cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distribution of mRNA Encoding Three α2-Adrenergic Receptor Subtypes in the Developing Mouse Embryo Suggests a Role for the α2A Subtype in Apoptosis

alpha 2-Adrenergic receptors (alpha 2-ARs) respond to norepinephrine and epinephrine to mediate diverse physiological effects. Using in situ hybridization, the expression pattern of the mRNA encoding the three alpha 2-AR subtypes (alpha 2A, alpha 2B, and alpha 2C) was examined in the mouse embryo. The mRNA encoding the three subtypes was first detected at stage 9.5 days postcoitus (d.p.c.) for the alpha 2A-AR (coincident with norepinephrine availability), 11.5 d.p.c. for the alpha 2B-AR, and 14.5 d.p.c. for the alpha 2C-AR subtype. The mRNA encoding the alpha 2A-AR subtype shows both the earliest and the most widespread expression pattern, including developing stomach and cecum, many craniofacial regions and areas in the central nervous system. Strikingly, the alpha 2A-AR mRNA is expressed in the interdigital mesenchyme between stage 12.5 and 14.5 d.p.c. in parallel with digit separation, raising the possibility that the alpha 2A-AR might contribute to the apoptotic events underlying this process. To test whether alpha 2A-AR can signal apoptotic events, the alpha 2A-AR subtype was introduced into two mouse mesenchymal cell lines, C3H/10t1/2 and NIH-3T3; expression of the alpha 2A-AR correlated with accelerated apoptosis, as detected both by the TUNEL assay and the loss of cell viability. In contrast to the wide distribution of mRNA encoding the alpha 2A-AR subtype, the alpha 2B-AR mRNA was detected only in the developing liver and was most readily detectable between 11.5 and 14.5 d.p.c., when the liver is the principal site of hematopoiesis. The alpha 2C-AR mRNA is detected in the nasal cavity and cerebellar primordium only at > or = 14.5 d.p.c. These studies represent the first characterization of the temporal and spatial expressions of the alpha 2A-AR, alpha 2B-AR, and alpha 2C-AR subtypes during embryogenesis and provide important insights concerning the loci and possible roles of alpha 2-AR-mediated regulation of physiological processes during the developmental program.
Identification of Gα11 as the phospholipase C-activating G-protein of turkey erythrocytes

A 43 kDa phospholipase C-activating protein has been purified previously from turkey erythrocytes and shown to express immunological properties expected of that of the Gq family of G-protein alpha-subunits [Waldo, Boyer, Morris and Harden (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 14217-14225]. Internal amino acid sequence has now been obtained from this protein which shares 50-100% sequence identity with sequences encoded by mammalian G alpha 11 and G alpha q cDNAs. To identify the purified protein unambiguously, it was necessary to compare its amino acid sequence with the sequence encoded by avian G-protein alpha-subunit cDNA. As such, mouse G alpha q was used as a probe to screen turkey brain and fetal-turkey blood cDNA libraries. A full-length cDNA was identified that encodes avian G alpha 11, on the basis of its 96-98% amino acid identity with mammalian G alpha 11. All eight peptides sequenced from the turkey erythrocyte phospholipase C-activating protein are completely contained within the deduced amino acid sequence of the avian G alpha 11 cDNA. Expression of this cDNA in Sf9 cells by using a baculovirus expression system resulted in the production of a 43 kDa protein that reacts strongly with antisera to the Gq family of G-protein alpha-subunits and activated purified avian phospholipase C in an AlF4(-)-dependent manner. Taken together, these results unambiguously identify the protein purified from turkey erythrocytes, on the basis of its capacity to activate avian phospholipase C, as G alpha 11.
Diverse New Microvertebrate Assemblage from the Upper Triassic Cumnock Formation, Sanford Subbasin, North Carolina, USA

The Moncure microvertebrate locality in the Cumnock Formation, Sanford sub-basin, North Carolina, dramatically increases the known Late Triassic age vertebrate assemblage from the Deep River Basin. The ∼50,000 recovered microvertebrate fossils include osteichthyans, amphibians, and numerous lepidosauromorph, archosauriform, and synapsid amniotes. Actinopterygian fossils consist of thousands of scales, teeth, skull, and lower jaw fragments, principally of redfieldiids and semionotids. Non-tetrapod sarcopterygians include the dipnoan Arganodus sp., the first record of lungfish in the Newark Supergroup. Temnospondyls are comparatively rare but the preserved centra, teeth, and skull fragments probably represent small (juvenile) metoposaurids. Two fragmentary teeth are assigned to the unusual reptile Colognathus obscurus (Case). Poorly preserved but intriguing records include acrodont and pleurodont jaw fragments tentatively assigned to lepidosaurs. Among the archosauriform teeth is a taxon distinct from R. callenderi that we assign to Revueltosaurus olseni new combination, a morphotype best assigned to cf. Galtonia, the first Newark Supergroup record of Crosbysaurus sp., and several other archosauriform tooth morphotypes, as well as grooved teeth assigned to the recently named species Uatchitodon schneideri. Synapsids represented by molariform teeth include both “traversodontids” assigned to aff. Boreogomphodon and the “dromatheriid” Microconodon. These records are biogeographically important, with many new records for the Cumnock Formation and/or the Newark Supergroup. In particular, Colognathus, Crosbysaurus, and Uatchitodon are known from basins of Adamanian age in the southwestern U.S.A. These new records include microvertebrate taxa more typical of non-Newark basins (abundant archosauriforms, temnospondyls, lungfish) as well as more typical Newark osteichthyans and synapsid-rich faunal elements.
Arthroscopic repair of type II superior labral anterior posterior lesions with and without acromioplasty: a clinical analysis of 50 patients.

