cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Detection of group B streptococci at delivery in mothers, placenta, and cord blood: correlation with risk factors and maternal and neonatal outcome

Objectives: 1) To determine the frequency of group B streptococci (GBS) in women, their placentas, and cord blood in those who have no risk factors for GBS at delivery and 2) to compare maternal and neonatal outcome between those treated for GBS using risk factors (GrpA) and those screened at 35–37 weeks for GBS (GrpB). Methods: In women who had no risk factors for GBS, cultures were obtained at delivery from the vagina, the chorioamniotic side of the placenta, and cord blood. Between GrpA (n = 720) and GrpB (n = 600), the outcomes measured included postpartum endometritis, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and neonatal GBS disease. Results: We enrolled 1,320 patients. Of 193 patients with no risk factors, 57 (29%) were positive for GBS in vagina, 29 (15%) in placenta, and 7 (3%) in cord blood. None of these infants developed GBS disease. Patients in the risk-factor group (GrpA) had a higher risk of postpartum endometritis (P = 0.001) compared with those screened with GBS culture (GrpB). No difference was found with regard to NICU admissions. Conclusions: GBS is common in mothers who have no risk factors and in their infants, but colonization rarely results in neonatal infection. Patients in GrpA had significantly higher rates of postpartum endometritis than the other women screened, regardless of whether these women received prophylaxis during labor or not. This suggests that there may be patients in the risk factor group who could have benefited from prophylaxis but did not present with any of the established risk factors.
Feasibility Study of Video Distribution over WLANs in Dense Deployment

emerging technologies such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) and multiple in multiple out (MIMO) has significantly increased the bandwidth of a wireless channel. A potential application of these technologies is to distribute digital video content over wireless in a home environment. However, video streaming is bandwidth demanding, and the number of interference free wireless channels is limited, selecting the best operating channel is critical to guarantee the quality of viewer's experience. We study the feasibility of transmitting video over WLANs in a multi-dwelling unit environment; design a centralized channel selection algorithm that satisfies each client's demand, at the same time, takes the fairness and residual bandwidth into consideration. We use directed edge-weighted graph to model the interference between different basic service systems and classify APs into cooperative APs and non cooperative APs. Our simulation results show that using existing 802.11a channels, a feasible channel allocation scheme for video streaming over WLANs in a dense deployment can be found in most cases.
Optical morphological processors: gray scale with binary structuring elements, detection, and clutter reduction

We consider morphological processing for clutter reduction and object detection. For detection, we compare a binary and gray-scale Hit-Miss Transform and find that the binary operator is preferable. For clutter reduction, we find gray-scale morphology to be preferable. We present a new gray-scale clutter reduction morphological algorithm for low clutter cases and a new algorithm for high clutter cases. In all morphological processing, we find binary structuring elements to be adequate; this is very attractive for our gray-scale morphology decomposition algorithm and its optical implementation.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
In a hypergravity environment neonatal survival is adversely affected by alterations in dam tissue metabolism rather than reduced food intake

Exposure of rat dams to hypergravity during pregnancy is associated with increased pup mortality, reduced food intake, and decreased rates of glucose oxidation and lipogenesis in mammary tissue. We...
A study of ruthenium ultrathin film nucleation on pretreated SiO 2 and Hf–silicate dielectric surfaces

This study explored the effects of substrate surface pretreatments on the nucleation and growth of metal–organic chemical vapor deposited ruthenium. In situ plasma (dry), featuring O2, Ar, and H2/Ar chemistries, and ex situ (wet) treatments, consisting of a standard RCA bath, were examined in the nucleation and growth of up to 50-nm-thick metallic Ru films on SiO2 and Hf–silicate surfaces. The resulting surface morphology, grain size, and roughness of the metallic films were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), while Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) was used for compositional measurements. It was determined that an in situ plasma treatment using a H2/Ar yielded metallic Ru films with the highest nucleation density, smallest grain size, and lowest resistivity. Film buckling was also observed for the Ru films deposited on H2/Ar pretreated surfaces. The behavior was attributed to the presence of compressive strain. The films deposited on RCA-cleaned and Ar plasma treated surfaces exhibited very similar physical and electrical characteristics to the films grown on untreated substrates. Alternatively, the use of O2 plasma surface treatment adversely affected Ru nucleation on the SiO2 surface. Relevant mechanisms for Ru nucleation and growth on SiO2 and Hf–silicate nontreated surfaces are discussed in the context of the various predeposition dry and wet treatments.
Upper and Lower Bounds for the Kagomé Lattice Bond Percolation Critical Probability

The bond percolation critical probability of the Kagome lattice is greater than 0.5209 and less than 0.5291. The proof of these bounds uses the substitution method, comparing the percolative behaviour of the Kagome lattice bond model with that of the exactly solved hexagonal lattice bond model via stochastic ordering.
Modulational instability of finite-amplitude, circularly polarized Alfven waves

