species, we found that only drier prairie‐range species benefited from moisture‐regime matched AM fungal inoculum. Other seeded prairie plant species demonstrated a negative response to inoculation, likely due to the earlier successional stage of these species. Additionally, nonseeded plants benefited from inoculation in different ways: native nonseeded plants had highest cover with drier prairie inoculum in drier conditions, while nonnative plants had highest cover with moister prairie‐origin inoculum. These results suggest that use of local AM fungi may be particularly important in restorations at drier sites, even at relatively small differences in moisture availability. Further, specific knowledge of relative responsiveness of seeded plant species and nonseeded plant species to AM fungal inoculation will be useful in planning restorations.
In Utero Vertical Transmission of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in a Severely Ill 29-week Preterm Infant

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) or coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is currently in worldwide pandemic state with very limited data about the mode of transmission to the growing fetus. There are a few published cases of COVID-19 infection in the infants born to COVID-19 positive mothers where most of the reported cases were either mildly symptomatic with positive COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or had negative COVID-19 PCR raising the question of vertical transmission. We present a case of likely intrauterine transmission of COVID-19 infection in a critically ill premature infant born to a COVID-19 infected mother and describing her clinical course thus far. The clinical presentation in the infant is consistent with COVID-19 infection described so far in literature along with positive PCR, and positive COVID-19 serology: immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, and immunoglobulin A.
On the Rhetoric of Ruins and Restorations: Conflict over Cult Sites in Late Antiquity

This article discusses competing interpretations of and rhetoric concerning cult sites in late antiquity. It highlights concerns by Christian and Greco-Roman intellectuals over their ruins and rest...
Faint Radio Sources and Star Formation History

The centimeter-wave luminosity of local radio galaxies correlates well with their star formation rate. We extend this correlation to surveys of high-redshift radio sources to estimate the global star formation history. The star formation rate found from radio observations needs no correction for dust obscuration, unlike the values calculated from optical and ultraviolet data. Three deep radio surveys have provided catalogs of sources with nearly complete optical identifications and nearly 60% complete spectroscopic redshifts: the Hubble Deep Field and Flanking Fields at 12h+62°, the SSA13 field at 13h+42°, and the V15 field at 14h+52°. We use the redshift distribution of these radio sources to constrain the evolution of their luminosity function. The epoch-dependent luminosity function is then used to estimate the evolving global star formation density. At redshifts less than 1, our calculated star formation rates are significantly larger than even the dust-corrected optically selected star formation rates; however, we confirm the rapid rise from z = 0 to z = 1 seen in those surveys.
Complications of Cosmetic Artificial Iris Implantation and Post Explantation Outcomes

Purpose To report complications of cosmetic artificial iris implantation and explantation outcomes. Design Retrospective case series. Methods Medical records of 12 patients (24 eyes) who presented to us after being implanted with cosmetic artificial irises elsewhere were reviewed. Data collected included baseline demographics, presenting symptoms, examination findings, and management outcomes. Results Eight eyes had NewColorIris implants and 16 had BrightOcular implants. The mean interval from cosmetic iris implantation to presentation was 61.7 ± 60.0 months. The mean follow-up after explantation was 35.5 ± 38.1 months. Complications at presentation included iris abnormalities (11 eyes, 45.8%), elevated intraocular pressure (8 eyes, 33.3%), corneal edema (6 eyes, 25%), intraocular inflammation (5 eyes, 20.8%), and cataract (4 eyes, 16.7%). Surgical interventions included cosmetic iris removal (19 eyes, 79.2%), cataract extraction (7 eyes, 29.2%), corneal transplantation (7 eyes, 29.2%), and glaucoma surgery (4 eyes, 16.7%). Complications at the last follow-up examination included native iris defects (11 eyes, 45.8%), persistent glaucoma (7 eyes, 29.2%), cataract (5 eyes, 20.8%), corneal edema (4 eyes, 16.7%), and intraocular inflammation (2 eyes, 8.3%). The mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution was 0.56 ± 0.47 at presentation and 0.78 ± 0.88 at the last examination (P = .30). The mean intraocular pressure was 22.7 ± 15.8 mm Hg at presentation and 13.4 ± 6.99 mm Hg at the last examination (P = .02). Conclusion Cosmetic iris implantation was associated with serious complications at the time of presentation, and adverse sequelae persisted for years after explantation.
Longevity pathways in stress resistance: targeting NAD and sirtuins to treat the pathophysiology of hemorrhagic shock

