cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
2212. Burden of Community-Acquired Pneumonia Attributable to Co-morbid Conditions in Adults

Background Few studies have quantified the risk of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) among adults with co-morbidities. Combining data from the population-based, prospective Etiology of Pneumonia in the Community study (EPIC) and the nationwide health-related Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) telephone-survey, we estimated the annual risk of hospitalization for CAP among adults with co-morbidities.
Short communication: Long-term -20°C survival of Listeria monocytogenes in artificially and process-contaminated ice cream involved in an outbreak of listeriosis

Listeria monocytogenes was linked to an outbreak of foodborne illness associated with in-process contaminated ice cream in the United States from 2010 to 2015 that sickened 10 individuals and led to 3 deaths. Ice cream obtained from the outbreak was used in this study to examine the population dynamics of L. monocytogenes as in-process contaminants compared with artificially inoculated cells. Because challenge studies of food products generally use artificial contamination, it is necessary to understand the differences in survival, if any, between these 2 types of contaminants. We hypothesized that laboratory-grown cultures of the pathogen that were not exposed to the environmental stresses of the manufacturing facility would show different population dynamics in an ice cream challenge study compared with in-process contaminants. In this study, half of the outbreak-associated ice cream samples were artificially inoculated with a 10 cfu/g cocktail of L. monocytogenes; the other half contained only the in-process contaminants. All samples were stored at -20°C and tested for pathogen levels (n = 10 for each contaminant type at each time point) by the most probable number method at 3-mo intervals for 36 mo. Generally, population levels between the 2 contamination states in the ice cream were not significantly different and L. monocytogenes survived for at least 36 mo, regardless of contamination state. Overall, our results suggest that the use of L. monocytogenes as an artificial contaminant in challenge studies and risk assessment of ice cream during frozen storage give results similar to those shown by in-process contaminants.
Is There a Statute of Limitations in Ethics

Does ethics authorize us to stop feeling guilt and self-reproach at a certain point with regard to our misdeeds of long ago? Can we take the view that those ethical and moral transgressions were done by someone else for whom our present self need no longer take responsibility? Can we maintain that over the years we have become “a different person” so that the occasion for self-reproach has vanished?
ALS Public Policy in the United States

The burden of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the United States continues to grow as the aging population increases. Access to high-quality care varies depending on a patient’s medical insurance, geographical location and socioeconomic status. The National ALS Registry was established in 2010 and is a vital resource of epidemiology including the identification of possible environmental risk factors. The federal insurance program Medicare provides clinical care for most patients with ALS. More recently, identification of military service as a risk factor for developing ALS has resulted in significant medical and financial support provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The estimated annual costs of providing clinical care for patients with ALS in the United States ranges from $1.05 to 2.25 billion. The National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke under the National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides most public ALS research funding, but non-governmental and philanthropic ALS organizations contribute substantially to research support.
Understanding the Impact of Sex and Gender in Osteoarthritis: Assessing Research Gaps and Unmet Needs.

Osteoarthritis (OA) affects more than 300 million individuals globally, with higher prevalence in women than in men. In addition, OA affects women and men differently, with women demonstrating both...
Neural correlates of socioeconomic status in early childhood: a systematic review of the literature.

It is now established that socioeconomic variables are associated with cognitive, academic achievement, and psychiatric outcomes. Recent years have shown the advance in our understanding of how socioeconomic status (SES) relates to brain development in the first years of life (ages 0-5 years). However, it remains unknown which neural structures and functions are most sensitive to the environmental experiences associated with SES. Pubmed, PsycInfo, and Google Scholar databases from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2019, were systematically searched using terms "Neural" OR "Neuroimaging" OR "Brain" OR "Brain development," AND "Socioeconomic" OR "SES" OR "Income" OR "Disadvantage" OR "Education," AND "Early childhood" OR "Early development". Nineteen studies were included in the full review after applying all exclusion criteria. Studies revealed associations between socioeconomic and neural measures and indicated that, in the first years of life, certain neural functions and structures (e.g., those implicated in language and executive function) may be more sensitive to socioeconomic context than others. Findings broadly support the hypothesis that SES associations with neural structure and function operate on a gradient. Socioeconomic status is reflected in neural architecture and function of very young children, as early as shortly after birth, with its effects possibly growing throughout early childhood as a result of postnatal experiences. Although socioeconomic associations with neural measures were relatively consistent across studies, results from this review are not conclusive enough to supply a neural phenotype of low SES. Further work is necessary to understand causal mechanisms underlying SES-brain associations.
Cognition and 20-year subsequent sleep disturbances.

