cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
HIF2α-Dependent Lipid Storage Promotes Endoplasmic Reticulum Homeostasis in Clear-Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Two hallmarks of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) are constitutive hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) signaling and abundant intracellular lipid droplets (LDs). However, regulation of lipid storage and its role in ccRCC are incompletely understood. Transcriptional profiling of primary ccRCC samples revealed that expression of the LD coat protein gene PLIN2 was elevated in tumors and correlated with HIF-2α, but not HIF-1α, activation. HIF-2α dependent PLIN2 expression promoted lipid storage, proliferation, and viability in xenograft tumors. Mechanistically, lipid storage maintained integrity of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which is functionally and physically associated with LDs. Specifically, PLIN2 dependent lipid storage suppressed cytotoxic ER stress responses that otherwise result from elevated protein synthetic activity characteristic of ccRCC cells. Thus, in addition to promoting ccRCC proliferation and anabolic metabolism, HIF-2α modulates lipid storage to sustain ER homeostasis, particularly under conditions of nutrient and oxygen limitation, thereby promoting tumor cell survival.
Investigation of Wind–Wave Interaction during Wave Growth Using Continuous Wavelet Analysis

Abstract In this study spectral and cross-spectral analysis are conducted using the complex Morlet wavelet transformation to investigate wind–wave interaction during wave growth. The wavelet power spectrum of the individual time series of wind speed and wave height shows that the energy content of these time series varies considerably with time for different scales. The cross-spectrum shows that the energetic events in the wind and wave time series occur at the same scale and time. Therefore, the use of wavelet analysis gives the ability to analyze features that could not be analyzed through the use of the classical Fourier analysis because of the nonstationarity feature of the wind speed and wave height signals. The computed cross-spectrum shows that the regions of high values correspond to the occurrence of a sudden increase in wind speed or wave height.
An empirical study on the vectorization of multimedia applications for multimedia extensions

Multimedia extensions (MME) are architectural extensions to general-purpose processors to boost the performance of multimedia workloads. Today, in-line assembly code, intrinsic functions and library routines are the most common means to program these extensions. A promising alternative is to exploit vectorization technology to automatically generate MME instructions from programs written in standard high-level languages. However, despite the early success of automatic vectorization for traditional vector supercomputers, state-of-the-art vectorizing compilers for multimedia extensions have yet to demonstrate their effectiveness, especially on multimedia workloads. In this paper, we conducted an empirical study on the vectorization of media processing programs for multimedia extensions. Our study identified several new issues that are not handled by traditional vectorizers. These issues arise partly as the result of the unique features of MME architectures, partly due to the characteristics of media processing applications. We proposed several techniques to address some of these issues. We further assessed the effectiveness of our techniques by manually applying them to a set of multimedia programs. In addition, we found that further optimizations after vectorization are essential to benefit from multimedia extensions. In our experiments, 23 of 34 core procedures from the Berkeley Media Benchmark (BMW) were manually vectorized and 14 procedures achieved speedups of 1.10 to 3.39 on a Pentium 4 processor.
Tube feeding: is it ever necessary?

Selections from a patient's writings to her therapist highlight the stages of recovery when nasogastric tube feeding was used in the treatment of a restrictive anorectic.
Relationship Between Social Rank and Cortisol and Testosterone Concentrations in Male Cynomolgus Monkeys (Macaca fascicularis)

In nonhuman primate social groups, biological differences related to social status have proven useful for investigating the mechanisms of sensitivity to various disease states. Physiological and neurobiological differences between dominant and subordinate monkeys have been interpreted in the context of chronic social stress. The present experiments were designed to investigate the relationships between basal cortisol and testosterone concentrations and the establishment and maintenance of the social hierarchy in male cynomolgus monkeys. Cortisol concentrations were measured at baseline and following suppression with dexamethasone (DEX) and subsequent administration of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) while monkeys were individually housed (n = 20) and after 3 months of social housing (n = 4/group), by which time dominance hierarchies had stabilised. Cortisol was also measured during the initial 3 days of social housing. Neither pre-social housing hormone concentrations, nor hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis sensitivity predicted eventual social rank. During initial social housing, cortisol concentrations were significantly higher in monkeys that eventually became subordinate; this effect dissipated within 3 days. During the 12 weeks of social housing, aggressive and submissive behaviours were observed consistently, forming the basis for assignment of social ranks. At this time, basal testosterone and cortisol concentrations were significantly higher in dominant monkeys and, after DEX suppression, cortisol release in response to a challenge injection of ACTH was significantly greater in subordinates. These results indicate that basal cortisol and testosterone concentrations and HPA axis function are state variables that differentially reflect position in the dominance hierarchy, rather than trait variables that predict future social status.
Senegal's Hip Hop Youth Says Y' En a Marre and Asks for Social Change

