cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Acid-suppressive Agents in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Key pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic aspects of gastric acid-suppressive agents in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are discussed. The acid-suppressive potencies of the histamine H2-receptor antagonists vary widely because of differences in clearance and other factors. The durations of action of cimetidine, ranitidine, and famotidine are similar to the dosage intervals usually chosen (6, 8, and 12 hours, respectively). Single bedtime doses of these drugs will effectively treat duodenal ulcer disease, but GERD requires a different approach since its symptoms are not well controlled by partial (less than 24-hour) suppression of gastric acid. One way to achieve greater efficacy in treating GERD is to administer higher doses more frequently. Another approach is to adjust the dosage upward until symptoms disappear. The improved acid-suppression characteristic of the proton-pump inhibitors was quickly applied to GERD therapy. Unlike the H2 antagonists, omeprazole completely suppresses circadian peaks in acid secretion, and omeprazole performs better than ranitidine in clinical trials. The use of omeprazole is limited, however, by concerns over secondary elevation of serum gastrin and the association between achlorhydria and gastric carcinoma in rats. Omeprazole may offer cost advantages over other agents. Because the effective dosages of all these agents vary, individualized dosage-adjustment strategies are necessary. Pharmacists can help to optimize treatment by monitoring pharmacodynamic markers. With a flexible approach to drug and dosage selection, it should be possible to manage GERD in most patients in a cost-effective manner.
Childhood cigarette and alcohol use: Negative links with adjustment.

Abstract Children who initiate cigarette or alcohol use early—during childhood or early adolescence—experience a heightened risk of nicotine and alcohol dependence in later life as well as school failure, crime, injury, and mortality. Using prospective intergenerational data from the Millennium Cohort Study (MCS), we investigate the association between early substance use initiation (cigarettes or alcohol) and age 11 school engagement, academic achievement, and wellbeing. The ongoing MCS tracks the development of a nationally representative sample of children in the United Kingdom (born 2000–2002) from infancy through adolescence. At age 11, MCS children (n = 13,221) indicated whether they had ever used cigarettes or alcohol; at age 7 and 11 they reported on school engagement and wellbeing and completed investigator-assessed tests of academic achievement. Using propensity score methods, children who had initiated cigarette or alcohol use by age 11 were matched to abstaining children with similar risks (or propensities) of early substance use, based on numerous early life risk and protective factors assessed from infancy to age 7. We then examined whether early initiators differed from non-initiators in age 11 adjustment and achievement. Results show that substance use by age 11 was uncommon (3% cigarettes; 13% alcohol). After matching for propensity for early initiation, school engagement and wellbeing were significantly lower among initiators compared to non-initiators. Academic achievement was not consistently related to early initiation. We conclude that initiation of smoking and drinking in childhood is associated with poorer adjustment.
Spontaneous Renal Allograft Rupture without Rejection: A Case Report

A case of spontaneous renal allograft rupture is described. Typically, this infrequent transplant complication occurred in the early post-transplant period in an oliguric setting with progressive pain, tenderness and swelling at the transplant site associated with hypotension and a decreasing hematocrit. Prompt surgical exploration and repair of the defect in the convex border of the renal allograft controlled hemorrhage and resulted in graft survival, and a normal blood urea nitrogen and creatinine 10 months after transplantation. There have been no rejection episodes and the renal biopsy demonstrated no evidence of rejection or acute tubular necrosis. Ice preservation for 24 hours and changes secondary thereto may have made the kidney susceptible to rupture when the position of acute flexion was assumed.
The role of biomarkers in the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection

The role of serum erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) as the first line for evaluating a patient with periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) has been debunked.We are living in the era of biomarkers for the diagnosis of PJI, and to that effect, several biomarkers have been introduced such as synovial fluid alpha defensin and leukocyte esterase.The synovial fluid leukocyte esterase test has a low cost, is accessible, and has provided promising results for diagnosing PJI.There is an urgent need for an accurate and reliable serum biomarker for diagnosing patients with PJI. Cite this article: Shahi A, Parvizi J. The role of biomarkers in the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection. EFORT Open Rev 2016;1:275-278. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.1.160019.
The Changing Political Landscape for Elected Prosecutors

For years the only serious question about district attorney elections was whether they were pernicious or merely a charade. One view was that running for reelection turned prosecutors into politicians, and that politics demanded that prosecutors appear tough, unforgiving, and staunchly pro-police. The rival view was that prosecutorial elections were meaningless, because incumbents hardly ever lost, and campaigns focused on personalities, not on policies. Recently, though, a surprising number of district attorneys have won office by promising some combination of less aggressive charging, more vigilance against wrongful convictions, and greater scrutiny of the police. This essay examines these results and draws three tentative lessons. First, claims about the inexorable logic of criminal justice politics should be greeted with skepticism. Second, there is room for guarded optimism about electoral democracy as a tool for reforming prosecutors’ offices, but voters need better tools for evaluating how those offices are performing. Third, as reformers increase their focus on prosecutorial elections, there is a danger worth bearing in mind: the risk that prosecutorial decision-making will become inappropriately politicized, especially when elections focus on the handling or the outcome of particular cases.
nPKC Epsilon Negatively Regulates Platelet Functional Responses

