cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary artery catheter placement for elective coronary artery bypass grafting: before or after anesthetic induction?

UNLABELLED Pulmonary arterial catheters (PACs) are often used during and after coronary artery bypass grafting. We hypothesized that placement of a PAC would be faster in anesthetized patients. We further hypothesized that the presence or absence of a PAC during the induction of anesthesia would make no difference in hemodynamics, vasoactive drug use, or IV fluid administration during the induction. Patients (n = 200) undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting were assigned to PAC insertion either before or after the induction of anesthesia. Total time for PAC insertion, number of finder needle and venous catheter insertion attempts, incidence of carotid artery puncture, arrhythmias or ST segment changes, arterial blood gas analysis, hemodynamic variables, IV fluids, and vasoactive drugs required during and after the anesthetic induction were recorded. Thirty-two different physicians placed the PACs. PAC placement was faster (10 versus 12 min, P = 0.0003) and required fewer punctures with a finder needle (P = 0.0107) in anesthetized patients. There were no significant differences between groups in hemodynamic values or use of vasoactive or anesthetic drugs or IV fluids during the induction. There were also no significant differences between groups in the incidence of myocardial ischemia, arterial hypoxemia, or hypercarbia. Placement of a PAC before the induction of anesthesia consumes more time and fails to improve hemodynamic stability or lessen vasoactive drug use during the induction of anesthesia. IMPLICATIONS Insertion of pulmonary artery catheters (PACs) before the induction of anesthesia requires more needle sticks and takes longer than insertion after the induction of anesthesia; moreover, previous PAC insertion has no significant effect on hemodynamics or use of vasoactive drugs or IV fluid associated with the induction of anesthesia.
Dividing the Oils: Dynamic Bargaining as Policy Formation in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry

In academic studies of the interface between developing countries and large multinational oil corpora­ tions, scholars have noted that over time and through repeated interaction, the developing countries tend to negotiate better outcomes for themselves: they progress along a learning curve by incrementally improving their outcomes through bargaining and strategic interaction. This phenomenon can be demonstrated in a number of oil-rich developing countries. Nigeria’s case, however, is more complex. During the two decades following its independence, the state successfully negotiated for more control over—made strides in the developing of the skills necessary to manage—its petroleum industry, as our model would predict. Then, in a puzzling late-1970s-to-mid-1980s change of course, the government abruptly gave back concessions, undermined local entrepreneurial endeavors, and repealed indigeniza­ tion laws. This paper combines, in the analytic narrative tradition, the case study method with an extensive form game; it applies a dynamic bargaining model to Nigeria’s historical experience, demon­ strating that Nigeria improved its outcomes and ascended along the “bargaining learning curve,” only to reverse policy and “unlearn,” with serious consequences for the Nigerian population. Even so, the demonstration of both successful and improved outcomes in past negotiations give evidence that Nigeria could once again ascend its bargaining learning curve if the government were to re-commit to such a policy.
Hybrid pixel-waveform CdTe/CZT detector for use in an ultrahigh resolution MRI compatible SPECT system.

Abstract In this paper, we will present a new small pixel CdTe/CZT detector for sub-500 μm resolution SPECT imaging application inside MR scanner based on a recently developed hybrid pixel-waveform (HPWF) readout circuitry. The HPWF readout system consists of a 2-D multi-pixel circuitry attached to the anode pixels to provide the X–Y positions of interactions, and a high-speed digitizer to read out the pulse-waveform induced on the cathode. The digitized cathode waveform could provide energy deposition information, precise timing and depth-of-interaction information for gamma ray interactions. Several attractive features with this HPWF detector system will be discussed in this paper. To demonstrate the performance, we constructed several prototype HPWF detectors with pixelated CZT and CdTe detectors of 2–5 mm thicknesses, connected to a prototype readout system consisting of energy-resolved photon-counting ASIC for readout anode pixels and an Agilent high-speed digitizer for digitizing the cathode signals. The performances of these detectors based on HPWF are discussed in this paper.
Effect of dietary protein and zinc on anti-mycobacterial antibody responses in guinea pigs

Abstract An enzyme immunoassay was developed to quantify the levels of antibodies reactive with purified protein derivative (PPD) at 3, 4, 5 and 6 wks following vaccination with Mycobacterium bovis BCG and initiation of diets deficient in either protein (LP) or zinc (LZ). Significant antibody levels were detected in all groups as early as 3 wks post-vaccination compared to non-vaccinated animals. Both LP and LZ guinea pigs had higher levels of antibody than animals consuming an adequate diet at 3 and 4 wks, respectively. By 6 wks post-vaccination, animals on the low protein diet had the highest antibody titers, followed by control, chow and LZ guinea pigs in order of decreasing titers. A highly significant positive correlation was detected between the levels of anti-mycobacterial antibodies and the number of viable BCG recovered from the lymph nodes draining the vaccination site. A significant inverse correlation was seen between antibody levels and PPD skin reactions. High-titer sera from protein-deficient, but not zinc-deficient, BCG-vaccinated pigs significantly suppressed the tuberculin reactions when passively transferred into normal, PPD-positive recipients.
Impact of particulate scattering in coastal waters on reflectance spectra: simulations and Chesapeake Bay measurements