This paper seeks to analyze the participation of hip hop bands from the Dakar suburb of Pikine in the social movement Yen a marre that played a significant role in bringing Macky Sall from the Alliance For The Republic Party (APR) into presidency. In order to construct a full picture of the complex interactions between political, social and economic marginalization and public protest through creative means in contemporary Senegal, this paper makes use many different kinds of sources and methodologies. A wide range of secondary literature - ranging from political analyses of Senegalese politics to those concerning hip hop as a global language of social commentary, from social movements in the African Diaspora to the constant re-definitions of Black music as a charged signifier will be explored in depth. Yet, the most important data come from participant observation and anthropological fieldwork conducted through first-hand interviews with ten different Senegalese hip hop artists and bands. The bands and individual artists interviewed on both their understanding of a politically and socially conscious Hip hop and their role in bringing about social change are Sangue Bi, Mustaf, Ladia, Bi Crew, AJ One, All Right, Baat Sen, Shaka Bab's, Man Di Kat and Ruff Level.
Morphological classification of medical images using nonlinear support vector machines

The wavelet decomposition of a high-dimensional shape transformation posed in a mass-preserving framework is used as a morphological signature of a brain image. Population differences with complex spatial patterns are then determined by applying a nonlinear support vector machine pattern classification method to the morphological signatures. By considering measurements from the entire image, and not only from isolated anatomical structures, and by using a highly non-linear classifier, this method has achieved very high classification results in a variety of tests.
Adsorption and Decomposition of NO on Lanthanum Oxide

The adsorption behavior of NO on La2O3, an effective catalyst for selective NO reduction with CH4 at temperatures above 800 K, depends upon the pretreatment as indicated by temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) and diffuse reflectance FTIR spectroscopy (DRIFTS). The use of isotopic 18O2 exchange and adsorption showed that oxygen adsorbed dissociatively by filling oxygen vacancies and that both oxygen vacancies and lattice oxygen were mobile at high temperature. Oxygen pair vacancies were assumed to be created by desorption of molecular oxygen and, upon cooling, a certain distribution of pair and single vacancies exists at the surface as the pair vacancies can rearrange due to oxygen ion migration. After La2O3 was pretreated at 973 K in He, exposure to NO at 300 K caused a brief reaction forming N2O, then gave three NO TPD peaks at 400, 700, and 800 K. The only O2 desorption occurred during the 800 K NO peak and gave an NO/O2 ratio near unity. Oxygen chemisorption prior to NO admission eliminated the formation of N2O during NO adsorption at 300 K, blocked the sites giving NO desorption at 700 K, but enhanced the NO and O2 peaks at 800 K. TPD after 15N16O adsorption on an La2O3 surface containing exchanged 18O lattice anions, but no chemisorbed O atoms, showed that both 15N16O and 15N18O desorbed at 400 K, but only 15N16O was present in the 700 and 800 K desorption peaks, and 16O2 again desorbed at 800 K. When both lattice exchange and chemisorption of 18O2 on the La2O3 surface were allowed before 15N16O adsorption, 15N18O was desorbed at 400 and 800 K while 16O2, 16O18O, and 18O2 were also desorbed at 800 K; thus the NO peak at 400 K involves exchange with surface lattice oxygen atoms, while the 800 K peak involves exchange with chemisorbed oxygen atoms. DRIFTS indicated the presence of anionic nitrosyl (NO−), hyponitrite (N2O2)2−, chelated nitrite (NO2−), nitrito (ONO−), and bridging and monodenate nitrate (NO3−) species. Consequently, the three NO TPD peaks were assigned as follows: 400 K, decomposition of nitrito, nitro, and bidentate nitrate species; 700 K, desorption from NO− and (N2O2)2− species; and 800 K, decomposition of monodenate nitrate species into NO and O2. A model of the La2O3 surface based on the (001) and (011) crystal planes is proposed to account for these different sites. Two types of oxygen pair vacancy sites with a different O–O separation appear to exist, with one forming (N2O2)2− species, and four additional sites—(1) an oxygen single vacancy, (2) a single vacancy and a lattice oxygen atom, (3) a coordinative unsaturated lattice oxygen atom, and (4) adjacent lattice oxygen atoms—are proposed to explain the formation of NO−, nitrito (M–ONO−), chelated nitrites, and bridging nitrate species, respectively. Among these species, (N2O2)2− was detected by DRIFTS under reaction conditions at 800 K and is most likely to be an active intermediate during NO decomposition. Monodentate nitrate species are also observed at 800 K, but are very stable and still present after purging at 800 K.
Worldwide trends in DDT levels in human breast milk.

DDT a pesticide was first used in the 1940s to control wartime typhus and agricultural pests. However its harmful effects upon wildlife led to the imposition of a ban upon its routine use in the US and many other countries in the 1970s. Concerns now exist over DDTs persistence in the environment its bioaccumulation and its potential for causing cancer and reproductive problems. Despite the availability of alternatives DDT continues to be used largely to control malaria-carrying mosquitoes. Human breast milk can be used to monitor levels of lipophilic organochlorine compounds such as DDT. Global trends are examined in reported DDT levels as well as the apparent effect of restrictions upon DDT use. More than 130 published values for DDT in human milk since 1951 were compiled and trend lines fit for regions of the world. Population means of DDT in breast milk declined throughout much of the world from 5000-10000 mcg DDT/kg milk fat to around 1000 today in many areas. Although different regions have different means the decline observed in some countries nonetheless corresponds to their restriction of DDT use. Levels can still be high in areas still using DDT even higher than the World Health Organizations recommended ceiling for infants. These results demonstrate that population averages can be reduced by a predictable amount when DDT use is restricted.
Staying in the Room.

