cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
HIV/AIDS in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Research Response

The chapter presents a case study of an individual infected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).. It illustrates a number of issues that have been raised while working with older people living with HIV disease (PLWHIV). It states that postdiagnosis, many older people are too often found forced to live their lives in a manner that differs greatly from the way they had planned—their reality often falls far short of the dreams toward which they worked throughout their careers. People who are considered to be middle-aged are often at the greatest risk of economic hardship after an HIV diagnosis. In the ≥ 40 age groups, which capture the age range of 45 and older, AIDS cases have increased steadily from 30.9% of the total cases diagnosed between 1981 and 1987 to 41.8% of the total cases diagnosed between 1996 and 2000. The increasing incidence and prevalence of HIV/AIDS among older people are likely to continue into the future because of a number of factors. HIV disease in older adults mostly stems from sexual behavior and this aspect of their lives needs to be addressed with older adults if further transmission of the virus is to be halted.
The Enhancement of Social Skills

Social-skills training is one of the more commonly prescribed treatments for rapists, pedophiles, and other sex offenders (Abel, Blanchard, & Becker, 1976, 1978; Barlow, Abel, Blanchard, Bristow, & Young, 1977; Becker, Abel, Blanchard, Murphy, & Coleman, 1978; Cohen, Seghorn, & Calmas, 1969; Crawford & Allen, 1979; Marshall & McKnight, 1975; Whitman & Quinsey, 1981). Nevertheless, recent reviews of the literature (Earls & Quinsey, 1985; Hollon & Trower, 1986; Stermac, Segal, & Gillis, Chapter 9, this volume) have concluded that social-skills training is not based on a solid foundation of coherent theory; that it does not consist of explicit and replicable techniques; that it is plagued by serious conceptual, methodological, and measurement problems; and that it is not yet supported by compelling evidence of treatment efficacy. It is not even clear that sex offenders are any less socially skilled than control subjects (Stermac & Quinsey, 1986). In short, the popular use of social-skills training with sex offenders seems to be based largely on the intuitive appeal of the idea and on the implicit faith of the proponents. At best, social-skills training must be considered an approach that has not yet fulfilled its promise.
Segmentally split pectoral girdle muscle flaps for chest-wall and intrathoracic reconstruction.

Major chest-wall and intrathoracic reconstructions are done with flaps of the large muscle of the pectoral girdle, principally the latissimus dorsi, pectoralis major, and serratus anterior. Each of these muscles has a segmental morphology and neurovascular supply that allows the muscle or skin-muscle units to be split into independent, vascularized subunits. This refinement provides multiple flaps from a single donor muscle or allows leaving innervated subunits of the split muscle in situ to preserve donor muscle function.
No Bad Publicity: The Bibliometric Advantage of Corrected Articles in PLOS ONE

Corrections to published books and articles help maintain the accuracy and reliability of the scholarly record. Little research, if any, has explored their impact except in assessing their ...
Survey of Microarchitectural Side and Covert Channels, Attacks, and Defenses

Over the last two decades, side and covert channel research has shown a variety of ways of exfiltrating information for a computer system. Processor microarchitectural timing-based side and covert channel attacks have emerged as some of the most clever attacks, and ones which are difficult to deal with, without impacting system performance. Unlike electromagnetic or power-based channels, microarchitectural timing-based side and covert channel do not require physical proximity to the target device. Instead, only malicious or cooperating spy applications need to be co-located on the same machine as the victim. And in some attacks even co-location is not needed, only timing of the execution of the victim application, as measured by a remote attacker, can lead to information leaks. This survey extracts the key features of the processor’s microarchitectural functional units which make the channels possible, presents an analysis and categorization of the variety of microarchitectural side and covert channels others have presented in literature, and surveys existing defense proposals. With advent of cloud computing and ability to launch microarchitectural side and covert channels even across virtual machines, understanding of these channels is critical for cybersecurity.
SGLT Inhibitors for Type 1 Diabetes: An Obvious Choice or Too Good to Be True?

In the recent past we have been fortunate to find new treatments based on entirely new mechanisms . . . or is that really so? The sodium–glucose cotransporter inhibitors (SGLTi) offer an instructive case in point. These apparently “ new” agents were preceded by phlorizin, a naturally occurring compound that has been used for physiologic studies for over 100 years (1). Given orally it interferes with intestinal absorption of carbohydrates and causes glucosuria. Studies in animal models of diabetes have provided useful insights, such as evidence that reduction of hyperglycemia can restore insulin sensitivity toward normal (2). However, phlorizin was considered unsuited for use by humans due to undesirable side effects. Recently its mechanism of action has been traced to effects on sodium–glucose cotransporters (SGLT) in the intestinal mucosa and the renal proximal tubule (3), and drugs with more nuanced effects on these transporters have been developed (4,5). These newer agents have greater affinity for SGLT2, which is expressed mainly in the kidney, and less for SGLT1, which facilitates intestinal absorption of glucose. Clinical effects of the newer SGLTi drugs in type 2 diabetes (T2D) include modest reductions of plasma glucose and A1C, weight, and blood pressure and are mediated in large part by glucosuria and sodium diuresis. These agents are taken once daily by mouth and do not require dose titration. Symptomatic side effects—mostly urinary or genital irritation or infections—are common but tolerated by most patients. Importantly, the new SGLTi drugs have highly desirable—and somewhat unexpected—cardiac and renal protective effects, as least in selected cohorts. Large trials of empagliflozin and canagliflozin, aiming to demonstrate safety in patients with T2D and high cardiovascular risk, have shown favorable effects on heart failure, cardiovascular death, and progression of albuminuria (6–9). Unwanted effects have been reported as well, including …
Trifecta Aortic Bioprosthesis: Midterm Results in 1,953 Patients From a Single Center.