The in-situ spectral data of water properties were collected throughout the Chesapeake Bay area during the 2005 summer cruise campaign. Measured quantities include absorption, attenuation, backscattering, reflectance and fluorescence of chlorophyll and CDOM. The data were used to estimate optical proxies for the particle assemblage in Chesapeake Bay area. The depth profile IOP data were also entered to Hydrolight to simulate the reflectance spectra and compared with the field measurement data.
Correlation properties of direct broadcast signals for bistatic remote sensing

In this paper, we present a study of relevant correlation properties of signals transmitted from commercial DirecTV satellite signals with the purpose of evaluating their potential use as “signals of opportunity” for bistatic remote sensing. The ambiguity function of the DirecTV satellite signal is computed analytically from published information on the modulation schemes and bandwidth, under the assumption that the data modulation is random. This model is experimentally tested by recording the received signals from the satellites. Also, the signal to noise ratio (SNR) is computed from the published information. The coherence time of the DirecTV signal is computed using the experimental data from two direct signals that is recorded with two different clock sources. An experiment is done to record some reflected data from a river and the coherence time of the Interferometric Complex Field (ICF) from this reflected data is computed for the purposes of measuring the sea state.
Involution of eruptive melanocytic nevi on combination BRAF and MEK inhibitor therapy.

Importance Eruptive melanocytic nevi (EMN) are characterized by the sudden onset of numerous melanocytic nevi and have been traditionally described in the setting of immunosuppression. Selective BRAF inhibitors such as vemurafenib cause multiple cutaneous adverse effects, including the formation of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, as well as EMN. We describe the first reported case, to our knowledge, of involution of BRAF inhibitor–induced EMN following the concomitant addition of a MEK inhibitor, cobimetinib. Observations A woman in her 20s with a history of metastatic melanoma developed EMN while receiving therapy with vemurafenib, a selective BRAF inhibitor. After disease progression, the patient was placed on a clinical trial that combined vemurafenib with a MEK inhibitor, cobimetinib. Within months, we noted clinical involution of many of her EMN. In addition, numerous preexisting nevi were noted to fade in color on the dual regimen. Over a year after initiating this combination therapy, most of the patient’s EMN were no longer clinically evident. Conclusions and Relevance Our case report describing the involution of EMN supports data from previous clinical trials indicating that combination BRAF and MEK inhibition may reduce cutaneous proliferative effects that arise on BRAF inhibitor monotherapy. Further studies are necessary to characterize the biological mechanisms underlying this phenomenon.
Oral contraceptives and other risk factors for gallbladder disease

To clarify the association between oral contraceptives (OCs) and gallbladder disease (GBD) a retrospective (historical) cohort study was performed with 1980 and 1981 Medicaid billing data from the states of Michigan and Minnesota in which 138943 users of OCs were compared to 341478 nonusers. There were 12292 cases of GBD that required medical attention during the 2-year study giving an overall prevalence rate of 25.6/1000 persons over the 2 years. Of the 138943 OC users in this study 3889 had GBD giving a prevalence of 28.0/1000 persons in the 2-year study. Of the 341478 nonusers 8403 had GBD resulting in a prevalence rate of 24.6/1000 persons in these 2 years. The overall prevalence rate in the unexposed subjects in Michigan was higher than that in Minnesota (28.5 vs. 12.3/1000 persons in the 2 year respectively). This difference in prevalence by state may rest in part from differences in urbanization or to the known differences in racial distribution. Comparing Minnesota with Michigan blacks are markedly underrepresented (5.9% versus 35.6%) Indians are overrepresented (3.9% versus 0.37%) and Orientals are overrepresented (5.7% versus 0.48%). Alternatively this difference in prevalence by state may result from administrative dissimilarities between the 2 Medicaid programs such as in differences in the number of diagnoses that can be provided per visit and the number of visits that can be included on each claim form. The results indicate that subsequent analyses need to be state specific or state adjusted. The crude relative risks confidence intervals for the effect of OCs on GBD were 1.14 overall 1.08 for Michigan and 1.39 for Minnesota. While the proportion of subjects using OCs decreased with advancing age the prevalence of GBD increased steadily with age in both users and nonusers. Stratification by 5-year age intervals revealed age to be a strong modifier of the effect of OCs on GBD with younger women at a higher risk of GBD from OCs than middle-aged women. The effects of a number of other risk factors on GBD also were confirmed. Adjustment for these failed to change the results. The relationship between OCs and GBD remained statistically significant even after age state and each confounding variable was controlled for logistic regression. In sum OCs are risk factors for GBD although the risk is of sufficient magnitude to be of potential clinical importance only in young women.
trans‐Resveratrol inhibits calcium influx in thrombin‐stimulated human platelets

