cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ruxolitinib: a steroid sparing agent in chronic graft-versus-host disease

Inhibition of the Janus-associated kinases (JAK) with ruxolitinib (RUX) reduces graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in preclinical and clinical models. In total 19 allograft recipients with moderate/severe steroid-dependent chronic GVHD received RUX as ≥2nd line salvage. RUX was well tolerated, and led to complete/partial resolution of oral (92/7%), cutaneous (82/0%), hepatic (71/28%), gastro-intestinal (75/17%), musculoskeletal (33/67%), pulmonary (0/80%), scleroderma (0/75%), vaginal (0/75%), and ocular (0/100%) chronic GVHD. Overall 18 achieved partial response and 1 complete response according to NIH Consensus Criteria. Responses occurred early and were sustained which enabled discontinuation (68%) or reduction of steroids to physiologic doses (21%). We conclude that RUX is an effective steroid-sparing agent in chronic GVHD.
Patient Care in IR

Interventional radiology (IR) is appealing to many caregivers because of the technical challenge, creative problem-solving opportunities, and the immediate gratification associated with a wide array of minimally invasive procedures. In addition to possessing excellent technical skills, interventional radiologists must also be able to provide comprehensive periprocedural care.
Management of Fluid and Electrolyte Abnormalities in Children

Unlike adult kidney function which maintains steady state by protecting against changing volume and composition of the extracellular fluid, the neonatal and younger infant kidney maintains a positive balance of many solutes to promote growth. Fluid spaces differ with age, and growth and organ maturation allow homeostasis despite apparent limitations of renal function.
Inclusive, Interactive Classroom as Student-Learning Facilitator

Using principles underlying the social constructivist approach, we redesigned an undergraduate course on social problems, seeking to employ three learning activities (online assignments and small-group and class discussions) to facilitate knowledge construction by students and promote their intellectual capabilities and critical-thinking skills. We collected qualitative and quantitative data from students enrolled in the redesigned, hybrid course (it comprised class meetings on campus plus online work), two sections of which were taught. Students in both sections completed two feedback evaluation surveys about satisfaction and learning; this survey data comprised narrative comments completed across the fall and spring semesters of 2010–2011. We examined the data, seeking social processes linking the three learning activities to student satisfaction and to student learning. Results showed a link between student satisfaction and student learning generated from, notably, in-class small-group and class discussions. Some implications for pedagogy are outlined.
Status of Research on Insertion and Deletion Variations in the Human Population

Insertion and deletion (indel) variants comprise a major proportion of human genetic variation. However, little is known about their effect on humans. The void of understanding is largely due to the lack of both biological data and computational resources. Thanks to the progress made by many large-scale genomic projects, a substantial amount of data is now available, enabling the prediction of functional elements in the genome. In this work, we review the impact of indel variants on human biology, evolution, and health, and examine the currently available computational resources for predicting the functional effects of indels and their limitations. We then present a newly developed program for indel effect prediction using a hidden Markov model-based framework and discuss future work for better understanding the effects of indel variants on human biology and health.
Application of Self-Organizing Neural Networks for Mobile Robot Environment Learning

The application of the Kohonen self-organizing topology preserving neural network for learning and developing a minimal representation for the open environment for mobile robot navigation is presented in this paper. The input to the algorithm is the coordinates of randomly selected points in the open environment. No specific knowledge of the size, number, and shape of the obstacles is needed by the network. The parameter selection for the network is discussed and two illustrative examples are presented.
Cytostatic and apoptotic effects of paclitaxel in human ovarian tumors.

PURPOSE The present study evaluated the cytostatic and apoptotic effects of a 24-hr paclitaxel treatment in ovarian tumors. METHODS Three-dimensional histocultures of surgical specimens from patients (n = 17) were used. The cytostatic effect was measured by inhibition of 96-hr cumulative DNA precursor incorporation and induction of apoptosis was determined by morphological changes. RESULTS Paclitaxel produced partial inhibition of DNA precursor incorporation in about 40% of tumors (maximum inhibition of approximately 30%) and induced apoptosis in about 90% of tumors (maximum apoptotic index of approximately 15%). In responsive tumors, maximum cytostatic and apoptotic effects were achieved at < or = 1 microM with no further enhancement by increasing the drug concentration to 10 microM. In individual tumors, the apoptotic effect inversely correlated with cytostatic effect (r2 = 0.27, p = 0.031), and the maximal apoptotic index correlated with the LI for the untreated controls (r2 = 0.38, p < 0.01). More than 95% of apoptotic cells after paclitaxel treatment were labeled with DNA precursor. The incomplete cytostatic and apoptotic effects of paclitaxel and the link between DNA synthesis and apoptosis in ovarian tumors are similar to our previous findings in other human solid tumors. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that (a) apoptosis is the major paclitaxel effect in advanced ovarian tumors, (b) tumor sensitivity to drug-induced cytostatic effect is opposite to sensitivity to apoptotic effect, (c) paclitaxel-induced apoptosis increases with increased cell proliferation and is completed after DNA synthesis, and (d) further increasing the dose to elevate plasma concentration beyond 1 microM may not improve treatment outcome.
Helping Mutual Help: Managing the Risks of Professional Partnerships