Protein Kinase C (PKC) are family of serine threonine kinases, known to regulate various platelet functional responses. Among them novel class of PKC isoforms (nPKC) including delta(δ), theta(𝛉), eta(η), and epsilon(e) are expressed in platelets. Although, the role of nPKC e and η in platelets is fairly understood, not much is known about nPKC e and η in platelets. In this study, we investigated the role of nPKC e in platelet functional responses using ADP-induced signaling as our stereotype. ADP causes platelet activation via Gq-coupled P2Y1 receptor and Gi-coupled P2Y12 receptor. Thus, we primarily studied the role of P2Y1 receptor in nPKC e activation. ADP activated nPKC e in time- and concentration- dependent manner. In the presence of P2Y1 receptor antagonist MRS-2179 and in P2Y1 knockout (KO) murine platelets ADP failed to activate nPKC e, suggesting that ADP activates nPKC e via P2Y1 receptor. We further investigated the functional role of nPKC e using specific nPKC e inhibitory RACK peptide (e V1-2). e V1-2 is a peptide designed to compete with native nPKC e to bind e-Receptors for activated C Kinase (e-RACK) and thereby inhibits nPKC e catalytic activity due to decreased substrate accessibility. ADP-induced thromboxane generation in human platelets pretreated with e V1-2 peptide was more compared to the platelets pretreated with control peptide. Similarly, ADP-induced thromboxane generation in platelets derived from nPKC e KO mouse was more compared to the wild type (WT) littermates. However, ADP- induced alpha granule secretion and aggregation in aspirin treated platelets derived from PKC e KO mice was not significantly different from platelets derived from wild type littermates. These data suggest that nPKC e regulates an unknown pathway, which primarily regulates thromboxane generation with minimal effects on aggregation and alpha granule secretion. Furthermore, we also investigated the role of nPKC e in PAR- and GPVI- mediated platelet aggregation and dense granule secretion. Interestingly, in both aspirin-treated and non-aspirin-treated platelets PAR- and GPVI- mediated platelet aggregation and dense granule secretion were potentiated. Consistent with ex vivo studies, FeCl3-induced arterial thrombosis was enhanced in nPKC e KO mice compared to WT littermates.
Developmental Change in Risky Driving

Data from a 3-wave, statewide mail survey of young adult drivers (1,025 men, 634 women) in Colorado were used to examine correlates and antecedents of risky driving, controlling for both drink driving and drug-related driving. The strongest predictor of risky driving, cross-sectionally, was behavioral unconventionality, followed by psychosocial unconventionality and social role status. Developmental decline in risky driving, from age 18 to 25, was related to entry into conventional adult social roles and to increases in psychosocial and behavioral conventionality. The strongest predictor of change in risky driving over time was change in behavioral conventionality. Risky driving by young adults appears to be part of a larger syndrome of problem behavior involvement.
Design Wave Elevations Leading to Extreme Roll Motion

Response-tailored wave trains are created for use in numerical capsize experiments. The wave trains are tailored to produce a specified, linear, large response by considering the statistical distribution of the response phases in the neighborhood of a typical maximum response. The statistical distribution is seen to be non-uniform. Using a non-uniform distribution for the random phases, design wave elevations leading to extreme rolling are created for a box barge and used as input to a nonlinear seakeeping code. Several wave trains also designed to lead to extreme rolling are produced for a high speed containership for a range of conditions.
Ultrahigh extinction on-chip amplitude modulators with broadband operation

We experimentally demonstrate amplitude modulators (AMs) with >65 dB extinction across over a 160 nm spectral range. The output optical phase response is also characterized when the amplitude is modulated.
Improved Description of Sulfur Charge Anisotropy in OPLS Force Fields: Model Development and Parameterization

The atomic point-charge model used in most molecular mechanics force fields does not represent well the electronic anisotropy that is featured in many directional noncovalent interactions. Sulfur participates in several types of such interactions with its lone pairs and σ-holes. The current study develops a new model, via the addition of off-atom charged sites, for a variety of sulfur compounds in the OPLS-AA and OPLS/CM5 force fields to address the lack of charge anisotropy. Parameter optimization is carried out to reproduce liquid-state properties, torsional and noncovalent energetics from reliable quantum mechanical calculations, and electrostatic potentials. Significant improvements are obtained for computed free energies of hydration, reducing the mean unsigned errors from ca. 1.4 to 0.4–0.7 kcal/mol. Enhanced accuracy in directionality and energetics is also obtained for molecular complexes with sulfur-containing hydrogen and halogen bonds. Moreover, the new model reproduces the unusual conformation...
Removal of clots in subarachnoid space could reduce the vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Background: Cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. We studied the effects of clot removal on multiple outcome variables following the clipping of ruptured anterior communicating aneurysms.
Abstract 5752: Susceptibility of cells from cervical transformation zone to HPV-16 induced immortalization and dysplastic differentiation