Stress resistance correlates with longevity and this pattern has been exploited to help identify genes that can influence lifespan. Reciprocally, genes and pharmacological agents that have been studied primarily in the context of longevity may be an untapped resource for treating acute stresses. Here we summarize the evidence that targeting SIRT1, studied primarily in the context of longevity, can improve outcomes in hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation. Hemorrhagic shock is a potentially fatal condition that occurs when blood loss is so severe that tissues no longer receive adequate oxygen. While stabilizing the blood pressure and reperfusing tissues are necessary, re-introducing oxygen to ischemic tissues generates a burst of reactive oxygen species that can cause secondary tissue damage. Reactive oxygen species not only exacerbate the inflammatory cascade but also can directly damage mitochondria, leading to bioenergetic failure in the affected tissues. Treatments with polyphenol resveratrol and with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) precursors have both shown promising results in rodent models of hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation. Although a number of different mechanisms may be at play in each case, a common theme is that resveratrol and NAD both enhance the activity of SIRT1. Moreover, many of the physiologic improvements observed with resveratrol and NAD precursors are consistent with modulation of known SIRT1 targets. Because small blood vessels and limited blood volume make mice very challenging for the development of hemorrhagic shock models, there is a paucity of direct genetic evidence testing the role of SIRT1. However, the development of more robust methods in mice as well as genetic modifications in rats should allow the study of SIRT1 transgenic and KO rodents in the near future. The potential therapeutic effect of SIRT1 in hemorrhagic shock may serve as an important example supporting the value of considering "longevity" pathways in the mitigation of acute stresses.
14-3-3 Proteins: Novel Pharmacological Targets in Neurodegenerative Diseases.

14-3-3 proteins are a family of proteins expressed throughout the body and implicated in many diseases, from cancer to neurodegenerative disorders. While these proteins do not have direct enzymatic activity, they form a hub for many signaling pathways via protein–protein interactions (PPIs). 14-3-3 interactions have proven difficult to target with traditional pharmacological methods due to the unique nature of their binding. However, recent advances in compound development utilizing a range of tools, from thermodynamic binding site analysis to computational molecular modeling techniques, have opened the door to targeting these interactions. Compounds are already being developed targeting 14-3-3 interactions with potential therapeutic implication for neurodegenerative disorders, but challenges still remain in optimizing specificity and target engagement to avoid unintended negative consequences arising from targeting 14-3-3 signaling networks.
M. K. Gandhi, Our Moral Action Compass: His Selected Guiding Communications for the Changing India

This paper discusses M. K. Gandhi’s selected short writings of the early and mid-twentieth century by topics, themes and some major timely issues. Gandhi’s April 1933 advice to his readers, spellin...
Integrated Clustering Regression for Real Estate Valuation

This paper presents an integrated clustering and regression approach for real estate valuation. The location of a property represents an essential factor that is usually included in real estate appraisal. Considering the spatial distribution of the proprieties in the dataset under study with relative unit price, it is motivated to apply the clustering method to group similar proprieties in homogeneous groups. Then, conduct regression analysis for prediction within each cluster. The used approach shows that predictions improved slightly for one cluster and worsens for the other cluster. The possible reasons for such performance and suggested strategies to test the methodology were discussed.
Examining primary care physician rationale for not following geriatric choosing wisely recommendations

The objective is to understand why physicians order tests or treatments in older adults contrary to published recommendations. Participants: Physicians above the median for ≥ 1 measures of overuse representing 3 Choosing Wisely topics. Measurements: Participants evaluated decisions in a semi-structured interview regarding: 1) Screening men aged ≥ 76 with prostate specific antigen 2) Ordering urine studies in women ≥ 65 without symptoms 3) Overtreating adults aged ≥ 75 with insulin or oral hypoglycemic medications. Two investigators independently coded transcripts using qualitative analysis. Nineteen interviews were conducted across the three topics resulting in four themes. First, physicians were aware and knowledgeable of guidelines. Second, perceived patient preference towards overuse influenced physician action even when physicians felt strongly that testing was not indicated. Third, physicians overestimated benefits of a test and underemphasized potential harms. Fourth, physicians were resistant to change when patients appeared to be doing well. Though physicians expressed awareness to avoid overuse, deference to patient preferences and the tendency to distort the chance of benefit over harm influenced decisions to order testing. Approaches for decreasing unnecessary testing must account for perceived patient preferences, make the potential harms of overtesting salient, and address clinical inertia among patients who appear to be doing well.
On Aqueducts and Anxiety: Water Infrastructure, Ruination, and a Region-Scaled Anthropocene Imaginary