Background: The treatment of type II superior labral anterior posterior (SLAP) lesions remains controversial. Many surgeons are reluctant to combine a SLAP repair with an acromioplasty for fear of postoperative shoulder stiffness and a poor clinical outcome.Hypothesis: A SLAP repair and an acromioplasty done concomitantly may yield acceptable outcomes.Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods: We compared the clinical results of 50 patients who had either an isolated type II SLAP repair (SLAP group, 34 patients) or a combined type II SLAP repair and acromioplasty (combined group, 16 patients). Patients were excluded for full-thickness rotator cuff tears or instability. All patients were evaluated with the L'Insalata Functional Shoulder Rating Questionnaire, with the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) questionnaire, and by subjective evaluation.Results: At an average of 3.4 years postoperatively, the L'Insalata and ASES scores were similar for the 2 groups: 87.1 and 85.8 for the SLAP...
Enhancing MAC Coordination to Boost Spatial Reuse in IEEE 802.11 Ad Hoc Networks

In a wireless ad hoc network where multi-hop traffic dominates the network, spatial reuse has an enormous impact on the network performance in terms of end-to-end throughput and delay characteristics. In this paper, we investigate the MAC coordination of persistent flows in 802.11 ad hoc networks and point out that the aggressive behavior of 802.11 MAC can throttle the spatial reuse and reduce bandwidth efficiency. We thus propose an adaptive layer-2 pacing scheme fully compatible with 802.11 MAC using explicit MAC feedback to balance the transmissions on adjacent nodes. By promoting MAC coordination, our scheme can assist the MAC to operate around its saturation state while minimizing resource contention. Experiment results demonstrate that our scheme significantly outperforms the original 802.11 MAC by boosting the throughput while still maintaining latency at a low level.
Exposure-response Analysis for Spontaneously Reported Dizziness in Pregabalin-treated Patient With Generalized Anxiety Disorder

To describe the pregabalin exposure-adverse event (AE) (dizziness) relationship in patients with generalized anxiety disorder, separate models were developed for the incidence of AE and for the conditional severity of AE, given that an AE has occurred using patient data from six clinical studies. The incidence component was modeled using a nonlinear logistic regression model. The conditional severity component was modeled as an ordered categorical variable with a proportional odds model to capture the severity on any given day. A Markov element was introduced to account for the correlation between neighboring observations. The proportional odds model including a time course of appearance and disappearance of AE could adequately describe the time course of probability of dizziness. Incorporating a transition model including Markov elements improved the model fit and greatly improved the predictability of the time course of probability of dizziness.
Automating Preference and Change in Workflows

Workflow languages can compose and sequence Web service invocations to achieve meaningful task results. Updating workflows when services and task goals change is difficult, and automating the change at runtime requires workflow goals and service preferences to be stated, organized, and controlled. Changing the preferences should be immediately reflected in executing workflows. While there are many applications that could benefit from this dynamic reconfiguration, managing such preferences can be daunting. We introduce NeWT, a Next-generation Workflow Toolkit that combines workflow editing with utilities for introducing and managing change. NeWT allows the novel input of goal preferences to use workflows that accomplish the same task but in different ways to be interchangeable according to the current goal. It accepts that multiple, competing Web services will be available and should be interchanged as dictated by need. We detail the implementation of these concepts using a crisis management example.
Quaternary fluctuations in the Northern Hemisphere trade winds and westerlies

The mass accumulation rate and grain size of the total colian component isolated from pelagic sediment in two North Pacific cores, piston core KK75-02 under the prevailing westerlies and Deep-Sea Drilling Project Site 503 beneath the trade winds, have been used to evaluate changes in the intensity of atmospheric circulation and source-area aridity over the past 700,000 yr. The eolian grain size, a direct indicator of wind intensity, fluctuates at periodicities similar to those calculated for the earth's orbital parameters of precession, obliquity, and eccentricity. Both sites display greater variability in wind intensity prior to 250,000 yr ago. Eolian accumulation rates, an indicator of source-area aridity, fluctuate at periodicities similar to those of the glacial-interglacial cycles. Lower eolian accumulation rates during colder (glacial) times most likely reflect increased glacial-age humidity at central Asian and Central American source areas.
Quantum transition state theory: featuring ensemble pre-equilibrium approximation