The simple theory of the decay instability of Alfven waves is strictly applicable only to a small-amplitude parent wave in a low-beta plasma, but, if the parent wave is circularly polarized, it is possible to analyze the situation without either of these restrictions. Results show that a large-amplitude circularly polarized wave is unstable with respect to decay into three waves, one longitudinal and one transverse wave propagating parallel to the parent wave and one transverse wave propagating antiparallel. The transverse decay products appear at frequencies which are the sum and difference of the frequencies of the parent wave and the longitudinal wave. The decay products are not familiar MHD modes except in the limit of small beta and small amplitude of the parent wave, in which case the decay products are a forward-propagating sound wave and a backward-propagating circularly polarized wave. In this limit the other transverse wave disappears. The effect of finite beta is to reduce the linear growth rate of the instability from the value suggested by the simple theory. Possible applications of these results to the theory of the solar wind are briefly touched upon.
Psychosocial judgements and perceptions of adolescents with acne vulgaris: A blinded, controlled comparison of adult and peer evaluations

Background The purpose of the current survey was to evaluate how teenagers and adults view teens with acne as compared to those with smooth, clear skin. We also surveyed teens and adults about their experiences with acne.
The Augmentation Principle of nonlinear circuits and its application to continuation methods

The Augmentation Principle, which is a generalization of the well-known Substitution Theorem, is presented. This principle establishes that a circuit's DC operating point remains constant over all values of resistors placed in series with a set of properly chosen voltage sources or placed in parallel with a set of properly chosen current sources. A useful application of the Augmentation Principle to circuit simulation using continuation methods is also given.
Capacity of MIMO Rician channels

This paper presents exact results on the capacity of multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) Rician channels when perfect channel state information (CSI) is assumed at the receiver but the transmitter has neither instantaneous nor statistical CSI. It first derives the exact expression for the average mutual information (MI) rate of MIMO Rician fading channels when the fading coefficients are independent but not necessarily identically distributed. The results for the independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) MIMO Rician and Rayleigh fading channels are also obtained as special cases. These results are derived using a different approach than the one used by Telatar for the i.i.d. Rayleigh case. The complementary cumulative distribution function (CCDF) of the MI is also obtained using a Gaussian approximation. The CDF of MI can serve as an upper bound to the outage probability of nonergodic MIMO Rician channels. Numerical results confirm that for a fixed channel gain, a strong tine-of-sight component decreases the channel capacity due to the lack of scattering.
Harmonic-Aware Multi-Core Scheduling for Fixed-Priority Real-Time Systems

This paper presents a new semipartitioned approach to schedule sporadic tasks on multicore platforms based on the Rate Monotonic Scheduling policy. To improve the schedulability, our approach exploits the fact that the utilization bound of a task set increases as task periods become closer to harmonic on single processor platforms. The challenge for our approach, however, is how to take advantage of this fact to assign and split appropriate tasks on different processors in the semipartitioned approach, and how to guarantee the schedulability of real-time tasks. We formally prove that our scheduling approach can successfully schedule any task set with a system utilization bounded by Liu&Layland's bound for $N$ tasks, that is, $N(2^{1/N} - 1)$ . Our extensive experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can significantly improve the scheduling performance compared with the previous work.
In Vitro Activity of JPC 2067 Alone and in Combination with Sulfamethoxazole against Nocardia Species

ABSTRACT JPC 2067 is a novel dihydrotriazine dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor that is being developed as an antimalarial therapeutic. We evaluated the in vitro activity of JPC 2067 alone and in combination with sulfamethoxazole (SMX) against a panel of nocardia isolates. The MIC 50 s and MIC 90 s for JPC 2067, SMX, and the combination were 0.125 μg/ml and 4 μg/ml, 16 μg/ml and 32 μg/ml, and 0.03 μg/ml and 2 μg/ml, respectively. JPC 2067 alone and in combination with SMX should be evaluated further to understand its clinical potential.
Knowledge of Results and Motor Learning—Implications for Physical Therapy

Relevant to this special series on movement science, a brief overview of research in the field of motor learning is provided. A distinction between learning and performance is emphasized with respect to experimental design and the evaluation of laboratory and clinical intervention techniques. Intrinsic and extrinsic feedback are defined. Basic principles of motor learning pertaining to the use of augmented feedback or knowledge of results (KR) are reviewed. Particular emphasis is placed on recent research regarding the effects of selected KR variations (KR relative frequency, bandwidth KR, and KR delay) on motor performance and learning in healthy young adults. Results are discussed in terms of short-lasting temporary performance effects and relatively long-lasting learning effects. Theoretical and practical implications from this research are discussed. It is suggested that it is appropriate to use the principles obtained through laboratory experimentation as guidelines rather than as exact recommendations when applying basic research findings to clinical practice.
Optical and Crystallographic Properties of Inverse Opal Photonic Crystals Grown by Atomic Layer Deposition