This paper explores popular expectations for and meanings of the U.S. West’s environmental future, as articulated through recent artistic representations of the Los Angeles’s expansive water provis...
Start Your Gymnastic Program Now

(1958). Start Your Gymnastic Program Now! Journal of Health, Physical Education, Recreation: Vol. 29, No. 2, pp. 10-67.
Structure–Function Studies of the Claudin Pore

Publisher Summary Claudins are tight junction membrane proteins that form both the paracellular pore and barrier. This chapter reviews current knowledge about the structure and function of the claudin pore and the types of methods that are used to address this. The chapter presents the evidence that the first extracellular domains of multiple claudin monomers fold to enclose a charge-selective paracellular ion pore with a diameter of 6.5–8 Ǻ. The location of specific amino acid residues relative to the pore and their role in determining charge selectivity is also discussed. The general approach to elucidating the paracellular properties of claudins is to overexpress it by transfection into a host cell line. The cells are then grown to a confluent monolayer. Ideally, they are mounted in Ussing chambers and transepithelial permeabilities are determined either from the measurements of diffusion potentials at steady state or from the kinetic measurements of conductance or unidirectional radiotracer fluxes.
Remembering Pura Belpré's Early Career at the 135th Street New York Public Library: Interracial Cooperation and Puerto Rican Settlement During the Harlem Renaisance

Resumen en: This article recalls the first decade of Pura Belpre's career in New York City, a period during which she moved from library assistant to the first Puert...
Studies on the mode of action of calciferol. Subcellular localization of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in chicken parathyroid glands.

Abstract As a further means of evaluating 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 -parathyroid gland interaction and its relation to calcium homeostasis, a comparative study of the subcellular localization of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 [1,25(OH) 2 D 3 ]in the parathyroid glands, intestinal mucosa, kidney, and liver of rachitic chickens has been carried out. Only in the chromatin fraction from parathyroids and intestinal mucosa could there be demonstrated selective and specific localization of the 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 . The chromatin-bound picomoles of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 (per gram of tissue) was in the ratio (mucosa:parathyroids:kidney:liver) of 1.0:0.23:0.11:0.17 2 h after an intracardial injection of 290 pmol of [ 3 H]1,25(OH) 2 D 3 . This same ratio after a 30-min (23 °C) homogenate incubation with 1 × 10 −8 m [ 3 H]1,25(OH) 2 D 3 was 1.0:1.0:0.10:0.03. Analogous results were obtained when reconstituted chromatin and cytosol fractions from the different tissues were compared for chromatin localization efficiency. This chromatin localization of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 in the parathyroid glands was temperature dependent. In addition, parathyroid glands were found to contain 3.0–3.5 S cytoplasmic and KCl-extractable chromatin receptors specific for 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 .
Voices of Native Resiliency: Educational Experiences from the 1950s and 1960s

The purpose of this study was to examine the lived educational experiences of American Indians who grew up during the 1950s and 1960s, known as the termination period in American history. The research for this phenomenological study consisted of interviews with eight participants who were willing to share their personal experiences from this selected time. Ten reoccurring themes were uncovered: chaos brings balance, challenge to become bi-cultural, the importance of teachers, external support systems, spirituality, tribal influences, influences of economic resources, cultural awareness and value, relevant curriculum, and recruitment of Native teachers. By uncovering these stories, it is hopeful that educators would benefit by being able to further illuminate and contextualize an understanding for more culturally responsive
Review of Global Change: Enough Water for All? by Jose L. Lozan, Hartmut Grasl, Peter Hupfer, Lucas Menzel, and Christian-D. Schonwiese

