cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lifestyle risk factors and chronic kidney disease.

Abstract Purpose To examine the effects of lifestyle risk factors such as alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking and body mass index (BMI) on the development of chronic kidney disease. Methods We used a case-control study of 554 hospital cases and 516 age, race, and gender-matched community controls. The main outcome measure was newly-diagnosed chronic kidney disease, assessed by chart review. Self-reported history of alcohol consumption, smoking, and BMI as well as other co-variables were obtained during telephone interviews. Logistic regression models assessed the association between lifestyle risk factors and chronic kidney disease and were adjusted for important co-variables. Results We found no significant associations between alcohol consumption and chronic kidney disease, with the exception of moonshine, which resulted in an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (including all subtypes). The effects of smoking on chronic kidney disease were inconsistent, but pointed to no appreciable excess risk among smokers. Increasing quartiles of BMI were positively and significantly associated with nephrosclerosis (ORs [95% CI]: 2.5 [1.0–6.0], 2.8 [1.2–6.8] and 4.6 [1.8–11.6], for the second, third, and fourth quartiles of BMI, respectively). Conclusions Our study revealed a significant positive association between BMI and nephrosclerosis. We did not find an increased risk of chronic kidney disease associated with alcohol or cigarette smoking.
Maturation In Vivo of Schistosoma mansoni Schistosomula After Culture In Vitro with Granulocytes and Antibody

Seven experiments were carried out to test the relationship between the morphological assay for damage to schistosomula in vitro with toluidine blue and the loss of the ability of damaged organisms to mature in vivo. Schistosomula were prepared by penetration of rat skin and cultured for 12 to 38 h in the presence of various combinations of purified human eosinophils or neutrophils and heat-inactivated human antischistosomular serum. Samples were scored for microscopically detectable damage, and the remaining organisms were injected intravenously into normal mice. These mice were perfused after 5.5 to 7 weeks, and the recovery of adult worms was determined. After culture of schistosomula in medium alone, between 8.4 and 32.7% of injected organisms matured into adult worms. There was no significant difference in the capacity of freshly prepared and cultured schistosomula to mature in vivo. Schistosomula cultured with antibody alone showed no significant damage in vitro, and in only one of seven experiments was there a significant (35%) reduction compared with the medium controls in their capacity to mature in vivo. Schistosomula cultured with neutrophils alone or eosinophils alone showed no significant damage in vitro and no loss of viability in vivo. Schistosomula cultured with neutrophils and antibody showed a 28% reduction in recovery in one experiment but an increase in recovery (12 and 46%) in two other experiments. In contrast, schistosomula cultured with eosinophils and antibody showed evidence of both marked damage in vitro (22 to 93% dead organisms) and loss of viability in vivo (26 to 98% reduction in recovery) in all seven experiments. These findings justify the use of the toluidine blue morphological assay as an estimate of irreversible damage to schistosomula and confirm that human eosinophils and neutrophils differ markedly in their capacity to mediate antibody-dependent damage in vitro.
Sink or swim: using density as a signal for quantitative immunoassays.

958 | Lab Chip, 2015, 15, 958 This journal is © The R Tony Jun Huang Tony Jun Huang is a professor in the Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics at The Pennsylvania State University. He received his Ph.D. degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 2005, and his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Energy and Power Engineering from Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China, in 1996 and 1999, respectively. His research interests are in the fields of acoustofluidics, optofluidics, and micro/nano systems for biomedical diagnostics and therapeutics. He is a member of the Advisory Board of Lab on a Chip. Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, The Pennsylvania State University, USA. E-mail: junhuang@psu.edu Cite this: Lab Chip, 2015, 15, 958
A matched-cohort comparison of laparoscopic cryoablation and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for treating renal masses

OBJECTIVE To compare the surgical outcomes of elderly patients with renal masses treated with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) or laparoscopic cryoablation (LCA). PATIENTS AND METHODS All 15 patients who had LCA at the authors’ institution between May 2003 and July 2005 were included, and compared with a matched cohort of 15 patients selected by patient age and tumour size, from a pre-existing database of 104 patients who had LPN from July 2002 to July 2005. The two groups were compared for gender, number of comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists status (ASA), body mass index (BMI), baseline renal function and haematocrit, location and size of lesion, length of stay, operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL), transfusion rate, number and type of complications, conversion rate, and postoperative renal function and haematocrit. RESULTS The two groups were similar in age, sex, BMI, ASA, baseline renal function, haematocrit, size and side of tumour, the percentage of exophytic tumours, and the likelihood of more than one comorbidity. Surgical outcomes between the groups were also relatively similar. The length of stay, creatinine and haematocrit levels after surgery did not differ between the groups. The LPN group had a significantly longer operation (248 vs 152 min, P < 0.001) and higher EBL (222 vs 59 mL, P = 0.007) than the LCA group, but only one patient required a transfusion and there was no discernible difference in discharge haematocrit values. No recurrences were detected in either group, with a similar mean follow-up of 9.8 and 11.9 months, respectively. CONCLUSION Although this matched-cohort comparison showed that LPN had a higher mean EBL, a longer operation and higher relative risk of open conversion, the overall clinical outcome was similar in terms of complication rates, length of stay and changes in creatinine and haematocrit after surgery. In this small retrospective evaluation, there was similar morbidity, treatment outcome and short-term efficacy with LCA and LPN. At present, although still experimental, LCA is a good choice for elderly patients with comorbidities precluding blood loss or renal ischaemia. However, in experienced hands, LPN is a preferred option for most elderly patients and should be considered when contemplating definitive treatment of renal masses.
On optimum time-hopping patterns