Background The St. Jude Medical Trifecta bioprosthesis (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN) is a bovine pericardial valve mounted on a titanium stent. The objective of this study was to report a single-center experience with the Trifecta aortic valve. Methods Patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) with the Trifecta valve between 2011 and 2017 at a single center were included. The primary outcome was overall survival. Secondary outcomes included operative mortality and morbidity, aortic valve reoperations, and reoperation for structural valve deterioration. Echocardiographic outcomes were evaluated. Multivariable logistic regression models were created to identify predictors of death. Results The study included 1,953 Trifecta valve implants. Operations included isolated AVR (45% [n = 869]), AVR plus coronary artery bypass grafting (40% [n = 771]), and AVR plus mitral valve operation (13% [n = 254]). Overall survival at 30 days, 1 year, and 5 years was 94.9%, 89.7%, and 69.8%, respectively. Overall freedom from aortic valve reintervention was 96.4% at 5 years, with an overall freedom from reoperation for structural valve deterioration of 98.7% at 5 years. For elective isolated AVRs, survival was 98.6%, 94.1%, and 77.5% at 30 days, 1 year, and 5 years, respectively. The 5-year freedom from aortic valve reintervention and reoperation for structural valve deterioration for elective isolated AVRs was 97.6% and 99.1%, respectively. Overall mean gradients were 6.8 ± 5.3 mm Hg postoperatively and remained low at 10.1 ± 6.2 mm Hg at 1 year. Conclusions This is the largest series reporting on outcomes of the Trifecta valve. Our results demonstrate that this valve can be safely implanted in the aortic position with excellent midterm durability and hemodynamics.
Scleral Fixation of Intraocular Lenses with Gore-Tex Suture: Refractive Outcomes and Comparison of Lens Power Formulas

Purpose To report refractive outcomes of scleral-fixated intraocular lens (IOL) implantation with Gore-Tex (W.L. Gore & Associates, Newark, DE) suture and combined pars plana vitrectomy and compare predicted refractive outcomes among 5 IOL power calculation formulas. Design Retrospective case series. Participants Patients undergoing scleral-fixated IOL implantation with Gore-Tex suture at our institution between January 2015 and June 2018. Methods Comparison of preoperative biometrics with postoperative refraction and calculation of predicted refractive outcome with 5 different IOL formulas. Main Outcome Measures Prediction error and absolute error to compare postoperative refraction with refraction predicted by lens power calculation formulas. Results Thirty-one eyes of 31 patients were included. All power calculations assumed in-the-bag position of the IOL. The Akreos A060 (Bausch & Lomb, Rochester, NY) was implanted in 23 eyes and the CZ70BD (Alcon, Fort Worth, TX) in 8 eyes, and all lenses were sutured 3 mm behind the limbus. Average postoperative spherical equivalent (SE) was –0.79±0.95 diopters (D). Average prediction error (postoperative SE refraction minus target refraction) was –0.19±0.72 D. Postoperative SE was within 1.0 D of target in 25 of 31 patients (81%) and 2.0 D of target in 31 of 31 patients (100%). The repeated-measures analysis of variance of absolute error by lens power formula was significant (P = 0.012), with Haigis demonstrating greater error. There was no significant difference among Barrett II, Sanders-Retzlaff-Kraff theoretical (SRK/T), Holladay 2, or Hoffer Q. Conclusions For eyes undergoing pars plana vitrectomy with scleral-sutured IOL implantation, assumption of in-the-bag IOL position when calculating lens power leads to acceptable refractive outcomes. Barrett II, SRK/T, Holladay 2, and Hoffer Q formulas were noninferior to each other.
Capacity Factor Analysis of U.S. PV System Reliability and Performance

We present an evaluation of the ac capacity factor to estimate the reliability and performance trends of existing plants in the United States. The capacity factor is a metric that is widely used in the electrical power sector to estimate operational consistency. We show that the ac capacity factor provides useful insight to assess the system productivity. We analyze U.S. Energy Information Administration data for more than 2300 plants, showing that both ac capacity factor and inverter-loading ratios have increased in recent years, and that the capacity factor tends to increase for larger systems and increases as would be expected for mounting configurations and locations associated with high insolation. Evaluation of the data for reliable (consistent) performance concludes that inconsistent operation causes much more variation in reported electricity generation than linear degradation.
Acupuncture in Dermatology: An Update to a Systematic Review.