We report a technique for the formation of infiltrated and inverse opal structures that produces high quality, low porosity conformal material structures. ZnS:Mn and TiO2 were deposited within the void space of an opal lattice by atomic layer deposition. The resulting structures were etched with HF to remove the silica opal template. Infiltrated and inverse opals were characterized by SEM, XRD, and transmission/reflection spectroscopy. The reflectance spectra exhibited features corresponding to strong low and high order photonic band gaps in the (111) direction (γ-L). In addition, deliberate partial infiltrations and multi-layered inverse opals have been formed. The effectiveness of a post-deposition heat treatment for converting TiO2 films to rutile was also studied.
Solvent recycling for reuse in semiconductor manufacturing

Solvent recycling in semiconductor manufacturing presents unique problems, in part because of the high purity standards that must be met. Even trace impurities in the recycled solvent can adversely affect product quality. Where implemented properly, benefits can include a return on capital investment in less than 6 months and a 90% reduction in virgin chemical purchases and waste shipments. Presented are details and benefits of two on-site distillation systems which the IBM Microelectronics Division semiconductor manufacturing facility in Essex Junction, Vermont has successfully used to recycle spent n-butyl acetate and N-methyl-2-pyrollidone for reuse.
Language lateralization in left-handed and ambidextrous people: fMRI data

Background: It is generally accepted that most people have left-hemispheric language dominance, though the actual incidence of atypical language distribution in non–right-handed subjects has not been extensively studied. The authors examined language distribution in these subjects and evaluated the relationships between personal handedness, family history of sinistrality, and a language laterality index (LI) measured with fMRI. Methods: The authors used whole-brain fMRI to examine 50 healthy, non–right-handed subjects (Edinburgh Handedness Inventory quotient between −100 and 52) while they performed language activation and nonlinguistic control tasks. Counts of active voxels ( p Results: Activation was predominantly right hemispheric in 8% (4/50), symmetric in 14% (7/50), and predominantly left hemispheric in 78% (39/50) of the subjects. Lateralization patterns were similar for all hemispheric ROI. Associations were observed between personal handedness and LI ( r = 0.28, p = 0.046), family history of sinistrality and LI ( p = 0.031), and age and LI ( r = −0.49, p Conclusions: The incidence of atypical language lateralization in normal left-handed and ambidextrous subjects is higher than in normal right-handed subjects (22% vs 4–6%). These whole-brain results confirm previous findings in a left-handed cohort studied with fMRI of the lateral frontal lobe. Associations observed between personal handedness and LI and family history of handedness and LI may indicate a common genetic factor underlying the inheritance of handedness and language lateralization.
Ethics as philosophical history for engineers

Ethics education in the engineering curriculum is required by ABET. This requirement is being met in the aerospace engineering department at the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, by an unconventional approach which is intended to have a lasting impact on engineering graduates throughout their working career. Instead of relying solely on exposing students to a particular code of ethics, or on primarily reviewing engineering case studies of ethical situations, a topical history of philosophy and mathematics is presented in intermittent bursts of weekly storytelling that lasts five to ten minutes with the intent of showing the evolution of ethics from antiquity to the present day. The engineering students appreciate the historical mathematical and philosophical focus on ethics. Their comments say the approach appears both interesting and unique for this type of presentation, and that they enjoy the topical links to many subjects normally confined to the humanities. Initial survey results are at Appendix A; final survey results and comments are in progress and therefore limited to the oral presentation.
β-Blockers alprenolol and carvedilol stimulate β-arrestin-mediated EGFR transactivation

Recent evidence suggests that binding of agonist to its cognate receptor initiates not only classical G protein-mediated signaling, but also β-arrestin-dependent signaling. One such β-arrestin-mediated pathway uses the β1-adrenergic receptor (β1AR) to transactivate the EGFR. To determine whether β-adrenergic ligands that do not activate G protein signaling (i.e., β-blockers) can stabilize the β1AR in a signaling conformation, we screened 20 β-blockers for their ability to stimulate β-arrestin-mediated EGFR transactivation. Here we show that only alprenolol (Alp) and carvedilol (Car) induce β1AR-mediated transactivation of the EGFR and downstream ERK activation. By using mutants of the β1AR lacking G protein-coupled receptor kinase phosphorylation sites and siRNA directed against β-arrestin, we show that Alp- and Car-stimulated EGFR transactivation requires β1AR phosphorylation at consensus G protein-coupled receptor kinase sites and β-arrestin recruitment to the ligand-occupied receptor. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of Src and EGFR blocked Alp- and Car-stimulated EGFR transactivation. Our findings demonstrate that Alp and Car are ligands that not only act as classical receptor antagonists, but can also stimulate signaling pathways in a G protein-independent, β-arrestin-dependent fashion.
FGFR1 amplification and the progression of non-invasive to invasive breast cancer