In this article, we use an ensemble pre-equilibrium approximation to vindicate the use of Heisenberg Equation of Motion and some other approximation for the rate of the change of quasi-equilibrium state in order to derive, based on the most precise and accurate existing theory of reaction rates to date, a rate law for any given elementary step of a chemical reaction that applies even to the condensed phase. The necessity of such a theory arises because first of all, quantum mechanics must be taken into account, and secondly, other molecules and especially the solvent may play an important role in the transition state of any elementary reaction, and we have devised a theory for doing so. Also, the correct theory for reaction rates critically depends on a complete set of wavefunctions of the transition state representing initially the products and finally the reactants, and we show a simple way for deriving it. We also show that several prevailing formulas in the literature for the cumulative reaction rate within the range of applicability of non-relativistic mechanics to the electrons and nuclei of the reacting systems within the reactor are exactly equivalent to each other, even in the condensed phase, and therefore the present theory is exact within the laws of quantum non-relativistic mechanics.
Decreases in the Latency of Smooth Pursuit and Saccadic Eye Movements Produced by the “Gap Paradigm” in the Monkey

Abstract The initiation of both pursuit and saccades was affected by the presence of a temporal gap between the disappearance of a fixated visual target and the appearance of a second, eccentric, target. For pursuit, the gap paradigm produced a modest (20 msec) decrease in latency. For saccades, the gap paradigm produced a similar modest decrease in the latency of some saccades, but also revealed a population of very short latency “express” saccades. The modest changes in the latency of pursuit and regular saccades displayed a similar dependence on gap duration, with the largest decreases produced by gaps of 200–300 msec. The gap paradigm did not produce “express” pursuit, even though express saccades could be elicited on interleaved trials. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.
Comparison of multiple hazard rate functions

Many robust tests have been proposed in the literature to compare two hazard rate functions, however, very few of them can be used in cases when there are multiple hazard rate functions to be compared. In this article, we propose an approach for detecting the difference among multiple hazard rate functions. Through a simulation study and a real-data application, we show that the new method is robust and powerful in many situations, compared with some commonly used tests.
Multi-image stitching and scene reconstruction for evaluating defect evolution in structures

It is well-recognized that civil infrastructure monitoring approaches that rely on visual approaches will continue to be an important methodology for condition assessment of such systems. Current inspection standards for structures such as bridges require an inspector to travel to a target structure site and visually assess the structure's condition. A less time-consuming and inexpensive alternative to current visual monitoring methods is to use a system that could inspect structures remotely and also more frequently. This article presents and evaluates the underlying technical elements for the development of an integrated inspection software tool that is based on the use of inexpensive digital cameras. For this purpose, digital cameras are appropriately mounted on a structure (e.g., a bridge) and can zoom or rotate in three directions (similar to traffic cameras). They are remotely controlled by an inspector, which allows the visual assessment of the structure's condition by looking at images captured by...
Activation of the myocyte enhancer factor-2 transcription factor by calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase-stimulated binding of 14-3-3 to histone deacetylase 5

Skeletal muscle differentiation is controlled by interactions between myocyte enhancer factor-2 (MEF2) and myogenic basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors. Association of MEF2 with histone deacetylases (HDAC) -4 and -5 results in repression of MEF2 target genes and inhibition of myogenesis. Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) signaling promotes myogenesis by disrupting MEF2-HDAC complexes and stimulating HDAC nuclear export. To further define the mechanisms that confer CaMK responsiveness to HDAC4 and -5, we performed yeast two-hybrid screens to identify HDAC-interacting factors. These screens revealed interactions between HDAC4 and members of the 14-3-3 family of proteins, which function as signal-dependent intracellular chaperones. HDAC4 binds constitutively to 14-3-3 in yeast and mammalian cells, whereas HDAC5 binding to 14-3-3 is largely dependent on CaMK signaling. CaMK phosphorylates serines -259 and -498 in HDAC5, which subsequently serve as docking sites for 14-3-3. Our studies suggest that 14-3-3 binding to HDAC5 is required for CaMK-dependent disruption of MEF2-HDAC complexes and nuclear export of HDAC5, and implicate 14-3-3 as a signal-dependent regulator of muscle cell differentiation.
Possible health benefits from reducing occupational magnetic fields.