The call from the nursing home relayed that an 85-year-old male was coming in by ambulance complaining of increased shortness of breath. The nursing home told us that he had an unknown code status. Once the patient arrived, it was clear that he was in the process of dying. While I was preparing for aggressive resuscitative efforts, my attending physician was shuffling through some paperwork that came with the patient and discovered a “do not resuscitate” order, signed by the patient. The paperwork also stated that he had advanced cancer. It was clear why the patient had previously decided he did not want any procedures to be done, which we were quickly prepping to perform. With this added information we put a stop to our efforts, followed the wishes of the patient, and made him as comfortable as possible in his final moments. My attending asked the paramedics if the patient’s family was coming, and they said they would be arriving in 5–10 minutes. At the time, I was the senior resident in charge, and I was feeling the increased pressure of wanting to see more patients and to get some charting done. A 5–10 minute wait may not seem like much, but in the shift of an emergency physician, it can feel like an eternity. However, my attending didn’t leave the patient’s side, and he held his hand the whole time. After several long minutes, our patient’s family arrived in the emergency department. We went over the care of the patient and the family quickly understood the entire situation. With tears in their eyes, they still had one request from us: they asked that my attending and I participate with their family in prayer. Of course, we could not refuse. So as we gathered around the bedside, all holding hands, we instantly felt for that brief moment as members of the family. The more we listened to the prayer, something incredible happened. The patient, whom we had no previous connection to and knew nothing about, quickly became very real to us. During the prayer the family described our patient as not only a wonderful, loving person, but also the rock and foundation of this entire family, and that this dying patriarch would be missed beyond measure. What an unforgettable moment that was, to instantly connect to our patient and his family during his last moments on earth. Then I had an epiphany—what would it have looked like if the family had arrived and no one was at the bedside? It would have looked like their loved one was being abandoned in his final hour. But his family arrived to see my attending holding the hand of their loved one, and he was instantly able to explain the entire situation the moment they arrived. In emergency medicine, we train to save lives. We live for chest tubes, charged paddles, and difficult airways. In reality, the most important and meaningful thing we can do sometimes is as simple as staying in the room a few more minutes.
Trephine biopsy of bone with special reference to the lumbar vertebral bodies.

The relative inaccessibility of the vertebral body for surgical biopsy makes trephine biopsy valuable in this region. By use of the needle described, excellent, adequate undistorted cores of tissue may be obtained, to aid in the differential diagnosis of many lesions.
Key Factors Associated with Major Depression in a National Sample of Stroke Survivors.

Background Depression, one of the most common complications encountered after stroke, is associated with poorer outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the factors independently associated with and predictive of poststroke depression (PSD). Methods We assessed the prevalence of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-8] score >10) among a national sample of adults (≥20 years) with stroke who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys from 2005 to 2010. Logistic regression and random forest models were used to determine the factors associated with and predictive of PSD, after adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical factors. Results Of the 17,132 individuals surveyed, 546 stroke survivors were screened for depression, and 17% had depression, corresponding to 872,237 stroke survivors with depression in the United States. In the logistic regression model, after adjustment for sociodemographic variables, poverty (poverty index Conclusion Although numerous factors were predictive of developing PSD, younger age, poverty, and multiple comorbidities were strong and independent factors. More aggressive screening for depression in these individuals may be warranted.
Smarter Apps – Motor für Geschäftsmodellinnovationen

Welche Moglichkeit zur Geschaftsmodellinnovation bieten neue Funktionalitaten von Smart Mobile Apps? Dieser Frage sind wir nachgegangen und haben gesehen, dass geolokalisierte Dienste, Augmented Reality und Social-Networking-Komponenten einige Optionen sein konnen, die es Firmen ermoglichen, ihr Wertversprechen und weitere Teile ihres Geschaftsmodells erfolgreich zu transformieren. Im Kern der Analyse steht die strukturelle und auf Praxisbeispiele angewandte Betrachtung zahlreicher Geschaftsmodellelemente. Es folgt ein Exkurs in den Bereich Mobile Commerce sowie ein Ausblick, der die Welt der Smart Mobile Apps mit dem „Internet der Dinge“ verbindet und somit die Integration von Smarter Apps in Alltagsgegenstande diskutiert. So ruckt schon heute die „intelligente Kleidung“ in den Raum des Moglichen, indem Sensoren in die Nahte von T-Shirts integriert werden.
Grammars and Languages

(1969). Grammars and Languages. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 76, No. 4, pp. 335-342.
A new animal model with hyperbilirubinemia: the indigo snake.

An unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia has been observed ih all species of normal indigo snakes. The plasma clearance of large organic anions such as sulfobromophthalein and unconjugated bilirubin was markedly delayed when compared to other snake species. Endogenous bile flow and biliverdin and bilirubin excretory rates and the excretion of bile pigments after a bilirubin load were measured in various snakes. The indigo snake represents a new animal model in which to study mechanisms important to hepatic anion uptake and biliary transport.
Physical activity, maternal metabolic measures, and the incidence of gallbladder sludge or stones during pregnancy: a randomized trial.

Objective To evaluate the effect of a physical activity intervention upon the incidence of gallbladder sludge or stones during pregnancy. Study Design Pregnant women without gallstones were randomized to an intervention to increase moderate to vigorous physical activity or control. Intervention group women received motivational materials and small-group instruction to increase physical activity. Gallbladder ultrasound and blood draws were obtained at entry, 18 weeks' gestation, and 36 weeks' gestation. Results In all, 591 were randomized to the intervention and 605 women to control groups. Women in the intervention group reported modestly higher levels of physical activity compared with control women, and fewer women in the intervention group reported no physical activity during pregnancy. The incidence of gallbladder sludge or stones was similar in intervention and control groups at 18 weeks (4.8% versus 5.4%; relative risk 0.89; 95% confidence interval 0.53, 1.47) and 36 weeks (4.3% versus 3.3%; relative risk 1.31; 95% confidence interval 0.70, 2.54). Fasting glucose, lipid, insulin, leptin, and adiponectin levels were similar in the two groups, as was insulin sensitivity and the incidence of gestational diabetes. Conclusion An intervention to increase moderate to vigorous physical activity did not decrease the incidence of gallbladder sludge or stones during pregnancy and did not result in improvement in maternal metabolic measures.
Stresses in Gatelevel Interconnects of Wsi2 AND TaSi2

Stresses in WSi2 films prepared by chemical vapor deposition have been examined using an optically levered laser beam during typical processing cycles to 900 C. Initial heating produces tensile stress levels of 1.0 GPa at 500 C with crystallization into the metastable hexagonal form. Cooling from this temperature results in room temperature stresses of 1.2 GPa. A large decrease in the tensile stress level accompanies the transformation into the stable tetragonal structure during heating from 500 C to 750 C. Films in this form are mechanically stable and respond elastically to further thermal cycling. Films of TaSi2 sputtered from an intermetallic target and co-sputtered from elemental targets have also been investigated. Initial heating of films sputtered from the intermetallic target produces a tensile stress state during crystallization which is high but slightly less than observed during crystallization of WSi2. This high tensile state is not observed in films deposited in layers from elemental targets. The appearance of a metastable phase is not observed for intermediate anneals in either case. The initial crystallization results in the stable phase of hexagonal TaSi2. Fully annealed films are elastic below 920 C.
Aluminum Nitride fibers from a Thermoplastic Organoaluminum Precursor

A new organoaluminum polymer (EtAINH)n(Et2AlNH2)m·AlEt3 derived from triethylaluminum and ammonia, is thermoplastic at elevated temperatures and a glassy solid at ambient temperature. As a thermoplastic it can be processed in certain shapes, solidified, cured and transformed to dense aluminum nitride with retention of its shape. Aluminum nitride fibers are prepared by melt spinning the polymer, pyrolyzing in ammonia and at high temperature in nitrogen. The AlN microstructure forms as very fine particles at 400–600°C, coarsens at higher temperature, and densifies at 1600–1800 °C into polycrystalline AlN with submicron grains. Mechanical strength, thermal expansion and dielectric constant are consistent with bulk ceramic values. Initial thermal conductivity deduced from composite measurements is 82 W/m°K in fibers containing 0.5 to 1.0 percent oxygen.
Obstetric characteristics among nulliparas under age 15

Objective To describe and analyze the obstetric characteristics of adolescent women under 15 years of age. Methods A matched cohort design was used. The pregnancies of 261 nulliparous women under age 15 delivered at our institution between January 1990 and December 1992 were compared to 261 nulliparous controls aged 20-29, matched for race, infant gender, and year of delivery. Multiple gestation and delivery immediately after hospital admission were exclusion criteria. Results The number of antepartum admissions was identical (n = 35 in each group). There were no significant differences between the study and control groups in cervical dilatation at admission, frequency of labor induction (12.6% for each), epidural anesthesia (44.4 versus 49.4%), mean birth weight (2918 +/- 661 versus 2979 +/- 753 g), or preterm birth (24.1 versus 20.3%). Use of oxytocin was less common and magnesium sulfate more common in the adolescent group. Nevertheless, the duration of the active phase of labor and the rate of cesarean delivery were significantly lower in the adolescent group (4.5 +/- 2.7 versus 5.2 +/- 2.4 hours, P = .02; and 13.8 versus 25.3%, P = .001, respectively). The incidence of operative vaginal delivery was not different between the groups. Analysis of the data after controlling for fetal presentation, marital status, and insurance status did not alter these findings. Postpartum complications were similar. Conclusion Pregnancy at the lower limit of reproductive age in an urban American population is not associated with an abnormal labor course, as is commonly believed.
An overview of TOUGH-based geomechanics models