This chapter addresses the recent trend for mutual-help organizations to form collaborative partnerships with professionally run organizations. The focus of the discussion is a multi-method case study of a partnership between Schizophrenics Anonymous (SA) and the Mental Health Association of Michigan (MHAM) over a 14-year period. This study explores how the evolution of a formal partnership between SA and MHAM influenced the organizational expansion and development of SA. The partnership resulted in increased access to SA groups throughout Michigan. It also resulted in changes in how new SA groups were started, with more new groups in traditional mental health service settings and more groups led by professionals. New groups established with professional leaders had significantly lower survival rates than new groups established with consumer leaders. Qualitative analyses of interviews with SA’s consumer leaders suggested that, while SA became a more stable organization, there was an accompanying loss of consumer leadership opportunities, ownership, and control over organizational functions. These results are discussed with regard to the lessons learned for managing mutual-help/professional partnerships. We draw on organizational theories and risk management principles to discuss strategies by which mutual-help organizations can benefit from partnerships with other types of organizations, while minimizing unintended changes to their basic beliefs, processes, and structures.
A Logical Model of Machine Learning a Study of Vague Predicates

In this paper we apply a logical framework to the problem of recognizing vague predicates. We formulate a rule of abduction and apply it in identifying objects; we formally account for the context sensitivity of recognition observed by W. Labov. We show how multiple theories of “cup” can be combined in a new theory of that concept. Finally, we conjecture that operationality in explanation based learning is related to the cost of abduction.
Framework for Calculating Return on Security Investment (ROSI) for Security-Oriented Organizations

Abstract Today’s business environment is extremely dynamic and reliant on innovative Information Technology (IT). Such dependence upon technology leads to an increased rate of successful cyber-attacks whose impact is greater than ever. Due to the exponential increase in security breaches, companies should secure their IT systems by adopting appropriate risk management framework. Organizations have to make justified investments in cyber security. However, it is quite challenging to convince higher management to invest in security measures, since such investments cannot be exactly translated into profits. The Return on Security Investment (ROSI) holds great importance to justify such security investments. A large number of ROSI solutions have already been proposed. However, these solutions do not provide any approach to analyze the impact of single security investment upon whole infrastructure. Furthermore, uncertainty of security incident emerges as another important challenge. The existing ROSI frameworks work on approximations, which can be influenced by employees’ exposure and experience, resulting in wrong estimation. The objective of this research is to propose a comprehensive framework to measure ROSI effectively by overcoming gaps in the traditional approaches. The framework has been validated with the help of Common Vulnerability Security System (CVSS) attack dataset. The results show that the annual loss in the absence of security mechanisms is very high i.e. 585,553. However, by following the proposed systematic approach to determine ROSI, it can be reduced to 146,388 which is comparatively low. As a result, organization can save its resources, time, money, trust, and reputation in the market.
Enhancing a Wnt-Telomere Feedback Loop Restores Intestinal Stem Cell Function in Dyskeratosis Congenita

Abstract Patients with dyskeratosis congenita (DC) suffer from stem cell failure in numerous organs, including the skin, intestine, blood, lung, and liver, due to hypomorphic loss-of-function mutations in proteins that promote telomere elongation or capping. Few therapeutic options exist for this disorder, and while patients are treated with bone marrow transplantation to restore hematopoietic function, this does not address the multi-organ failure, and in some cases can exacerbate it. We generated isogenic DC patient and disease allele-corrected induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell lines using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9-mediated gene correction to model the stem cell failure characteristic of DC in multiple organ systems through the directed differentiation. We focused first on the intestinal epithelium, as GI manifestations of DC (enteropathy/enterocolitis ) are often the first and most severe symptoms in pediatric patients. We demonstrate that DC tissue has suboptimal Wnt pathway activity causing intestinal stem cell failure and that enhanced expression of the telomere-capping protein TRF2, a Wnt target gene, can alleviate DC phenotypes. Treatment with the clinically relevant Wnt agonists LiCl or CHIR99021 restored TRF2 expression and reversed gastrointestinal DC phenotypes, including organoid formation in vitro, and maturation of intestinal tissue and xenografted organoids in vivo. These findings establish the existence of a feed-forward loop between telomerase/telomere capping and the canonical Wnt pathway which is broken in DC, but can be restored by promoting capping and/or Wnt pathway agonists. Moving forward, we have begun to extend these investigations into the lung and liver, where fibrosis and organ failure are major clinical concerns in DC. Thus, the isogenic DC iPS cell model provides a framework for therapeutic discovery and identifies Wnt modulation as a potential strategy for treatment of DC patients. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Comparison of aerosol measurement systems during the 2016 airborne ARISTO campaign

Several different types of measurements of particle size and concentration were compared during the 2016 Airborne Research Instrumentation Testing Opportunity (ARISTO) campaign. The scanning mobili...
The Rey Dot Counting Test as a Tool for Detecting Suboptimal Performance in Athlete Baseline Testing.