Background Magnetic fields (MF) from AC electricity are a Possible Human Carcinogen, based on limited epidemiologic evidence from exposures far below occupational health limits. Methods To help formulate government guidance on occupational MF, the cancer cases prevented and the monetary benefits accruing to society by reducing workplace exposures were determined. Life-table methods produced Disability Adjusted Life Years, which were converted to monetary values. Results Adjusted for probabilities of causality, the expected increase in a worker's disability-free life are 0.04 year (2 weeks) from a 1 microtesla (µT) MF reduction in average worklife exposure, which is equivalent to $5,100/worker/µT in year 2010 U.S. dollars (95% confidence interval $1,000–$9,000/worker/µT). Where nine electrosteel workers had 13.8 µT exposures, for example, moving them to ambient MFs would provide $600,000 in benefits to society (uncertainty interval $0–$1,000,000). Conclusions When combined with the costs of controls, this analysis provides guidance for precautionary recommendations for managing occupational MF exposures. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:791–805, 2013. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genome-wide analysis of salt-responsive and novel microRNAs in Populus euphratica by deep sequencing

Populus euphratica is a representative model woody plant species for studying resistance to abiotic stresses such as drought and salt. Salt stress is one of the most common environmental factors that affect plant growth and development. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs that have important regulatory functions in plant growth, development, and response to abiotic stress. To investigate the miRNAs involved in the salt-stress response, we constructed four small cDNA libraries from P. euphratica plantlets treated with or without salt (300 mM NaCl, 3 days) in either the root or leaf. Using high-throughput sequencing to identify miRNAs, we found 164 conserved miRNAs belonging to 44 families. Of these, 136 novel miRNAs were from the leaf, and 128 novel miRNAs were from the root. In response to salt stress, 95 miRNAs belonging to 46 conserved miRNAs families changed significantly, with 56 miRNAs upregulated and 39 miRNAs downregulated in the leaf. A comparison of the leaf and root tissues revealed 155 miRNAs belonging to 63 families with significantly altered expression, including 84 upregulated and 71 downregulated miRNAs. Furthermore, 479 target genes in the root and 541 targets of novel miRNAs in the leaf were predicted, and functional information was annotated using the Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes databases. This study provides a novel visual field for understanding the regulatory roles of miRNAs in response to salt stress in Populus.
A new conference network for group communication

A conference refers to a group of members in a network which communicate with each other within the group. In this paper, we propose a novel design for a conference network which supports multiple disjoint conferences. The major component of the network is a multistage network composed of switch modules with fan-in and fan-out capability. A fast self-routing algorithm is developed for setting up routing paths in the conference network. For an n/spl times/n conference network we design, the hardware cost is O(n log n), and the routing time and communication delay vary from O(1) to O(log n) depending on where the conference is allocated in the network. As can be seen, the new conference network is superior to existing designs in terms of hardware cost, routing time and communication delay. The conference network proposed is rearrangeable nonblocking in general, and is strictly nonblocking under some conference service policy. It can be used in applications that require efficient or real-time group communication.
Effects of distance from cattle water developments on grassland birds

Many North American grassland bird populations appear to be declining, which may be due to changes in grazing regimes on their breeding areas. Establishment of water developments and confining cattle (Bos taurus L.) to small pastures often minimizes spatial heterogeneity of cattle forage consumption, which may lead to uniformity in vegetative structure. This increased uniformity may provide suitable habitat for some bird species but not others. We assessed how cattle use, vegetative structure, and bird population densities varied with increasing distance from water developments (0-800 m) on the Little Missouri National Grassland (LMNG) in North Dakota. Lark buntings (Calamospiza melancorys Stejneger), which are typically associated with low vegetative cover, decreased with increasing distance from water developments. Horned larks (Eremophila alpestris L.), also a low-cover associate, followed a similar but weaker trend. Densities of another low-cover associate as well as moderate- and high-cover associates were not related to distance from water. Vegetative height-density and litter depth increased by 50 and 112%, respectively, while cowpie cover and structural variability decreased by 51 and 24%, respectively, with distance from water. Confidence interval overlap was common among all measures, showing substantial variability among study sites. Our results indicate cattle use is higher closer to water developments, and this pattern may positively affect the densities of lark buntings and horned larks. The absence of density gradients in the other bird species may be due to the paucity of locations > 800 m from water on the LMNG.
Incidence of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears and Reconstruction A 21-Year Population-Based Study

Background:The incidence of isolated anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears in the general population is not well defined.Purpose/Hypothesis:The purpose of this study was to define the population-based incidence of ACL tears, describe trends in ACL injuries over time, and evaluate changes in the rate of surgical management. The hypothesis was that the incidence of ACL injury and the rate of subsequent ACL reconstruction increase over time.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:The study population included 1841 individuals who were diagnosed with new-onset, isolated ACL tears (without concomitant ligament injury that required surgery) between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 2010. The complete medical records were reviewed to confirm diagnosis and to extract injury and treatment details. Age- and sex-specific incidence rates were calculated and adjusted to the 2010 US population. Poisson regression analyses were performed to examine incidence trends by age, sex, and calendar period.Resul...
Evaluating the seriousness of adolescent adjustment reactions