Time-hopping patterns can be constructed from simple difference sets. By studying such constructions, it has been proven that whenever n-2, n-1, or n+1 is a prime power, then time-hopping patterns that have n terms can be constructed and are of length less than n/sup 2/. By computation it is shown that such patterns can have length less than n/sup 2/-n/sup 1.44/ for all n >
Adaptivity modeling for complex adaptive systems with application to biology

Modeling or simulating complex adaptive systems (CASs) is a very important and challenging endeavor. Previously, we introduced a generic framework for addressing this problem, and included a number of critical criteria including emergence, self-organization, adaptivity, and others. In this paper, we present the methodology used for designing a particularly key component of our framework: the short-term adaptivity model. We test our short-term adaptivity model and framework within the biological science application domain, which have a number of critical CASs. In particular we model the aggregation process of Dictyostelium. The comparison between established biological experimental results and our simulation results validate the effectiveness of our model and framework.
0.8 mg/kg once weekly subcutaneous regimen of etanercept will yield an overlapping steady state time‐concentration profile with 0.4 mg/kg twice weekly dosing in pediatric patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA)

Objective To compare the time courses of concentrations between etanercept 0.8 mg/Kg once weekly and 0.4 mg/Kg twice weekly subcutaneous (SC) dosing in pediatric patients with JRA. Methods A Monte Carlo clinical trial simulation experiment was conducted to compare the PK profiles of 200 pediatric patients with JRA who randomly received either etanercept 0.4 mg/Kg SC twice weekly or 0.8 mg/Kg once weekly for 12 weeks. The population PK parameters and covariate distribution model derived from 69 JRA patients (age: 4-17), enrolled in a 3–month, PK incorporated, double-blind randomized phase III study, were used for simulation of 100 replicates with Pharsight Trial Simulator® (Pharsight Co., ver. 2.1.2, Mountain View, California). The parameter uncertainties were also incorporated. Results The mean±standard deviation values of simulated peak concentrations for 0.8 mg/kg once weekly dosing and 0.4 mg/kg twice weekly dosing were almost identical (2.92±1.41 mg/L and 2.62±1.23 mg/L, respectively). Trough concentrations during 0.8 mg/kg once weekly dosing (1.58±1.07 mg/L) is also comparable to those during 0.4 mg/Kg twice weekly dosing (1.92±1.09 mg/L). Conclusion This simulation study confirmed that 0.8 mg/Kg once weekly and 0.4 mg/Kg twice weekly SC regimen of etanercept will yield an overlapping steady-state time-concentration profile and are expected to yield equivalent clinical outcomes. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2004) 75, P53–P53; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2003.11.201
An internal motor kinesin is associated with the golgi apparatus and plays a role in trichome morphogenesis in Arabidopsis

Members of the kinesin superfamily are microtubule-based motor proteins that transport molecules/organelles along microtubules. We have identified similar internal motor kinesins, Kinesin-13A, from the cotton Gossypium hirsutum and Arabidopsis thaliana. Their motor domains share high degree of similarity with those of internal motor kinesins of animals and protists in the MCAK/Kinesin13 subfamily. However, no significant sequence similarities were detected in sequences outside the motor domain. In Arabidopsis plants carrying the T-DNA knockout kinesin-13a-1 and kinesin-13a-2 mutations at the Kinesin-13A locus, >70% leaf trichomes had four branches, whereas wild-type trichomes had three. Immunofluorescent results showed that AtKinesin-13A and GhKinesin-13A localized to entire Golgi stacks. In both wild-type and kinesin-13a mutant cells, the Golgi stacks were frequently associated with microtubules and with actin microfilaments. Aggregation/clustering of Golgi stacks was often observed in the kinesin-13a mutant trichomes and other epidermal cells. This suggested that the distribution of the Golgi apparatus in cell cortex might require microtubules and Kinesin-13A, and the organization of Golgi stacks could play a regulatory role in trichome morphogenesis. Our results also indicate that plant kinesins in the MCAK/Kinesin-13 subfamily have evolved to take on different tasks than their animal counterparts.
Progesterone Suppresses Tyrosine Hydroxylase Messenger Ribonucleic Acid Levels in the Arcuate Nucleus on Proestrus