Objectives: Acupuncture is an important Traditional Chinese Medicine modality based on the fundamental theory that disease is caused by disruptions in the body's qi. Understanding the use of acupuncture in dermatology is important due to the rising prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine use. A systematic review published in 2015 found that acupuncture improves outcomes in several dermatological diseases. We performed a systematic review of studies that have been done since then to present updated evidence. Methods: A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register was performed. Studies were limited to clinical trials, controlled studies, case reports, comparative studies, and systematic reviews published in the English language. Studies involving moxibustion, electroacupuncture, or blood-letting were excluded. Results: Results showed that acupuncture improves clinical outcomes in uremic pruritus, atopic dermatitis, urticaria, and itch. Acupuncture does not significantly reduce postoperative itch in patients undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Conclusions: While there are some promising studies that support the use of acupuncture for skin diseases, additional large-scale, randomized, sham-controlled trials need to be performed to present consistent high-level evidence of acupuncture's role in dermatology.
De Novo Mutations in 124 Cases of Sudden Unexplained Deaths in Childhood

Background: Sudden unexplained death in childhood (SUDC) is an understudied public health issue with multiple potential risk factors, including undiagnosed cardiac and seizure disorders, for which genetic risk factors can contribute. Methods: We studied whole exome sequence data from 124 consecutively ascertained trios (decedent child and unaffected parents) to test for excessive de novo mutations in cardiac, epilepsy and other genes. Findings: Among SUDC decedents, nonsynonymous mutations were enriched in genes associated with cardiac and seizure disorders relative to non-sudden death controls (odds ratio=9.76, p=2.15x10-4). Beyond these genes there was a trend for excess loss-of-function mutations in genes that are loss-of-function intolerant (odds ratio=2.34, p=0.08). In our cohort, two genes had recurrent missense mutations, RYR2 and CACNA1C. Both RYR2 mutations are known as pathogenic (p=1.7x10-7). Both CACNA1C mutations are within a short (104 nucleotide) exon (p=1.0x10-7). We found evidence for over-transmission of loss-of-function or pathogenic variants within cardiac and seizure disorder genes (11/14 transmitted, p=0.03). Interpretation: Eleven of 124 (8.9%) decedents carried likely pathogenic or pathogenic variants associated with sudden death via a lethal cardiac or seizure disorder. Of these, 7 were de novo in origin, 1 was a transmitted parental mosaic mutation, and 3 were transmitted from heterozygous parents. Funding Statement: This study was supported by funding from the SUDC Foundation and Finding A Cure for Epilepsy and Seizures (NYU). RWT was supported by NIH grants R01 DA040484 and R01 MH71739. MJA and DJT were supported by the Mayo Clinic Windland Smith Rice Comprehensive Sudden Cardiac Death Program. Declaration of Interests: MJA is a consultant for Audentes Therapeutics, Boston Scientific, Gilead Sciences, Invitae, Medtronic, Myokardia, and St. Jude Medical. MJA and Mayo Clinic have an equity/royalty relationship with AliveCor, Blue Ox Health, and StemoniX. However, none of these entities are related to study. DG reports he is cofounder and holds equity in Q State – Pairnomix and Praxis Therapeutics, and equity in Apostle Inc. He receives personal fees from AstraZeneca, outside the submitted work. RT reports his participation on the Scientific Advisory boards of Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Institute of Neuroscience (Shanghai), and the Institute of Science and Technology (Vienna). RT also reports his participation in the Actelion Scientific Advisory Board (Basel) with no compensation during 3 year span. OD reports equity interest in Empatica and receive funding from NINDS on SUDEP research. MJA, OD and PL are members of the SUDC Foundation’s scientific advisory board. LGC is President of the SUDC Foundation. MJA, OD, PL and LGC do not participate in grant funding decisions or negotiations by the SUDC Foundation to NYU Langone Health. PL, DMH, RR, XW, JP have no declarations of interests. Ethics Approval Statement: Parental consent was obtained in this NYU Institutional Review Board approved study (# S14-01061).
Surveillance Testing for SARS-CoV-2 Infection in an Asymptomatic Athlete Population; The Experience of 123,362 Tests and 23,463 Paired RT-PCR/Antigen Samples