The incidence of invasive breast cancer (IBC) can be dramatically reduced by improving our abilities to detect and treat ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Progress will be based on a detailed understanding of molecular mechanisms responsible for tumor progression. An interesting study by Jang and colleagues evaluated and compared the frequency of amplification of four oncogenes (HER2, c-MYC, CCND1 and FGFR1) in large cohorts of pure DCIS, in the DCIS component of IBC, and in corresponding IBC. Of particular interest, they found a twofold increase in FGFR1 amplification in IBC versus pure DCIS, and significantly reduced disease-free survival in amplified versus unamplified IBC - leading the authors to conclude that FGFR1 plays an important role in the development and progression of IBC. These observations indeed provide hints that FGFR1 is important in this setting, although the issue is very complex and far from resolved.
Gain self-calibration procedure for microphone arrays

In many cases microphone arrays, used for beamforming or sound source localization, do not provide the estimated shape of the beam, noise suppression or localization precision. One of the reasons is the difference in the signal paths, caused by different sensitivity of the microphones and/or by the microphone preamplifiers. This paper presents a simple and fast procedure for self-calibration of the microphone gains, suitable for real-time applications using microphone arrays for capturing audio signals. It is based on projection of sensor coordinates on the direction of arrival line and approximation of received energy levels thus reducing the dimensions and speeding up the calculations. The proposed technique automatically calibrates the channels' gains within plusmn0.45 dB when the manufacturing tolerance of the microphone sensitivity varies as much as plusmn4 dB. We tested in a real environment
Images in clinical medicine. Plasmacytoma of the skull.

A 42-year-old woman presented with a painless, nickel-sized lump on her scalp that was first noticed by her hairdresser 4 months earlier. Physical examination revealed a firm, nontender, subcutaneous nodule, 6 cm in diameter, and no neurologic deficits. A complete blood count, complete metabolic profile, and urinalysis showed no abnormalities. A computed tomographic scan showed a destructive, well-demarcated, soft-tissue mass, with peripheral bony fragments, emerging from the right frontal calvarium. The mass measured 5 cm by 4 cm and was compressing part of the brain. There was no evidence of a midline shift. The mass was excised, and cranial mesh . . .
A nonparametric maximum likelihood estimator for the receiver operating characteristic curve area in the presence of verification bias

The efficacy of a diagnostic test can be represented by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. In estimating the ROC curve area, a common problem is verification bias resulting from selectively verifying a subset of patients initially tested. This paper proposes a simple verification bias correction procedure for estimating the ROC curve area and its corresponding variance.
Establishment of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis technique for Vibrio parahaemolyticus proteomics

Objective:To establish a 2-DE technique system for Vibrio parahaemolyticus protein separation.Methods:Using two cracking methods to extract protein of the Vibrio parahaemolyticus.After the samples were purified,we selected the IPG strip of different pH Range for 2-D PAGE.Then all gels were stained by blue-silver and compared the Pictures.Results:Ultrasonic degradation is better than freezing-thaw and operate simply and fast.The protein should be purified before two-dimensional electrophoresis.Most spots located in pH4.5～5.5 area and some of which distribute pH6～7 area.Conclusion:We have successfully established a 2-DE technique for Vibrio parahaemolyticus proteome,which can lay the foundation for the further study.
Early changes in liver cytoplasmic RNA of hydrocortisone-treated rats.

We have investigated certain events occurring in rat liver cytoplasm during the time period between the administration of hydrocortisone and the hormone-induced increase in the level of several hepatic enzymes. At various times after the administration of hydrocortisone to adrenalectomized rats, 14 C-orotic acid was injected intraperitoneally. After a 40-min labeling period the rats were killed and liver cytoplasm was examined on sucrose gradients. Two hours post hydrocortisone administration the isotopic labeling of a 45 S cytoplasmic particle was markedly increased. Previous data suggest that the 45 S particle carries newly synthesized messenger RNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasmic polyribosomes. The stimulation of labeling occurred at a time consistent with the postulate that the excess of labeled RNA in the 45 S particle includes messenger RNA coding for the synthesis of the hormone-stimulated enzymes. A simultaneous fall in membrane-free, monomeric ribosomes was noted.
Efficient capacitance solver for 3D interconnect based on template-instantiated basis functions

In this paper we show how the highly restrictive design rules of the recent sub-micro to nano-scale Integrated Circuit technologies allow to use a limited number of pre-computed surface charge distributions as a set of fundamental template basis functions in an efficient integral equation based 3D capacitance solver. Several examples verify that our solver can achieve final accuracies of less than 2% using 5× to 30× fewer unknowns than standard piecewise constant basis functions for the same accuracy, resulting in up to 25× speedups.
The safety and efficacy of pediatric lingual tonsillectomy