This study examined the intracellular mechanisms for the regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase in the tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neurons of cycling female rats. It also evaluated the hormonal influences that contribute to the control of this enzyme on proestrus. Tyrosine hydroxylase messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus were assessed by in situ hybridization. Tyrosine hydroxylase activity in the stalk-median eminence was determined from the in vitro or in vivo rate of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) accumulation after inhibiting DOPA decarboxylase with brocresine or m-hydroxybenzylhydrazine, respectively. Tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA levels and in vitro DOPA accumulation were similar on diestrous day 2 and proestrous mornings, but were reduced by 50% on estrus. Although circulating PRL concentrations were similar on the morning of each day of the estrous cycle, a broad preovulatory PRL surge was observed on the afternoon of proestrus. In vitro DOPA accumulation was simila...
An analytic approach to planning the response to technological disasters

Major natural or accidental catastrophes are perhaps the most unstructured processes with which organizations must deal. Emergency management agen cies historically have been controlled by individuals who rely on experience in delivering the services they manage. However, the rapidly rising costs of emer gency services coupled with increasing constraints on all public budgets have forced many public managers to shift their attention from an exclusive focus on effectiveness to one that weighs efficiency as well. The authors develop a model to aid in planning responses to technological disasters such as releases of hazardous substances. They apply the model to chemical spills in New York Harbor.
Requirement of Cyclin E-Cdk2 Inhibition in p16 INK4a -Mediated Growth Suppression

Loss-of-function mutations of p16(INK4a) have been identified in a large number of human tumors. An established biochemical function of p16 is its ability to specifically inhibit cyclin D-dependent kinases in vitro, and this inhibition is believed to be the cause of the p16-mediated G1 cell cycle arrest after reintroduction of p16 into p16-deficient tumor cells. However, a mutant of Cdk4, Cdk4(N158), designed to specifically inhibit cyclin D-dependent kinases through dominant negative interference, was unable to arrest the cell cycle of the same cells (S. van den Heuvel and E. Harlow, Science 262:2050-2054, 1993). In this study, we determined functional differences between p16 and Cdk4(N158). We show that p16 and Cdk4(N158) inhibit the kinase activity of cellular cyclin D1 complexes through different mechanisms. p16 dissociated cyclin D1-Cdk4 complexes with the release of bound p27(KIP1), while Cdk4(N158) formed complexes with cyclin D1 and p27. In cells induced to overexpress p16, a higher portion of cellular p27 formed complexes with cyclin E-Cdk2, and Cdk2-associated kinase activities were correspondingly inhibited. Cells engineered to express moderately elevated levels of cyclin E became resistant to p16-mediated growth suppression. These results demonstrate that inhibition of cyclin D-dependent kinase activity may not be sufficient to cause G1 arrest in actively proliferating tumor cells. Inhibition of cyclin E-dependent kinases is required in p16-mediated growth suppression.
Breath analysis--past, present and future: a special issue in honour of Michael Phillips' 70th birthday.

The human volatilome: volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath, skin emanations, urine, feces and saliva Anton Amann, Ben de Lacy Costello, Wolfram Miekisch et al. Cell culture metabolomics in the diagnosis of lung cancer--the influence of cell culture conditions. U Kalluri, M Naiker and M A Myers Simply breath-taking? Developing a strategy for consistent breath sampling J D Beauchamp and J D Pleil The application of statistical methods using VOCs to identify patients with lung cancer Agnieszka Ulanowska, Tomasz Kowalkowski, Ewa Trawiska et al. Breath biomarkers of breast cancer Michael Phillips, Renee N Cataneo, Christobel Saunders et al. An off-line breath sampling and analysis method suitable for large screening studies M M L Steeghs, S M Cristescu, P Munnik et al. Breath analysis—past, present and future: a special issue in honour of Michael Phillips' 70th birthday
Conservation International Tropical Field Guide Series: Primates of Colombia

T. R. Defler 2004. Conservation International Tropical Field Guide Series: Primates of Colombia. Conservation International, Bogota, Colombia, 550 pp. + 15 plates. ISBN 1-881173-83-6, price $40. Primates of Colombia is a well-written and informative guide to the many species of primates found in Colombia. It is a detailed guide that would be useful for researchers, tour guides, and naturalists. The level of detail, especially in the early chapters on primate classification, fossil history, and conservation (each is augmented by a wealth of finely detailed drawings, photographs, and maps) may be beyond the level of a casual reader. However, this guide will be embraced by anyone in the fields of mammalogy or primatology. Thomas Defler has been studying primates in Colombia for more than 27 years, with extensive work in the …
Alternative and Authoritative Knowledge The Role of Certification for Defining Expertise among Doulas

Doulas are maternity support workers who provide supportive care to women in childbirth. Doulas do not have medical training, yet they offer an important but underused type of expertise. Certificat...
Effect of Serum Proteins on the Polarographic Curve.