Objective The limitations of Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT)‘s embedded validity measures (EVMs) are well-documented, as estimates suggest up to 35% of invalid baseline performances go undetected (Gaudet & Weyandt, 2017). Few studies have examined standalone performance validity tests (PVT) as a supplement to ImPACT’s EVMs (Gaudet & Weyandt, 2017). Method College athletes (n = 1,213) were administered a preseason baseline assessment that included ImPACT and the Rey Dot Counting Test (DCT), a standalone PVT, among other measures. Results Sixty-nine athletes (5.69%) met criteria for suboptimal effort on either ImPACT or the DCT. The DCT detected more cases of suboptimal effort (n = 50) than ImPACT (n = 21). A χ2 test of independence detected significant disagreement between the two measures, as only 2 individuals produced suboptimal effort on both (χ2(2) = 1.568, p = .210). Despite this disagreement, there were significant differences between the suboptimal effort DCT group and the adequate effort DCT group across all four ImPACT neurocognitive domains (U = 19225.000, p < .001; U = 17859.000, p < .001; U = 13854.000, p < .001; U = 17850.500, p < .001). Conclusions The DCT appears to detect suboptimal effort otherwise undetected by ImPACT’s EVMs.
The effects of cognitive behavioral therapy on recidivism among parolees in Central America: evidence from a Honduran experiment

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown promise as a tool for rehabilitating offenders in the USA and other developed nations. However, little is known about the effectiveness of CBT outside the developed world. In Central America, a region wracked by rampant violence and disorder, CBT has the potential to change the behavior of persistent offenders and improve public safety. The present study examines the results of a CBT among supervised offenders in Honduras. Randomized control trial, where one hundred parolees were randomly assigned to either a treatment (n = 50) or control conditions (n = 50) group and tracked for 14 months. Subjects who participated in the CBT program were 69% less likely to reoffend at any compared with those assigned to the control group. Despite social, economic obstacles, CBT proved to be effective in reducing recidivism among parolees in Honduras—a testament to its robustness and wide applicability.
Metasurface-Based External Cavity Diode Laser

We experimentally demonstrate a tunable external cavity laser based on a metasurface. The metasurface focuses light back on the facet of a diode laser, and the emission wavelength can be tuned by moving the metasurface.
The Men’s Plus Size Apparel Market: Bigger, but Not Better

Plus size men constitute approximately 70% of the U.S. population. As of 2018, the male plus size market had grown to over $1 billion in revenue (IBIS World, 2019). However, the apparel needs of plus size men have not been fully addressed (Rebolini, 2017; Schlossberg, 2015). The rapidly evolving social movement known as the Body Positive Movement (BPM) has been gaining popularity as its advocates campaign to include all types of bodies in advertising and media, treating all bodies as worthy of representation in mass media and fashion (Dastagir, 2017; “The body positive,” 2019). Research is needed to understand the shopping experiences of plus size men with plus size clothing, specifically the fit and selection of men’s plus size clothing, in the context of the BPM and its campaign to include more diverse female body types and apparel size options for women.
Using multivariate endophenotypes to identify psychophysiological mechanisms associated with polygenic scores for substance use, schizophrenia, and education attainment.

BACKGROUND To better characterize brain-based mechanisms of polygenic liability for psychopathology and psychological traits, we extended our previous report (Liu et al. Psychophysiological endophenotypes to characterize mechanisms of known schizophrenia genetic loci. Psychological Medicine, 2017), focused solely on schizophrenia, to test the association between multivariate psychophysiological candidate endophenotypes (including novel measures of θ/δ oscillatory activity) and a range of polygenic scores (PGSs), namely alcohol/cannabis/nicotine use, an updated schizophrenia PGS (containing 52 more genome-wide significant loci than the PGS used in our previous report) and educational attainment. METHOD A large community-based twin/family sample (N = 4893) was genome-wide genotyped and imputed. PGSs were constructed for alcohol use, regular smoking initiation, lifetime cannabis use, schizophrenia, and educational attainment. Eleven endophenotypes were assessed: visual oddball task event-related electroencephalogram (EEG) measures (target-related parietal P3 amplitude, frontal θ, and parietal δ energy/inter-trial phase clustering), band-limited resting-state EEG power, antisaccade error rate. Principal component analysis exploited covariation among endophenotypes to extract a smaller number of meaningful dimensions/components for statistical analysis. RESULTS Endophenotypes were heritable. PGSs showed expected intercorrelations (e.g. schizophrenia PGS correlated positively with alcohol/nicotine/cannabis PGSs). Schizophrenia PGS was negatively associated with an event-related P3/δ component [β = -0.032, nonparametric bootstrap 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.059 to -0.003]. A prefrontal control component (event-related θ/antisaccade errors) was negatively associated with alcohol (β = -0.034, 95% CI -0.063 to -0.006) and regular smoking PGSs (β = -0.032, 95% CI -0.061 to -0.005) and positively associated with educational attainment PGS (β = 0.031, 95% CI 0.003-0.058). CONCLUSIONS Evidence suggests that multivariate endophenotypes of decision-making (P3/δ) and cognitive/attentional control (θ/antisaccade error) relate to alcohol/nicotine, schizophrenia, and educational attainment PGSs and represent promising targets for future research.
Systematic review on effects of bioenergy from edible versus inedible feedstocks on food security