Persistent infection of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major risk factor for cervical cancer. Greater than 90% of these cancers originate in the cervical transformation zone (CTZ), a narrow band of squamous metaplastic epithelium between ectocervix and endocervix. It is unclear why the CTZ has high susceptibility to malignant transformation and few studies have specifically examined cells from this region. We hypothesized cells cultured from human CTZ are uniquely susceptible to cellular immortalization and dysplastic differentiation, two alterations that contribute to malignant development. Primary epithelial cells were cultured from each region of human cervix (ectocervix, endocervix and CTZ) and characterized for expression of differentiation markers to assess their origin. We examined susceptibility of cells from each region to immortalization after transfection with the complete HPV-16 genome or infection of HPV-16 E6/E7 retroviruses. In addition, we evaluated the extent of dysplastic epithelial differentiation in organotypic cultures of HPV16-immortalized cell lines derived from each region of cervix. Our results showed that cells from the CTZ express specific keratin markers (keratin 14 and 18) that confirm their origin. Primary cell cultures from CTZ and ectocervix are more susceptible to immortalization by the HPV16 complete genome or E6/E7 retroviruses. In contrast, preliminary results indicate that HPV-immortalized CTZ and endocervical cells are more susceptible to dysplastic differentiation when maintained in organotypic culture. Our results may help to identify important signal pathways or biomarkers that are unique to cells from CTZ and that can be targeted for improved screening, prevention or therapy. Citation Format: Han Deng, Eric Hillpot, Philomina Yeboah, Sumona Mondal, Craig D. Woodworth. Susceptibility of cells from cervical transformation zone to HPV-16 induced immortalization and dysplastic differentiation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5752. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-5752
Applying self-perception theory to explain residents' attitudes about tourism development through travel histories

Abstract This study introduces self-perception theory as a guiding framework in explaining residents' attitudes from an introspective approach involving residents' own degree of travel. To date, measures explaining such attitudes have primarily come in the form of sociodemographic, socioeconomic, spatial, personal benefit/dependence, etc. variables. Results reveal that travel use history (TUH) is a useful predictor of residents' attitudes about tourism development. Residents who were infrequent travelers indicated less support for tourism than those who were intermediate or frequent travelers. For intermediate travelers, residents who had traveled internationally over the past two years had stronger support than those who had not for selected items within both attitude factors: support for tourism development and tourism contributions to the community. Findings provide support for the continued use of self-perception theory as a framework to consider in explaining residents' attitudes involving tourism and corresponding development.
Methods in Description and Validation of Local Metagenetic Microbial Communities

1. We propose MinHash (as implemented by MASH) and NMF as alternative methods to estimate similarity between metagenetic samples. We further describe these results with cluster analysis and correlations with independent ecological metadata. 2. Using sample to sample similarities based on MinHash similarities we use hierarchal clustering to generate clusters, simultaneously we generate groups based on NMF, and we compare groups generated from the MinHash similarity derived clusters and from NMF to those determined by the environment, looking to Silhouette Width for an assessment of the quality of the cluster. 3. We analyze existing data from the Atacama desert to determine the relationship between ecological factors and group membership, and using the generated groups from MASH and NMF we run an ANOVA to uncover links between metagenetic samples and known environmental variables such as pH and Soil Conductivity.
Preliminary Results of TACT Integration and Confidence Levels on Seven Big Ideas of CS: (Abstract Only)

Training Arkansas Computing Teachers (TACT) is an NSF-funded three-year project, designed to rapidly address both a) Arkansas' pressing need for computer science (CS) talent and b) the new law requiring all Arkansas high schools to provide access to CS instruction for their students. The goal is to train high school teachers on computational thinking practices and the seven big ideas from the AP CS Principles curriculum framework and to make them CS-certified teachers. The TACT professional development (PD) consists of a two-week face-to-face hands-on workshop for high school teachers during the summer and offers online support throughout the year. During the first week, TACT hosts the UTeach CS Principles course, a classroom-ready curriculum designed in alignment with the CS Principles framework. During the second week, TACT hosts the TACT CS Boot Camp designed to cover CS topics that are typically covered in licensure exams. Effectiveness of the project is measured through the surveys taken by teachers before and after the PD regarding their integration and confidence levels of topics corresponding to seven big ideas. The poster will display details of the PD, example survey questions and our findings in a tabular format. See https://tact.uark.edu.
An efficient method for structural optimization