In the foreword to the book, Professor K. Topfer, formerly executive director of the United Nations Environmental Program UNEP , while discussing the relation between water availability and conflicts, even war, emphasizes the identification of water demand and water supply now and for the future in all commonly used catchments, integrated water resources management plans, and programs; as well as safe drinking water. To avoid conflicts in the use of water, he argues for heavy investments in water-saving technologies and water-recycling infrastructure. He underscores that the water crisis is not at all a crisis of water availability but is a crisis of investment in water infrastructure, especially in the development of water administration and governance. In the context articulated by Professor Topfer, the editors of the book state in the preface that the aim of the book is “to contribute to public discussion on our relations and dealings with water. It shall also shape the public opinion towards an integrated view on water and the necessity to ensure enough water for coming generations. . . .” It is a tall order for the book, indeed, for any book. The subject matter of the book is divided into four sections, each comprising a number of articles. After reiterating the importance of water as the source of life, Section 1 goes on to discuss the earth’s water balance, the earth’s surface covered by water, and the availability of drinking water. The main point emphasized here is that sufficient drinking water should be available for all, but the uneven distribution of precipitation on continents is the main cause of water shortages and the resulting hardship for people and the environment. It argues for the necessity of sustainable use of groundwater resources to guarantee a sufficient supply of fresh water for future generations. The role of water in the climate system, the water cycle, and changes in the water cycle are treated next. Also dealt with are warning signals, with reference to water stress, water supply, water quality and health, the impact of climate change on ecosystems, the rise in sea level, and preventing hydrological problems of coastal regions, soil salinization, groundwater salinization, water resources, weather extremes, water pollution, and water conflicts. On the whole, the introduction to Section 1 provides an excellent discussion highlighting different water problems facing our planet. The first section consists of 11 articles. Article 1.1 traces the origin of life, reemphasizes water as the basis of life, and goes on to discuss the settlement of continents; the distribution of micro-
Numerical Methods of Stress Analysis

Publisher Summary The classical methods of stress analysis in elastic structures are based on the exact solutions of the linear differential equations for the stress or displacement fields. When the design and loading of the structure are such that the coefficients and boundary conditions of these equations involve complicated functions of position, these features may have to be suitably idealized before the exact solutions of the differential equations become available. In this case, the classical analysis, while exact for the idealized structure, is only approximate as far as the actual structure is concerned. The methods discussed in this chapter aim at an approximate analysis of the actual structure rather than an exact analysis of an idealized structure. A particularly simple structure—namely, a rod of varying cross section subjected to an equilibrium system of distributed and concentrated axial loads—is treated to illustrate the use of localized displacement fields in the principle of minimum potential energy and to develop the concepts of consistency and degree of precision of a system of finite difference equations. The method developed is then extended to a disk of variable thickness that is subjected to a given equilibrium system of edge tractions. Alternative mechanical interpretations of the equations and possible improvements are presented. The analysis is then extended to beams and plates. The displacement fields used in this chapter have to satisfy continuity conditions that make them admissible under the principle of minimum potential energy.
Search for top in lepton + jets in D-Zero using a topological tag

We have searched for production of t-tbar pairs in p-pbar interactions at 1.8 TeV center-of-mass energy at the FNAL Tevatron collider. The search assumes standard model decay for top quark into W + b quark. We observe in e+jet and mu+jet final states a small, not statistically significant, excess above the background estimated by two different methods. The results presented are preliminary.
Three-dimensional image reconstructions from a partially confocal scanning microscope

Three-dimensional (3-D) microscopy with a non-confocal microscope is fundamentally limited because the optical transfer function (OTF) is zero over a cone-shaped region of the spatial frequency domain and thus the image has a missing cone of optical information that potentially results in artifacts. The strictly confocal scanning microscope (i.e. one with only one pinhole-aperture that is infinitesimally small) does not suffer from this missing cone and thus images are not artifactual. However the pinhole aperture has very low light collection efficiency and images have low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Because of this low light-collection efficiency the scanning microscope is commonly operated in a partially confocal regime either by using a larger confocal aperture, multiple confocal apertures working in parallel, or a combination of both. With a larger aperture more out-of-focus fluorescence is collected, with multiple apertures more out-of-focus excitation is produced. In either case the optical axis resolution is degraded relative to that of the ideal confocal microscope. Fortunately neither approach suffers form a missing cone. Frequency components are attenuated relative to the strictly confocal case, but they are no completely missing. We present results that show that applying image restoration methods to partially confocal images it is possible to obtain artifact free images with the same or better resolution than with a strictly confocal microscope.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Sputtering phenomena of discharge chamber components in a 30-cm diameter Hg ion thruster

Sputtering and deposition rates were measured for discharge chamber components of a 30-cm diameter mercury ion thruster. It was found that sputtering rates of the screen grid and cathode baffle were strongly affected by geometry of the baffle holder. Sputtering rates of the baffle and screen grid were reduced to 80 and 125 A/hr, respectively, by combination of appropriate geometry and materials selections. Sputtering rates such as these are commensurate with thruster lifetimes of 15,000 hours or more. A semiempirical sputtering model showed good agreement with the measured values.