Achieving food security is a critical challenge of the Anthropocene that may conflict with environmental and societal goals such as increased energy access. The “fuel versus food” debate coupled with climate mitigation efforts has given rise to next-generation biofuels. Findings of this systematic review indicate just over half of the studies (56% of 224 publications) reported a negative impact of bioenergy production on food security. However, no relationship was found between bioenergy feedstocks that are edible versus inedible and food security (P value = 0.15). A strong relationship was found between bioenergy and type of food security parameter (P value < 0.001), sociodemographic index of study location (P value = 0.001), spatial scale (P value < 0.001), and temporal scale (P value = 0.017). Programs and policies focused on bioenergy and climate mitigation should monitor multiple food security parameters at various scales over the long term toward achieving diverse sustainability goals.
EPR Methods in Heterogeneous Catalysis

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy has been used in heterogeneous catalysis to explore the nature of the active sites and the identification of intermediates, both on the surface and in the gas phase. Although the number of systems which have been studied are limited because of constraints inherent in the technique, the sensitivity and in many cases the definite identification of paramagnetic species make EPR one of the more valuable types of spectroscopy available to the catalytic chemist. In this review the application of EPR spectroscopy to eleven types of catalytic reactions is described. Evidence is given for the role of paramagnetic oxygen ions, mainly O−, in such diverse reactions as H2 — D2 exchange, the oxidation of carbon monoxide and the partial oxidation of methane to methanol and formaldehyde. Electron transfer reactions give rise to anion radicals which have been used to study active sites in butene isomerization reactions. Similarly, the EPR spectrum of adsorbed nitric oxide has been employed as a probe molecule to determine the role of exposed aluminum in catalytic cracking reactions and in butene isomerization. The active oxidation state of chromium for ethylene polymerization and the redox behavior of copper in nitric oxide reduction has been followed by EPR. This technique has also been used to study gas phase allyl radicals which were formed at the surface of bismuth oxide.
Fine Material in Rock Fractures: Aeolian Dust or Weathering?

Fine material in rock crevices from the deserts of southwestern North America and Hawaii, studied by light and electron microscopy, derive from both in situ weathering of the adjacent rock and the accumulation of aeolian dust. In some cases, such as quartz found in Hawaiian rock crevices, we see evidence for an aeolian origin. In other cases, the texture and chemistry of the fine material indicates a weathering origin. Fines in rock fractures are analogous to soils, and a general model for development of “fissuresols” is presented. Where rocks are friable and weathering is rapid, a residual fissuresol develops. Where dust storms are common and rocks are resistant to weathering, a cumulic fissuresol forms. A continuum likely exists between these two extremes in space today, from drier to wetter climates. Fissuresols can be tens of thousands of years old and experience drastically different climates. Therefore, the relative importance of weathering and aeolian input can shift over time.
Tissue Engineered Tendon

Publisher Summary Tendon is a specialized dense connective tissue that links muscle to bone and allows for the transmission of muscle contraction forces to the bone for skeletal locomotion; for example, the Achilles tendon, one of the largest tendons in the body, links the triceps surae muscle, the grouping of the gastrocnemius, the soleus, and the plantaris muscles to the calcaneous bone. There is a compelling need for engineered tendon. This is because any defect large enough to preclude a direct suture repair of apposed tendon ends results in a reparative tissue with inadequate mechanical properties. Promising results have been obtained in preliminary studies of tenocyte and mesenchymal stem cell–seeded matrices. Moreover, there appear to be animal models in which the use of implants to facilitate tendon regeneration can be critically evaluated. Several strategies for engineering tendon based on promising findings in vitro and in animal models are currently being pursued. The fact that no treatment modality in human subjects or animal models has yet yielded a reparative tissue with the histological characteristics specific to tendon indicates the magnitude of the challenge to be met.
Prediction of Long-Term Strength of Thermoplastic Composites Using Time-Temperature Superposition

Accelerated tests for composite failure were investigated. Constant ramp transverse strength tests on thermoplastic composite specimens were conducted at four temperatures from 300 F to 450 F and five duration times from 0.5 sec to 24 hrs. Up to 400 F, the time-temperature-superposition method produces a master curve allowing strength at longer times to be estimated from strength tests conducted over shorter times but at higher temperatures. The shift factors derived from compliance tests applied well to the strength data. To explain why strength behaved similar to compliance, a viscoelastic fracture model was investigated based on the hypothesis that the work of fracture for crack initiation at some critical flaw remains constant with time and temperature. The model, which used compliance as input, was found to fit the strength data only if the critical fracture energy was allowed to vary with stress rate. Fracture tests using double cantilever beam specimens were conducted from 300 F to 450 F over time scales similar to the strength study. The toughness data showed a significant change with loading rate, less variation with temperature, did not form a master curve, and could not be correlated with the fracture model. Since the fracture model did not fit the fracture data, an alternative explanation based on the dilatational strain energy density was proposed. However the usefulness of this model is severely limited because it relies on a critical parameter which varies with loading rate.
Parameter Identification using Nonlinear Observer Theory