After the initial development of the first TOUGH-based geomechanics model 15 years ago based on linking TOUGH2 multiphase flow simulator to the FLAC3D geomechanics simulator, at least 15 additional TOUGH-based geomechanics models have appeared in the literature. This development has been fueled by a growing demand and interest for modeling coupled multiphase flow and geomechanical processes related to a number of geoengineering applications, such as in geologic CO2 sequestration, enhanced geothermal systems, unconventional hydrocarbon production, and most recently, related to reservoir stimulation and injection-induced seismicity. This paper provides a brief overview of these TOUGH-based geomechanics models, focusing on some of the most frequently applied to a diverse set of problems associated with geomechanics and its couplings to hydraulic, thermal and chemical processes. A brief overview of over 15 TOUGH-based geomechanics models.More detailed description of the most applied, including TOUGH-FLAC.Recent model developments related to hydraulic fracturing.
Polymeric Nanofiber/Antifungal Formulations Using a Novel Co-extrusion Approach

We report the successful implementation of a novel melt co-extrusion process to fabricate ca. 1 μm diameter fibers of poly(caprolactone) (PCL) containing the antifungal compound clotrimazole in concentrations between 4 and 8 wt%. The process involves co-extrusion of a clotrimazole-loaded PCL along with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) as a co-feed, with subsequent removal of PEO to isolate PCL-clotrimazole fibers. In vitro tests of the clotrimazole-containing fibers against the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes strains demonstrated good antifungal activity which was maintained for more than 3 weeks. An in vivo study using a mouse model showed the lowest tissue fungal burden for PCL-clotrimazole when compared to a PCL-only patch and untreated controls. Comparative studies were conducted with clotrimazole-containing PCL fibers fabricated by electrospinning. Our data showed that the co-extruded, clotrimazole-containing fibers maintain activity for longer times vs. electrospun samples. This, coupled with the much higher throughput of the co-extrusion process vs. electrospinning, renders this new approach very attractive for the fabrication of drug-releasing polymer fibers.
A continuum model for dislocation pile-up problems

Abstract A 2-d dislocation pile-up model is developed to solve problems with arrays of edge dislocations on one or multiple slip planes. The model developed in this work has four unique features: 1) As a continuum mechanics model, it captures the discrete behaviors of dislocations including the region near pile-up boundaries. 2) It allows for a general distribution of dislocations and applied boundary conditions. 3) The computational complexity does not quadratically scale with increased number of dislocations. 4) The effect of anisotropy and stacking fault energy can be naturally modeled. Pile-ups against a lock under shear load are extensively investigated, which shows the dependence of near-lock piles distribution on the total number of dislocations. The stacking fault energy effect is found to be positively correlated to the length of an equilibrated pile-up. The stress intensity near a bi-metallic interface is studied for both isotropic material and anisotropic materials. The model is validated by reproducing the solutions of problems for which analytical solutions are available. More complicated phenomena such as interlacing and randomly distributed dislocations are also simulated.
A Comparison of Red Snapper Reproductive Potential in the Northwestern Gulf of Mexico: Natural versus Artificial Habitats

AbstractThe majority of the research on adult Red Snapper Lutjanus campechanus in the Gulf of Mexico has been conducted at artificial habitats (in particular, low-relief artificial reefs off the coast of Alabama) and more recently on oil and gas platforms off the coast of Louisiana. However, previous studies indicate that there are differences in Red Snapper demographics and reproductive biology between habitats and regions within the Gulf. Despite the lack of study of natural reefs and banks in the Gulf, these areas are believed to be the historical centers of Red Snapper abundance. This study sampled Red Snapper from habitats that include reefs located more than 125 km offshore, making them difficult to reach for routine sampling. The results indicate significant differences in Red Snapper reproductive biology between females collected on adjacent artificial and natural habitats. Annual fecundity estimates were almost 20-fold higher in fish collected from natural habitats. Due to the high number of arti...
Paramedic Initiation of Neuroprotective Agent Infusions: Successful Achievement of Target Blood Levels and Attained Level Effect on Clinical Outcomes in the FAST-MAG Pivotal Trial (Field Administration of Stroke Therapy – Magnesium)

Background and Purpose— Paramedic use of fixed-size lumen, gravity-controlled tubing to initiate intravenous infusions in the field may allow rapid start of neuroprotective therapy for acute stroke. In a large, multicenter trial, we evaluated its efficacy in attaining target serum levels of candidate neuroprotective agent magnesium sulfate and the relation of achieved magnesium levels to outcome. Methods— The FAST-MAG phase 3 trial (Field Administration of Stroke Therapy – Magnesium) randomized 1700 patients within 2 hours of onset to paramedic-initiated, a 15-minute loading intravenous infusion of magnesium or placebo followed by a 24-hour maintenance dose. The drug delivery strategy included fixed-size lumen, gravity-controlled tubing for field drug administration, and a shrink-wrapped ambulance kit containing both the randomized field loading and hospital maintenance doses for seamless continuation. Results— Among patient randomized to active treatment, magnesium levels in the first 72 hours were assessed 987 times in 572 patients. Mean patient age was 70 years (SD±14 years), and 45% were women. During the 24-hour period of active infusion, mean achieved serum level was 3.91 (±0.8), consistent with trial target. Mg levels were increased by older age, female sex, lower weight, height, body mass index, and estimated glomerular filtration rate, and higher blood urea nitrogen, hemoglobin, and higher hematocrit. Adjusted odds for clinical outcomes did not differ by achieved Mg level, including disability at 90 days, symptomatic hemorrhage, or death. Conclusions— Paramedic infusion initiation using gravity-controlled tubing permits rapid achievement of target serum levels of potential neuroprotective agents. The absence of association of clinical outcomes with achieved magnesium levels provides further evidence that magnesium is not biologically neuroprotective in acute stroke.
Ultrafast Charge-Transfer Dynamics in the Iron–Sulfur Complex of Rhodobacter capsulatus Ferredoxin VI