Abstract Introduction There is a paucity of data exploring the extent that preclinical cognitive changes are predictive of subsequent sleep outcomes. Methods Logistic regression models were used to evaluate data from a cohort of 196 African American adults who had measures of cognitive function assessed at 2 time points during a 20-year period across the mid- to late-life transition. Cognitive testing included the Delayed Word Recall, the Digit Symbol Substitution, and the Word Fluency tests, which were summarized as a composite cognitive z-score. Sleep apnea was measured by in-home sleep apnea testing and sleep duration and quality were derived from 7-day wrist actigraphy at the end of the study period. Results A one standard deviation (SD) lower composite cognitive z-score at baseline was significantly associated with greater odds of low sleep efficiency ( 60 minutes) (OR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.05, 2.60) in adjusted models. A one SD faster rate of cognitive decline over the study period was significantly associated with greater odds of low sleep efficiency (OR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.04, 2.73), greater odds of sleep fragmentation (>35%); (OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.05, 2.85), and greater odds of increased WASO (OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.15, 2.95) in adjusted models. Neither baseline cognitive z-score nor rate of cognitive decline was associated with sleep apnea or the total average sleep duration. Conclusion Cognition at baseline and change over time predicts sleep quality and may reflect common neural mechanisms and vulnerabilities.
Probing interface strength in nanocomposites and hybrid nanomaterials

Abstract Owing to its exceptional mechanical property and recent success in scale-up production, carbon nanotube (CNT) has regained tremendous tractions in recent years to fabricate nanocomposites and hybrid nanomaterials with ultrahigh strength and toughness. However, it is important to note that the mechanical performance of CNTs-reinforced composites depends not only on the intrinsic properties of the CNTs, but also on the CNTs/matrix interface. A weak interfacial bond has limited load transfer, which may result in the CNTs being pulled out thus leads to composites with low mechanical strength. In contrast, a strong interfacial bond typically yields composites with higher strength but lower toughness. To have both high strength and high toughness, a good fracture mode for CNTs-reinforced composites could be a combination of partial CNT pullout and partial CNT fracture which requires careful interface engineering. Therefore ex situ and in situ mechanical characterization of the interface shear strength (IFSS) is of great importance for both fundamental scientific studies and practical engineering designs. Great efforts have been devoted to experimental mechanics techniques with a focus on quantifying the IFSS. This chapter reviews the recent development of experimental techniques to mechanically characterize the IFSS of individual CNT with different matrices. The working mechanism and associated advantages and disadvantages of different techniques have been discussed. More comprehensive studies are clearly needed to fully understand the important interface mechanics in nanocomposites and hybrid nanomaterials.
Mindsets as sources of L2 speaking anxiety and self-confidence: the case of international teaching assistants in the U.S.

Second language (L2) researchers have often studied how L2 speaking anxiety and self-confidence influence various aspects of the language learning process whereas the sources of these emotions have...
Neural response to monetary loss among youth with disruptive behavior disorders and callous-unemotional traits in the ABCD study.

Etiological models highlight reduced punishment sensitivity as a core risk factor for disruptive behavior disorders (DBD) and callous-unemotional (CU) traits. The current study examined neural sensitivity to the anticipation and receipt of loss, one key aspect of punishment sensitivity, among youth with DBD, comparing those with and without CU traits. Data were obtained from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD)SM Study (N = 11,874; Mage = 9.51; 48% female). Loss-related fMRI activity during the monetary incentive delay task was examined across 16 empirically-derived a priori brain regions (e.g., striatum, amygdala, insula, anterior cingulate cortex, medial prefrontal cortex) and compared across the following groups: (1) typically developing (n = 693); (2) DBD (n = 995), subdivided into those (3) with CU traits (DBD + CU, n = 198), and (4) without CU traits (DBD-only, n = 276). Latent variable modeling was also employed to examine network-level activity. There were no significant between-group differences in brain activity to loss anticipation or receipt. Null findings were confirmed with and without covariates, using alternative grouping approaches, and in dimensional models. Network-level analyses also demonstrated comparable activity across groups during loss anticipation and receipt. Findings suggest that differences in punishment sensitivity among youth with DBD are unrelated to loss anticipation or receipt. More precise characterizations of other aspects punishment sensitivity are needed to understand risk for DBD and CU traits.
Site-selective incorporation of phosphorylated tyrosine into the p50 subunit of NF-κB and activation of its downstream gene CD40

The NF-κB family of transcriptional activators is responsible for the expression of numerous genes that control key functions such as cell development and survival. Subunit p50 has been studied extensively and is known to include 13 tyrosines, but the extent and pattern of tyrosine phosphorylation that accompanies p50 function has not been defined in the literature, especially at the level of selectivity of gene expression. In this study, phosphorylated tyrosine (pTyr) was site-selectively incorporated into the p50 subunit using an E. coli in vitro expression system containing a modified ribosome. In human T cells, the NF-κBs containing a pTyr at position 60 or 82 of p50 strongly increased the expression of CD40, which is a potential target for cancer or viral immunotherapy. Promoter DNA binding was studied for CD40 promoters, and verified two pTyr residues in NF-κB p50/p65 heterodimers that facilitated this process, and that support the possible importance of phosphorylation stoichiometry. This study defines a new approach for studying tyrosine residues whose phosphorylation alters protein binding to DNA promoters, and contributes to the facility of DNA expression.
Self-Routing Optical Switch with Optical Processing