This paper presents preliminary results from an investigation into identification of parameters appearing nonlinearly in system dynamics. After presentation of background material on identifiability of such systems, an identifier based on the Extended Luenberger Observer is constructed for a class of nonlinear systems. Conditions sufficient for global convergence of its parameter estimates are discussed.
A high resolution structure of an inhibitor complex of the extracellular nuclease of Staphylococcus aureus. I. Experimental procedures and chain tracing.

Two isomorphously substituted derivatives of the nuclease-Ca2+-thymidine 3',5'-diphosphate complex have been prepared and used in an x-ray crystallographic study of the molecular structure. In one case, 5-iododeoxyuridine 3',5'-diphosphate was used in place of thymidine 3',5'-diphosphate (a net replacement of CH3 by I), and, in the other, Ba2+ was used in place of Ca2+. Intensities of all reflections and their Friedel pairs within the 4 A sphere were measured on this inhibitor complex and its two substituted derivatives; in addition, approximately 35% of the data between 4 A and 2 A were collected, selection being made on the basis of the peak to background ratios. These data have been used to produce an electron density map of sufficient quality to allow a complete tracing of the peptide chain except for a few residues at each terminus which presumably project into solution and are too disordered to be distinguishable from solvent. Approximately 30 residues are involved in three separated sections of helix, and about 24 residues form a three-stranded section of antiparallel β-pleated sheet. Residues 44 to 53 form a loop which is loose, highly exposed to solvent, and somewhat disordered. Residues Lys-48 and Lys-49, which are selectively vulnerable to trypsin-catalyzed hydrolysis, lie at the extremum of this loop. The most significant feature of the nuclease structure is a large pocket which serves as the inhibitor binding site. With the electron density maps now available, the lining of this pocket is revealed to be predominantly neutral or hydrophobic with the exception of several residues which specifically participate in binding the calcium ion and the nucleoside diphosphate. Of the latter, the most conspicuous are Lys-84 and Tyr-85 which form hydrogen bonds to the 3'-phosphate, the guanidinium moieties of Arg-35 and Arg-87 which form hydrogen bonds to the 5'-phosphate, and the carboxylate ions of Glu-43, Asp-21, and Asp-40 which serve as ligands to the calcium ion. Although the calcium ion is directly below the 5'-phosphate, it is not close enough for direct interaction with it. It appears that the barium ion occupies a position significantly different from that of the calcium ion.
Mutation of Glu-80–>Lys results in a protein C mutant that no longer requires Ca2+ for rapid activation by the thrombin-thrombomodulin complex.

Binding Ca2+ to a high affinity site in protein C and Gla-domainless protein C (protein C lacking residues 1-44) results in a conformational change that is required for activation by the thrombin-thrombomodulin complex, the natural activator of protein C. Protein C modeling studies suggested the single high affinity Ca2+ binding-site might be present in a loop in the protease domain and involve Glu-70 and -80 (chymotrypsin numbering system). This loop, which is a known Ca(2+)-binding site in trypsin, is also conserved in other coagulation proteases, including factors VII, IX,and X. In thrombin, which does not bind Ca2+, Glu-70 is replaced by Lys, creating an internal salt bridge with Glu-80. We constructed and expressed a Gla-domainless protein C mutant in which Glu-80 is replaced with Lys. The activation of the resultant mutant is accelerated by thrombomodulin in a Ca(2+)-independent fashion. Unlike wild type Gla-domainless protein C, Ca2+ no longer inhibits activation of the mutant by free thrombin, and Ca2+ stimulation of chromogenic activity is also absent. The characteristic Ca(2+)-dependent quenching of Gla-domainless protein C intrinsic fluorescence is also absent in the mutant. We conclude that the high affinity Ca(2+)-binding site in protein C critical for zymogen activation involves Glu-80. The Glu-80 to Lys mutation probably results in a salt bridge with Glu-70 that stabilizes protein C zymogen in a conformation similar, if not identical, to the Ca(2+)-stabilized conformation favorable for rapid activation by the thrombin-thrombomodulin complex.
Measuring the Economic Rate of Return on Assets

This paper (1) describes a procedure for correctingthe deficiencies associated with the accounting rateof return, and for capitalizing the intangible assetscreated by the firm's R & D expenditures; and (2)demonstrates the superiority of the derived measure ofrate of return in a fixed effects model testing therelative influence of firm and industry effects onreturns. Both of these influences are shown to bemuch stronger than in previous empirical work.
Isolation of polymorphic microsatellite loci in Crossosoma californicum (Crossosomataceae)