Background: This study assesses the diagnostic accuracy of antigen testing compared to RT-PCR in asymptomatic collegiate athletes and describes outcomes of a surveillance testing program. Methods: Quidel Sofia-2 SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Tests were performed daily prior to sport participation for high-risk of transmission (HROT) sports from September 29, 2020-February 28, 2021. Paired RT-PCR and antigen tests were performed at least once a week. Positive antigen tests were reflexed to RT-PCR. Findings: There were 1,931 athletes in 6 HROT sports. A total of 81,175 antigen and 42,187 RT-PCR tests were performed (including 23,463 paired antigen/RT-PCR surveillance tests). There were 346 athletes (17·9%) with a positive RT-PCR test during the study period. Of the positive RT-PCRs, 83 (4·4%) occurred on paired testing days. The clinical sensitivity of antigen tests varied with the frequency of RT-PCR testing and prevalence of COVID-19. With once-a-week PCR testing, the clinical sensitivity of antigen testing was 35·7% (95% CI: 17%, 60%) and specificity 99·8% (95% CI: 99·7%, 99·9%), after adjusting for school prevalence. Daily antigen testing was similar to PCR testing 2-3 times a week in identifying infection, however, antigen testing identified infection prior to the next scheduled PCR on 89 occasions. This resulted in a 234 days where potentially infectious athletes were isolated prior to when they would have been isolated with RT-PCR testing alone. Among athletes who had RT-PCR testing 4 times a week, daily antigen testing did not increase sensitivity. Two (14%) athletic-related outbreaks occurred but 86% of infections were community-acquired. Interpretation: Screening for asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 can be successful using different strategies. Physical mitigation is important even with frequent screening. Funding Statement: This study was funded by Quidel Corporation. Declaration of Interests: Kimberly G. Harmon declares grants from American Medical Society for Sports Medicine for Outcomes Registry for Cardiac Outcomes in Athletes; grants from Pac-12 Conference as Research Development Director, she is also the President of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine Foundation Board. All other authors have nothing to declare. Ethics Approval Statement: The study was considered exempt by the University of Washington Institutional Review Board. Data sharing agreements for data in the Pac 12 HAP were in place for all institutions.
Evaluating a Topical Adjunctive Post Submental ATX-101 (Deoxycholic Acid) Injection for Improved Recovery: A Single-Center, Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Background Optimizing postprocedural recovery and outcomes for patients is the aim for all physicians. TransFORM Body Treatment with TriHex Technology (TFB) is a topical product that aids in the elimination of fat particles created during procedures and the reduction of associated inflammation, thus speeding up postprocedure recovery time. Objectives Evaluation of postprocedural symptoms, signs, and healing following submental deoxycholic acid (DCA) injections in combination with TFB. Methods Participants received 2 treatments of submental DCA injections. Posttreatment 1, every participant received TFB to apply twice daily to the submental area. Follow-up visits included weeks 1, 2, and 4. After week 4, participants discontinued TFB for 30 days before the second treatment. At the second treatment visit, participants were randomized to receive either TFB or a bland moisturizer to apply twice daily with the same follow-up visits as posttreatment 1. Induration measurements, submental fullness grading, and standardized photography were captured at every visit. At all follow-up visits and before treatment 2, investigator assessments and participant assessments were completed. Results Posttreatment 2, investigator assessments of edema and induration decreased in participants using TFB at weeks 1 and 2 compared with the bland moisturizer. Induration measurements objectively showed a statistically significant reduction at week 2 (posttreatment 2) in participants using TFB compared with the bland moisturizer. Furthermore, participants reported less tenderness and soreness in the TFB group over the bland moisturizer. Conclusions Investigator assessments, participant query, and objective induration analyses have demonstrated that the use of TFB post DCA injections may reduce induration, edema, and discomfort associated with this procedure. Level of Evidence 2
Modalities of case assignment: The view from Lithuanian

This paper assesses two competing modalities for the assignment of morphological case. Arguments are provided from Lithuanian against the configurational strategy of Dependent Case (Marantz 1991, Baker 2015) and in favor of case assignment by functional heads (Chomsky 2000, 2001). The first argument comes from a series of Transitive Impersonal constructions in which accusative appears independently, in the absence of a higher, nominative-marked argument, so long as the predicate is two-place and caused, implicating v-Cause as the source of accusative. Further evidence for this analysis comes from the Inferential Evidential, an oblique-subject construction. While the Dependent Case strategy states that nominative automatically shifts to the object if not assigned to the subject, nominative objects are exceedingly rare in the Inferential Evidential, a fact that is entirely consistent with the local, feature-based theory of case advanced in this paper, which relates the appearance of nominative to the Agree relation with Tense.
Why We Curse

Psychiatrists, psychologists, neurologists, linguists and speech pathologists currently have no coherent theory to explain why we curse and why we choose the words we do when we curse. The Neuro-Psycho-Social Theory of Speech draws together information about cursing from different disciplines and unites them to explain and describe the psychological, neurological, cultural and linguistic factors that underlie this startling phenomenon. Why We Curse is divided into five parts. Part 1 introduces the dimensions and scope of cursing and outlines the NPS Theory, while Part 2 covers neurological variables and offers evidence for right brain dominance during emotional speech events. Part 3 then focuses on psychological development including language acquisition, personality development, cognition and so forth, while Part 4 covers the wide variety of social and cultural forces that define curse words and restrict their usage. Finally, Part 5 concludes by examining the social and legal implications of cursing, treating misconceptions about cursing, and setting the agenda for future research. The work draws on new research by Dr. Jay and others and continues the research reported in his groundbreaking 1992 volume Cursing in America. A psycholinguistic study of dirty language in the courts, in the movies, in the schoolyards and on the streets .
Chapter 131 – Immunology