Self-routing switching architectures can reduce the propagation delay of data through a switching network. In the self-routing process, the data is encoded with a destination address which accompanies it through the switching network. This destination address may be contained in each bit, or in the packet header. Each switching node processes this destination information to route the data through the switch. Propagation delay is reduced by processing the destination address in real time, rather than prior to transmission.
Analysis of Slope-Parametric Rectangular Automata

This paper presents reduction techniques from initialized rectangular automata with slope parameters to linear hybrid automata. The translations are correctness preserving, thereby yielding semial-gorithms for the analysis of slope parameters. The automated analysis technique is used to synthesize new bounds on the independent clock drifts of processes in an audio control protocol. The emptiness problem for slope-parametric rectangular automata is proven undecidable.
Obesity and chronic kidney disease.

Background/Aims: The prevalence of obesity among U.S. adults has doubled within the past two decades, and if trends continue, over one-third of U.S. adults may be obese by the year 2008. Concurrent
Adaptive Immunity and Antigen-Specific Activation in Obesity-Associated Insulin Resistance

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is a metabolic disease that is strongly tied to obesity and often preceded by insulin resistance (IR). It has been established that chronic inflammation of hypertrophic adipose tissue depots in obese individuals leads to obesity-associated IR and is mediated by cells of the innate immune system, particularly macrophages. More recently, cells of the adaptive immune system, B and T lymphocytes, have also emerged as important regulators of glucose homeostasis, raising the intriguing possibility that antigen-driven immune responses play a role in disease. In this review, we critically evaluate the roles that various B and T cell subsets play in IR, and then we examine the data suggesting that antigen-driven mechanisms, such as antigen presentation and costimulation, may drive the activity of these lymphocytes.
Tools of Innovation: Supporting Change Through Online Web Solutions

This paper discusses online tools that support an essential element of technology planning--the staff responsible for integrating technology in their curricula. Two solutions using different strategies to address the critical area of support for technology implementers are examined, i.e., the online Stages of Concern about the Innovation Questionnaire (SoCQ) and TechConnect. The SoCQ tool assesses staff concerns about innovation use as a first step in identifying and developing appropriate assistance. Two applications of use of the SoCQ are described: preservice administrators using an online problem-based learning environment, and teachers implementing online curriculum. TechConnect, a World Wide Web site for sharing stories about technology use in educational environments, illustrates a mechanism for supporting change and technology use through creating a networked community of users. The development and use of these change tools at Planet Innovation is also described. Planet Innovation is a grant-funded organization at the University of Missouri-Columbia that offers online solutions for technology planning and implementation, especially in K-12 schools. (Contains 19 references.) (MES) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. Tools of Innovation: Supporting Change Through Online Web Solutions Jane Howland Center for Technology Innovations in Education, University of Missouri-Columbia, U.S.A. jane@coe.missouri.edu Christine Mayer Center for Technology Innovations in Education, University of Missouri-Columbia, U.S.A. mayer@coe.missouri.edu PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY
Mechanisms of host cell invasion by Trypanosoma cruzi.

One of the more accepted concepts in our understanding of the biology of early Trypanosoma cruzi–host cell interactions is that the mammalian-infective trypomastigote forms of the parasite must transit the host cell lysosomal compartment in order to establish a productive intracellular infection. The acidic environment of the lysosome provides the appropriate conditions for parasite-mediated disruption of the parasitophorous vacuole and release of T. cruzi into the host cell cytosol, where replication of intracellular amastigotes occurs. Recent findings indicate a level of redundancy in the lysosome-targeting process where T. cruzi trypomastigotes exploit different cellular pathways to access host cell lysosomes in non-professional phagocytic cells. In addition, the reversible nature of the host cell penetration process was recently demonstrated when conditions for fusion of the nascent parasite vacuole with the host endosomal–lysosomal system were not met. Thus, the concept of parasite retention as a critical component of the T. cruzi invasion process was introduced. Although it is clear that host cell recognition, attachment and signalling are required to initiate invasion, integration of this knowledge with our understanding of the different routes of parasite entry is largely lacking. In this chapter, we focus on current knowledge of the cellular pathways exploited by T. cruzi trypomastigotes to invade non-professional phagocytic cells and to gain access to the host cell lysosome compartment.
Adult Dermal Sediment Loads Following Clam Digging in Tide Flats

Sediment contamination is common and assessment of potential dermal exposure to sediments is of interest to risk assessors. However, few measurements of coastal sediment (as opposed to terrestrial soil) adherence to skin have been reported in the literature. Results are reported here for sediment loads on the skin of 18 adults engaged in clam digging for periods of up to 90 minutes in a tide flat in Rhode Island. Post-activity geometric mean loads were 0.02, 0.12, 0.16, 0.58 and 0.88 mg/cm2 on faces, forearms, lower legs, feet and hands, respectively. Pre-activity loadings were less than 0.01 mg/cm2 on all body parts except feet. These results are similar to very limited previously reported data obtained from four persons gathering reeds for basketry in a tide flat in Washington State.
Abstract T MP101: Association of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Cardioembolic Stroke: A Retrospective Case Control Study