Objective Lingual tonsillar hypertrophy is recognized as a cause of persistent obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) after adenotonsillectomy in children. However, little has been reported regarding the complications, postoperative course and effectiveness of lingual tonsillectomy (LT). Our objective was to review the safety and effectiveness of LT in children. Methods Retrospective review of children undergoing LT from January 2009 to December 2015 at a tertiary children's hospital. Complications, postoperative course and polysomnographic (PSG) outcomes were recorded for all patients. Results We identified 92 children (mean age = 8.6 years, 50% female) who underwent LT; 43.5% had a syndromic diagnosis. The most common complications were emergency department presentation for bleeding (4.4%) and poor oral intake (3.3%). The readmission rate was 4.4% including 2 children (2.2%) who required operative control of hemorrhage. No children required unplanned reintubation or ICU admission. In children with PSG data (n = 18), the median apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) decreased from 8.5 to 3.8 events/hour (p = 0.022) and the median obstructive AHI (oAHI) decreased from 8.3 to 3.1 events/hour (p = 0.021). In addition, the oxygen saturation nadir increased from 83.8% to 89.0% (p = 0.0007). After surgery the percentage of patients with oAHI Conclusions Readmission and bleeding rates after lingual tonsillectomy in children were similar to that seen with tonsillectomy. Polysomnographic data showed that lingual tonsillectomy resulted in a significant reduction of both AHI and oAHI with a postoperative oAHI
CD36 mediates H2O2-induced calcium influx in lung microvascular endothelial cells

Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species and intracellular Ca2+ play a key role in endothelial barrier dysfunction in acute lung injury. We previously showed that H2O2-induced increases in intrac...
Deontic Technology Perceptions: A Complimentary View to Perspectives on Technology Acceptance

For decades, researchers have used primarily instrumental perspectives to understand technology acceptance and problem solving behavior by emphasizing how technology impacts the personal interests ...
Novel calcium phosphate composite bone cement: strength and bonding properties

A new high-strength cement prepared from calcium phosphate and calcium aluminate has been developed and was evaluated for potential use in bone and joint repair applications. Cement specimens were aged under simulated physiological conditions. The compressive strength of the cement was determined at time intervals 1 h after setting up to 52 weeks. A compressive strength of 111.6±12.9 MPa was measured at 4 weeks, with the cement attaining 64% of this maximum strength within 4 h of preparation. Compressive strength greater than 90 MPa was maintained up to 52 weeks. The strength of the cement–prosthesis interface was studied using a pull-out test. Polished, 316L stainless steel rods were implanted in canine cadaver femurs to simulate a cemented hip prosthesis. At 4, 24 h, and 60 days post implantation, the force required to displace the rod was measured. Mean interfacial shear strengths of 1.17±0.25, 1.11±0.21, and 1.11±0.32 MPa were observed at respective time-periods.
Gender and its Effect on Perceptions of Certainty with Clause-Initial Falsetto

Gender and its effect on spoken language has been a prevalent topic in linguistic research since Robin Lakoff pioneered the movement in the 1970s. Emily Walters, a senior Literature and Professional and Technical Writing double major, explored spoken uncertainty and gender in her self-designed and led research project. Through her Language and Gender course taught by Professor Abby Walker, Emily collected samples of male and female speakers speaking with normal intonation and with clause-initial falsetto intonation. She then surveyed participants on which speech pattern made each gender sound more certain. Her results of this pilot study were surprising, challenging the standard notions of gender and uncertainty. Emily discusses her research, inspiration, and challenges in the interview to the left. Emily’s research provides a new perspective on a topic that has been thoroughly discussed for 40 years, and further research might be able to change the conversation.
IL10 release upon PD-1 blockade sustains immunosuppression in ovarian cancer

Ligation of PD-1 in the tumor microenvironment is known to inhibit effective adaptive anti-tumor immunity. Blockade of PD-1 in humans has resulted in impressive, durable regression responses in select tumor types. However, durable responses have been elusive in ovarian cancer patients. PD-1 was recently shown to be expressed on and thereby impair the functions of tumor-infiltrating murine and human myeloid dendritic cells (TIDC) in ovarian cancer. In the present work, we characterize the regulation of PD-1 expression and the effects of PD-1 blockade on TIDC. Treatment of TIDC and bone marrow-derived DC with IL-10 led to increased PD-1 expression. Both groups of DC also responded to PD-1 blockade by increasing production of IL-10. Similarly, treatment of ovarian tumor-bearing mice with PD-1 blocking antibody resulted in an increase in IL-10 levels in both serum and ascites. While PD-1 blockade or IL-10 neutralization as monotherapies were inefficient, combination of these two led to improved survival and delayed tumor growth; this was accompanied by augmented anti-tumor T and B cell responses and decreased infiltration of immunosuppressive MDSC. Taken together, our findings implicate compensatory release of IL-10 as one of the adaptive resistance mechanisms that undermine the efficacy of anti-PD-1 (or anti-PD-L1) monotherapies and prompts further studies aimed at identifying such resistance mechanisms.
Monitored Anesthesia Care