Adolescents can be expected to inflict some pain on their environment periodically, and complete conformity of an adolescent is not necessarily a sign of mental health. With the exception of some particular behaviors such as a suicide attempt, auditory hallucinations, or a school phobia, one cannot make a prediction about the existence of, or seriousness of, a psychological problem of an adolescent based solely on the occurrence of any one particular antisocial act. Such typical adolescent problems such as stealing, truancy, sexual involvements, and drug use can be either a normal part of adolescent growth, the manifestation of a situational stress reaction, or the indication of a serious personality disturbance or identity crisis. Only by putting this behavior into the framework of an adolescent's age, social situation, general stress factors and developmental history can one attempt to reach a true evaluation of the seriousness of his behavior. To put it simply, one must try to understand the individual, rather than judging the behavior itself. The type of evaluation outlined here is often difficult and time consuming, but in terms of the long range help that it can be both to the teenager who is using his behavior as a means of asking for help and for the normal teenager who just needs to be told that he is not carzy, this is time and effort well spent.
The Effects of Elevated Freestream Turbulence on Separation Control with Vortex-Generating Jets

Vortex-generating jets (VGJs) have proven to be an effective form of active separation control on low-pressure turbine blades in low freestream turbulence flows. Twocomponent flow velocity measurements were taken in a low-speed linear cascade to assess the effectiveness of VGJs with highly turbulent freestream conditions. Blade losses associated with flow separation were evaluated using a boundary layer momentum flux loss parameter which compared favorably with prior experiments performed in a larger cascade facility using the traditional wake total pressure loss coefficient. Losses were calculated for freestream turbulence levels of 0.4%, 3%, 6%, and 10%, and steady jet blowing ratios (B = jet velocity/freestream velocity) of 0, 2, and 4 at a Reynolds number of 25,000. At the lowest freestream turbulence level of 0.4%, the separation losses decreased by 57% and 51% for jet blowing ratios of 2 and 4 respectively. Increasing the freestream turbulence level monotonically reduced the effectiveness of the VGJs. At the highest freestream turbulence level of 10%, the decreases in loss were 18% and 6% for blowing ratios of 2 and 4 respectively. This decrease in the effectiveness of VGJs at high turbulence levels can be attributed to a more rapid transition from a laminar to a turbulent boundary layer on the blade suction surface and a more rapid dissipation of the vortices induced by the VGJs. The lower jet blowing ratio (B=2) was up to three times more effective than the high blowing ratio (B=4) with elevated freestream turbulence, due to increased jet penetration at the higher blowing ratio. Nomenclature
Night Vision Equipment Developments: Where We've been, Where We are Today, and Where We're Going

Although research and development in the advancement of night vision technologies has been in progress since the early stages of World War II, it was not until the early 1960's that the Army launched an extensive effort to develop equipment that would enable the individual soldier to move and fight at night with efficiencies equaling his present daylight capabilities. Since that time the mission of the U. S. Army's Electronics Research and Development Command's Night Vision and Electro-Optics Laboratories (NV&EOL) has expanded to include night vision not only for the individual soldier but all armored vehicles, Army aircraft, and anti-armor missile systems. Further adaptation of this militarily developed technology is being made at an astounding rate to aid other scientists in carrying out their diverse research experiments.
Thyroxine Secretion Rate of Missouri Valley Mole, Scalopus aquaticus.

SummaryEstimated L-thyroxine secretion rate (TSR) of 20 moles, Scalopus aquaticus, averaged 1.96 μg/100 g BVV/day (range 1.5-2.50). No statistically significant difference between sexes or between juvenile and mature animals was noted. Mean TSR of 3 moles increased 67.8% after 22 days exposure to 40°F compared with a mean at 78°F. Mean resting O2 consumption of 4 moles was 1.6 ml/g BW/hr.
Abstract 290: Proliferation of Cardiac Fibroblasts Defines Early Stages of Genetic Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Precedes Myocardial Metabolic Derangement

The complex molecular networks underpinning DCM remain poorly understood. To study distinct pathways and networks in the longitudinal development of DCM we performed RNAseq on LV tissue from mice carrying a human DCM mutation in phospholamban (PLNR9C/+) before phenotype onset (pre-DCM), with DCM, and during overt heart failure (HF), and also on isolated myocytes and non-myocytes from DCM hearts. PLNR9C/+ mice show progressive fibrosis (20% vs. 1% control, p=6x10−33; n=3) associated with proliferation of cardiac non-myocytes (33% increase over control, p=6x10−4; n=3). Consistent with this, cardiac non-myocytes have upregulated gene expression and pathways, while these are generally downregulated in myocytes. Non-myocytes were enriched in fibrosis, inflammation, and cell remodeling pathways, from pre-DCM to HF. In contrast, myocytes were enriched for metabolic pathways only with overt DCM and HF. Myocytes showed profound derangement of oxidative phosphorylation with DCM (p=2.5x10−41; 44% (53/120) of pathway...
Calibration Between Undergraduate Students' Prediction of and Actual Performance: The Role of Gender and Performance Attributions