Crossosoma californicum (Crossosomataceae) is a rare shrub species endemic to the California Channel Islands. Previous studies based on allozymes revealed little genetic variability in this plant species. We have isolated 13 polymorphic microsatellite loci from C. californicum. These loci show intermediate levels of variability, averaging 4.2 alleles per locus and expected heterozygosity of 0.376. Two loci did not fit Hardy–Weinberg expectations with significant deficits of heterozygous genotypes consistent with the presence of null alleles or population subdivision.
Effects of vasoactive polypeptides on the uterine vasculature

Abstract Estrogen-induced increases in uterine blood flow appear to require de novo protein or polypeptide synthesis. In the present experiments a chronically catheterized nonpregnant sheep preparation was used to determine the uterine vascular effects of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), neurotensin, and substance P. These effects were compared to those of bradykinin and the most potent vasodilator prostaglandin, prostacyclin. An intra-arterial catheter was placed in a branch of the main uterine artery to allow administration of the compounds directly into the uterine vasculature. Uterine blood flow was continuously monitored via an electromagnetic flow transducer on the main uterine arteries. VIP, bradykinin, and prostacyclin were equally potent as vasodilators of the uterine vasculature, while neurotensin and substance P were totally devoid of vasoactivity. Unlike estradiol, bradykinin and VIP produced significant changes in systemic arterial pressure and heart rate, suggesting that these compounds may not be responsible for mediating the uterine vascular response observed after estrogen. However, VIP was a potent uterine vasodilator and was able to totally ablate uterine contractile activity, suggesting that this endogenously occurring polypeptide may be important in regulating uterine hemodynamics and contractile activity.
The Country They Lost

In 1950, when the postwar movement toward African decoloniza tion was accelerating, Martinican poet Aim? C?saire published his seminal essay, "Discourse on Colonialism," a polemic that launched a rich and long-lasting discussion about the impact of colonialism on the minds of the colonizer and the colonized. One of C?saire's central arguments is that in order to justify itself as the world's "civilizers," Europe invented a way of thinking about indigenous peoples as "barbaric" and "inferior," a mindset that is dehuman izing, not only to the colonized, but also to the colonizer. In more recent years, Kenyan writer Binyavanga Wainaina has expressed similar exasperation toward the prevailing generalizations about Africa and Africans found in literature. In his satirical essay, "How to Write About Africa," published in a 2005 issue of Granta, he writes: "Never have a picture of a well-adjusted African on the cover of your book, or in it_Your African characters may include naked warriors, loyal servants ? Or corrupt politicians." The implied cul prits of Wainaina's poignant critique are Western (white) writers, specifically, their common failure to be precise when imagining the fifty-four countries of this vast continent and its 900 million diverse people. Recent memoirs set in "Africa" show how some white writ ers reinforce the paradigm C?saire and Wainaina describe while oth ers make significant strides in overcoming it. Taken collectively, they reveal the complexities of trying to effect a shift in consciousness. From Olive Schreiner's nostalgic The Story of an African Farm (1883) to Sarah Gertrude Millin's overtly racist God's Stepchildren (1927), colonial memoirs of Southern Africa have tended to focus on pas toral themes and portray Africans as primitive, docile, or menacing. Unlike their colonial predecessors, more recent memoirs often depict the guns-and-beer culture of whites behaving badly. Still, more often than not, African characters come across as generic and
The identification and modification of situational fears associated with outdoor recreation.

This study identified what types of situational fears were held by participants in Outward Bound. Levels of fear for each situation were measured for three time periods, baseline, immediately after...
Cognitive aspects of schizophrenia

Cognitive impairments are a central feature of schizophrenia and are present in most, if not all, cases. There are multiple domains of impairment seen and the level of severity of impairment is considerable. Impairments can be detected prior to the onset of clinical symptoms and the course of impairments involves some subtle early worsening followed by stability in most cases. Cognitive impairments are associated with functional disability, particularly in domains of vocational functioning and independence of residence. Both pharmacological and cognitive remediation interventions have been employed for the treatment of these impairments, with greater progress to date being made in cognitive remediation interventions. While much is known about cognitive impairments, treatment efforts are still in an early stage of development. WIREs Cogn Sci 2013, 4:599-608. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1253 CONFLICT OF INTEREST: Dr. Harvey has received consulting fees from Abbott Labs, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Genentech, Johnson and Johnson, Pharma Neuroboost, Roche Parma, Sunovion Pharma, and Takeda Pharma during the past year. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
National Malaria Strategy: Paradigm Shift from Control to Elimination in Bangladesh

Abstract not available Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 6, No. 1: January 2015, Pages 4
A Description of the Uses of Content Analyses and Interviews in Educational/Psychological Research