Based on the dual theory of nonlinear mathematical programming and the second order Taylor series expansions of functions, an efficient algorithm for structural optimum design has been developed. The main advantages of this method are the generality in use, the efficiency in computation and the capability in identifying automatically the set of active constraints. On the basis of the virtual work principle, formulas in terms of element stresses for the first and second order derivatives of nodal displacement and stress with respect to design variables are derived. By applying the Saint-Venant's principle, the computational efforts involved in the Hessian matrix associated with the iterative expression can be significantly reduced. This method is especially suitable for optimum design of large scale structures. Several typical examples have been optimized to test its uasefulness.
Introduction to the Mechanics of Composite Materials

This chapter recalls the basic notions of stress and strain, the equations of motion of linear elasticity, and the constitutive equations for linear isotropic and orthotropic materials. Then, we introduce some of the most commonly used criteria for predicting failure inside a lamina and the delamination of the interface between adjacent layers. Finally, we discuss two types of approaches used to predict the propagation of delaminations.
Droopless Active and Reactive Power Sharing in Parallel Operated Inverters in Islanded Microgrids

Microgrids have emerged as viable alternatives for supporting the utility grid, reducing feeder losses and improving power quality by enabling integration of growing deployments of distributed energy resources (DERs) with local loads. They can operate in both grid-tied as well as islanded modes. There are two primary objectives in the islanded mode - (a) ensuring system stability by regulating the voltage and frequency at the point-of-common-coupling (PCC), and (b) load power sharing among multiple DERs connected in parallel. While droop based schemes enjoy the advantages of fully decentralized implementation (no communication) and plug-and-play capabilities, such schemes often fail to address the issue of precise active and reactive power sharing, primarily due to unmatched impedances. In this paper, we overcome this limitation by proposing a novel, droopless control scheme for accurate active and reactive power sharing among DERs in an islanded microgrid, while simultaneously regulating output voltage and frequency at the PCC. Similar to droop based schemes, the proposed method too facilitates fully decentralized implementation. This is achieved by smart choice of control design enabled by - (a) disturbance rejection viewpoint, (b) decoupling of $d-q$ control loops through appropriate feedforward blocks, and (c) extension of the network control scheme proposed in our prior work [1]. A system consisting of three parallel inverters is simulated in MATLAB Simscape for various challenging scenarios and the results corroborate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Gap Arthroplasty of Bilateral Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis

Objective: To present a case of bilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis that was managed successfully through gap arthroplasty. Methods: Design: Case report Setting: Tertiary Government Hospital Patient: One Results: A 25-year-old man presented with inability to open his mouth for 18 years after direct trauma to his chin. CT scan showed bilateral bony fusion of condyles to glenoid fossae, hypertrophic sclerosis and fusion of the condylar heads to the temporal bones. He underwent bilateral gap arthroplasty via preauricular approach with creation of a 15 mm space on the mandibular fossa. As of latest follow up, the patient maintained an inter-alveolar distance of 30 mm for 5 months postoperatively, through continuous aggressive mouth opening exercises. Conclusion: Gap arthroplasty may be an efficient procedure for temporomandibular joint ankylosis in achieving satisfactory post-operative inter-alveolar opening and articular function. Early and meticulous rehabilitation is required to prevent relapse. Long-term follow up is recommended to document possible recurrence. Keywords: temporomandibular joint ankylosis, gap arthroplasty, TMJ ankylosis, ankylosis
Coherently Attached Programmable Near-Memory Acceleration Platform and its application to Stencil Processing

Application and technology trends are increasingly forcing computer systems to be designed for specific workloads and application domains. Although memory is one of the key components impacting the performance and power consumption of state-of-art computer systems, its operation typically cannot be adapted to workload characteristics beyond some limited controller configuration options. In this paper, we present a novel near-memory acceleration platform based on an Access Processor that enables the main memory system operation to be programmed and adapted dynamically to the accelerated workload. The platform targets both ASIC and FPGA implementations integrated within IBM POWER systems. We show how this platform can be applied to accelerate stencil processing.
A Computer Vision Application for Assessing Facial Acne Severity from Selfie Images.