ABSTRACTThis study investigated changes in male and female students' prediction and postdiction calibration accuracy and bias scores, and the predictive effects of explanatory styles on these variables beyond gender. Seventy undergraduate students rated their confidence in performance before and after a 40-item exam. There was an improvement in students' bias between prediction and postdiction judgments, although male students' decrease in bias was greater than female students. Female students' accuracy remained stable from prediction to postdiction, and male students exhibited greater accuracy then females. Additionally, the task centered and student centered testing styles positively predicted students' accuracy while the social centered style was a negative predictor, beyond the effect of gender. In addition, no attribution was a significant predictor of bias.
Parathyroid Surgery in Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is the most common condition in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1). Asymmetric, multi-gland disease due to multiple adenomas is characteristic in this cohort. The principal treatment of PHPT in MEN-1 patients is surgical. Options for surgical excision include subtotal (subPTX) or total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation (totPTX). The optimal operation for these patients remains controversial. A 2011 systematic review and meta-analysis found no major difference in recurrence or persistence between subPTX and totPTX, but there were lower rates of hypocalcemia following subPTX. Recurrent PHPT in MEN-1 patients who have undergone initial parathyroidectomy is a challenging problem that should involve the input of experienced endocrine surgeons and endocrinologists. Alternative strategies such as alcohol ablation and cinacalcet administration may be warranted in some of these patients.
A flux-based approach to HBT device modeling

We describe a new approach to modeling carrier transport in heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs). Based on McKelvey's (1961) flux method, and formulated by 2/spl times/2 scattering matrices, the technique provides ease of analysis as well as insight into the complicated device physics in modern HBTs. Despite its compactness, the model is in excellent agreement with both experiment and a Boltzmann equation based theory. Some applications relevant to short base transport, and extensions to the basic model are also discussed. >
Ultrasound-Guided Therapy

Utilizing-high frequency sound waves to define internal structures, ultrasound (US) provides an opportunity not only to diagnose disease but also to target treatment to malignant tumors. US has several advantages over other radiology-assisted techniques that highlight its important role as a component of anticancer therapy. US provides an opportunity to administer therapy with real-time guidance. In other words, the physician can deliver treatment while synchronously visualizing the US images to ensure proper targeting.
Joint Products and a Positive Response to a Profit Tax

It is shown that rather than having a neutral (in the short run) or negative (in the long run) effect on output, a profit tax can, with joint products, increase a profit-maximizing firm's output. A...
Generality and Speed in Nonblocking Dual Containers

Nonblocking dual data structures extend traditional notions of nonblocking progress to accommodate partial methods, both by bounding the number of steps that a thread can execute after its preconditions have been satisfied and by ensuring that a waiting thread performs no remote memory accesses that could interfere with the execution of other threads. A nonblocking dual container, in particular, is designed to hold either data or requests. An insert operation either adds data to the container or removes and satisfies a request; a remove operation either takes data out of the container or inserts a request.We present the first general-purpose construction for nonblocking dual containers, allowing any nonblocking container for data to be paired with almost any nonblocking container for requests. We also present new custom algorithms, based on the LCRQ of Morrison and Afek, that outperform the fastest previously known dual containers by factors of four to six.
Bariatric Surgery and Hypertension

Obesity continues to increase in prevalence worldwide. Hypertension has long been associated with obesity, and weight loss continues to be a first-line therapy in the treatment of hypertension. Lifestyle modification and pharmacologic therapy, however, often meet with treatment failure. Bariatric surgery continues to be the most successful approach to sustained weight loss. This review focuses on the underlying physiologic mechanisms of obesity-hypertension, and the impact of bariatric surgery on the treatment of hypertension. Current available literature on the physiologic mechanisms of obesity-hypertension, and the major trials, meta-analyses and systematic reviews of the impact of bariatric surgery procedures on hypertension are reviewed. Evidence suggests significant improvement in obesity-hypertension in patients who undergo surgical weight-reduction procedures. Malabsorptive techniques such as the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or surgical resection techniques such as laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy appear to offer superior results in regards to hypertension control over restrictive techniques such as Gastric Banding. Though long-term control of hypertension following surgery remains a concern, available follow-up post-operative data of up to 10 years suggests a sustained, if lessened, effect on hypertension control over time.
Relationship Between Children's Lexical Diversity in Written Narratives and Performance on a Standardized Reading Vocabulary Measure.

The purpose of this study was to examine construct validity of methods of calculating lexical diversity in written narrative samples relative to children’s performance on a reading vocabulary measu...
Engineering cardiac microphysiological systems to model pathological extracellular matrix remodeling.

Many cardiovascular diseases are associated with pathological remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the myocardium. ECM remodeling is a complex, multifactorial process that often contribu...
Clinically Relevant Hand Held Two Lead EEG Device