Psychologie hat im allgemeinen, ebenso wie die Padagogische Psychologie im besonderen, ihre Methoden von den positivistischen Wissenschaften ubernommen - zumeist wird ein experimentelles Forschungsdesign und werden statistische Signifikanztests praferiert. Gleichwohl nutzt eine wachsende Zahl an Psycholog(inn)en qualitative Forschungsverfahren. Hierzu gehoren in der Padagogischen Psychologie Ethnographien von Schulklassen, in der Kognitiven Psychologie Inhaltsanalysen der verbalen oder geschriebenen Reaktionen zu Problemlosungsaufgaben usw. Robert Faux zeigt in seinem Beitrag, wie Interviews mit Studierenden und Inhaltsanalysen im Rahmen einer eigenen, padagogisch-psychologischen Studie zur Entwicklung von Unterrichtshilfen angewendet wurden. URN: urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs0001265
Comparison of mental‐status scales for predicting mortality on the general wards

BACKGROUND Altered mental status is a significant predictor of mortality in inpatients. Several scales exist to characterize mental status, including the AVPU (Alert, responds to Voice, responds to Pain, Unresponsive) scale, which is used in many early-warning scores in the general-ward setting. The use of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS) is not well established in this population. OBJECTIVE To compare the accuracies of AVPU, GCS, and RASS for predicting inpatient mortality. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Single, urban, academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS Adult inpatients on the general wards. MEASUREMENTS Nurses recorded GCS and RASS on consecutive adult hospitalizations. AVPU was extracted from the eye subscale of the GCS. We compared the accuracies of each scale for predicting in-hospital mortality within 24 hours of a mental-status observation using area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC). RESULTS There were 295,974 paired observations of GCS and RASS obtained from 26,873 admissions; 417 (1.6%) resulted in in-hospital death. GCS and RASS more accurately predicted mortality than AVPU (AUC 0.80 and 0.82, respectively, vs 0.73; P < 0.001 for both comparisons). Simultaneous use of GCS and RASS produced an AUC of 0.85 (95% confidence interval: 0.82-0.87, P < 0.001 when compared to all 3 scales). CONCLUSIONS In ward patients, both GCS and RASS were significantly more accurate predictors of mortality than AVPU. In addition, combining GCS and RASS was more accurate than any scale alone. Routine tracking of GCS and/or RASS on general wards may improve the accuracy of detecting clinical deterioration. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2015;10:658–663. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
An Isoform of the Coactivator AIB1 That Increases Hormone and Growth Factor Sensitivity Is Overexpressed in Breast Cancer

The AIB1 (amplified in breast cancer 1) protein is a coactivator that potentiates the transcriptional activity of nuclear hormone receptors, and its gene is amplified in a subset of human breast cancers. Here we report a splice variant of AIB1 mRNA that lacks the exon 3 sequence. We determined that the AIB-Delta3 mRNA encoded a 130-kDa protein that lacks the NH(2)-terminal basic helix-loop-helix and a portion of the PAS (Per-Arnt-Sim homology) dimerization domain. The 130-kDa protein was detected in MCF-7 breast cancer cells at levels that were 5-10% of the full-length protein, whereas in non-transformed mammary epithelium lines, the AIB-Delta3 protein was present at significantly lower levels compared with the full-length AIB1. Consistent with this finding, the abundance of AIB1-Delta3 mRNA was increased in human breast cancer specimens relative to that in normal breast tissue. To determine whether there were phenotypic changes associated with the overexpression of the AIB-Delta3 isoform, we performed functional reporter gene assays. These revealed that the ability of AIB1-Delta3 to promote transcription mediated by the estrogen or progesterone receptors was significantly greater than that of the full-length protein. Surprisingly, the AIB1-Delta3 isoform was also more effective than AIB1 in promoting transcription induced by epidermal growth factor. Overexpression of AIB1-Delta3 may thus play an important role in sensitizing breast tumor cells to hormone or growth factor stimulation.
THE EVOLUTION OF REPRODUCTIVE EFFORT IN SQUAMATE REPTILES: COSTS, TRADE-OFFS, AND ASSUMPTIONS RECONSIDERED

We evaluated Shine and Schwarzkopf's (SS) model of the evolution of reproductive effort (RE) in squamate reptiles. They suggested that fecundity trade-offs were unimportant in the evolution of RE in most squamate reptiles and that only survival trade-offs needed to be considered. However, we show that by assuming no variation in offspring size exists, and that adult mortality is episodic, the results of the SS model are not general. By extension, we argue that conclusions drawn about factors important in the evolution of RE in squamate reptiles are premature. Using a modified version of the SS model, we demonstrate that variation in the form of trade-offs relating offspring size and survival substantially affect relationships among clutch size, relative clutch mass, and lifetime reproductive success. We also demonstrate that the way in which adult mortality is simulated drastically affects conclusions about the potential fecundity trade-offs experienced by populations of squamate reptiles. Finally, we suggest that a complete understanding of the evolution of RE will come from theory that incorporates trade-offs between offspring size and quality, as well as other system-specific constraints on the allocation of energy to growth, maintenance, storage, and reproduction.
Analysis of pulsating torque in squirrel cage induction machines by investigating stator slot and rotor bar dimensions for traction applications