1. The phytoestrogenic compound trans-resveratrol (trans-3,5, 4'-trihydroxystilbene) is found in appreciable quantities in grape skins and wine. It has been shown that both products rich in trans-resveratrol and pure trans-resveratrol inhibit platelet aggregation both in vivo and in vitro. However the mechanism of this action still remains unknown. 2. An essential component of the aggregation process in platelets is an increase in intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i). Ca2+ must enter the cell from the external media through specific and tightly regulated Ca2+ channels in the plasma membrane. The objective of this study was to characterize what effect trans-resveratrol had on the Ca2+ channels in thrombin stimulated platelets. 3. In this study we showed that trans-resveratrol immediately inhibited Ca2+ influx in thrombin-stimulated platelets with an IC50 of 0.5 microM. trans-Resveratrol at 0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 microM produced 20+/-6, 37+/-6 and 57+/-4% inhibition respectively of the effect of thrombin (0.01 u ml(-1)) to increase [Ca2+]i. 4. trans-Resveratrol also inhibited spontaneous Ba2+ entry into Fura-2 loaded platelets, with 0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 microM trans-resveratrol producing 10+/-5, 30+/-5 and 50+/-7% inhibition respectively. This indicated that trans-resveratrol directly inhibited Ca2+ channel activity in the platelets in the absence of agonist stimulation. 5. trans-Resveratrol also inhibited thapsigargin-mediated Ca2+ influx into platelets. This suggests that the store-operated Ca2+ channels are one of the possible targets of trans-resveratrol. These channels rely on the emptying of the internal Ca2+ stores to initiate influx of Ca2+ into the cell. 6. The phytoestrogens genistein, daidzein, apigenin and genistein-glucoside (genistin) produced inhibitory effects against thrombin similar to those seen with trans-resveratrol. 7. We conclude that trans-resveratrol is an inhibitor of store-operated Ca2+ channels in human platelets. This accounts for the ability of trans-resveratrol to inhibit platelet aggregation induced by thrombin.
Reactivity of aqueous Fe(IV) in hydride and hydrogen atom transfer reactions.

Oxidation of cyclobutanol by aqueous Fe(IV) generates cyclobutanone in ∼70% yield. In addition to this two-electron process, a smaller fraction of the reaction takes place by a one-electron process, believed to yield ring-opened products. A series of aliphatic alcohols, aldehydes, and ethers also react in parallel hydrogen atom and hydride transfer reactions, but acetone and acetonitrile react by hydrogen atom transfer only. Precise rate constants for each pathway for a number of substrates were obtained from a combination of detailed kinetics and product studies and kinetic simulations. Solvent kinetic isotope effect for the self-decay of Fe(IV), kH2O/kD2O = 2.8, is consistent with hydrogen atom abstraction from water.
Visceral chemical nociception in mice lacking μ-opioid receptors: effects of morphine, SNC80 and U-50,488

Abstract Writhing responses to intraperitoneal acetic acid administration and their modulation by μ-, κ- and δ-opioid receptor agonists were compared in wild-type and μ-opioid receptor knockout mice. Unpretreated homozygous knockout mice displayed less writhing than wild-type mice. U-50,488 [ trans -3,4-dichloro- N -methyl- N -[2-(1-pyrolidinyl)cyclohexyl]-benzeneacetamide]) reduced writhing responses in wild-type and knockouts. Morphine and SNC80 [(+)-4-[9-α- R )-α-(2 S ,5 RO -4-allyl-2,5-dimethyl-1-piperazinyl)-3-methoxybenzyl]- N , N -diethylbenzamide] were effective in wild-type mice but ineffective in knockouts. μ-opioid receptors appear to play important roles in responses to this visceral nociceptive stimulus and its modulation by μ- and δ-opioid receptor agonists.
Relationship of the tubular system with other organelles in chlorride cells of the channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus

The morphology of chloride cells in the channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, has been studied by transmission electron microscopy. The chloride cell possesses abundant tubules, mitochondria, and granules. The employment of a special membrane stain in conjunction with a two- or tridimensional analysis reveals a complex interjoining and interlocking ring system of tubules. Tubular sides constituting the complex rings frequently lack granules. The tubular rings join with tubulous mitochondrial profiles and other cytoplasmic components. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Sources of Bias in Retrospective Decision Making: Experimental Evidence on Voters’ Limitations in Controlling Incumbents

Are citizens competent to assess the performance of incumbent politicians? Observational studies cast doubt on voter competence by documenting several biases in retrospective assessments of performance. However, these studies are open to alternative interpretations because of the complexity of the real world. In this article, we show that these biases in retrospective evaluations occur even in the simplified setting of experimental games. In three experiments, our participants (1) overweighted recent relative to overall incumbent performance when made aware of an election closer rather than more distant from that event, (2) allowed an unrelated lottery that affected their welfare to influence their choices, and (3) were influenced by rhetoric to give more weight to recent rather than overall incumbent performance. These biases were apparent even though we informed and incentivized respondents to weight all performance equally. Our findings point to key limitations in voters’ ability to use a retrospective decision rule.
Persistence of the notochordal canal: MR and plain film appearance.