We worked with Nestle SHIELD (Skin Health, Innovation, Education, and Longevity Development, NSH) to develop a deep learning model that is able to assess acne severity from selfie images as accurate as dermatologists. The model was deployed as a mobile application, providing patients an easy way to assess and track the progress of their acne treatment. NSH acquired 4,700 selfie images for this study and recruited 11 internal dermatologists to label them in five categories: 1-Clear, 2- Almost Clear, 3-Mild, 4-Moderate, 5-Severe. Using OpenCV to detect facial landmarks we cut specific skin patches from the selfie images in order to minimize irrelevant background. We then applied a transfer learning approach by extracting features from the patches using a ResNet 152 pre-trained model, followed by a fully connected layer trained to approximate the desired severity rating. To address the problem of spatial sensitivity of CNN models, we introduce a new image rolling data augmentation approach, effectively causing acne lesions appeared in more locations in the training images. Our results demonstrate that this approach improved the generalization of the CNN model, outperforming more than half of the panel of human dermatologists on test images. To our knowledge, this is the first deep learning-based solution for acne assessment using selfie images.
Framing the Public Discourse Across Time: National Issues Forums Guides on Immigration in the U.S. (1986-2013)

This paper analyzes the National Issues Forums issue guides on immigration in order to understand how the NIF frames the issue deliberatively. Ideograph analysis is used to identify key terms in the immigration issue guides from 1986, 1994, 2003, and 2013 in order to uncover the cultural worldview surrounding immigration. The two key contrasting terms identified are a “nation of immigrants” and “illegal immigrants,” and the strong contradiction between these terms is offered as an explanation for the instability surrounding immigration in the public discourse. Since the choice work conceptual frame utilizes multiple competing ideographs to discuss immigration, a productive tension is maintained, allowing for a nonpartisan deliberative framework that encourages public dialogue and limits polarization.
Masculine gender-related personality traits and acquired capability for suicide.

In most countries, substantially more men than women die by suicide, implicating masculine gender-related personality (MGP) traits as a risk factor for suicide. The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide ...
Visualizing synaptic plasticity in vivo by large-scale imaging of endogenous AMPA receptors

Abstract Elucidating how synaptic molecules such as AMPA receptors mediate neuronal communication and tracking their dynamic expression during behavior is crucial to understand cognition and disease, but current technological barriers preclude large-scale exploration of molecular dynamics in vivo. We have developed a suite of innovative methodologies that break through these barriers: a new knockin mouse line with fluorescently tagged endogenous AMPA receptors, two-photon imaging of hundreds of thousands of labeled synapses in behaving mice, and computer-vision-based automatic synapse detection. Using these tools, we can longitudinally track how the strength of synapses changes during behavior. We used this approach to generate an unprecedentedly detailed spatiotemporal map of synaptic plasticity underlying sensory experience. More generally, these tools can be used as an optical probe capable of measuring functional synapse strength across entire brain areas during any behavioral paradigm, describing complex system-wide changes with molecular precision.
Analysis of the experiment of mycobacterium tuberculosis sputum culture and heat-proof rifabutin antimicrobial susceptibility

Objective To analyze influence mycobacterium tuberculosis sputum culture and heat-proof rifabutin antimicrobial susceptibility test results and related factors.Methods To the centers for disease control and prevention of Huainan tuberculosis clinic into the program to treat 227 sputum smear-positive patients in the sputum culture and heat-proof rifabutin of antimicrobial susceptibility test. Results Among 227 patients sputum culture positive 220 cases, accounting for 96. 9％, sputum culture-negative 2 cases, accounting for 0. 9％, pollution, 5 cases of 2. 2％. Resistance rifabutin antimicrobial susceptibility test,a new patient resistance ratio for 10. 4％ ,early cure loser for 37.5％, concomitant person for 28.9％. Conclusion The mycobacterium tuberculosis in the process of cultivation should be strictly according to the requirements of collecting, processing, specimen vaccination, preservation and observation. Early cure failure patients and treat patients resistant rifabutin rate was far higher than new patients, the patients with irregular or unreasonable chemotherapy were concerned. Key words: Tuberculosis, pulmonary; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Sputum; Culture techniques; Microbial sensitivity tests
Template-free Pulse Height Estimation of Microcalorimeter Responses with PCA

We present a template-free method of estimating pulse height of micro-calorimeter signals based on principal component analysis (PCA). The method is shown to improve the resolution on a simulated dataset by 25\% compared to the standard filtering technique that uses the averaged pulse as an estimation for the signal template. This technique is useful for reconstruction of pulses in micro-calorimeters with a high degree of pulse-shape variation where finding the correct signal templates is difficult.
An Observational Study of the Equivalence of Age and Duration of Diabetes to Glycemic Control Relative to the Risk of Complications in the Combined Cohorts of the DCCT/EDIC Study