The term “monitored anesthesia care” (MAC) does not describe a distinct type of anesthesia or a certain level of sedation. Rather, it describes a specific service where an anesthesia care provider has been requested to participate in the care of a patient undergoing a diagnostic or a therapeutic procedure. In MAC, the anesthesia care provider provides a number of services specific to patient care. These services include, but are not limited to, pre-procedure evaluation, intra-procedure care, as well as post-procedure management.
Chapter 6 – Critical Periods in Cortical Development

Abstract Defined windows in development exist when neural circuitry can be robustly restructured in response to experience. These time-limited critical periods are shown across many brain regions representing diverse brain functions. These periods are thought to allow developing neural circuits to establish an individualized, optimal neural representation of a highly variable environment. Critical periods allow the establishment of relatively stable cortical circuitry but this enhanced stability can also limit large-scale adaptations to changes in input during adulthood. A key question concerns the cellular and molecular mechanisms controlling the onset and closure of critical periods of plasticity in primary sensory areas, and especially in the well-studied model of amblyopia. The fast-spiking, parvalbumin-positive inhibitory interneuron is an important player and matures in sink with these windows. in addition, mechanisms enabling plasticity in juveniles are not simply lost with age, but rather there is an upregulation of molecular “brakes” that actively constrain plasticity. Plasticity in the adult visual cortex can be enhanced by lifting these brakes, providing a mechanism for promoting recovery of function. This review considers recent insights into the neurobiology of the critical period for amblyopia and how they might generalize to other sensory and higher cognitive functions. Our understanding the mechanisms underlying critical periods hopefully can be leveraged toward improved clinical treatments for humans.
Comparative energetics of carbon storage molecules in green algae

Abstract Several members of the green algae possess the ability to produce lipids and/or high value compounds in significant quantities. While for several of these green algal species induction of increased lipid production has been shown, and cultivation of species for high value molecules occurs at production scale, the molecular mechanisms governing over-accumulation of molecules synthesized from isoprenoid precursors, carotenoids, for example, have received far less attention. Here, we present a calculation of the required ATP equivalencies per carbon atom and reducing power equivalencies as NADH/NADPH (NAD(P)H) per carbon atom for the isoprenoid molecules β-carotene (C40), astaxanthin (C40), and squalene (C30). We compared energetic requirements of carbohydrates, triacylglycerol, and isoprenoid molecules under a gradient of conditions of cellular stress. Our calculations revealed slightly less ATP and NAD(P)H equivalency per carbon atom between triacylglycerol and the three isoprenoid molecules. Based on our results, we propose that the driving force for differences in accumulation patterns of carotenoids vs. triacylglycerols in algal cells under stress is largely dependent on the presence and regulation of bypass mechanisms at metabolic junction bottlenecks, like pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), within particular species. We provide a discussion of several molecular mechanisms that may influence carbon partitioning within different groups of green algae, including metabolic inhibition through accumulation of specific substrates related to ATP and reducing equivalent production (NAD(P)H) as well as cellular compartmentalization. This work contributes to the ongoing discussion of cellular homeostatic regulation during stress, as well as the potential mechanisms driving long-term carbon storage as it relates to energy and redox states within the algal cell.
Unilateral localized conjunctival amyloidosis in a patient with a history of contralateral orbit/eyelid lymphoma.

Abstract Amyloidosis is a disorder characterized by the deposition of insoluble abnormal proteins in the extracellular space. It may occur as a localized lesion or as a systemic disease involving multiple organs and systems. Localized conjunctival amyloidosis is rare and is less frequently associated with systemic involvement. Although amyloidosis itself is a benign lesion involvement of multiple organs and systems is associated with poor prognosis. Diagnosis of amyloidosis is made on biopsy specimens with Congo red staining for the appearance of apple-green birefringence under polarized light microscopy. Liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is much more sensitive in diagnosing amyloidosis and can determine the type of amyloid deposit. Here we reported a case of conjunctival amyloidosis in a 52 year-old male patient who was presented with left lower eyelid swelling to our medical center. He has a complicated past medical history of anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome, Buerger's disease (thromboangitis obliterans), and small cell lymphoma (SLL) of the right orbit/eyelid. The patient received radiation to the right orbit to treat SLL with therapy completed one and a half years prior to presentation. Physical examination revealed a firm, raised yellowish colored lesion in the left lower conjunctiva. The conjunctival lesion was biopsied, and tissue sections were examined with Congo red stains and LC-MS/MS analysis. The biopsy showed amyloid deposits without evidence of malignancy, and the type of proteins in the deposit was immunoglobulin light chain (AL) of kappa type. A complete work up was taken for possible systemic involvement of amyloidosis and results were all negative. To our knowledge, this is the first case of localized conjunctival amyloidosis with a history of contralateral orbit/eyelid SLL.
Role of the androgen signaling axis in genitourinary malignancies