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the pulsating torque in squirrel cage induction machines by studying the stator slot and rotor bar dimensions. To mitigate the pulsating torque produced by the non-sinusoidal spatial distribution of magnetomotive force (MMF) and permeance in the air-gap, design options are evaluated at various stator and rotor slot dimensions and operating conditions. Analytical and finite element analyses are conducted to evaluate the influences of changing slot dimensions to the output average and ripple torque. Design trade-offs are also discussed in the end.
Inhibition of Ochromonas respiration by hypocholesteremic compounds and its annulment by unsaturated fatty acids

SYNOPSIS. Eleven of 14 hypocholesteremic drugs inhibited aerobic respiration of the phytoflagellate Ochromonas danica. Lecithin and unsaturated fatty acids annulled the inhibition of respiration by triparanol. Saturated fatty acids, squalene, cholesterol and a mixture of amino acids, purines, and water-soluble vitamins were inactive. Unsaturated fatty acids only annul the triparanol inhibition if preincubated or added simultaneously with triparanol. Evidence is presented suggesting that triparanol and oleic acid form a complex or micelle; presumably in this form the triparanol no longer inhibits aerobic respiration.
Dosage Recommendations for Activated Charcoal-Sorbitol Treatment

Activated charcoal-sorbitol mixture Is used for the treatment of acute poisoning. Based on our experience with healthy adults, overdosed patients and published reports, we have devised a protocol f...
Interpreting 16S metagenomic data without clustering to achieve sub-OTU resolution

The standard approach to analyzing 16S tag sequence data, which relies on clustering reads by sequence similarity into Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs), underexploits the accuracy of modern sequencing technology. We present a clustering-free approach to multi-sample Illumina data sets that can identify independent bacterial subpopulations regardless of the similarity of their 16S tag sequences. Using published data from a longitudinal time-series study of human tongue microbiota, we are able to resolve within standard 97% similarity OTUs up to 20 distinct subpopulations, all ecologically distinct but with 16S tags differing by as little as one nucleotide (99.2% similarity). A comparative analysis of oral communities of two cohabiting individuals reveals that most such subpopulations are shared between the two communities at 100% sequence identity, and that dynamical similarity between subpopulations in one host is strongly predictive of dynamical similarity between the same subpopulations in the other host. Our method can also be applied to samples collected in cross-sectional studies and can be used with the 454 sequencing platform. We discuss how the sub-OTU resolution of our approach can provide new insight into factors shaping community assembly.
Characterization of electroless nickel plating on aluminum mirrors

Electroless nickel is often plated on the surface of aluminum mirrors to improve the ability to polish the mirror surface. Electroless nickel plating can cause a bimetallic effect, creating distortion of a mirror surface if it is heated or cooled. Published data listing the thermal coefficient of expansion and Young's modulus as a function of temperature for electroless nickel is not readily available. This study examined using bimetallic bars to measure the Young's modulus and thermal coefficient of expansion of electroless nickel as it is cooled from room temperature to 100 K. A test chamber was developed which can accurately measure the rotations of a bimetallic bar as it is cooled. Elementary beam theory equations for a bimetallic beam were developed. These equations indicate that by testing beams with a variety of beam thicknesses, one should be able to determine modulus and thermal coefficient of expansion data for electroless nickel. The results show that the method fails to find accurate values. Very small measurement errors cause large changes in the modulus values. By using typical values for Young's modulus and the measured beam rotations, values for thermal coefficient of expansion for electroless nickel were obtained.
Robot-assisted cardiac surgery

Recognition of the significant advantages of minimizing surgical trauma has resulted in a substantial increase in the number of minimally invasive (MI) cardiac surgical procedures being performed. Synchronously, technological advances in optics, instrumentation and perfusion technology have facilitated routine totally endoscopic robotic cardiac surgery using the da Vinci((R)) telemanipulation system (Intuitive Surgical Inc). This technology has been applied to many cardiac surgical procedures, in particular, mitral valve repair (MVP) and totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting (TECAB), allowing the surgeon to operate through 5 mm port sites rather than a traditional median sternotomy. In this rapidly evolving field, we review the clinical results of robotic cardiac surgery.
A preliminary study of a new tranexamic acid dosing schedule for cardiac surgery.

Objective(s): The authors have developed an alternative dosing schedule for tranexamic acid that incorporates the effects of renal function on tranexamic acid concentrations. The objectives of this study were to determine if this new dosing schedule can achieve the desired plasma concentration of tranexamic acid and reduce intra- and interpatient variability in tranexamic acid plasma concentrations relative to the current dosing schedule. Design: A prospective randomized trial. Setting: A tertiary referral medical center hospital. Participants: Cardiac surgery patients. Interventions: Cardiac surgery patients were randomly assigned to receive the authors’ standard tranexamic acid loading dosage of 10 mg/kg given over 20 minutes, followed by an infusion of 1 mg/kg/h (9 patients), or the new drug dosage schedule described later (11 patients). Measurements and Main Results: Perioperative plasma tranexamic acid concentrations were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. From repeated-measures analysis of variance, a significant (p 0.20 at all time points). Conclusions: The new dosing protocol for tranexamic acid resulted in more consistent blood concentrations of tranexamic acid, but not stable tranexamic acid levels >20 μg/mL on cardiopulmonary bypass.