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke; however the causal mechanisms are unknown. Understanding etiology of stroke in OSA patients may: (1) aid in ascertaining how OSA exerts its influence in increasing stroke risk, and (2) facilitate tailoring recurrent stroke prevention management strategies in OSA patients. Our study compares stroke subtypes in OSA cases versus controls without significant sleep disordered breathing. Hypothesis: We hypothesized cardioembolic (CE) strokes would occur more frequently in OSA cases than in controls. Methods: Consecutive patients were identified who underwent polysomnography (PSG) at Mayo Clinic and suffered an ischemic stroke within one year after PSG. Patients with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≤ 10 were classified as controls; AHI > 10 classified as OSA cases. Mechanism of stroke was determined using (1) the Causative Classification System for Ischemic Stroke (CCS) and (2) the phenotype definitions used in the Trial...
Recognition of Values-Based Constructs in a Summer Physical Activity Program.

The purpose of this study was to examine the extent participants in a summer sports camp embraced values-based constructs and to examine the relationship between perceptions of values-based constructs and affect and attitude. Participants included 135 ethnically diverse boys and girls (mean age 11.98 years) attending the National Youth Sport Program (NYSP). Participants' perceptions of the extent the program emphasized values-based constructs and participants' enjoyment, interest in sport, future expectations, and respect of leadership were assessed. Factor analysis revealed three values-based constructs: Care for Others/Goal Setting, Self-Responsibility, and Self-Control/Respect. Correlational analyses revealed that emphasizing values-based criteria was positively related to the participant's sport enjoyment, interest in sport, positive future expectations, and greater respect for leaders. The practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Obtaining bandpass filter coefficients from low-pass prototypes

In this letter a method is given for calculating the transfer function coefficients of an analog bandpass filter stemming from a known, all-pole low-pass prototype, which is independent of the filter order. By posing the problem as an interpolation problem and choosing uniformly spaced interpolating points On the unit circle, the coefficients are computed efficiently and accurately via the discrete Fourier transfrom.
Stochastic variation in reproductive success of a rare frog, Rana sevosa: implications for conservation and for monitoring amphibian populations

Abstract Although amphibian populations are thought to be declining in many parts of the world, detailed information on populations in decline are often not available. From 1988 to 2001, we studied temporal variation in the reproductive biology of the only known population of dusky gopher frogs, Rana sevosa Goin and Netting. We found high annual variation in reproductive effort, mortality at the egg and larval stages, and hydroperiod length. No overall trends were apparent in terms of either number of egg masses deposited or in reproductive success, as we found extensive variation among years in the number of egg masses deposited, a high rate of reproductive failure, and no consistent relationship between the number of females present, the number of eggs deposited, and the number of metamorphs emerging. Given the complete isolation of this population from other gopher frogs and the high rate of reproductive failure, the probability of extinction of this population appears to be quite high (0.125–0.316).
Structure of a spatially developing turbulent lean methane–air Bunsen flame

Abstract Direct numerical simulation of a three-dimensional spatially developing turbulent slot-burner Bunsen flame has been performed with a new reduced methane–air mechanism. The mechanism, derived from sequential application of directed relation graph theory, sensitivity analysis and computational singular perturbation over the GRI-1.2 detailed mechanism is non-stiff and tailored to the lean conditions of the DNS. The simulation is performed for three flow through times, long enough to achieve statistical stationarity. The turbulence parameters have been chosen such that the combustion occurs in the thin reaction zones regime of premixed combustion. The data is analyzed to study possible influences of turbulence on the structure of the preheat and reaction zones. The results show that the mean thickness of the turbulent flame, based on progress variable gradient, is greater than the corresponding laminar flame. The effects of flow straining and flame front curvature on the mean flame thickness are quantified through conditional means of the thickness and by examining the balance equation for the evolution of the flame thickness. Finally, conditional mean reaction rate of key species compared to the laminar reaction rate profiles show that there is no significant perturbation of the heat release layer.
Variations in Retirement Account Holdings: Evidence from Native andImmigrant Women in the US

This study investigated how immigrant status and life expectancy in the country of origin relate to variations in retirement savings among working age women in the U.S. Specifically, utilizing the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 Cohort data, this study compared native-born Americans, naturalized citizens, and female, non-U.S. citizens in regards to retirement-specific accounts. Overall, naturalized U.S. citizens had higher odds of saving for retirement than non-U.S. citizens; however, after controlling for socio-economic backgrounds, the difference was not significant. Variations in female life expectancies provided weak support to correlate with saving for retirement among female immigrants. Rather, variations in the demographic characteristics of these women explained the differences in the odds of having savings in a U.S. retirement account. The findings gave support for immigrants’ economic assimilations corresponding with delayed cultural assimilations and implications for financial service professionals who work with immigrant clients.
Functional verification of the IBM system z10 processor chipset