As we learn more about the molecular biology of genitourinary malignancies, novel therapeutic strategies can be developed. This is especially crucial for prostate, renal, and bladder cancer, where mortality rates remain high especially in advanced disease states. The androgen signaling axis and the androgen receptor (AR) are areas that are actively being explored for their role in these diseases. Although long been associated with prostate cancer development and progression, the role of AR in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and bladder cancer is becoming recognized as well. This review will highlight the current research into the role of the androgen signaling axis in genitourinary malignancies and how this pathway is being used to expand our therapeutic armamentarium.
Economic Models Applicable to Institutional Evaluation

The Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) of 1993 provides a clear description of how public agencies, technology-based public institutions in particular, will be documenting themselves against implicit and explicit accountability criteria. They will, if they adhere to GPRA, be identifying outputs and quantifying the economic benefits of the outcomes associated with such outputs. The bottom line, except in rare instances, will be, in our opinion, a quantification of the benefits of the outcomes and then a comparison of quantified benefits to the public costs to achieve the benefits.
Early ribbon drawings of proteins.

NIH, using Richard Feldmann’s blackand-white molecular display to choose viewpoint and print out Cα traces at a consistent scale. The drawings were made in pencil on tracing paper over the printout, while also looking at a smaller version of the structure in stereo view, and finally traced in India ink. Shaded blackand-white (Fig. 1d) or color versions were made by sticking on pieces of overlay film and cutting to fit the ribbon edges. Dave monitored the blackness of my ink, touched up line quality under a microscope, and photographed highcontrast negatives for printing. Making these drawings was a fascinating process. First, the structures are very aesthetically pleasing — especially, for me, the varied and elegant curves of β-sheets. Second, making a drawing can change one’s scientific understanding of a protein, sometimes revealing a preferable structural classification and once even correcting a chain tracing 7. Third,
The Transforming Growth Factor β Superfamily in Sertoli Cell Biology

This chapter discusses the role of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) in Sertoli cell biology. The TGFβ superfamily of cytokines/growth factors consists of more than 40 members, many of which are important in gonadal development and function. The members of this superfamily include: TGFβ, inhibins/activins, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP), Mullerian inhibitory substance (MIS), growth and differentiation factor 9 (GDF9), and glial-derived neurotropic factor (GDNF). TGFβ, activins, and GDNF are much more highly expressed in the fetus and/or neonate than in the maturing and adult testis. Incubation with TGFβ1 results in reduced cord formation in fetal testes (between 13.5 and 14.5 dpc) and inhibition of the epidermal growth factor, and fetal calf serum-stimulated growth of the neonatal rat testis. While the presence of inhibin in stage-dissected tubule segments reduced in vitro DNA synthesis in intermediate spermatogonia and in preleptotene spermatocytes, the addition of activin increased DNA synthesis in these cells. GDNF also has profound effects on events in the early postnatal testis, with effects on both Sertoli and germ cells.
Herbicide Efficacy in Alternative Substrates for Container-grown Nursery Crops

Abstract Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the influence of alternative substrates on herbicide efficacy in container grown nursery crops. In Experiment 1, alternative substrates evaluated were either pine wood chips hammer-milled, to pass between 0.48 cm (0.19 in) screen (PWCH1) or 0.64 cm (0.25 in) screen (PWCH2), whole pine trees chipped or hammer-milled (WTCH), to pass between a 0.48 cm (0.19 in) screen, or the previously mentioned combined with pinebark. A commercial pine bark substrate (PB) with a 6: 1 (by vol) ratio of pine bark to sand was maintained as a control treatment. Rout® at 3 lbs aia (oxyfluorfen + oryzalin at 2.24 + 1.12 kg·ha−1) and Ronstar at 4.0 lb aia (oxadiazon at 4.48 kg·ha−1) were applied at recommended label rates. Herbicides were applied and irrigated, and each container was overseeded with 25 spotted spurge (Euphorbia maculata) seed per container. In general, the greatest spurge numbers occurred in PB substrates. Rout provided superior spurge control compared to Rons...
An Examination of Denomination-Level Efforts in Congregation Health Programming

Large denominational faith-based organizations (FBOs, e.g., conferences, dioceses) have potential to impact population health, though current activities are largely unknown. This study examined how large denominational FBOs approach health promotion programming and relevant barriers and issues related to capacity. A self-report survey via email and mail collected responses from representatives of FBOs about their health programming. The sample (n = 154) was diverse and included Catholic, Presbyterian, and Lutheran traditions. The most common activities were inclusion of health-related topics at organizational events and the provision of educational resources. Working with FBOs at a macro-level has potential implications for population-level health improvements.
All-trans Retinoic Acid Disrupts Development in Ex Vivo Cultured Fetal Rat Testes. II: Modulation of Mono-(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate Toxicity