SummaryThe effect of the serum proteins on the polarographic curve was made on blood sera obtained from 66 normal and pathological individuals. The height of the polarographic curves was found to be directly proportional to the level of the serum albumin. It is obvious, therefore, that the polarographic method is of limited value in cancer diagnosis since changes in serum albumin are by no means specific for neoplastic diseases.
The prediction methods of safety zone in hazmat accidents

The importance and necessity of reinforce the research of hazmat accidents' emergency response are expounded.Based on the toxicant concentrations criterion and toxicant concentration-time criterion,combining the characteristics of toxic chemicals leakage and its emergency response procedures,the two sections of predicting the control zone and evacuation zone during the emergency practice are proposed,and the predicting methods in connection with the different sections and criterions are introduced.Suggestions on flexibly using the methods are given.It can help the fire commanders to implement the rescue efficiently in hazmat accidents.
Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Support in Endotoxemia and Septicemia

Endotoxemia and septicemia are encountered frequently in equine veterinary practice. The deleterious effects of endotoxin are related to the severity of the response of the host's inflammatory system. Consequently, it is imperative that appropriate steps be taken to identify animals at risk of developing endotoxemia or septicemia, and to initiate treatments that will reduce the inflammatory response. This article discusses the anti-inflammatory and immune support of horses and foals with endotoxemia and septicemia.
Settlement and Growth of Zuni Pueblo: An Architectural History

ABSTRACTThe architectural history of Zuni Pueblo is reviewed. Inferences about the settlement and growth of the pueblo are drawn from archaeological data, plans, and photographs of the village. Key principles and features of nineteenth century Zuni architecture are elucidated. The dramatic architectural transformation of Zuni Pueblo during the last century is described, and the changing and enduring aspects of Zuni architecture are discussed.
Phase II Trial of Dose-Dense R-CHOP Followed by Risk-Adapted Consolidation with Either ICE or ICE and ASCT, Based upon the Results of Biopsy Confirmed Abnormal Interim Restaging PET Scan, Improves Outcome in Patients with Advanced Stage DLBCL.

In pts 80%, p=0.0006 and MUM1 positivity: p=0.034. In conclusion, this is the first study that attempts to risk-adapt therapy for DLBCL based upon tissue confirmation of an abnormal interim restaging PET scan. In fact, in this study, treatment decisions based on PET findings alone would have over-treated (stratification to HDT/ASCT) 27 of the 87 patients (31%) enrolled on protocol. Our dose-dense approach employing induction with R-CHOP-14 followed by ICE consolidation may overcome the poor risk features of the standard prognostic models used for DLBCL. This approach results in an excellent EFS and may obviate the need for an upfront ASCT in nearly all pts.
Outcomes of fenestrated and branched endovascular repair of complex abdominal and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms

Abstract Background More than 80% of infrarenal aortic aneurysms are treated by endovascular repair. However, adoption of fenestrated and branched endovascular repair for complex aortic aneurysms has been limited, despite high morbidity and mortality associated with open repair. There are few published reports of consecutive outcomes, inclusive of all fenestrated and branched endovascular repairs, starting from the inception of a complex aortic aneurysm program. Therefore, we examined a single center's consecutive experience of fenestrated and branched endovascular repair of complex aortic aneurysms. Methods This is a single-center, prospective, observational cohort study evaluating 30-day and 1-year outcomes in all consecutive patients who underwent fenestrated and branched endovascular repair of complex aortic aneurysms (definition: requiring one or more fenestrations or branches). Data were collected prospectively through an Institutional Review Board-approved registry and a physician-sponsored investigational device exemption clinical trial (G130210). Results We performed 100 consecutive complex endovascular aortic aneurysm repairs (November 2010 to March 2016) using 58 (58%) commercially manufactured custom-made devices and 42 (42%) physician-modified devices to treat 4 (4%) common iliac, 42 (42%) juxtarenal, 18 (18%) pararenal, and 36 (36%) thoracoabdominal aneurysms (type I, n = 1; type II, n = 4; type III, n = 12; type IV, n = 18; arch, n = 1). The repairs included 309 fenestrations, branches, and scallops (average of 3.1 branch arteries/case). All patients had 30-day follow-up for 30-day event rates: three (3%) deaths; six (6%) target artery occlusions; five (5%) progressions to dialysis; eight (8%) access complications; one (1%) paraparesis; one (1%) bowel ischemia; and no instances of myocardial infarction, paralysis, or stroke. Of 10 type I or type III endoleaks, 8 resolved (7 with secondary intervention, 1 without intervention). Mean follow-up time was 563 days (interquartile range, 156-862), with three (3%) patients lost to follow-up. On 1-year Kaplan-Meier analysis, survival was 87%, freedom from type I or type III endoleak was 97%, target vessel patency was 92%, and freedom from aortic rupture was 100%. Average lengths of intensive care unit stay and inpatient stay were 1.4 days (standard deviation, 3.3) and 3.6 days (standard deviation, 3.6), respectively. Conclusions These results show that complex aortic aneurysms can now be treated with minimally invasive fenestrated and branched endovascular repair. Endovascular technologies will likely continue to play an increasingly important role in the management of patients with complex aortic aneurysm disease.
Chocolate not necessarily healthier or tastier.