Iron–sulfur proteins play essential roles in various biological processes. Their electronic structure and vibrational dynamics are key to their rich chemistry but nontrivial to unravel. Here, the first ultrafast transient absorption and impulsive coherent vibrational spectroscopic (ICVS) studies on 2Fe–2S clusters in Rhodobacter capsulatus ferreodoxin VI are characterized. Photoexcitation initiated populations on multiple excited electronic states that evolve into each other in a long-lived charge-transfer state. This suggests a potential light-induced electron-transfer pathway as well as the possibility of using iron–sulfur proteins as photosensitizers for light-dependent enzymes. A tyrosine chain near the active site suggests potential hole-transfer pathways and affirms this electron-transfer pathway. The ICVS data revealed vibrational bands at 417 and 484 cm–1, with the latter attributed to an excited-state mode. The temperature dependence of the ICVS modes suggests that the temperature effect on prote...
Predictors and Prognostic Implications of Perioperative Chemotherapy Completion in Gastric Cancer

Perioperative chemotherapy in gastric cancer is increasingly used since the “MAGIC” trial, while clinical practice data outside of trials remain limited. We sought to evaluate the predictors and prognostic implications of perioperative chemotherapy completion in patients undergoing curative-intent gastrectomy across multiple US institutions. Patients who underwent curative-intent resection of gastric adenocarcinoma between 2000 and 2012 in eight institutions of the US Gastric Cancer Collaborative were identified. Patients who received preoperative chemotherapy were included, while those who died within 90 days or with unknown adjuvant chemotherapy status were excluded. Predictors of chemotherapy completion and survival were identified using multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards. One hundred sixty three patients were included (median age 63.3, 36.8% female). The postoperative component of perioperative chemotherapy was administered in 112 (68.7%) patients. Factors independently associated with receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy were younger age (odds ratio (OR) 2.73, P = 0.03), T3 tumors (OR 14.3, P = 0.04), lymph node metastasis (OR 5.82, P = 0.03), and D2 lymphadenectomy (OR 4.12, P = 0.007), and, inversely, postoperative complications (OR 0.25, P = 0.008). Median overall survival (OS) was 25.1 months and 5-year OS was 36.5%. Predictors of OS were preexisting cardiac disease (hazard ratio (HR) 2.7, 95% CI 1.13–6.46), concurrent splenectomy (HR 4.11, 95% CI 1.68–10.0), tumor stage (reference stage I; stage II HR 2.62; 95% CI 0.99–6.94; stage III HR 4.86, 95% CI 1.81–13.02), and D2 lymphadenectomy (HR 0.43, 95% CI 0.19–0.95). After accounting for these factors, adjuvant chemotherapy administration was associated with improved OS (HR 0.33, 95% CI 0.14–0.82). Completion of perioperative chemotherapy was successful in two thirds of patients with gastric cancer and was independently associated with improved survival.
In Public or in Private: Repressing Dissidents in China

When do states repress in public and when do they do so private? I argue that states repress publicly when they believe that doing so will deter future dissidents from engaging in similar challenges against the state. By contrast, if the state believes that public repression is unlikely to deter future challengers, they prefer to repress in private. Leveraging a unique dataset on dissidents in China, I demonstrate the theory in action by showing that repression of political and welfare dissidents is more likely to occur publicly than is repression of religious and ethnic dissidents. The relationship is robust to regional and temporal controls as well as legal institutions. One implication of this study is that the public reputations associated with repressive regimes probably have more to do with the way regimes want to be perceived than with the actual levels of repression they engage in.
Ostial right coronary chronic total occlusion: Transesophageal echocardiographic guidance for retrograde aortic re-entry

As antegrade options are limited, intervention upon the ostial right coronary artery (RCA) chronic total occlusion (CTO) warrants a retrograde approach. Landmarks for an aggressive approach are concerning as passage of stiff guidewires or electrocautery near the RCA ostium may result in wire passage into structures other than the aorta. We report the first use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to assist retrograde passage of a guidewire into the aorta. For the ostial RCA CTO, TEE guidance may be considered to assist retrograde passage of aggressive guidewires into the aorta.
Impact of Hospital Caseload and Elective Admission on Outcomes After Extracranial-Intracranial Bypass Surgery