Humans are universally exposed to low levels of phthalate esters (phthalates), which are used to plasticize polyvinyl chloride. Phthalates exert adverse effects on the development of seminiferous cords in the fetal testis through unknown toxicity pathways. To investigate the hypothesis that phthalates alter seminiferous cord development by disrupting retinoic acid (RA) signaling in the fetal testis, gestational day 15 fetal rat testes were exposed for 1-3 days to 10-6 M all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) alone or in combination with 10-6-10-4 M mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) in ex vivo culture. As previously reported, exogenous ATRA reduced seminiferous cord number. This effect was attenuated in a concentration-dependent fashion by MEHP co-exposure. ATRA and MEHP-exposed testes were depleted of DDX4-positive germ cells but not Sertoli cells. MEHP alone enhanced the expression of the RA receptor target Rbp1 and the ovary development-associated genes Wnt4 and Nr0b1, and suppressed expression of the Leydig cell marker, Star, and the germ cell markers, Ddx4 and Pou5f1. In co-exposures, MEHP predominantly enhanced the gene expression effects of ATRA, but the Wnt4 and Nr0b1 concentration-responses were nonlinear. Similarly, ATRA increased the number of cells expressing the granulosa cell marker FOXL2 in testis cultures, but this induction was attenuated by addition of MEHP. These results indicate that MEHP can both enhance and inhibit actions of ATRA during fetal testis development and provide evidence that RA signaling is a target for phthalate toxicity in the fetal testis.
Acute Paravertebral Compartment Syndrome: Follow-up and Literature Review.

Objective To report on a patient with acute paravertebral and posterior thigh compartment syndrome after vigorous exercise. Background Paravertebral compartment syndrome (PCS) is a rare clinical entity, typically occurring in male athletes after heavy exertion and weightlifting. Case A 25-year-old man presented with back pain and hematuria hours after back-specific weightlifting. Clinical examination, laboratory markers, MRI, and elevated intracompartmental pressure measurements supported the diagnosis of bilateral paravertebral and posterior thigh compartment syndrome. The patient underwent paravertebral decompression via the Wiltse approach with immediate postoperative relief. He is doing well at 1 year, with recovery of lumbar extension strength, although MRI demonstrates moderate fatty replacement of paravertebral musculature. Conclusions Although rare, early recognition of PCS and timely decompression can limit myonecrosis. Paravertebral compartment syndrome should be considered in the differential for athletic individuals with acute onset back pain. Study design A case report and review of literature.
Association of opioid use and peripheral artery disease

Abstract Background Prescription opioids account for 40% of all U.S. opioid overdose deaths, and national efforts have intensified to reduce opioid prescriptions. Little is known about the relationship between peripheral artery disease (PAD) and high-risk opioid use. The objectives of this study were to evaluate this relationship and to assess the impact of PAD treatment on opiate use. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, the Truven Health MarketScan database (Truven Health Analytics, Ann Arbor, Mich), a deidentified national private insurance claims database, was queried to identify patients with PAD (two or more International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision diagnosis codes of PAD ≥2 months apart, with at least 2 years of continuous enrollment) from 2007 to 2015. Critical limb ischemia (CLI) was defined as the presence of rest pain, ulcers, or gangrene. The primary outcome was high opioid use, defined as two or more opioid prescriptions within a 1-year period. Multivariable analysis was used to determine risk factors for high opioid use. Results A total of 178,880 patients met the inclusion criteria, 35% of whom had CLI. Mean ± standard deviation follow-up time was 5.3 ± 2.1 years. An average of 24.7% of patients met the high opioid use criteria in any given calendar year, with a small but significant decline in high opioid use after 2010 (P Conclusions Patients with PAD are at increased risk for high opioid use, with nearly one-quarter meeting described criteria. CLI and treatment for PAD additionally increase high opioid use. In addition to heightened awareness and active opioid management, our findings warrant further investigation into underlying causes and deterrents of high-risk opioid use.
Impact of Health Plan Reforms in Washington on Employment Decisions

The State of Washington, as part of a State Innovation Model (SIM) grant, is changing the payment model within state employee health insurance plans. The system is moving away from traditional fee-for-service reimbursement to value-based payment, through insurance design (the creation of accountable care network insurance products) and bundled payment strategies. New plans were rolled out January 2016 (enrollment occurred in late 2015), with the stated goal of getting 80% of state employees covered by plans that contain value-based purchasing within the next 5 years. The goal of payment reform is to improve member experience, member health, and cut costs. However, changing health insurance during employment can directly and indirectly change labor market outcomes. Decreasing costs of insurance could lead people to remain in the state-employment sector longer. However, it could also influence retirement timing, through changing the relative costs of insurance and through improving health.This paper examines who switches to value-based insurance, where the insurance explicitly decreases premiums without changing out-of-pocket costs. We find that the peak age for switching insurance plans is 35–45, even among the subsample of individuals who would not need to change their usual sources of care. Second, we look at the labor market activity – both leaving the state-employee sector and retiring from state-employment – and find that younger workers with value-based insurance plans are less likely to leave state employment. Further, we find evidence of value-based insurance, available at a reduced cost to both employees and retirees, leads to a shifting downward in the distribution of retirement age. While these findings support the existence of both the price and income effects, the effect sizes are rather small.