Summary: We report a case of an unusually prominent persistent notochordal canal involving the T12–L5 vertebrae. This rare anatomic variation was discovered as an incidental finding in a patient with lymphoma undergoing MR imaging for evaluation of back pain. MR images showed a vertically oriented canal contiguous with the intervertebral disks traversing the anterior aspect of each affected vertebral body. Plain films showed a sclerotic rimmed central channel that flared at each vertebral endplate to merge with the disk spaces.
Students with Learning Disabilities' Satisfaction, Employment, and Postsecondary Education Outcomes.

This study investigates the construct of satisfaction as a post-school outcome for students with learning disabilities (LD). More specifically, the effects of postsecondary education or training as well as employment are examined as they contribute to the overall satisfaction of young people with LD, one year after they exit high school. The rationale for this approach is that examining individuals’ with LD satisfaction with their post-school outcomes will take into consideration their perspectives and provide an indication of whether or not they are engaged in post-school activities of their preference and also provides a broader approach to measuring post-school outcomes. Results of this study suggest that both education or training and employment are importantly influential in postsecondary satisfaction among individuals with learning disabilities as they transition from school to post-secondary activities.
Smoking impairs muscle recovery from exercise.

Cigarette smoking is a leading cause of many adverse health consequences. Chronic nicotine exposure leads to insulin resistance and may increase the risk of developing non-insulin-dependent diabete...
The VLSI Design Automation Assistant: Prototype System

This paper describes an approach to VLSI design synthesis that uses knowledge-based expert systems to proceed from an algorithmic description of a VLSI system to a list of technology-independent registers, operators, data paths, and control signals. This paper describes how the prototype Design Automation Assistant uses large amounts of expert knowledge to design an architecture with little searching. It also presents the current design of a small microprocessor along with a discussion of improvements currently being added.
A minimum principle for the dynamic analysis of systems with frictional contacts

The dynamic analysis and simulation of manufacturing processes and robot systems with multiple, concurrent frictional contacts are addressed. When principles of rigid body dynamics are used with empirical models for friction, inconsistencies and ambiguities may result. One approach to resolving this is to incorporate a model of the compliance at the contacts into the dynamic model. The principle of virtual work is used to derive a minimum principle which relates the contact forces and local deformations to the state and the applied external forces. A simplified, lumped-parameter model that always yields unique solutions is presented. Closed-form expressions for the contact forces are derived, and a simple algorithm for determination of the slip at each contact is developed. The analysis of whole-arm enveloping grasps is discussed using this method. >
Scalability of visualization’s evaluation:

Information visualization has progressed and taken big steps in previous decade, despite challenging complexities of presenting and transforming the data. Visualization binds the perceptual capabilities of the human visual system. In the data, Human being looks for structure, pattern, features, anomalies, and relationship. Visualization, support this by preparing the data in a way to drive particular sense that differentiate various interactions and understanding. How human being receives and interacts with a visualization tools, can strongly influences his understanding of the data as well as the system's usefulness. Therefore, understanding the tools, relationships, and how well be able to depict the blue print of the model in mind, is not an easy task. Too often, successful decision-making and analysis are more a matter of serendipity and user experience than of intentional design and specific support for such a task [2]. We need better metrics and benchmark repositories to compare tools, and we should also seek reports of successful adoption and demonstrated utility. Moreover, there is a large range of target audience with different background and therefore, examining the concept, data, and analytic methodologies for these class of audience also is a big step in the right way. Furthermore, we also should consider how tools -for transformation and presentation - can improve mental activities of developer. This mental support has been defined as ";cognitive support"; [3]. So, are we able to explicitly state and compare claims about how particular tool support cognition? Are there capable theories for backdrop, onto which suitable theories and claims can be painted? Unfortunately, there are too many factors and relations which we should consider in order to be able to have a clear cut of measuring the relationships and their boundaries. In this paper, I'll try to open the question and shed on some important and very difficult aspect of visualization evaluation.
Union Women, the Tobacco Industry, and Excise Taxes: A Lesson in Unintended Consequences

Between 1987 and 1997, the tobacco industry used the issue of cigarette excise tax increases to create a political partnership with the Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW), a group representing female trade unionists in the U.S. This paper documents how the industry created this relationship and the lessons tobacco-control advocates can learn from the industry's example, in order to mitigate possible unintended consequences of advocating excise tax increases. In 1998, under the terms of the Master Settlement Agreement, the tobacco industry began making documents produced in litigation available publicly. Currently, approximately 50 million pages are available online, including substantial documentation of the industry-CLUW relationship. For this study, a comprehensive search of these documents was conducted. The tobacco industry encouraged CLUW's opposition to excise tax increases by emphasizing the economic regressivity of these taxes, discussing excise taxes generically to deflect attention from cigarettes, and encouraging opposition to earmarking cigarette taxes to pay for specific programs. In addition, CLUW received at least $221,500 in financial support between 1987 and 1997 and in-kind support for its conferences, membership materials, and other services. Excise tax increases, if pursued without considering the impacts they may have on low-SES populations, may have unintended consequences. In this case, such proposals may have helped to create a relationship between CLUW and the tobacco industry. Because excise taxes are endorsed in the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, tobacco-control advocates must understand how to build relationships with low-SES populations and mitigate potential alliances with the tobacco industry.
The ribonucleoprotein particles from nuclear residual proteins of calf thymus.