This paper describes the comprehensive verification effort of the IBM System z10™ processor chipset, which consists of the z10™ quad-core central processor chip and the companion z10 symmetric multiprocessor (SMP) chip. The z10 processor chipset represented a significant redesign of its predecessor and thus presented a new challenge to ensure complete functional correctness of the product before the construction of actual system hardware. The z10 microprocessor pipeline was completely redesigned to support a doubling of the operating frequency. It also includes new hardware performance features, such as enhanced branch prediction, a reoptimized cache hierarchy, hardware-based prefetching, and a hardware implementation of decimal floating-point arithmetic in IEEE formats. In addition, there were significant hardware changes in the SMP storage hierarchy for optimized data latency performance. These changes include a new system topology, interprocessor book protocol, larger SMP size, and various aggressive cache ownership schemes. Key verification innovations are described, and a direct relationship to improved z10 system quality is provided for most cases.
Dictyostelium discoideum strains lacking the RtoA protein are defective for maturation of the Legionella pneumophila replication vacuole.

Summary To identify host proteins involved in Legionella pneumophila intracellular replication, the soil amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum was analysed. The absence of the amoebal RtoA protein is demonstrated here to depress L. pneumophila intracellular growth. Uptake of L. pneumophila into a D. discoideum rtoA– strain was marginally defective, but this effect was not sufficient to account for the defective intracellular growth of L. pneumophila. The rtoA mutant was also more resistant to high-multiplicity killing by the bacterium. A targeting assay testing the colocalization of L. pneumophila-containing vacuole with an endoplasmic reticulum/pre-Golgi intermediate compartment marker protein, GFP-HDEL, was used to analyse these defects. In parental D. discoideum, the L. pneumophila vacuole showed recruitment of GFP-HDEL within 40 min after introduction of bacteria to the amoebae. By 6 h after infection it was clear that the rtoA mutant acquired and retained the GFP-HDEL less efficiently than the parental strain, and that the mutant was defective for promoting the physical expansion of the membranous compartment surrounding the bacteria. Depressed intracellular growth of L. pneumophila in a D. discoideum rtoA– mutant therefore appeared to result from a lowered efficiency of vesicle trafficking events that are essential for the modification and expansion of the L. pneumophila-containing compartment.
Ceftazidime therapy in patients with cystic fibrosis and multiply-drug-resistant pseudomonas☆

The in vitro activity of ceftazidime against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and P. cepacia isolates from patients with cystic fibrosis was compared with that of other antipseudomonal drugs. Ceftazidime was as potent as imipenem against P. aeruginosa and the only drug effective against P. cepacia. An evaluation of the elimination kinetics of ceftazidime in 20 cystic fibrosis patients revealed an elimination half-life of 1.76 hours, an apparent distribution volume of 0.27 liters/kg, and a serum clearance rate of 133.9 ml/minute/1.73m2. Urinary recovery of ceftazidime was 87 percent within the first 24 hours after administration of the drug, with 65 percent recovered in the first two-hour fraction. Probenecid administration had no effect on the elimination kinetics of ceftazidime. Forty-three patients who had either shown no response to conventional therapy or had sputum Pseudomonas isolates that were susceptible only to ceftazidime received 75 courses of therapy. In 67 percent of these patients, the clinical response, when evaluated using an objective clinical efficacy scoring system, was considered favorable. Clinical failures were not associated with the development of drug resistance. Thus, ceftazidime can be recommended for the treatment of acute pulmonary exacerbations in patients with cystic fibrosis.
A reduction in delayed gastric emptying by classic pancreaticoduodenectomy with an antecolic gastrojejunal anastomosis and a retrogastric omental patch.

Background Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) continues to be a major cause of morbidity following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). A change in the method of reconstruction following PD was instituted in an attempt to reduce the incidence DGE.
Activation of the prolactin promoter in transfected gh3 cells by posterior pituitary cells

We previously reported that PRL production is significantly enhanced by a PRL-releasing/regulating factor derived from the posterior pituitary (PP). Specifically, the levels of PRL messenger RNA synthesis and release were dramatically increased in cocultures of GH3 and PP cells. The present objectives were to: 1) determine whether PP cells activate PRL gene transcription in a promoter- and cell-specific manner; 2) compare promoter activation by PP cells with that caused by selected substances that regulate the PRL gene; and 3) examine which region of the promoter (proximal and/or distal) mediates the action of the PP. In Exp 1, GH3 cells, transfected either with luciferase reporter plasmids containing a wild type PRL promoter, a GH promoter, or a glycoprotein alpha-subunit promoter, were cocultured with PP cells. Luciferase activity was used as an index for promoter activation. PP cells induced an 18-fold stimulation of the PRL promoter, as compared with a 2-fold stimulation of the GH promoter and no effe...
Unveiling the Secret Lives of Glutamate Transporters: VGLUTs Engage in Multiple Transport Modes