OBJECTIVE This epidemiological analysis of the pooled Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (DCCT/EDIC) cohort describes the equivalence of a 1-percentage point increase in HbA1c (such as from 7% to 8%) and years of additional age or duration of type 1 diabetes (T1D) relative to the risk of complications. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Separate Cox proportional hazards models determined the number of additional years of age and/or duration of T1D that would result in the same increase in risk of microvascular (retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy) and cardiovascular complications and mortality as a 1-percentage point increase in HbA1c. RESULTS The risk of any cardiovascular disease associated with a 1-percentage point increase in HbA1c was equivalent to the risk associated with 4.3 (95% CI 2.7–5.9) additional years of age or 5.6 (95% CI 2.7–6.5) additional years’ duration of T1D. The risk of estimated glomerular filtration rate CONCLUSIONS Our results help evaluate the impact of glycemia on advanced complications in a way that may be more interpretable to health care providers and individuals with T1D.
Colonic Conditions: Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel condition that has multiple indications for operative intervention. Patients with ulcerative colitis are at risk for refractory symptoms of abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, as well as substantially increased risk for neoplastic changes over the course of their disease. Emergent operations are performed in the setting of sepsis and hemodynamic instability from fulminant colitis, hemorrhage, perforation, and those failing maximal inpatient medical therapy. Elective operations are performed in the setting of refractory symptoms, dysplasia, and carcinoma. Operative management for these scenarios is described.
UHRF1 is a Novel Druggable Epigenetic Target in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Abstract Introduction Ubiquitin-like with plant homeodomain and ring finger domains 1 (UHRF1) encodes a master regulator of DNA methylation that has emerged as an epigenetic driver in human cancers. To date, no studies have evaluated UHRF1 expression in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). This study was undertaken to explore the therapeutic potential of targeting UHRF1 in MPM. Methods Microarray, real-time quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, immunoblot, and immunohistochemistry techniques were used to evaluate UHRF1 expression in normal mesothelial cells (NMCs) cultured with or without asbestos, MPM lines, normal pleura, and primary MPM specimens. The impact of UHRF1 expression on MPM patient survival was evaluated using two independent databases. RNA-sequencing, proliferation, invasion, and colony formation assays, and murine xenograft experiments were performed to evaluate gene expression and growth of MPM cells after biochemical or pharmacologic inhibition of UHRF1 expression. Results UHRF1 expression was significantly higher in MPM lines and specimens relative to NMC and normal pleura. Asbestos induced UHRF1 expression in NMC. The overexpression of UHRF1 was associated with decreased overall survival in patients with MPM. UHRF1 knockdown reversed genomewide DNA hypomethylation, and inhibited proliferation, invasion, and clonogenicity of MPM cells, and growth of MPM xenografts. These effects were phenocopied by the repurposed chemotherapeutic agent, mithramycin. Biochemical or pharmacologic up-regulation of p53 significantly reduced UHRF1 expression in MPM cells. RNA-sequencing experiments exhibited the pleiotropic effects of UHRF1 down-regulation and identified novel, clinically relevant biomarkers of UHRF1 expression in MPM. Conclusions UHRF1 is an epigenetic driver in MPM. These findings support the efforts to target UHRF1 expression or activity for mesothelioma therapy.
Polymethylmethacrylate derivatives Eudragit E100 and L100: Interactions and complexation with surfactants

Precipitation or coprecipitation of polyelectrolytes has been largely investigated. However, the precipitation of polyelectrolytes via addition of charged and non-charged surfactants has not been systematically studied and reported. Consequently, the aim of this work is to investigate the effect of different surfactants (anionic, cationic, non-charged and zwitterionic) on the precipitation of cationic and anionic polymethyl methacrylate polymers (Eudragit). The surfactants effect has been investigated as a function of their concentration. Special attention has been dedicated to the CMC range and to the colloidal characterization of the formed dispersions. Moreover, the effect of salt (NaCl) and pH was also addressed. It is pointed out that non-ionic and zwitterionic surfactants do not interact with charged Eudragit E100 and L100. For oppositely charged Eudragit E100/SDS and Eudragit L100/CTAB, precipitation occurs, and the obtained dispersions have been characterized in terms of particle size distribution and zeta potential. It was established that the binding of SDS molecules to Eudragit E100 polymer chains is made through the negative charges of the surfactant heads under the CMC value whereas binding of CTAB to Eudragit L100 chains is made at a CTAB concentration 5 times above its CMC. For Eudragit E100/SDS system, a more acidic medium induces aggregation. A same result was observed for the Eudragit L100/CTAB at a more basic pH. Moreover, it was observed that increasing salt concentration (higher than 100 mM) led to aggregation as generally observed for polycations/anionic surfactant systems.
Leisure‐time physical activity interventions for children and adults with cerebral palsy: a scoping review