In PNAS, Tao et al. describe the flow properties of chocolate following application of an electrical field (1). As food researchers, we are excited to see the science of food in PNAS; unfortunately, we have several major criticisms of this particular article. The title “Electrorheology leads to healthier and tastier chocolate” is not an accurate reflection of the content of the paper, as the paper contains no data on either the health effects or the taste of chocolate. It is precisely this kind of sensationalism that … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence should be addressed. Email: grz1{at}psu.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Equatorial Pacific Thermostad response to El Niño

El Ninos are characterized by a shift of warm surface water from the western to eastern equatorial Pacific due to weakening of easterly trade winds. This shift is associated with the pycnocline (or thermocline), the large vertical density gradient beneath the surface mixed layer, shoaling in the west and deepening in the east, inducing a redistribution of ocean heat with global impacts. Here the response of the Pacific Equatorial Thermostad, a layer of low vertical stratification below the pycnocline, to El Nino is investigated using a monthly Argo float climatology and Argo float deep velocity data. A mean, seasonal cycle, trend, and time-lagged linear response to the Nino3.4 index are fit by least squares to temperature and salinity at each gridpoint as well as to deep float velocities (omitting the trend). The results of these fits are used to characterize the response of physical properties in the Thermostad, including layer thickness and velocity, to El Nino by comparing the mean properties following neutral conditions (Nino3.4 = 0°C) versus those following a moderate El Nino (Nino3.4 = 1°C). Following an El Nino, a strengthening of the westward-flowing Equatorial Intermediate Current of about 2.7 × 106 m3 s−1 shifts about 97 × 1012 m3 of thermostad water from the east to the west, allowing conservation of volume within the Thermostad as the pycnocline above deepens in the east and shoals in the west. This transport and volume change imply a 14-month time scale, consistent with El Nino. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Structural adjustment for accurate conditioning in large-scale subsurface systems

Abstract Most of the current subsurface simulation approaches consider a priority list for honoring the well and any other auxiliary data, and eventually adopt a middle ground between the quality of the model and conditioning it to hard data. However, as the number of datasets increases, such methods often produce undesirable features in the subsurface model. Due to their high flexibility, subsurface modeling based on training images (TIs) is becoming popular. Providing comprehensive TIs remains, however, an outstanding problem. In addition, identifying a pattern similar to those in the TI that honors the well and other conditioning data is often difficult. Moreover, the current subsurface modeling approaches do not account for small perturbations that may occur in a subsurface system. Such perturbations are active in most of the depositional systems. In this paper, a new methodology is presented that is based on an irregular gridding scheme that accounts for incomplete TIs and minor offsets. Use of the methodology enables one to use a small or incomplete TI and adaptively change the patterns in the simulation grid in order to simultaneously honor the well data and take into account the effect of the local offsets. Furthermore, the proposed method was used on various complex process-based models and their structures are deformed for matching with the conditioning point data. The accuracy and robustness of the proposed algorithm are successfully demonstrated by applying it to models of several complex examples.
Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation

In order to discuss the ethics of vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) , it is necessary to have a firm grasp of this rapidly developing field, including its history, its present state and its anticipated future directions. The story of the development of VCA began in the imaginations of ancient peoples, but required important medical and surgical advances for the practice to become a reality. A survey of the history of VCA will emphasize the role of advances in surgical techniques, including anastomosis of blood vessels and nerves and the emergence of microsurgery . It will also review the emergence of a better understanding of immunology and the development of effective means of immunosuppression . A brief survey of the beginnings of solid organ transplantation and limb replantation will be offered, as they together formed the technical foundation for the first attempts at VCA. The current state of VCA, with a special focus on facial and upper extremity transplantation , will be explored, as will be issues of practical and ethical concern.
Database Security Research at NCSC

I have been requested to enumerate what we are doing in database security, what we are interested in doing in the future, and to suggest items that we would like discussed at this meeting.
Range Expansion and Parasitism in the Nonnative Snail Radix auricularia

The nonnative snail Radix auricularia was found at 4 previously unknown locations in Wyoming. At Two Ocean Lake in Grand Teton National Park, R. auricularia was found with trematode infections that were the same cercarial type found in native snails during the same sampling period. Although finding parasitic infections in a nonnative species challenges the enemy release hypothesis, the presence of trematodes in R. auricularia may act to suppress population growth of this snail, thereby emolliating the negative impact this snail may have on native populations. Further research assessing the prevalence of trematode parasites in R. auricularia would aid in understanding whether this nonnative snail harbors parasites across its invasive range, which could have ramifications for parasitism of local waterfowl and wildlife in these habitats.
Unique Opportunities: Influence of Study Abroad on Black Students.

Higher education scholars argue studying abroad results in multiple positive outcomes for undergraduate students; however, Black students continue to be underrepresented as study abroad participants. Utilizing analytic Afrocentricity as the theoretical framework, case study methodology, and semi-structured interviews, this paper furthers higher education research by exploring the influences of study abroad experiences in South Africa on Black undergraduate students. Findings indicate not only positive outcomes on racial identity development, but also academic and career aspirations, and conducting undergraduate research.
CA++ CHANNELS IN MUSCLE MEMBRANE: THE DECLINE OF CALCIUM CURRENT UNDER MAINTAINED DEPOLARIZATION