Background Limited information exists evaluating the impact of hospital caseload and elective admission on outcomes after patients have undergone extracranial-intracranial (ECIC) bypass surgery. Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) for 2001–2014, we evaluated the impact of hospital caseload and elective admission on outcomes after bypass. Methods In an observational cohort study, weighted estimates were used to investigate the association of hospital caseload and elective admission on short-term outcomes after bypass surgery using multivariable regression techniques. Results Overall, 10,679 patients (mean age, 43.39 ± 19.63 years; 59% female) underwent bypass across 495 nonfederal U.S. hospitals. In multivariable models, patients undergoing bypass at high-volume centers were associated with decreased probability of mortality (odds ratio [OR], 0.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.22–0.70; P P P = 0.007), venous thromboembolism (OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.49–0.97; P = 0.033), and acute renal failure (OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.26–0.80; P = 0.007), and higher hospitalization cost (26.3% higher) compared with low-volume centers. Likewise, patients undergoing elective bypass were associated with decreased likelihood of mortality (OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.25–0.59; P P P P P = 0.022), wound complications (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.53–0.96; P = 0.028), and lower hospitalization cost (34.5% lower) compared with nonelective admissions. Conclusions Our findings serve as a framework for strengthening referral networks for complex cases to centers performing high volumes of cerebral bypass. Also, our study supports improved outcomes in select patients undergoing elective bypass procedures.
How useful is GSV as an environmental observation tool? An analysis of the evidence so far.

Researchers in many disciplines have turned to Google Street View to replace pedestrian - or car based in-person observation of streetscapes. It is most prevalent within the research literature on the relationship between neighborhood environments and public health but has been used as diverse as disaster recovery, ecology and wildlife habitat, and urban design. Evaluations of the tool have found that the results of GSV-based observation are similar to the results from in-person observation although the similarity depends on the type of characteristic being observed. Larger, permanent and discrete features showed more consistency between the two methods and smaller, transient and judgmental features were less consistent. There are some difficulties in using GSV for research purposes including: 1) the fixed point of view, 2) the processing, 3) the quality, and 4) the fixed point in time of the images. These issues have had little discussion by researchers using GSV but could bias their results in some circumstances and therefore should be addressed by researchers using GSV.
A ABOLIÇÃO DA MISÉRIA: DESAFIOS DO SÉCULO XIX NO SÉCULO XXI / THE ABOLITION OF MISERY: CHALLENGES OF THE 19TH CENTURY IN THE 21ST CENTURY

O autor apresenta um panorama historico sobre a escravidao em Sao Paulo e a crise que levou a sua abolicao tardia no Brasil, a partir da historiografia nacional. Para tanto, o texto parte de uma visao patriotica brasileira surgida quase um seculo antes, no seculo XIX, em um momento de crise politica e transicao socioeconomica igualmente notaveis. A analise e focada nas ultimas decadas do Imperio, quando surgiu uma geracao de intelectuais reformistas, destacando o pensamento e a trajetoria dos irmaos Reboucas, Andre e Antonio.
Reduced complexity maximum SINR receiver processing for transmit-encoded radar-embedded communications

When communication sequences are embedded into radar emissions by means of coding diversity, the resulting radar-embedded communication (REC) waveforms change from pulse to pulse both during and across coherent processing intervals (CPIs). Matched filtering of these different waveforms leads to different sidelobe structures, giving rise to the range sidelobe modulation (RSM) of clutter. The clutter RSM (C-RSM) induces an interference floor in the range-Doppler response, and thus reduces target detection performance. The filtering approach that maximizes the signal-to-interference-plus-noise-ratio (SINR) of pulse agile systems by joint range-Doppler processing is well-known. However, direct implementation of the maximum SINR approach to transmit-encoded REC systems leads to prohibitive computational complexity. To address this computational cost an alternative mathematical formulation of the maximum SINR approach is presented. The proposed approach decouples range and Doppler processing, and thereby significantly reduces the implementation computational complexity.
Improved ZnS nanoparticle properties through sequential NanoFermentation

Sequential NanoFermentation (SNF) is a novel process which entails sparging microbially produced gas containing H2S from a primary reactor through a concentrated metal-acetate solution contained in a secondary reactor, thereby precipitating metallic sulfide nanoparticles (e.g., ZnS, CuS, or SnS). SNF holds an advantage over single reactor nanoparticle synthesis strategies, because it avoids exposing the microorganisms to high concentrations of toxic metal and sulfide ions. Also, by segregating the nanoparticle products from biological materials, SNF avoids coating nanoparticles with bioproducts that alter their desired properties. Herein, we report the properties of ZnS nanoparticles formed from SNF as compared with ones produced directly in a primary reactor (i.e., conventional NanoFermentation, or “CNF”), commercially available ZnS, and ZnS chemically synthesized by bubbling H2S gas through a Zn-acetate solution. The ZnS nanoparticles produced by SNF provided improved optical properties due to their smaller crystallite size, smaller overall particle sizes, reduced biotic surface coatings, and reduced structural defects. SNF still maintained the advantages of NanoFermentation technology over chemical synthesis including scalability, reproducibility, and lower hazardous waste burden.
Comparison Of Analytical Techniques For Thermal Stability Analysis Of Beta-Cyclodextrin For An Ebola Virus Infection Treatment