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses immune system in insects. In insects, both cellular and humoral immune responses figure prominently in host defense pathways, with many parasitic and pathogenic infections resulting in the deployment of both cellular and humoral defenses, which act synergistically. Insect hemocytes participate in phagocytosis, nodulation, and encapsulation processes. Humoral defenses include production of antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral molecules, the melanizing enzyme phenoloxidase and its toxic reactive precursors, agglutinins, serpins, immulectins, and many other humoral mediators of immune defense. Insect immunology is a rapidly maturing discipline, with exciting prospects for novel applications in control of vector-borne diseases and agricultural pests, biotechnology, and medicine. The outcome of the interactions between a parasite or pathogen and its host is determined by a combination of the susceptible vs. refractory status of the host and the virulant/avirulant characteristics of the infecting agent. By manipulation with biotechnology, insect immune responses to parasitoids, pathogens, or symbionts, the vectors of plant and animal diseases can be disarmed, thereby curbing disease transmission. Similarly, the economic impact of agricultural pests can be reduced by enhancing pest susceptibility to pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and fungi, as well as development of biotechnological approaches to manipulating the host range of beneficial parasitoids.
Effect of guanine nucleotides on the conformation and stability of chloroplast elongation factor Tu.

Abstract The effect of guanine nucleotides and kirromycin on the conformation and stability of the chloroplast elongation factor Tu (EF-Tuchl) from Euglena gracilis has been investigated. Free EF-Tuchl is quite thermolabile but the protein is greatly stabilized by guanine nucleotides. The temperature dependence of the thermal inactivation of EF-Tuchl was used to calculate the amount of stabilization energy conferred by the guanine nucleotides. GDP increases the activation energy for the denaturation process by 77 kcal/mol while GTP increases the activation energy by 51 kcal/mol. The difference in heat stability of free EF-Tuchl and the EF-Tuchl.GDP complex was used to determine a dissociation constant of 1.3 x 10(-7) M at 37 degrees C. The temperature dependence of the dissociation constant allowed the calculation of a delta H degree obsd of -55 kcal/mol and a delta S degree obsd of -146 cal/(mol degree) for GDP binding to EF-Tuchl.EF-Tuchl was found to have a trypsin-sensitive region similar to that observed for Escherichia coli EF-Tu. This loop region was protected by GTP and kirromycin but not by GDP.
Complement and Autoimmune Glomerular Diseases

The renal glomerulus is the specialized structure in the kidney responsible for generating over 150 liters of plasma ultrafiltrate per day in humans. Certain characteristics of this structure favor involvement in autoimmune diseases. Formation of immune complexes in the glomerulus, either deposited from the circulation or generated in situ, can activate the complement system. Active products of this system include the anaphylatoxins C3a and C5a, C3b, which covalently associates with immune complexes, and the C5b-9 membrane attack complex. If complement is activated in a site accessible to blood constituents, such as in the subendothelial and mesangial regions, generated C3a, C5a and C3b can interact with their respective receptors on inflammatory cells to lead to an exudative lesion. In addition, intrinsic glomerular cells bearing relevant receptors may also be activated and can proliferate to contribute to the inflammation. In a privileged site such as the subepithelial region, complement activation products are not accessible to blood cells, and as such, the resultant pathology is noninflammatory. In this setting, effects of C5b-9 predominate, which include activation and injury of cells through still incompletely characterized pathways. Various means to alter the complement pathway are now available, including antibody inhibitors and recombinant proteins based upon naturally occurring complement regulators. The use of these agents, as well as mice in which individual components of the complement system have been deleted, has given a great deal of insight into how the complement system is involved in glomerular disease. The ability to manipulate the complement pathway is now a reality in a clinical setting, yet conclusive human studies are difficult to achieve.
Abaris: evaluating automated capture applied to structured autism interventions

We present an example of an automated capture application which provides access to details of discrete trial training, a highly structured intervention therapy often used with developmentally disabled children. This domain presents an interesting case study for capture technology, because of the well-defined practices and the tradition of manual recording and review of materials. There is a strong motivation for therapists to review the rich record of therapy sessions that is made possible by recorded video, but acceptance hinges on minimal intrusion upon the human activities. To achieve that, we leverage several perception technologies that fit with the natural activities of the live experience and allow the creation of meaningful indices. We also critically explore the contribution various perception technologies have on the overall utility of the capture system.
Pediatric cervicofacial necrotizing fasciitis: a case report and review of a 10-year national pediatric database.

Objective To present a case of a pediatric cervicofacial necrotizing fasciitis (NF), a rapidly progressive infection, and a review of a 10-year pediatric inpatient database. Design Case report and review. Setting Pediatric intensive care unit. Patients A healthy 5-year-old male who developed NF of the lower lip 36 hours following minor trauma. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, code 728.86 (NF), was the inclusion criteria for the Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) in 1997 and 2006. Results A pediatric case is presented with a thorough photographic record demonstrating the need for rapid diagnosis and treatment. In a review of the KID from 1997 and 2006, the relative risk of being discharged with NF in 2006 vs 1997 was 1.4 (95% CI, 9.95-2.28). Age at diagnosis of NF was older in 2006 compared with 1997 (11.5 years vs 8.05 years; P Conclusions Even with the advent of new treatments and antibiotics, the incidence and death rates of NF have changed little over the past 10 years. While it is still a rare diagnosis, knowledge and awareness of necrotizing fasciitis with aggressive medical and surgical treatment are still the foundation in disease survival.
A model of social influence on body mass index