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a study investigating Ca ++ channels in muscle membrane. The Vaseline gap technique of Hille and Campbell (1976) was used to voltage-clamp single muscle fibers dissected from the dorsal head of the semitendinisus muscle of the English frog, Rana tempovavia . A small, 350–450 μm long section of the muscle fiber was electrically isolated by Vaseline or grease partitions, and the fiber cut on either side. Recording membrane potential through one cut end and injecting current through the other, the electrically isolated section could be voltage-clamped. Throughout, the holding potential was −70 mV and step depolarizations lasting 2–8 s were applied at intervals of about 1 min. Currents because of membrane capacity and background leakage conductance were subtracted electronically or with a digital computer. It was found that when a fiber is bathed in external 10 Ca–MeSO 3 solution and ends are cut in isotonic K 2 EGTA, depolarization beyond −30 mV elicits an inward current which rises to a peak of 20–150 μA/cm 2 within 100–700 ms.
Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships (QSAR) and Toxicity Data in Hazard Assessment

A hazard assessment scheme was developed and applied to predict potential harm to aquatic biota of nearly 500 organic compounds detected by GC/MS in Great Lakes fish. The frequency of occurrence and estimated concentrations of compounds found in lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) and walleyes (Stizostedion v. vitreum) were compared with available manufacturing and discharge information. Bioconcentration potential of the compounds was estimated from available data or from quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) calculations. We also measured the acute toxicity to Daphnia pulex (48-hr EC50s) of 35 representative compounds and compared the results with acute toxicity values generated by QSAR. The QSAR-derived toxicities for several chemicals underestimated the actual acute toxicity by one or more orders of magnitude. A multiple regression of log EC50 on log water solubility and molecular volume is a useful predictive model.
Assessing the Precision of ICD-10 Codes for Uveitis in 2 Electronic Health Record Systems.

Importance Electronic health record (EHR) systems based onInternational Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) coding of disease entities are increasingly being used to generate large data sets for analysis. However, the reproducibility ofICD-10coding in uveitis has not been assessed across EHR platforms, and imprecision in coding may lead to improper conclusions in big-data analyses. Objective To compareICD-10coding of uveitis using 2 EHR systems. Design, Setting, and Participants This study comparesICD-10codes for 27 uveitic diseases generated by the Epic and MDIntelleSys EHR systems to theICD-10descriptions associated with the codes. No patient data were assessed in this study. Main Outcomes and Measures The number of diseases for whichICD-10coding differed between the 2 systems. Results Thirteen of 27 uveitic diseases were coded differently by the 2 EHR systems. Coding imprecision was notable in that the Epic system returned 16ICD-10codes and the MDIntelleSys returned 12ICD-10codes to describe 13 diseases; 4 diseases had multiple codes returned, and 6 codes were used to describe more than 1 disease. For example, MDIntelleSys usesICD-10code H30.13 for both birdshot choroiditis and acute retinal necrosis, while Epic uses H30.9 for both birdshot choroiditis and multiple evanescent white dot syndrome; MDIntelleSys uses this code for multifocal choroiditis. Furthermore, theICD-10descriptions for certain codes lack specificity, allowing variable interpretation by the coder. Conclusions and Relevance This study suggests there is substantial disparity in theICD-10codes that are generated for specific uveitides by the 2 EHR systems studied. This result implies that analysis of large databases generated from the pooling of EHR data could produce results with substantial bias because of misclassification resulting from conflicting and imprecise coding of uveitides. Therefore, research into outcomes, costs, health care utilization, and epidemiology in uveitis might be improved if a more uniform coding system to describe ocular inflammatory disease is implemented.
Mass spectrometry-based shotgun lipidomics – a critical review from the technical point of view

Over the past decade, mass spectrometry (MS)-based “shotgun lipidomics” has emerged as a powerful tool for quantitative and qualitative analysis of the complex lipids in the biological system. The aim of this critical review is to give the interested reader a concise overview of the current state of the technology, focused on lipidomic analysis by mass spectrometry. The pros and cons, and pitfalls associated with each available “shotgun lipidomics” method are discussed; and the new strategies for improving the current methods are described. A list of important papers and reviews that are sufficient rather than comprehensive, covering all the aspects of lipidomics including the workflow, methodology, and fundamentals is also compiled for readers to follow.
On mean flow universality of turbulent wall flows. I. High Reynolds number flow analysis

ABSTRACTThe universality and mathematical physical structure of wall-bounded turbulent flows is a topic of discussions over many decades. There is no agreement about questions like what is the physical mean flow structure, how universal is it, and how universal are theoretical concepts for local and global flow variations. These questions are addressed by using latest direct numerical simulation (DNS) data at moderate Reynolds numbers Re and experimental data up to extreme Re. The mean flow structure is explained by analytical models for three canonical wall-bounded turbulent flows (channel flow, pipe flow, and the zero-pressure gradient turbulent boundary layer). Thorough comparisons with DNS and experimental data provide support for the validity of models. Criteria for veritable physics derived from observations are suggested. It is shown that the models presented satisfy these criteria. A probabilistic interpretation of the mean flow structure shows that the physical constraints of equal entropies and ...
Generating Art in Symbiotic Systems: A review of Francesca Franco, Generative Systems Art: The Work of Ernest Edmonds