Accumulation of glutamate in synaptic vesicles is mediated by vesicular glutamate transporters called VGLUTs. In the current issue of Neuron, Preobraschenski et al. (2014) show that the VGLUTs, in addition to transporting glutamate, also provide the conductances necessary to maintain the appropriate voltage and pH inside these vesicles.
Primary systemic amyloidosis presenting as giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica

Primary systemic amyloidosis may present with features suggesting a vasculitis, including giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). In this report, we describe the clinical characteristics, temporal artery biopsy findings, and the response of vascular and musculoskeletal symptoms to corticosteroid therapy in 4 patients with primary systemic amyloidosis who presented with manifestations of GCA or PMR.
Excretion of Hypoxanthine and Xanthine in a Genetic Disease of Purine Metabolism

IN man uric acid can be produced through a number of pathways which ultimately involve the action of xanthine oxidase on hypoxanthine or xanthine. The principal pathway seems to be through xanthine, which could be formed from guanine or xanthylic acid. Evidence for this is the predominance of xanthine over hypoxanthine in the urine of patients with xanthinuria in whom xanthine oxidase is virtually absent1, and of patients with gout2 or neoplastic disease3 treated with the inhibitor of xanthine oxidase, allopurinol. Fractionation of urinary oxypurines has been carried out in a disorder recently described4 in which hyperuricaemia is associated with marked cerebral dysfunction and bizarre behaviour. In this condition considerably more hypoxanthine than xanthine was found in the urine. Treatment with allopurinol decreased this ratio but did not result in an excess of xanthine as it did in cases of gout or other conditions, and increasing the dose of allopurinol resulted in increasing ratios of hypoxanthine to xanthine. These data indicate that in patients with this condition uric acid is produced directly from inosinic acid.
The KEN box regulates Clb2 proteolysis in G1 and at the metaphase-to-anaphase transition.

Abstract Clb2 mitotic cyclin inhibits cell cycle progression by preventing mitotic exit and DNA synthesis. To allow cell cycle progression, Clb2 proteolysis is triggered by Cdc20 during the metaphase-to-anaphase (M-A) transition and by Hct1 during mitotic exit and G1 [1–6]. A cis element called the destruction box is required for this proteolysis [7–11]. Recently, an additional cis element called the "KEN box" was also shown to be required for proteolysis of human CDC20 and Securin [3, 12]. Using a novel color assay, we show that a Clb2 KEN box is required to target a fusion protein containing the first 124 amino acids of Clb2 for proteolysis. We further show that full-length Clb2 bearing mutations in the KEN box is degraded efficiently during the M-A transition, but poorly during G1. If the destruction box of Clb2 is mutated in combination with mutation of the KEN box, then this form of Clb2 is more stable than Clb2 bearing either mutation by itself during both M-A and G1. Our results show that the KEN box and the destruction box act together during both M-A and G1 to regulate Clb2 proteolysis.
Physician's Fear of Anticoagulant Therapy in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

Despite the availability of predictive tools and treatment guidelines, anticoagulant therapies are underprescribed and many patients are undertreated for conditions that predispose to thromboembolic complications, including stroke. This review explores reasons for which physicians fear that the risks of anticoagulation may be greater than the potential benefit. The results of numerous clinical trials confirm that patients benefit from judiciously managed anticoagulation and that physicians can take various approaches to minimize risk. Use of stratification scores for patient selection and accurate estimation of stroke risk may improve outcomes; bleeding risk is less important than stroke risk. Adoption of newer anticoagulants with simpler regimens may help physicians allay their fears of anticoagulant use in patients with atrial fibrillation. These fears, although not groundless, should not overtake caution and hinder the delivery of appropriate evidence-based care.
We should not allow dissection of animals

This essay argues against routine dissection exercises on animals under three headings. First, attaining goals of general scientific education does not require dissection. The training of specialists, in whose vocations dissection skills are essential, could then be accomplished without killing animals specifically for the purpose of acquiring those skills. Second, killing and dissecting animals for unnecessary exercises teaches students bad attitudes toward animal life. Third, moral principles cannot justify killing and dissecting animals but not humans; consequently, such treatment of animals is prejudiced exploitation of the weak by the strong.
Results of a Strong Interaction, Wake-Like Model of Supersonic Separated and Reattaching Turbulent Flows

Results of an interaction theory for supersonic separated andreattaching turbulent boundary layers are presented and compared with recent experiments for flow past a compression ramp. Effects of ramp angle, Mach number, Reynolds number, and upstream pressure gradient are considered for situations where the critical point is located upstream of the trailing edge. When the critical point falls downstream of the trailing edge the whole region of separated flow is influenced by ramp length. In these "short ramp" flows the peak ramp pressure attains a maximum at a critical ramp angle and then decreases with increasing angle. It is shown that this effect is responsible for the spanwise pressure distributions measured by Whitehead and Keyes for flow over a delta wing with a trailing edge flap. Results are also presented for a turbulent boundary layer-shock wave interaction.
Ring-reinforced Sano conduit at Norwood stage I reduces proximal conduit obstruction.