In this paper, we develop an agent-based model of social influence on body weight. The model's assumptions are grounded in theory and evidence from physiology, social psychology, and behavioral science, and its outcomes are tested against longitudinal data from American youth. We discuss the implementation of the model, the insights it generates, and its implications for public health policy. By explicating a well-grounded dynamic mechanism, our analysis helps clarify important dependencies for both efforts to leverage social influence for obesity intervention and efforts to interpret clustering of BMI in networks.
Storage stability of Clostridium botulinum toxin and spores in processed cheese

Growth initiated from detoxified spores of Clostridium botulinum 62A resulted in toxin production of 50 to 10,000 mouse lethal doses (MLD) per gram of processed soft surface-ripened cheese. Regular assays during subsequent storage of toxic samples at 2 to 4 C revealed a characteristic two- to fivefold increase in toxin titer during the initial 1 week to 12 months of storage. Thereafter, the toxin titer remained constant for 2 to 4 years, after which the toxicity declined rapidly. At the end of 6 years of storage at 2 to 4 C, the samples still contained 20 to 5,000 MLD of toxin per gram, with the usual toxin level at 200 to 500 MLD. Toxic culture filtrates of C. botulinum incorporated into cheese and stored at 30 C for 60 days showed no decline in toxin in processed type I cheese, but toxin decreased slightly in processed type II and type III cheese. The surface flora of these cheeses did not attack but, on the contrary, protected C. botulinum toxin during storage at 30 C. Initial difficulties in recovering C. botulinum organisms from type I cheese were traced to growth inhibitory activity which could be removed by washing with distilled water in a centrifuge. Viable spores or vegetative cells could be recovered from all samples after 4 to 5 years of storage at 2 to 4 C. After 6 years, organisms were recovered from all except three samples of type I cheese. Two other samples showed a large decrease in viable organisms. In type III cheese, spores remained remarkably stable for 6 years at the level of the initial inoculum, i.e., approximately 10(5) spores per gram.
Level of satiety: In vitro energy metabolism in brain during hypophagic and hyperphagic body weight recovery

Rates of in vitro glucose and fatty acid oxidation were examined in four brain sites during hypophagic and hyperphagic recovery of normal body weight. Rats were fed 40, 100, or 160% of normal intake, via gastric intubation, for 3 wk. Another group of rats was starved until body weight loss was equivalent to weight loss in 40%-fed rats. Groups of rats were killed at the conclusion of tube feeding or fasting and at specific periods during recovery of body weight. Brain sites examined were the ventrolateral hypothalamus (VLH), ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH), a caudal brain stem site encompassing the area postrema-nucleus of the solitary tract (AP-NTS), and cortex. During recovery, rats previously fed 160% of normal intake (anorectic) maintained low rates of VLH fatty acid oxidation and were hypophagic until most excess fat was depleted. Conversely, rats previously fed 40% of normal intake (hungry) maintained high rates of VLH fatty acid oxidation and were hyperphagic until most deficient fat was repleted. Rats previously starved maintained high rates of VLH fatty acid oxidation during hyperphagic recovery, although levels of VLH fatty acid oxidation and food intake were initially low on refeeding. Rates of glucose oxidation in the brain sites examined did not relate well to energy balance status and the needed adjustments in food intake. The results indicated that the level of glucose oxidation in the VLH and AP-NTS responded to the level of energy immediately coming into the system (food intake).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Bis (2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate nephrotoxicity: effect of sex and CoCl2 pretreatment.

Abstract Bis (2, 3-dibromopropyl) phosphate (BIS-BP) is one of two identified metabolites of Tris (2, 3-dibromopropyl) phosphate (TRIS-BP). We have previously shown that BIS-BP is more acutely nephrotoxic than TRIS-BP. We now report the effect of sex and inhibition of drug metabolism on BIS-BP toxicity. Compared to male rats, age-matched female rats developed less severe and extensive structural damage after BIS-BP. Renal dysfunction, as indexed by serum creatinine and in vitro renal cortical uptake of para-aminohippurate and N-( 14 C) methylnicotinamide was similar in males and females. Pretreatment of males with the drug metabolism inhibitor, cobaltous chloride, reduced both functional and structural evidence of BIS-BP toxicity. In separate studies, there was no difference in the distribution of radiolabel in male and female rats three days after administration of 14 C-TRIS-BP. These studies showing that female rats are resistant to acute BIS-BP structural damage may explain the previously reported lack of carcinogenicity of TRIS-BP in female rats. The reduction of BIS-BP toxicity by CoCl 2 suggests that unidentified, nephrotoxic metabolites exist and are responsible for part of the nephrotoxicity of BIS-BP.
Aortic Aneurysm Following Subclavian Flap Repair: Diagnosis by Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Aortic aneurysm following subclavian flap repair of coarctation of the aorta is thought to occur infrequently. We present a case in which aneurysm of the subclavian flap was found 10 years after the original surgery. The location and extent of the aneurysm was clearly defined using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This report adds further support to recent recommendations to make cardiac MRI a routine imaging study for all postoperative patients from coarctation of the aorta repair.
E-hancing the Master of Business Administration (MBA) Managerial Accounting Course