Each New Drug Application filed with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must include the analytical procedures to ensure the identity, strength, quality, purity, and potency of a drug substance and drug product. The BSN389 drug product (being developed to treat Ebola virus infections) includes beta cyclodextrin. Evidence must be provided that the analytical procedures used in testing BSN389 meet proper standards of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility and are suitable for their intended purpose. The Bootstrap Error-adjusted Single-Sample Technique (BEST) software was used to compare the quantitative and qualitative power of IR and 1H NMR to differentiate new and partially decomposed samples of beta cyclodextrin, and the best assay will be incorporated into the thermal stability protocol for BCD.
Exercise and the Endothelium

The vascular endothelium is a single layer of cells that lines the luminal surface of blood vessels. Changes in blood flow alter the frictional force (shear stress) of the blood against endothelial cells resulting in biochemical signaling. Chronically, the magnitude and pattern of shear stress to which the endothelium is exposed play a key role in determining its function and structure. Regular exercise reduces cardiovascular disease risk, and the multifaceted mechanisms of this beneficial effect likely include improvements in endothelial function, mediated at least in part by exercise-induced elevations in shear stress. In the first part of this chapter, we summarize the role of endothelial function in atherosclerosis development, describe the ways in which endothelial function is quantified in humans, and review the relationship between indices of endothelial function and cardiovascular event risk. The remainder of the chapter is devoted to reviewing the evidence regarding the impact of exercise training on endothelial function in different populations and the mechanisms that might mediate the beneficial effects of exercise.
Building collaborative youth development research-practice partnerships through Cooperative Extension

Abstract Amid much interest in building research partnerships that connect campuses and communities, researchers and practitioners alike struggle to find partners and form successful collaborations. Researchers who study youth development often have goals that are well-aligned with those of communities and youth-serving practitioners, yet practical advice on how to capitalize on this alignment is lacking. In this article, researchers and practitioners reflect on their partnership experiences and offer specific recommendations for establishing research collaborations that extend over time. To do so, we highlight an underutilized conduit to form partnerships, the U.S. Cooperative Extension network. We use a partnership initiative with Extension's 4-H Youth Development Program as a case study to discuss how to find partners, leverage shared purpose, and navigate common partnership challenges.
Ontogeny and the Application of Pharmacogenomics to Pediatric Drug Development

Drug product labels are important vehicles for conveying the scientific information needed for the safe and effective use of a medicinal product. Increasingly, pharmacogenomic (PGx) information is being incorporated into US Food and Drug Administration-approved product labels. In the majority of cases, the PGx information in labeling is derived from studies in adults. Observed genotype-phenotype relationships in adults may not always be reflective of those in certain pediatric age groups because of the influence of ontogeny. The quantitative data necessary for modeling certain genomic markers in pediatrics is still lacking, and further research focused on generating this is needed. In addition, drug safety research focused on understanding the potential contributions of ontogeny, PGx and other underlying mechanisms to differences in adverse drug reactions between pediatrics and adults is warranted.
The interaction between detectable plasma viral load and increased body mass index on hypertension among persons living with HIV.

Increased body mass index (BMI) and HIV are each associated with hypertension. This study tested interactions between BMI and detectable plasma viral load (pVL) on hypertension among 659 persons li...
The Pathway From Social Status to Physical Health: Taking a Closer Look at Stress as a Mediator:

Stress is often invoked as a potential contributor to disparities in physical health as a function of social status. Although there is good reason to believe that stress exposure and stress respons...
Comment: Response to “Educating for Justice in an Unjust Society”

Eric Hoffman rightly points out that there may be a conflict in socializing children and promoting their moral growth, conceiving here of socialization as “the process by which a child is prepared to function in the adult life of a given society.” Both Hoffman and Kohlberg draw the corollary that moral education in an unjust society is “revolutionary.” Thus moral people like Mother Theresa, Solzhenitsyn, and Martin Luther King can be seen as functioning as revolutionaries in largely unjust societies.
PERFORMANCE AND OPERATING EXPERIENCE OF THE RHIC FIRST SEXTANT TEST

Installation and testing of the first sextant of RHIC magnets has been completed. The tests consisted of temperature cycling, quenching magnets, and measuring important engineering parameters of a string of magnets totaling a length of over 500 meters. This represents one sixth of the 3.8 kilometer circumference of the RHIC machine and serves as a basis for extrapolation of parameters for full machine operation. This paper gives an overview of the entire system, a detailed discussion of startup problems, operations and cryogenic system reliability over the period of the test and details of some of the important cryogenic operating parameters.
Hiring for diversity is hiring for mission: a case study of Regis Jesuit high school

Results from a case study, Regis Jesuit High School are reported. The case study methodology for this study is mixed with qualitative data coming from several internal documents and witness account...