Background Reinterventions for proximal conduit obstruction or on the pulmonary arteries are frequent after the Sano-modified stage I Norwood palliation of hypoplastic left heart syndrome. We report our initial experience with a modified Sano technique using a ring-reinforced graft inserted transmurally through the right ventricle with a limited ventriculotomy. Methods All patients who underwent the Sano-modified stage I Norwood procedure using a modified "dunked" technique from September 2010 to September 2012 at our institution were reviewed. An historical control group consisted of patients undergoing the traditional Sano right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery conduit anastomosed to the epicardium. The primary outcome measures included death, reintervention on the Sano and pulmonary arteries, and ventricular function. Results The study included 29 patients. No patients required intervention on the Sano conduit, pulmonary arteries, or aortic arch before discharge after the stage I procedure. During a median follow-up of 20 months (range, 26 days to 3.3 years), survival was estimated at 96.6% ± 3.4% at 1 month and 86.2% ± 6.4% at the latest follow-up. One patient underwent heart transplantation. No interstage intervention was required on the proximal or distal Sano conduit. Intervention was required on the midportion of the conduit in 1 patient and on the pulmonary arteries in 3 patients. At the time of the bidirectional Glenn anastomosis, freedom from conduit and pulmonary artery intervention was estimated at 92.3% ±7.4% and 90.1% ± 8.7%, respectively, and global right ventricular dysfunction was mild or less in 84% (16 of 19) of patients. Conclusions The ring-reinforced right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery Sano conduit transmurally inserted into the right ventricle provides acceptable results, with a low incidence of interstage reinterventions in patients undergoing stage I palliation.
The effect of elevated water content on swirl-stabilized ethanol/air flames

Abstract Ethanol is currently being considered as a potential alternative to traditional fuels. This study seeks to validate the use of hydrous ethanol in lieu of fossil fuels or anhydrous ethanol in order to reduce the production cost associated with ethanol. Experiments are conducted in a swirl-stabilized combustor, representative of a gas turbine and hydrous ethanol ranging from 0% to 40% water by volume are tested. A stable flame was achieved for fuels up to 35% water and the Lean Blow Out limit was determined for these fuels. Fuels ranging from 0% to 20% water were tested in greater detail which included thermal mapping of the flame, exhaust temperature measurements, exhaust NO x , CO 2 , and O 2 measurement, as well as CH * and OH * imaging of the flame. Equivalence ratio within the combustor was varied to include 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 and 1.1, representing extremely lean, lean, stoichiometric, and rich test conditions, respectively. Results revealed that the exhaust heat rate, combustion efficiency, and combustor thermal efficiency were not affected negatively by elevated water content up to 20%. However, the flame temperature did generally decrease as a result of water addition, particularly in the lower flame region. CH * /OH * emissions in the lower-flame region were also appreciably reduced due to the parasitic heat load of water vaporization and local quenching in the lower parts of the flame. The practical consequence of burning hydrous fuel was reduced exhaust temperature. Reduced peak temperatures lead to reductions of exhaust NO x at all test conditions. This study indicates that hydrous ethanol with up to 20% water can potentially be used in lieu of the more expensive anhydrous ethanol for combustion applications.
Economics of polymer blends

Economic, technological, and regulatory pressures gradually narrow the chemical variety of polymers: in 1975, the market share of polyethylene was 40 percent, poly(vinyl chloride), 23 percent, polystyrene, 12 percent, and polypropylene, 11 percent, adding up to 86 percent of all thermoplastics (1-3). The same pressures compel the plastics processor to diversify formulations and production methods. He must resort to new materials (e.g., polymer blends, polymer alloys, and composites) and new methods of manufacture. In this work, the economics of blending will be discussed. There are five reasons to employ polymer blends: higher performance at a reasonable price, modification of performance as a market develops, extending the performance of expensive resins, re-use of plastics scrap, generation of a unique material as far as its processabilitv and/or performance are concerned. In Canada, the cost of blending varies from 8 to about 20 ¢/lb, depending primarily on the volume and the kind of material. The cost effectiveness depends on the total technical and economic environment in which the manufacturer operates; it has to be computed for each case separately. In the text, guidelines and examples are provided.
Compressed Antisolvent Precipitation and Photopolymerization To Form Highly Cross-Linked Polymer Particles

We present a novel antisolvent processing technique by simultaneous compressed antisolvent precipitation and photopolymerization for forming cross-linked polymer microparticles. In this process, an organic solvent dissolves monomer and polymerization photoinitiators to form a homogeneous solution. Photopolymerization and microparticle formation occur when the homogeneous solution is sprayed into a compressed antisolvent while being simultaneously exposed to initiating light. High miscibility of the solvent in the supercritical antisolvent allows for its quick extraction from the polymerizing phase, leaving progressively higher concentrations of monomer. The high monomer concentration combined with photoinitiated polymerization facilitates rapid reaction rates and ultimately results in polymer precipitation. Particle size and morphology are adjustable by changing the processing conditions, as simultaneous polymerization and solvent extraction result in microparticles with a wide range of diameters.
Flavonoid distribution of Mulinum (Apiaceae, Hydrocotyloideae, Mulineae)