Abstract Ribonucleoprotein particles have been isolated from calf thymus nuclear residual proteins prepared by combined NaCl extractions and DNase treatment. The residual nucleoprotein particles contain 91.3% protein, 7.4% RNA, and 1.3% DNA. The size range of the residual particles is 115–276 × 20–50 A, and the average sedimentation coefficient, 33S. The residual particles contain a 5S RNA with a base composition similar to that of the nuclear ribosomes. The protein moiety of the residual particles is heterogeneous when examined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Chemical analyses of the residual particles show that the proteins have a high acidic amino acid content. Double labeling of the residual particles' proteins and RNA by incubation of isolated calf thymus nuclei with 3 H-orotic acid and 14 C-glutamic acid revealed a high metabolic activity of the residual RNA and low incorporation of labeled glutamic acid into protein. These properties are in contrast to those of the nuclear ribosomes.
Effects of Varying Moisture on Egg Production and Longevity of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae)

The sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva) (Diptera: Psychodidae), is the vector of the Neotropical parasite Leishmania chagasi. Designing methods to control the spread of this pathogen involves maintaining large laboratory colonies of these flies. However, transmission studies have been hampered particularly in regard to significant fluctuations in colony productivity. In the process of optimizing our sand fly rearing protocol, we increased moisture levels in the environment of the adult blood-fed female and found that egg development increased, whereas sand fly longevity decreased. Interestingly, continuous moisture from the fourth day after a bloodmeal significantly increased the longevity of the fly, but it did not significantly decrease the number of eggs developed. These results will help guide investigators aiming to manipulate the longevity and productivity of sand fly colonies.
Interactions between the GLUT4 Glucose Transporter and Its Regulator, TUG

The glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) is the major insulin-responsive glucose transporter in adipose and muscle tissues. Although the early steps in the insulin signaling pathway governing translocation of GLUT4 to the plasma membrane are well understood, the final steps in this pathway are not. TUG is a protein which has been shown to affect trafficking of GLUT4 both in the basal state and in response to insulin. One protein-protein interaction between TUG and the large cytosolic loop of GLUT4 has previously been identified. Based on reports of the requirement of the GLUT4 N-terminal domain for its proper targeting to the plasma membrane, we postulated that an interaction might also exist between TUG and the N-terminal domain of GLUT4, and we tested this hypothesis using two sets of pull-down experiments. In the first set, using the N-terminal domain of GLUT4 fused with glutathione S-transferase (GST), we were able to pull TUG down from the lysates of TUG-transfected HEK 293 cells. TUG was also pulled down by the GLUT4 cytosolic loop and, to a much lesser extent, its C-terminal domain. However, there was no specific interaction between these fusion proteins and the lysates of cells transfected with a truncated form of TUG lacking its own N-terminal domain. In the second set of experiments, using a biotinylated synthetic GLUT4 N-terminal peptide, we pulled down a protein detected by an anti-TUG antibody and running at ~64 kDa, a slightly higher molecular weight than wild-type TUG. We believe that this band represents modified full-length TUG. This interaction was not seen using synthetic GLUT4 N-terminal peptide mutated at 4 amino acids previously identified as necessary for proper GLUT4 retention and insulin-responsive trafficking. We conclude that TUG interacts not only with the large cytosolic loop of GLUT4, but also with the N-terminal domain of GLUT4, and that this latter interaction can be disrupted by mutations in GLUT4 that cause defective trafficking, suggesting that this interaction is critical for GLUT4 intracellular retention and insulin-responsive GLUT4 trafficking.
Abstract WP146: Degree of Carotid Stenosis is Associated with Coated-platelet Levels

Background: Coated-platelets, a subset of procoagulant platelets observed upon dual agonist stimulation with collagen and thrombin, support a robust prothrombinase activity and provide a unique measure of platelet thrombotic potential. Coated-platelet levels are elevated in patients with non-lacunar ischemic stroke and decreased in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage compared to controls. Because these findings suggest that extremes in coated-platelet levels may be associated with either thrombotic or hemorrhagic events, we investigated coated-platelet synthesis in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with carotid artery stenosis. Methods: Coated-platelet levels were determined in 3 consecutively recruited groups: 1) patients with acute transient ischemic attack or stroke and ≥50% ipsilateral internal carotid artery stenosis (n=45); 2) asymptomatic patients with ≥50% carotid stenosis (n=68), and 3) asymptomatic patients with Results: Coated-platelet levels (mean±SD) differed among the groups (F = 5.12, p = 0.007) with significant elevations among symptomatic carotid stenosis patients (39.5±16.3, p = 0.003) and asymptomatic ≥50% carotid stenosis patients (37.1±12.6, p = 0.028) compared to Conclusions: These results suggest that the presence of ≥50% carotid stenosis is associated with an increase in platelet prothrombotic potential. Further study of coated-platelet levels in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis is warranted to assess for an association with stroke incidence.
Walking mediates associations between neighborhood activity supportiveness and BMI in the Women's Health Initiative San Diego cohort.