This essay reviews the book by Francesca Franco, Generative Systems Art: The Work of Ernest Edmonds (London: Routledge, 2018). This illustrated monograph discusses the primarily computer-generated work of Ernest Edmonds (b. 1942) in the context of twentieth-century art in Europe. Franco provides relevant technological history as she analyzes Edmonds’ paintings and interactive and digital projects, often created in collaboration. This book is a significant contribution to the history of computer art in which Franco affirms Edmonds’ focus on “the human’s way of working.”
Rotations and Lorentz Transformations

Describe a coordinate (not point) rotation about the third axis of a Cartesian coordinate system by If for positive angles the rotation is clockwise when looking along the axis of rotation towards plus infinity, the coordinate system is right handed. Describe a Lorentz transformation by $$ \begin{array}{*{20}{c}} {{{{x'}}^{1}} = {{x}^{1}}\cos \varphi + {{x}^{2}}\sin \varphi } \\ {{{{x'}}^{2}} = - {{x}^{1}}\sin \varphi + {{x}^{2}}cos\varphi .} \\ \end{array} $$ (4a) .
National Interest and Ideology

Motivational studies are quagmires of uncertainty. The ground between the announced reasons and the ‘real’ reasons for action is marshy, and, while the public reasons may be manifestly political or justificative in nature, an attempt to find the hidden, private, or even subconscious motives can lead the student into the role of psychoanalyst, father confessor, divine, or simply frustrated hair-splitter. He is obliged to judge the choice of criteria on the basis of indirect evidence: justifications given, policies adopted, decision-making processes involved, all joined together with insight and “right reason.” The greatest problem for the analyst lies in the need to keep an academic neutrality toward value systems and criteria used by the subjects of his study.
Hope for the (New) Ideal Worker: Resolving the Flexibility-Availability Paradox

This paper aims to integrate work-life border theory and boundary spanning with performance management principles to contextualize the needs and desires of the (new) ideal worker in the (new ideal) organization. The reality is that performance management systems are rarely implemented in an ideal way. There may be organizational- or country-level constraints that prevent the implementation of a good performance management system. This paper offers a proposal for blending the concepts of ideal worker and ideal workplace and integrating performance management principles to guide boundary management across the changing landscape of organizational structures. As such, the integration of border theory with performance management principles provides valuable insights for resolving the flexibility-availability paradox.
Neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging quantifies corticospinal tract microstructural organization in children with unilateral cerebral palsy

Children with unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP) due to early brain injury exhibit disrupted connectivity of corticospinal tracts (CSTs), which can be quantified using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI). Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is commonly used to quantify white matter organization, however, this model lacks the biological specificity to accurately describe underlying microstructural properties. Newer approaches, such as neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI), may provide more biologically accurate information regarding CST microstructure. In this study, we directly compared metrics of CST microstructure using NODDI and DTI models to characterize the microstructural organization of corticospinal pathways. Twenty participants with UCP participating in a neuromodulation/rehabilitation intervention underwent imaging including multi-shell DWI; 10 participants' datasets were adequately completed for neuroimaging analysis. Task fMRI-guided probabilistic tractography from motor cortex to brainstem was performed at baseline and follow-up to reconstruct the CSTs. Diffusion metrics were compared between hemispheres at baseline, and between baseline and follow-up to test for intervention effects. Correlation analyses were used to compare baseline metrics to changes in hand function following the intervention. DTI results showed that mean fractional anisotropy in lesioned and nonlesioned CSTs did not significantly differ, but mean, axial, and radial diffusivity were greater in the lesioned CST. For NODDI, intracellular volume fraction (ICVF) and orientation dispersion index (ODI) were lower in the lesioned CST. Unimanual function was strongly correlated with ICVF, but not FA. NODDI may reveal distinct properties of CST microstructure that are linked to motor function, indicating their potential in characterizing brain structure and development.
Physical Activity Patterns Among Individuals Before and Soon After Bariatric Surgery

Post-operative changes in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) may contribute to improved weight loss and long-term weight maintenance of individuals after bariatric surgery. Patients experience minimal changes in MVPA > 6 months after surgery, but no studies have investigated early changes in physical activity after surgery. This study aims to assess MVPA changes during the rapid weight loss phase through self-reporting and objective measures. Physical activity patterns were assessed as minutes per day spent doing MVPA. A walking cadence of ≥ 100 steps per minute defined MVPA. Individuals completing gastric bypass (N = 7) and sleeve gastrectomy (N = 17) procedures (21 females, 3 males, age 42.2 ± 12.6 years, body mass 121.8 ± 24.8 kg, BMI 44.0 ± 6.5) completed office visits at 12 ± 6 days pre- and 35 ± 10 days post-operative. Each wore an ActiGraph GT3X tri-axial accelerometer at the hip for 7 days before and again for 7 days 30.6 ± 10 days after surgery. Assessments also included a subjective question about their anticipated and perceived post-operative MVPA (scale of − 3 to 3 with 3 being much more physically active and − 3 being much less). Participants did not change their minutes per day of MVPA significantly (pre-operative 1.5 ± 2.1; post-operative 2.6 ± 5.6, NS). Participants predicted their post-operative physical activity level would increase (2.8 ± 0.4). The self-reported activity level on the same scale after surgery was significantly less than predicted (1.9 ± 1.0, p 6 months after surgery, MVPA did not increase in the early post-operative period, despite patient expectations. The early post-operative period may be a time for behavioral intervention.
Ultra-Widefield Protocol Enhances Automated Classification of Diabetic Retinopathy Severity with OCT Angiography.