Flavonoid chemistry of the genusMulinum and selected Mulineae taxa was studied. Both flavones and flavonols were identified as C- and O-glycosides. AllMulinum species contain 6,8-di-C-glycosyl chrysoeriol (flavone) and, with the exception of one, quercetin (flavonol). The presence of both flavones and flavonols in this genus weakens previous generalizations that the mulineae contain only flavonols and are primitive compared to other Apiaceae tribes. Based on the selected taxa studied,Azorella appears to differ from bothMulinum andGymnophyton in producing more kinds of flavonols, andGymnophyton appears similar toMulinum in the production of both chrysoeriol and quercetin as well as relatively few compounds. The flavonoid profile ofAsteriscium glaucum is reported as well. In general, a more homogeneous flavonoid compound composition for the Apiaceae is suggested.
Neurocognitive effects of HCV, methamphetamine abuse, and HIV: multiple risks and mechanisms

HIV-infected individuals are at risk for a spectrum of neurocognitive disorders. Research performed in developed and resource-limited settings indicates that over half of HIV-infected individuals may have neurocognitive impairment of at least mild severity. An important issue complicating the pathogenesis of these disorders is the coexistence of multiple neurotoxic conditions. Two important comorbidities are co-infection with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and use of stimulants, such as methamphetamine (MA).
Changes in annual reporting rituals of financial services firms in periods of market crisis

This paper examines accounting and financial reporting as ceremonial rituals. Its specific focus is upon changes in annual reporting rituals of financial services firms during periods of market crisis. Our preliminary findings suggest that several of the firms in our study may have made changes in their reporting rituals to construct alternative realities in an attempt to mask conflict, preserve stability, foster unity, and reinforce – or perhaps reinvent – new social norms, core values, and corporate identities.
Mesenchymal lesions (and MIMICS) in the breast

This lecture will provide a brief overview of benign and malignant spindle cell neoplasms, as well as vascular lesions, of the breast. Key take home points are that primary spindle cell sarcomas arising in the breast are very rare and that metaplastic (sarcomatoid) carcinoma is always a more likely consideration. Multiple keratin stains may be necessary to exclude the latter. Among truly intraparenchymal vascular lesions, angiosarcoma is always a serious possibility and it is nowadays appreciated that all mammary angiosarcomas have a significant risk of distant metastasis, irrespective of histological grade. Among benign lesions, needle biopsies from angiolipoma in the breast (usually subcutis) often cause diagnostic difficulty. Increasingly more common post-radiation vascular lesions of breast skin will also be reviewed.
Comparative evaluation of the Job Club program with welfare recipients

Abstract About 1000 WIN welfare clients were selected in five cities: Harlem, New Brunswick, Milwaukee, Wichita, and Tacoma, and half were randomly assigned to the Job Club program. Of the continuing clients, 87% of the Job Club sample obtained jobs vs 59% of the Control sample at the 12-month follow-up and 80 vs 48% at 6 months. The Job Club was more effective in each of the five cities, for men and women, for high school graduates or dropouts, for blacks, whites, and Spanish, for handicapped or nonhandicapped, veterans or nonveterans, the young and the older, and for those required to participate as well as those who volunteered. The jobs obtained by the Job Club clients were comparable to the Control clients' jobs in terms of mean salary, full-time status, and type of job, and were more likely to be enduring, nonsubsidized, and obtained by the job-seeker's own efforts. Job Club members obtained employment in a median of six sessions (mean of 11); 90% obtained jobs within 23 sessions. Follow-up questionnaire data indicated comparable job retention in the two samples but slightly greater advancement and job satisfaction for the Job Club clients. The method appears to assure employment to virtually all participating welfare clients.
How Can the Lyrics of a Song in a Tone Language Be Understood

In a tone language, pitch variations are used to contrast word meaning. For example, the Cantonese syllable /si/ means "teacher" when spoken in a high pitch and "yes" when spoken in a low pitch. How is fundamental frequency (Fo) used to signal lexical tones that occur in songs? In an examination of Cantonese songs, it was found that songwriters abandon the ratio scale of Fo differences that is applied to lexical tones in carefully read speech and instead use an ordinal scale. For example, a high tone that is normally 12% higher than a mid-tone in speech can be realised as any higher Fo (but never a lower Fo) in songs. A perceptual experiment showed that native Cantonese-speaking listeners similarly apply an ordinal Fo scale to arrive at the lexical meaning of the lyric. This ratio-to-ordinal mapping in Cantonese songs ensures the musicality of the melody while preserving adequate identifiability of lexical tones in the lyric.