Abstract Objectives To investigate whether walking mediates neighborhood built environment associations with weight status in middle- and older-aged women. Methods Participants ( N =5085; mean age=64±7.7; 75.4% White non-Hispanic) were from the Women’s Health Initiative San Diego cohort baseline visits. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were measured objectively. Walking was assessed via survey. The geographic information system (GIS)-based home neighborhood activity supportiveness index included residential density, street connectivity, land use mix, and number of parks. Results BMI was 0.22 units higher and the odds ratio for being obese (vs. normal or overweight) was 8% higher for every standard deviation decrease in neighborhood activity supportiveness. Walking partially mediated these associations (22–23% attenuation). Findings were less robust for waist circumference. Conclusions Findings suggest women who lived in activity-supportive neighborhoods had a lower BMI than their counterparts, in part because they walked more. Improving neighborhood activity supportiveness has population-level implications for improving weight status and health.
Abstract MP087: Relation of Risk Factor Profile at Baseline and 39-Year Follow-up to Peripheral Arterial Disease - - The Chicago Healthy Aging Study (CHAS)

Background: Low burden of CVD risk factors (RF) at younger ages is associated with substantially reduced risk for future clinical CVD events. There is no information available regarding associations of long-term patterns in RF profile, from young adulthood to older age, with prevalence at older age of low ankle brachial index (ABI), a marker for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Methods: Using data from the Chicago Healthy Aging Study (CHAS), we assessed associations of patterns in RF profile -- from baseline (1967-73) to follow-up (2007-10) -- with prevalence of PAD at follow-up (see Table for definitions of RFs and RF groups). ABI was calculated as the ratio of Doppler recorded systolic pressures in the lower and upper extremities, and categorized as follows: low ABI/PAD (ABI 1.40 (n=24) were excluded from the analysis. Results: The study sample consisted of 1,340 participants (27.8% women, 9.2% African Americans) ages 24-45 years, free of major ECG abnormalities and MI at baseline. After 39 years of follow-up, 15.5 percent of persons with no adverse baseline RF levels remained RF-free at follow-up (Group A). The prevalence of PAD was lowest in this Group A (3.7%) and highest (19.9% -- 5 times higher) in Group E, with ≥2 RFs at both baseline and follow-up (p-value Conclusion: Long-term absence of risk factors is associated with lowest prevalence of PAD at 39 year follow-up. Greater risk factor burden in young adulthood and development of risk factors over decades were both associated with greater likelihood of PAD later in life.
Antibodies to spermatozoa. IX. Sperm-agglutination phenomenon in cervical mucus in vitro: a possible cause of infertility.

Abstract A total of 450 infertile women were studied for sperm antibody activity in cervical mucus extracts in vitro over a three year period. Most of the patients had unexplained infertility. Twelve women, or 2.7 per cent, were found to have the sperm-agglutination phenomenon in the cervical mucus extract by means of a microscale test (MIS-agg). This incidence is minimal, since the early cases did not involve the more thorough analysis of later work. Nine of these patients were found to possess similar microscopic sperm agglutination in the sera. In the remaining three patients, the sera failed to show this activity; this could suggest the local production of sperm agglutinin. Careful clinical analysis of these 12 couples strongly suggests that the sperm agglutination in the cervical mucus is the sole reason for infertility of these couples. Cervical mucus extracts from five patients were dialyzed and showed no loss of activity. Follow-up results of six months to three years revealed three pregnancies. Two of these three women were pregnant because of condom therapy. The cervical mucus extracts of 58 women known to be fertile showed no microscale sperm agglutination. These findings suggest that microscale agglutination test phenomena in cervical mucus extracts are linked to immunologic infertility.
Analysis of DNA damage at the dinucleoside monophosphate level: application to the formamido lesion.

The dinucleoside monophosphates d(TpG), d(TpC), and d(TpT) were X-irradiated in oxygenated solution. In each case the modification of the dinucleoside in which the thymine base is degraded to a formamido remnant was observed as a principal product. The hydrolysis of the phosphoester bond of formamido-modified dinucleosides is much slower than that of the corresponding unmodified dinucleosides. This effect is also observable in the hydrolysis of irradiated DNA, where hydrolysis by nuclease P1 (plus acid phosphatase) generates the modified dinucleosides ${\rm d}({\rm T}^{{\rm F}}{\rm pN}),{\rm T}^{{\rm F}}$ being the modified thymidine. The total yield of the formamido lesion in all its forms, ${\rm d}({\rm T}^{{\rm F}}{\rm pN})$, exceeds the yield of any other base modification.
Association Between Palliative Case Management and Utilization of Inpatient, Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Department, and Hospice in Medicaid Beneficiaries:

Association between palliative case management (PCM) and the utilization of major health services during the last 30 days of life in Medicaid patients with cancer was assessed using retrospective cohort analysis. There were 132 PCM enrollees in the intervention group and 54 non-PCM enrollees in the comparison group. The intervention group had lower inpatient admission rate than that of the comparison group (56.8% vs 74.1%), lower ICU admission rate (12.9% vs 24.1%), longer mean hospice days (45.8 vs 31.1 days), and lower percentage of persons with death in hospital (24.2% vs 35.9%). No statistically significant differences were found in mean intensive care unit days (8.7 vs 9.7 days), treat-and-release emergency department visit rate (22.0% vs 16.7%), or hospice election rate (65.9% vs 70.4%). Palliative case management may reduce hospitalization and increase hospice use in patients nearing death.
Język jako narzędzie kształtowania postaw proekologicznych – o polskich i bułgarskich złożeniach z komponentem eko- w dyskursie publicystycznym

The article focuses on the selected cognitive aspects of the interpretation of meaning of Polish and Bulgarian compounds with the eco-component in the journalistic discourse. According to the assumptions suggested by J. Bartminski and S. Niebrzegowska-Bartminska, I define discourse as „a processual and contextual conceptualization of a «communication event» whose objective «created» conceptualization is text”. I provide the composites present in Polish and Bulgarian journalistic discourse with a critical eco-linguistic comment. The analysis made on texts being the objective conceptualization of the journalistic discourse proves semantic under-specification of the eco-component. In many structures, this component loses the meaning content in the sense of denotation, while it carries a certain axiological judgment, becoming a kind of emotive operator that makes it easier to manipulate the meaning.
Potential Implications of the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial in Korea

Event-based clinical trials are designed to provide internal validity and sufficient power to identify a treatment benefit if one exists while minimizing a finding due to chance [(1)][1], and they are therefore usually conducted in selected high-risk populations. For many trials with good internal
Clinical Characteristics, Diagnostic Evaluation, and Antibiotic Prescribing Patterns for Skin Infections in Nursing Homes.

Background: The epidemiology and management of skin infections in nursing homes has not been adequately described. We reviewed the characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of skin infections among residents of nursing homes to identify opportunities to improve antibiotic use. Methods: A retrospective study involving 12 nursing homes in the Denver metropolitan area. For residents at participating nursing homes diagnosed with a skin infection between July 1, 2013 and June 30, 2014, clinical and demographic information was collected through manual chart review. Results: Of 100 cases included in the study, the most common infections were non-purulent cellulitis (n=55), wound infection (n=27), infected ulcer (n=8), and cutaneous abscess (n=7). In 26 cases, previously published minimum clinical criteria for initiating antibiotics (Loeb criteria) were not met. Most antibiotics (n=52) were initiated as a telephone order following a call from a nurse, and 41 patients were not evaluated by a provider within 48 hours after initiation of antibiotics. Nearly all patients (n=95) were treated with oral antibiotics alone. The median treatment duration was 7 days (interquartile range [IQR] 7-10); 43 patients received treatment courses of ≥ 10 days. Conclusions: Most newly diagnosed skin infections in nursing homes were non-purulent infections treated with oral antibiotics. Antibiotics were initiated by telephone in over half of cases, and lack of a clinical evaluation within 48 hours after starting antibiotics was common. Improved diagnosis through more timely clinical evaluations and decreasing length of therapy are important opportunities for antibiotic stewardship in nursing homes.
Developments in Streptomyces Cloning

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses developments in Streptomyces cloning. Bacteria of the genus Streptomyces possess many unusual features. They are gram-positive organisms characterized by a mycelial form of growth that, after a complex process of differentiation, normally culminates in sporulation. They produce a wide range of antibiotics, numerically unsurpassed by any other genus, and a large number of exoenzymes, commensurate with their free-living saprophytic life-style as soil bacteria. Although cloning of Streptomyces DNA into alternative hosts can assist in the manipulation of their genes, the existence of indigenous Streptomyces cloning systems is obligatory for the analysis of complex properties such as antibiotic production and differentiation. The desirable properties of a plasmid or phage vector depend on its intended application. Therefore, for a given organism a number of possible vectors with different characteristics ought, ideally, to be available. In several studies, 15-25% of the Streptomyces strains examined have been shown by physical analysis to contain plasmids.
The Making of a Modern Endemic: An Introduction

“Why Mass Shootings May Be Contagious, New Study Examines”; “Is there an antidote to Emotional Contagion”; “Gaining weight is socially contagious—so is losing it.” In 2015, these headlines appeared alongside those pertaining to Ebola virus disease (EVD), West Nile virus, and the recently infamous “Giant Frozen Virus Still Infectious After 3000 Years.”
Fabrication design and electrical evaluation of bulk-graded filled polymer post insulators

An investigation has been made of the feasibility of grading an electric field by means of electrically active particulate fillers in polymeric matrix materials. Concepts investigated included linear resistive, nonlinear resistive and capacitive grading. This paper describes the design, fabrication and electrical evaluation of bulk-graded filled polymer insulators. The design emphasized in the study was a capacitively graded 23 kV post insulator.
Comparison of Three Methods for Estimating Surface Bacteria on Pork Carcasses.