Aim To summarize current evidence on the effects and reach of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) interventions among children and adults with cerebral palsy (CP). Method Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of LTPA interventions in CP. Data from eligible studies were extracted for qualitative synthesis. Results Forty-nine studies enrolled a total of 1513 participants (mean [SD] age 13y [7y], range 5-43y; 818 males, 655 females, 40 not reported) and primarily included ambulatory children. RCTs underrepresented adults and people in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels IV and V. Forty-one studies reported at least one favorable benefit from LTPA. Benefits included improvements to musculoskeletal strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, quality of life, spasticity, participation, and core aspects of physical function. Regarding reach, only 34% of people that were contacted to participate enrolled within a study. A smaller percentage of participants dropped out from intervention (8%) and follow-up periods (3%). Interpretation Study findings highlight effective interventions to improve health, fitness, and function. To enhance the reach and generalizability of LTPA trials for CP, future studies should examine how to increase study sample sizes and aim to include a better representation of adults and people in GMFCS levels IV and V. What this paper adds People with cerebral palsy (CP) may experience improvements in health, fitness, and physical function from leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) interventions. Effective interventions include exercise training, active video games, recreation activities, behavioral coaching, and motor skills training. Interventions that incorporate telehealth technology, behavioral coaching, and community resources may enhance LTPA. Interventions primarily include children in Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS) levels I to III. Adults, wheelchair users, and those in GMFCS levels IV and V are underrepresented.
Perioperative outcomes for carotid revascularization on asymptomatic dialysis-dependent patients meet Society for Vascular Society guidelines.

Abstract Objective The current Society for Vascular Surgery practice guidelines recommend carotid revascularization for asymptomatic disease in patients with at least a 3-year life expectancy and stenosis >60% when the expected perioperative stroke and death rate is Methods The targeted vascular module from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program was queried to identify patients who undergone carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stenting for asymptomatic carotid disease from 2011 to 2018. The cohort was categorized as requiring or not requiring dialysis. The primary 30-day outcomes included mortality and the composite of stroke/death and stroke/death/myocardial infarction (MI). Univariate analyses were performed using the Fisher exact test and Wilcoxon rank sum test. Multivariable analyses were used to assess the independent associations of the estimated glomerular filtration rate and dialysis dependence with the stroke/death rate. Results A total of 17,579 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these patients, 226 (1.3%) required dialysis at revascularization. No difference was found in the degree of severe stenosis (80%-99%) demonstrated by 69% of the dialysis cohort and 72% of the nondialysis cohort (P = .9). Of the dialysis and nondialysis cohorts, 5% and 3.6% underwent carotid artery stenting (P = .3). The dialysis-dependent patients were younger (68 vs 71 years; P Conclusions The 30-day carotid revascularization outcomes for asymptomatic disease in dialysis-dependent patients met the Society for Vascular Surgery guidelines in this national cohort and might be better than previously surmised. Hence, vascular surgeons could consider carotid revascularization for select dialysis-dependent patients with the appropriate expected longevity and perioperative risk.
Egalitarian Edge Orderings of Complete Graphs

For a consecutive ordering of the edges of a graph $$G=(V,E)$$ , the point sum of a vertex is the sum of the indices of edges incident with that vertex. Motivated by questions of balancing accesses in data placements in the presence of popularity rankings, an edge ordering is egalitarian when all point sums are equal, and almost egalitarian when two point sums differ by at most 1. It is established herein that complete graphs on n vertices admit an egalitarian edge ordering when $$n \equiv 1,2,3 \pmod {4}$$ and $$n \not \in \{3,5\}$$ , or an almost egalitarian edge ordering when $$n \equiv 0 \pmod {4}$$ and $$n \ne 4$$ .
The Pop-Gen Pipeline Platform: A Software Platform for Population Genomic Analyses

The Pop-Gen Pipeline Platform (PPP) is a software platform for population genomic analyses. The PPP was designed as a collection of scripts that facilitate common population genomic workflows in a consistent and standardized Python environment. Functions were developed to encompass entire workflows, including input preparation, file format conversion, various population genomic analyses, and output generation. The platform has also been developed with reproducibility and extensibility of analyses in mind. The PPP is an open-source package that is available for download and use at https://ppp.readthedocs.io/en/latest/PPP_pages/install.html.
Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease: Clinical Efficacy and Future Directions for Enhancing Motor Function

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a well-established procedure that produces a significant improvement in motor symptoms in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD). While the motor function improvement has been documented extensively, the effects of DBS on non-motor symptoms, such as sleep, cognition, and mood, have been less studied. This review will summarize the extensive clinical evidence on the effects of DBS in PD, and emerging evidence on non-motor symptoms as well as the advances in technology that allows a more precise lead placement and better outcomes. Future directions in the field of neuromodulation and strategies to improve overall brain function will be reviewed. The recent advances in technology provide the ability to deliver stimulation adaptively based on cortical and subcortical brain signals, and subsequently a more physiological and precise modulation of the impaired motor network.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Clozapine: Clinically Relevant Interactions and Considerations