Purpose To assess the diagnostic usefulness of retinal nonperfusion to classify eyes based on diabetic retinopathy (DR) severity on OCT angiography (OCTA) and determine whether wider field of view (FOV) OCTA protocols enhance the diagnostic usefulness of retinal nonperfusion in the classification of DR severity. Design Retrospective cross-sectional study. Participants Diabetic patients undergoing ultra-widefield (UWF) OCTA imaging at 1 academic retina practice. Methods Ultra-widefield OCTA images with 100° FOV were obtained from 60 eyes. Eyes were grouped as those with diabetes without retinopathy (DWR), those with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), or those with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). The ratio of nonperfusion (RNP) was expressed as the percent area of capillary nonperfusion within the FOV. The RNP was obtained in the FOV 100° image and concentric sectors encompassing 10°, 10° to 30°, 30° to 50°, and 50° to 100°. Main Outcome Measures Mean RNP among DR groups, mean RNP measured among FOV sectors, and area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristics when using RNP as a cutoff value to distinguish between DR groups. Results Mean RNP from the FOV 50° to 100° sector was different among all groups: DWR, 14.6±5.1%; NPDR, 27.5±7.5%; and PDR, 41.5±19.1% (P Conclusions Ratio of nonperfusion on average is higher in more severe DR. The most peripheral sector of the widefield OCTA (FOV 50°–100°) showed on average higher RNP and showed more diagnostic usefulness in determining DR severity compared with more central sectors and the FOV 100 image as a whole.
Development and validation of a quality of relationship intervention for stroke survivor-family caregiver dyads

Background: The relationship between stroke survivors and family caregivers is critical for the well-being of both dyad members. Currently, there are few interventions targeted at dyads and focused on strengthening the relationship between survivors and family caregivers.Objectives: This study reports on the development of a customizable, strengths-based, relationship-focused intervention driven by the real-world experience and advice of stroke dyads. It also describes the "tips" that survivors and family caregivers offered for dealing with relationship challenges after stroke.Methods: Content of the intervention, including relationship tips, was derived from semi-structured interviews with N= 19 stroke dyads. A modified Delphi process with a national panel of 10 subject matter experts was used to evaluate and refine the content of the intervention and the associated screening tool.Results: Seventeen domains of relationship challenges and tips were identified. Consensus was reached among experts that the intervention content was relevant to the goal of helping survivors and family caregivers maintain a strong relationship after stroke; (2) clear from the perspective of stroke survivors and family caregivers who would be using it; (3) accurate with respect to the advice being offered, and; (4) useful for helping stroke survivors and family caregivers improve the quality of their relationship.Conclusions: This study extends the limited body of research about dyadic interventions after stroke. The next steps in this line of research include feasibility testing the intervention and evaluating its efficacy in a larger trial.
Revisiting Top-Down Primary Stress

La teoria metrica admet diferencies entre l’accent primari i el no primari, de vegades dins la mateixa llengua. En les teories serials, aixo ha comportat sovint un enfocament parametric de la derivacio: algunes llengues comencen per dalt (top-down), amb l’assignacio de l’accent primari en primer lloc, mentre que d’altres comencen per baix (bottom-up), en les quals la construccio del peu precedeix l’assignacio de l’accent primari. Aquest article examina dues llengues (cahuilla i yine) que han estat considerades top-down en la teoria metrica basada en regles, i demostra que cap de les dues requereix aquest tipus d’analisi en el marc del serialisme harmonic, una versio derivacional de la teoria de l’optimitat. Prenent aquestes llengues com a base, l’article soste que la nocio general i intuitiva del que fa que una llengua sigui top-down —l’accent primari independent del no primari— es massa simplificada. Els casos estudiats palesen la importancia del marc teoric adoptat i de les prediccions tipologiques en l’establiment de l’ordre d’assignacio de l’accent primari i no primari. L’argumentacio culmina amb una relacio concisa dels criteris especifics per a establir els requisits d’una derivacio top-down dins el serialisme harmonic.
CHAPTER II – Frame Fields

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on frame fields. Geometry begins with the measurement of distances and angles. The geometry of Euclidean space can be derived from the dot product, the natural inner product on Euclidean space. The chapter reviews the geometry of curves in Euclidean 3-space E3. A curve in E3 is discussed by assigning at each point a certain frame—that is, a set of three orthogonal unit vectors. The rate of change of these vectors along the curve is then expressed in terms of the vectors themselves by the Frenet formulas. The chapter uses the “method of moving frames” to study a surface in E3. The general idea is to think of a surface as a kind of two-dimensional curve and follow the Frenet approach as closely as possible. The derivation of mathematical measurements of the turning and twisting of a curve in E3 is reviewed, and the unit-speed curves are dealt with in the chapter.