Professional education, including managerial accounting education, at independent colleges and universities faces two challenges: (a) meeting shifting demand with static or declining resources and (b) ensuring that graduates gain the technological knowledge and skills that they need to succeed in their future careers. For many schools, the decision to adopt distance learning in place of traditional classroom instruction has generated more problems than solutions; some distance learning programs have been described as sterile, lonely, and unfulfilling experiences. However, there are a number of alternative approaches that may enhance MBA programs without creating these drawbacks. In this article, the authors describe 1 alternative: using technology-enhanced learning modules that draw on the best of both distance and on-site learning.
The Detection of Collapsible Airways Contributing to Airflow Limitation

The detection of collapsible airways, which may be a component of asthma and emphysema, has important therapeutic implications. We describe a patient with significant airways collapse contributing to his airflow limitation and discuss how collapsible airways can be assessed by the volume difference between what exits the lung as determined by a spirometer and the volume compressed as measured by the plethysmograph. More simply, a large volume difference between the slow and forced vital capacity (SVC-FVC), easily obtained from spirometry, may be used as a surrogate index of airway collapse.
Indicators for serious kidney complications associated with toxic exposures: an analysis of the National Poison Data System

Context. Over two million poisoning exposures are reported to U.S. poison control centers annually. A broad population-based survey of toxic exposures and the correlated patterns of reported kidney injury (acute or chronic) have not been systematically characterized. Objective. Our objective was to study the demographic and exposure patterns associated with indicators for serious kidney complications (ISKC), as defi ned by the variables in the NPDS. Materials and methods. This was a retrospective, case-control study using the data elements available in the NPDS. We assessed data related to patient characteristics, substance exposure, and management. Cases and controls were derived from adult and pediatric exposures documented in NPDS (2001 – 2007) as having “ renal effects. ” For substance-specifi c analyses, cases were restricted to those involving single substances or single entity pharmaceutical preparations. ISKC cases presented with one or more of the following NPDS codes: increased creatinine, and/or oliguria/anuria, and/or renal failure. Controls were subjects with “ renal effects ” but did not have increased creatinine, nor anuria/oliguria, nor renal failure. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identifi ed factors associated with ISKC and determined the relationship between these factors. Results. From the approximate 16.8 million exposures reported to the NPDS within the study timeframe, there were 16,444 single substance exposures with renal effects of which 9,074 cases experienced ISKC (55.2%) compared to 7,370 controls without ISKC. Cases with ISKC tended to be males, adults, and reported to involve intentional exposures. Cases with ISKC had higher rates of reported hemodialysis/hemofi ltration (27.7%; N 2,517) and death (10.9%; N 990) compared to controls, respectively, (2.1%; N 155) and (0.8%; N 60), p 0.001. Substances considered a priori to be nephrotoxic were associated with a higher risk of ISKC. Discussion and conclusion. The NPDS provided insight into the subjects and types of exposures that associate with ISKC. Subjects with ISKC experienced higher rates of morbidity and mortality compared to subjects without ISKC. We identifi ed subject characteristics and classes of compounds associated with ISKC. We hope that the hypotheses generated from this study of the NPDS will raise awareness of the possible risk factors and complications associated with ISKC.
A Statistical Analysis in Solid Film Lubrication

A factorial experiment was designed for evaluating the performance of a ceramic bonded solid film lubricant consisting of PbS/B2 O3 in a 6:1 weight ratio. The effects of three factors, each at two levels were studied. These were bearing load, sliding speed, and rub block temperature. An analysis of variance of the test results was made. At 200 rpm, wear life increased with an increase in temperature between 700 and 1000 F for both load levels of 100 and 200 lb. At 600 rpm, however, wear life decreased with increasing temperature between 700 and 1000 F for both load levels. All results were obtained from runs made in air.
Prostacycin production by arterialized autogenous venous grafts in dogs

Abstract Arteries are capable of producing significantly larger quantities of protacyclin than are veins. To test the hypothesis, whether prostacyclin production by the vessel wall is related to blood pressure and flow, we measured the amounts of PGI 2 released and synthesized by venous segments transplanted for 6 weeks into the arterial circulation. These results were compared with the production of prostacyclin by normal veins and arteries. In 20 dogs a segment of jugular vein was interposed into the carotid system; a sham dissection was done on the opposite side. “Arterialized” vein grafts showed prominent intima lined by endothelium, medial smooth muscle cell proliferation and fibrotic proliferation in adventitia. Spontaneous and arachidonic acid- stimulated prostacyclin production (measured by radioimmunoassay for 6-keto-PGF 1α ) was not significantly different between arterialized venous autografts and jugular veins. Significantly larger amounts of prostacyclin were synthesized by the carotid artery. Thus, histologic changes and rheologic effects occurring in vein grafts transposed to the arterial site do not affect prostacyclin production.
Abstract 3931: Progesterone and estrogen affect the expression and secretion of heparin binding epidermal growth factor like growth factor (HB-EGF) in RL95-2 cells, an endometrial cancer cell line