The monoamine hypothesis of depression attributes the symptoms of major depressive disorders to imbalances of serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine in the limbic areas of the brain. The preferential targeting of serotonin receptor (SERT) by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has offered an opportunity to reduce the range of these side effects and improve patient adherence to pharmacotherapy. Clozapine remains an effective drug against treatment-resistant schizophrenia, defined as failing treatment with at least two different antipsychotic medications. Patients with schizophrenia who display a constellation of negative symptoms respond poorly to antipsychotic monotherapy. Negative symptoms include the diminution of motivation, interest, or expression. Conversely to the depressive symptomology of interest presently, supplementation of antipsychotics with SSRIs in schizophrenic patients with negative symptoms lead to synergistic improvements in the function of these patients. Fluvoxamine is one of the most potent inhibitors of CYP1A2 and can lead to an increase in clozapine levels. Similar increases in serum clozapine were detected in two patients taking sertraline. However, studies have been contradictory as well, showing no such increases, which are worrying. Clinicians should be aware that clozapine levels should be monitored with any coadministration with SSRIs.
A case study of a popular titles collection circulation at a regional campus undergraduate library

This study analyses fifteen months of circulation data from a popular titles collection at a regional campus undergraduate library. To better understand how popular titles collections in academic l...
Adsorption of Cs from Water on Surface-Modified MCM-41 Mesosilicate

Cs is a common radionuclide present in nuclear wastes and released from nuclear power plant accidents. It is hard to be removed from water with traditional technology. The current study aimed at developing of efficient cost-effective adsorbent for removing Cs with modified MCM-41 with specific functional groups –SH. Mesoporous material MCM-41 was selected due to its large surface area and tunable pore structure. Functional –SH groups were grafted into the pores of MCM-41 to enhance its capability of selective adsorption of Cs from multi-element (Co, Sr) water solution. The adsorption results showed that the maximum adsorption capacity was 29.24 mg/g. Both Langmuir and Freundlich models described the adsorption processes of Cs, indicating co-existence of both monolayer and multilayer adsorption in the surface and inner pores of the materials. TEM, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy analyses indicated that –SH groups were successfully bounded into the pores of MCM-41. The present study approved the surface functional modified MCM-41 which might be a good alternative candidate for cleaning up of radionuclide Cs from nuclear power plant accidents and relevant nuclear accident events.
cDNA cloning and expression of human complement component C2.

A full-length cDNA clone for C component C2 was isolated from a human liver cDNA library in lambda gt11 by initially screening with an affinity-purified rabbit anti-C2 antibody and then using the isolated partial C2 cDNA as a probe for re-screening the library. The cDNA insert of clone lambda C2HL5-3 was sequenced in its entirety. It consisted of 2961 nucleotides including a 5' untranslated region of 388 nucleotides, followed by a 60 nucleotide region coding for a putative signal peptide, a 2196 nucleotide region coding for the 732 amino acids of the mature C2 polypeptide, and a 317 nucleotide long 3' untranslated region. Comparison of the nucleotide sequence to the previously reported C2 cDNA sequence showed two major differences. First, the 5' untranslated region of C2HL5-3 was 352 nucleotides longer and included four ATG followed by in-frame termination codons. Second, nucleotide residue 1987 was a C instead of a G, resulting in a change of amino acid residue 513 from Leu to Phe and in the appearance of an EcoRI site. The full-length C2 cDNA was cloned into the expression vector p91023(B). Transfection of the recombinant plasmid in COS cells resulted in the secretion of a protein with antigenicity and hemolytic activity similar to those of native C2. Western blot analysis indicated that secreted rC2 had the same apparent m.w. as C2 in human serum. Northern blot analysis of total RNA isolated from transfected COS cells showed two bands of C2 mRNA, both of which were longer than human liver C2 mRNA and represent transcripts generated by the vector-C2 construct.
Wireless Andrew: building a high speed, campus-wide wireless data network

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) has a major program to create a high speed wireless network, known as Wireless Andrew. The first Phase of this network has been operational for over a year and the second Phase, to upgrade this to IEEE 802.11 standard technology, has begun. The Wireless Andrew network uses wireless local area network technology, utilizing spread spectrum in the ISM band. The purpose is not only to support wireless research but also to create a campus-wide mobile computing laboratory. The paper shows the challenge of designing and managing large scale wireless networks. The examples show the differences experienced in wireless versus wireline networks due to the nature of mobility versus static components, the nature of RF propagation versus wireline connection, and the difference in sophistication of tools because of the different place in the product development cycle. The paper describes the lessons learned at completion of the first phase including: installation design issues, issues of RF interference and data throughput, the unique problems of wireless network management, and the release of the system. The paper goes on to describe lessons learned during the first year of operation of the research network. It then discusses experience so far in Phase Two, to create an operational utility for use of all students, faculty, and staff for educational, research, and administrative applications.