A preliminary device has been designed that records a two lead EEG and displays the average signal frequency over a 60 second period. The device is portable and battery operated and has clinical relevance. Between 10% and 40% of hospitalized elderly patients and up to 40% of patients admitted to intensive care units have or develop delirium, a mental state of confusion which often indicates an underlying metabolic, infectious, or other potentially serious but often treatable condition. Despite its potentially serious outcome, the diagnosis of delirium is frequently missed. Fortunately the EEG is a rapid and sensitive test for detecting delirium. The EEG can also indicate the presence of potentially treatable causes of or contributions to dementia, including thyroid disease, malnutrition, infectious disease, or adverse effects from medications. Finding a normal EEG in a patient with suspected delirium or dementia reduces the need for additional costly and potentially risky tests. However, scheduling a full EEG test is time-consuming and expensive, and the results are not usually available in many centers for days or weeks. This portable EEG device can be used by the clinician to rapidly indicate if the patient’s EEG is normal or abnormal and if an extensive medical evaluation is warranted. In the present design three electrodes are placed on the scalp with one being a reference electrode that is from a “driven right leg” circuit. The first stage includes radio frequency suppression and protection of the circuit from large voltages possible caused by electrostatic discharges or defibrillation. Next is an instrumentation amplifier with moderate gain followed by other high gain amplifiers. A fifth-order Butterworth low-pass filter is used to suppress frequencies above 30 Hz. The 10 bit A/D converter of a PIC16F88 microcontroller digitizes the signal. The microcontroller uses a C program to determine the average EEG frequency. This result is displayed via a LCD and is updated every 1 minute supplying valuable information to the clinician.
Tests of Memory

The Rey—Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCF) involves both an assessment of copy accuracy and recall accuracy. This chapter considers only the memory or recall condition, and the reader is referred to the chapter on visual and construction functions for information related to the copy condition. The immediate recall condition of the Rey—Osterrieth may not be a pure visual memory test, as it tends to correlate with the Block design subtest of the WAIS-R, Trail Making Test Part B, and the Category Test (Cornell, Roberts, and Oram, 1997) and loads on a visuospatial perceptual/memory factor (Berry, Allen, & Schmitt, 1991). The Rey—Osterrieth has been administered in a variety of manners, and the relation-ships among these different manners is not entirely understood. The most frequently used methods are: a, copy, immediate recall, 30-minute delay; b, copy, 3-minute recall, 30-minute recall; c, copy, 30-minute recall; and d, copy, immediate recall, 3-minute recall, 30-minute recall. In addition, a 45-minute recall is used instead of a 30-minute recall. Meyers and Meyers (1995a) reported no difference in 30-minute recall scores regardless of whether the immediate or 3-minute recall methods was used.
Developmental neurotoxicology of endocrine disruptors and pesticides: identification of information gaps and research needs.

There is increasing evidence that some environmental chemicals can interrupt neurodevelopmental processes during critical periods of development, resulting in effects on sensory, motor, and cogniti...
Angiopoietin-like 8 (ANGPTL8) expression is regulated by miR-143-3p in human hepatocytes

Abstract Angiopoietin-like protein 8 (ANGPTL8) is associated with reduced HDL-cholesterol levels and may contribute to the development of dyslipidemia. Factors regulating ANGPTL8 expression remain poorly understood. Here we analyzed the relationship between miRNA-143-3p and ANGPTL8 in liver cells. Using target prediction algorithms, we identified a putative binding site for miR-143-3p in the ANGPTL8 3′ untranslated region (3’UTR). Exogenous miR-143-3p interacted with the ANGPTL8 3’UTR to downregulate its expression compared to scrambled sequence control. Transfection of HepG2 cells with miR-143-3p mimic or siRNA resulted in decreased or increased ANGPTL8 transcript and protein levels, respectively. Treatment of HepG2 cells with 30 mM glucose, 100 nM insulin, or 75 ng/ml lipopolysaccharide to mimic hyperglycemic, hyperinsulinemic, and proinflammatory conditions corresponded with increased miR-143-3p and ANGPTL8 levels. Inhibition of miR-143-3p amplified ANGPTL8 response to these treatments, suggesting that the miRNA acts to suppress ANGPTL8 expression under metabolically distorted conditions. These results, combined with growing evidence supporting a role for ANGPTL8 in the regulation of HDL-C metabolism, provide a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying ANGPTL8 expression.
White Norm, Black Deviation: Class, Race, and Resistance in America’s “Postracial” Media Discourse

AbstractThe authors deploy Marxist theory—and Gramscian hegemonic theory in particular—to investigate the subtleties of racial “othering” in the media representations of African Americans in a putatively postracial America. The paper’s objects of inquiry are an opinion article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the reaction it instigated in the Atlanta Black Star. We argue that the contestations of signification between the dominant narrative about African Americans in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the rhetorical pushback it actuated in the alternative Atlanta Black Star both reproduce and legitimate dominant media framing by highlighting the alterity of subordinate ethnic groups and providing a site for contestation.
Magnetic Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy of Metalloproteins

Metals and metal clusters in proteins typically serve as important structural/functional motifs. Because of this reason, there is a wide range of techniques that specifically probe the structure and energy levels of metals in metalloproteins. One technique, magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopy, is the focus of this chapter. MCD spectroscopy monitors the circular dichroism spectrum induced by a magnetic field and is an effective way of obtaining electronic and structural information of paramagnetic metal ions or clusters. The basic methodology of this technique is discussed along with examples of how MCD spectroscopy can be used to elucidate typical metal clusters in proteins. Special emphasis is placed on iron-sulfur (FeS) clusters.
Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections (CRBSIs)

Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) are common causes of hospital-associated illness. Although their rates have been declining over the past decades, they still contribute to significant morbidity and mortality and excess costs. CRBSIs usually present as fever without an apparent source but may be accompanied by suppurative complications at the insertion site of the catheter or evidence of hematogenous spread to other tissues and organs. Quantitative and semiquantitative blood cultures are usually performed to determine whether a catheter is infected, but if these methods are not available, and there is motivation to retain a catheter that might be infected, blood cultures of the same volume can be collected from a peripheral vein and from the catheter and then monitored for differential time to positivity. Coagulase-negative Staphlyococci, such as Staphylococcus epidermidis, are the most common microbiologic cause of CRBSI, although a vast array of different bacterial and fungal species have also been reported. Some etiologic agents can be particularly virulent, leading to signs of sepsis. Complications of CRBSIs include skin and soft tissue infection at the catheter insertion site. The bacteremia (or fungemia) associated with the contaminated intravascular device can lead to hematogenous seeding and infection of distal sites such as the cardiac valves, lungs, muscles, bones, and joints. The ideal treatment for any contaminated, implanted medical device, including intravascular catheters, is to remove them while administering appropriate antibiotics or antifungal medications. Bacterial and fungal contamination (infection) of medical hardware is notoriously difficult to eradicate using anti-infective medications alone. In many cases however, it may be impossible or impractical to remove an infected catheter.
FEASIBILITY OF REPEAT TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT (TAVR) AFTER SAPIEN 3 TAVR (TAV-IN-TAV): A PILOT ANGIOGRAPHIC STUDY

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is expanding to younger patients, but the feasibility of TAVR in failing transcatheter aortic valves (TAV) remains unknown. We determine the feasibility of TAV-in-TAV after SAPIEN 3 (S3) TAVR. From October 2015 to April 2019 at 2 centers, 610 S3 TAVRs
Evangelical violence: Western Christianity and the use of force against the Third World

Recognising the impact of religion on state action, this article identifies two variables that interact to affect the type and level of violence employed by Western states against Third World targe...
The invisible children of media research

The Journal of Children and Media (JOCAM) provides an important home for scholars who focus on children and adolescents. It is committed to publishing research from underrepresented countries. Desp...
Materialität, Technik und das Subjekt: Elemente kritischer Kommunikations- und Medienanalyse

Der Beitrag zeigt auf, dass die Konzeptionen von Subjektivitat und Materialitat wechselseitig aufeinander verweisen, dies allerdings weder in der traditionellen Kommunikations- und Medienforschung noch in der Diskussion um Praxistheorien, Science and Technology Studies (STS) und Akteur-Netzwerk-Theorien (ANT) angemessen berucksichtigt wird. Zunachst werden einige Grundannahmen traditioneller Kommunikationsanalysen diskutiert, denen ein psychologisch verkurztes Verstandnis von Subjekten und ein allenfalls undifferenzierter Umgang mit medialen Objekten bzw. Medienmaterialitat zu unterstellen ist. Ebenfalls kritisch wird den Praxistheorien ein Bias auf Reproduktion und Ordnung sowie ein allenfalls defizitares Subjektkonzept nachgewiesen. Mit Hilfe von STS und ANT werden zudem analytische Modelle sowie Befunde zur Bedeutung medialer Objekte und Materialitat vorgestellt. Schlieslich wird mithilfe der Technikanalysen Martin Heideggers ein Weg fur die kritische Adaption von practice und material turn fur Kommunikations- und Medienanalysen skizziert.
Preventing Harm on Arrival: Lead Prevention in Newly Resettled Pediatric Refugees

* Abbreviations: BLL — : blood lead level CDC — : Centers for Disease Control and Prevention EBLL — : elevated blood lead level Lead is a neurotoxin at low levels, and its effect on a child’s brain is not reversible.1 Given that there are no effective treatments to reverse the neurodevelopmental effects of elevated blood lead levels (EBLLs), prevention must be the primary strategy.2 EBLLs are twice as likely to be seen in newly arrived refugee children when compared with US-born children and may be particularly high in subpopulations of refugee children related to country of departure.3,4 Lead has a half-life of 35 days5; therefore, lead levels should fall at retesting of refugees 3 to 6 months after arrival in the United States. Pezzi et al’s4 “Blood Lead Levels Among Resettled Refugee Children in Select US States, 2010–2014” confirms EBLLs as a result of overseas exposures yet found that 10% of children, resettled in Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, and New York, with normal initial lead screen results had increased blood lead levels (BLLs) 3 to 6 months postresettlement. These findings support studies done in New Hampshire and Massachusetts that revealed that 6% to 29% of refugee children … Address correspondence to Andrea Green, MD, Department of Pediatrics, University of Vermont Children’s Hospital Pediatric Primary Care, 1 South Prospect St, Rehab 3, Burlington, VT 05401. E-mail: andrea.green{at}uvmhealth.org