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Endometrial cancer is one of the most common gynecological cancers. Heparin Binding Growth Factor-like Growth Factor exerts acute effects on cancer cells; in that it induces and promotes proliferation and hence the pathogenesis and progression of endometrial cancer. Steroid hormones directly or indirectly affect the expression of HB-EGF and may thus play a role in the malignant transformation of endometrial cells. The aim of this project is therefore to evaluate the effects of progesterone (P4) and estrogen (E2) treatments on the expression and secretion of HB-EGF in endometrial cancer cells. We hypothesized that P4 will reduce HB-EGF expression and secretion while E2 will increase its expression and secretion. To test our hypothesis, an endometrial cell line, RL95-2, was treated for four days asfollows: (1) 10−8M E2, (2)10−6M P4, (3) 10−8M E2 + 10−6M P4 (4) 10−8M E2 in two days followed by 10−6M P4 and (5) Control. Immunocytochemistry (ICC), ELISA and western blot analysis were performed to evaluate the secretion and expression of HB-EGF in RL95-2 cells. Western blot analysis and ICC showed a consistently enhanced expression of HB-EGF in cells treated with E2 and in cells treated with E2 followed by P4 relative to the control groups. Alternatively, cells treated with P4 showed a down-regulation of HB-EGF expression relative to the control group. ELISA analysis showed high secretion of HB-EGF in cells treated with E2 and cells treated with E2 followed by P4 relative to the control groups. The secretion of HB-EGF was lower in cells treated with P4 alone compared to the control. In sum, there is an acute effect of E2 and P4 on the expression and secretion of HB-EGF and thus consequently may affect endometrial cancer cell proliferation. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3931. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3931
The Meaning and Measurement of Explanatory Style

Explanatory style is a cognitive personality variable reflecting the way that people habitually explain the causes of bad events. Explanatory style spans three dimensions—internality versus externality, stability versus instability, and globality versus specificity. Although explanatory style has an impressive array of correlates, including depression, achievement, and physical well-being, questions have recently been raised concerning its meaning and measurement. This article identifies and discusses these questions, concluding that explanatory style is a useful construct that deserves further theoretical and empirical attention.
Neuromuscular junction physiology in myasthenia gravis: Isoforms of the acetylcholine receptor in extraocular muscle and the contribution of sodium channels to the safety factor

Article abstract-The mammalian neuromuscular junction is a chemical synapse that uses acetylcholine as transmitter. Acetylcholine (ACh) is stored in the nerve terminal and is released from small membrane-bound vesicles that fuse with the nerve terminal membrane after depolarization of the nerve terminal. Calcium entry via P/Q-type calcium channels is necessary for transmitter release. The postsynaptic membrane of the muscle fiber has several unique properties that facilitate neuromuscular transmission. The postsynaptic membrane area is greatly expanded by synaptic folds. Acetylcholine receptors (AChR) are concentrated at the peaks of synaptic folds and sodium channels are concentrated in the troughs of the synaptic folds. The safety factor for neuromuscular transmission results from a combination of factors: the amount of ACh released, the high concentration of AChR, and the high concentration of sodium channels. AChR are firmly anchored in the membrane by a complex of proteins. The autoimmune attack in myasthenia gravis (MG) directed at acetylcholine receptors results in loss of postsynaptic membrane, AChR, and sodium channels. This article describes the different types of neuromuscular junctions on extraocular muscle fibers and their possible relevance to the susceptibility of extraocular muscle to MG. NEUROLOGY 1997;48(Suppl 5): S8-S17
Immediate management of pelvic fractures

Abstract Most patients who sustain pelvic fractures survive. It can be difficult to identify patients at risk for death. Oncepatients at risk are identified, it is difficult to decide on a best course of treatment to prevent mortality. The best markers for death after pelvic fracture are hemodynamic shock; age greater than 55 to 60 years, and the presence of a grossly unstable fracture. Emergency treatments to decrease hemorrhage are limited to: provisional stabilization of the pelvic fracture using a sheet, pelvic binder, pelvic clamp, or external fixator, angiography embolization of bleeding vessels; and direct surgical approach with packing of the pelvis. Immediate application of a sheet or pelvic binder in higli-risk patients seems reasonable, since these maneuvers carry little risk. But, there are no studies to show that these methods decrease mortality. For hypotensive patients with stable fracture patterns, exploratory laparotomy before angiography may decrease mortality, since the source of bleeding in these patients is commonly intraabdominal. For patients with unstable fracture patterns, angiography and embolization before laparotomy may decrease mortality, since the source of hemorrhage for these patients is often pelvic vascular injury. However, the best sequence of treatments is unknown because of the lack of controlled studies in this clinical area.
Murine Β-Defensin-3 Is an Inducible Peptide with Limited Tissue Expression and Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Activity

ABSTRACTβ-Defensins are cationic peptides produced by epithelial cells that have been proposed to be an important component of immune function at mucosal surfaces. Similarities between mammalian β-defensins may permit the use of murine models to further define the role of these peptides in innate ho