Surface bacteria on skinned and scalded pork carcasses were evaluated using three different techniques: moist-swab contact (swab method), direct agar contact (Rodac method) and mylar adhesive tape (mylar method). The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using one of the less expensive and quicker techniques as a tool for estimating microbial loads. Thirty-six pork carcasses were evaluated for surface contamination at four locations: ham, loin, shoulder and inside the thoracic cavity. Statistical analysis utilized the log10 of the number of observations per cm2. For all four locations evaluated, there was a difference (P<0.05) between the swab and Rodac method. A significant difference was also observed between the swab and mylar methods; however, there was no significant difference between the Rodac and the mylar methods. The correlation coefficients between methods were: swab vs. Rodac (0.43), swab vs. mylar (0.46), and Rodac vs. mylar (0.62). These data suggest that the use of mylar adhesive tape is a good alternative method for estimating surface bacterial loads.
An evaluation of high-stage cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma outcomes by sex.

Data from the World Health Organization indicate that global overall age-adjusted cancer incidence and mortality rates are 1.2- and 1.5-fold higher in men as compared to women, respectively.1 Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common cancer among white populations, yet the prognostic significance of gender remains unclear.2 A possible relationship may exist given that in melanoma, women have a lower mortality risk as compared to men.3,4 This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
One year experience with computer-assisted propofol sedation for colonoscopy

AIM To report our one-year experience with computer assisted propofol sedation (CAPS) for colonoscopy as the first United States Medical Center to adopt CAPS technology for routine clinical use. METHODS Between September 2014 and August 2015, 2677 patients underwent elective outpatient colonoscopy with CAPS at our center. All colonoscopies were performed by 1 of 17 gastroenterologists certified in the use of the CAPS system, with the assistance of a specially trained nurse. Procedural success rates, polyp detection rates, procedure times and recovery times were recorded and compared against corresponding historical measures from 2286 colonoscopies done with midazolam and fentanyl from September 2013 to August 2014. Adverse events in the CAPS group were recorded. RESULTS The mean age of the CAPS cohort was 59.9 years (48.7% male); 31.3% were ASA I, 67.3% ASA II and 1.4% ASA III. 45.1% of the colonoscopies were for screening, 31.5% for surveillance, and 23.4% for symptoms. The mean propofol dose administered was 250.7 mg (range 16-1470 mg), with a mean fentanyl dose of 34.1 mcg (0-100 mcg). The colonoscopy completion and polyp detection rates were similar to that of historical measures. Recovery times were markedly shorter (31 min vs 45.6 min, P < 0.001). In CAPS patients, there were 20 (0.7%) cases of mild desaturation (< 90%) treated with a chin lift and reduction or temporary discontinuation of the propofol infusion, 21 (0.8%) cases of asymptomatic hypotension (< 90 systolic blood pressure) treated with a reduction in the propofol rate, 4 (0.1%) cases of marked agitation or discomfort due to undersedation, and 2 cases of pronounced transient desaturation requiring brief (< 1 min) mask ventilation. There were no sedation-related serious adverse events such as emergent intubation, unanticipated hospitalization or permanent injury. CONCLUSION CAPS appears to be a safe, effective and efficient means of providing moderate sedation for colonoscopy in relatively healthy patients. Recovery times were much shorter than historical measures. There were few adverse events, and no serious adverse events, related to CAPS.
Topical Delivery of Immunosuppression to Prolong Xenogeneic and Allogeneic Split-Thickness Skin Graft Survival

Cadaveric skin allograft is the current standard of treatment for temporary coverage of large burn wounds. Porcine xenografts are viable alternatives but undergo α-1,3-galactose (Gal)-mediated hyperacute rejection and are lost by post-operative day (POD) 3 because of naturally occurring antibodies to Gal in primate recipients. Using baboons, we previously demonstrated that xenografts from GalT-KO swine (lacking Gal) provided wound coverage comparable with allografts with systemic immunosuppression. In this study, we investigate topical immunosuppression as an alternative to prolong xenograft survival. Full-thickness wounds in baboons were created and covered with xenogeneic and allogeneic split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs). Animals were treated with slow-release (TyroSphere-encapsulated) topical formulations (cyclosporine-A [CSA] or Tacrolimus) applied 1) directly to the STSGs only, or 2) additionally to the wound bed before STSG and 1). Topical CSA did not improve either xenograft or allograft survival (median: treated grafts = 12.5 days, control = 14 days; P = 0.27) with similar results when topical Tacrolimus was used. Pretreatment of wound beds resulted in a significant reduction of xenograft survival compared with controls (10 vs 14 days; P = 0.0002), with comparable results observed in allografts. This observation was associated with marked reduction of inflammation on histology with Tacrolimus and not CSA. Prolongation of allograft and xenograft survival after application to full-thickness wound beds was not achieved with the current formulation of topical immunosuppressants. Modulation of inflammation within the wound bed was effective with Tacrolimus pretreatment before STSG application and may serve as a treatment strategy in related fields.