cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intrinsic Mitochondrial Dynamics and Cytoskeletal Properties Underlie Aging Diversity in Dogs

Among its many breeds, dogs exhibit exceptional variation in their rate of aging and average lifespan, which presents an opportunity to identify longevity-associated traits via comparative analysis. Using primary dermal fibroblasts, we investigated mitochondrial dynamics, bioenergetics, and biomechanical properties in short and long-lived dog breeds. We demonstrated that intrinsic cellular properties correlate with canine breed longevity and likely underlie their aging diversity. More specifically, cells from longer lived-breeds have higher mitochondrial uncoupling and more efficient respiration dynamics, which appears to mitigate reactive oxygen species and promote stress tolerance. We also showed that fibroblasts of long-lived dogs had a more flexible cytoskeleton than their short-lived counterparts, which may similarly help protect cellular function. The benefits of these cellular characteristics likely translate upwards to the whole organism, slowing the rate of aging in long-lived dogs. Overall, our data support the uncoupling to survive hypothesis, where higher uncoupling in smaller breeds promotes longevity. The closeness of dogs and humans genetically and environmentally make these results pertinent to human biology.
Puberty: Its role in adolescent maturation

Growth and puberty are important aspects of adolescent development and serve as indicators of general health. Assessment of the stage of sexual maturity pinpoints where an adolescent is along the continuum of maturation. The hormonal control of puberty begins with an increase in gonadotropin-releasing hormone pulsatility, which stimulates secretion of gonadotropins and sex hormones, culminating in the establishment of the menstrual cycle in girls and adult maturation in boys. Disorders of pubertal development include delays and sexual precocity. Delayed puberty is common and most often is benign. However, it must be distinguished from disorders of the testes or ovaries and defects in hypothalamic or pituitary function such as hyperprolactinemia and the female athlete triad. Precocious puberty is more common in girls. Although it is often idiopathic, the presence of serious medical conditions, such as tumors of the central nervous system, must be excluded.
Advanced Input and Output

Input and output (I/O) are not a part of the C++ programming language, just as they were not officially a part of the C language. However, general-purpose programming languages are not of much use if there is no facility for I/O. Every implementation of C++ has a rich set of I/O facilities, and many of the I/O facilities are included in the draft ANSI standard library. This chapter discusses the power of C++ I/O facilities and the essential file stream classes in C++ for standard I/O. It reviews the I/O facilities of the C programming language. The primary general-purpose I/O functions are printf ( ) and scanf ( ). These functions are very flexible because they allow variable numbers and the types of arguments within programs. However, their flexibility creates many opportunities for errors, because there is no compile-time checking of arguments and their formats. A major advantage of I/O in the C++ language over I/O in C is that one can overload the operators. The chapter also discusses the importance of overloading of the operators, and using C++ file streams for random access.
Should We Be Concerned About Nonresponse Bias in College Student Surveys? Evidence of Bias from a Validation Study

This study uses college student survey data and corresponding administrative data on campus recreation facility usage, academic performance, physical education class attendance, and co-curricular participation to examine nonresponse bias in college student surveys. Within the context of the Groves (Public Opin Q 70:646–675, 2006) Alternative Cause Model, we found compelling evidence of the presence of nonresponse error observed as student characteristics related to the survey topic that also explain their response propensity. An individual’s survey response propensity has a statistically significant relationship with their actual behavior for 2 of 3 survey topics. In 11 of the 13 survey questions used to measure the survey topic behaviors, we found statistically significant differences between the respondent and nonrespondent behavioral measures. These findings hold important implications for survey researchers and those using student surveys for high-stakes accountability measures because survey summary statistics may not be generalizable to the target population.
The IMPACT of triple versus dual single-inhaler therapy on exacerbations of COPD

In the IMPACT trial, triple inhalation therapy resulted in a lower rate of moderate or severe COPD exacerbations compared with either dual therapy with ICS/LABA or LAMA/LABA, but pneumonia rates were increased. http://ow.ly/pYJn30mgpFp
The State of Theory in the Study of Public Administration in the United States: Balancing Evidence-Based, Usable Knowledge, and Conceptual Understanding

The study of PA desires to be both scientific and applied. In this article various types of theory are distinguished with attention for how these are prevalent in the study, In an age that evidence...
Creation of nanoscale magnetic fields using nano-magnet arrays

We present the fabrication of nano-magnet arrays, comprised of two sets of interleaving SmCo5 and Co nano-magnets, and the subsequent development and implementation of a protocol to program the array to create a one-dimensional rotating magnetic field. We designed the array based on the microstructural and magnetic properties of SmCo5 films annealed under different conditions, also presented here. Leveraging the extremely high contrast in coercivity between SmCo5 and Co, we applied a sequence of external magnetic fields to program the nano-magnet arrays into a configuration with alternating polarization, which based on simulations creates a rotating magnetic field in the vicinity of nano-magnets. Our proof-of-concept demonstration shows that complex, nanoscale magnetic fields can be synthesized through coercivity contrast of constituent magnetic materials and carefully designed sequences of programming magnetic fields.We present the fabrication of nano-magnet arrays, comprised of two sets of interleaving SmCo5 and Co nano-magnets, and the subsequent development and implementation of a protocol to program the array to create a one-dimensional rotating magnetic field. We designed the array based on the microstructural and magnetic properties of SmCo5 films annealed under different conditions, also presented here. Leveraging the extremely high contrast in coercivity between SmCo5 and Co, we applied a sequence of external magnetic fields to program the nano-magnet arrays into a configuration with alternating polarization, which based on simulations creates a rotating magnetic field in the vicinity of nano-magnets. Our proof-of-concept demonstration shows that complex, nanoscale magnetic fields can be synthesized through coercivity contrast of constituent magnetic materials and carefully designed sequences of programming magnetic fields.
Absorbing boundary conditions for the time-dependent Schrödinger-type equations in R^{3}.

Absorbing boundary conditions are presented for three-dimensional time-dependent Schrodinger-type of equations as a means to reduce the cost of the quantum-mechanical calculations. The boundary condition is first derived from a semidiscrete approximation of the Schrodinger equation with the advantage that the resulting formulas are automatically compatible with the finite-difference scheme and no further discretization is needed in space. The absorbing boundary condition is expressed as a discrete Dirichlet-to-Neumann map, which can be further approximated in time by using rational approximations of the Laplace transform to enable a more efficient implementation. This approach can be applied to domains with arbitrary geometry. The stability of the zeroth-order and first-order absorbing boundary conditions is proved. We tested the boundary conditions on benchmark problems. The effectiveness is further verified by a time-dependent Hartree-Fock model with Skyrme interactions. The accuracy in terms of energy and nucleon density is examined as well.
The influence of fractional surface coverage on the core–core separation in ordered monolayers of thiol-ligated Au nanoparticles

We report the results of grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXD) measurements from water supported Langmuir monolayers of gold nanoparticles ligated with dodecanethiol (12 carbons), tetradecanethiol (14 carbons), hexadecanethiol (16 carbons), and octadecanethiol (18 carbons). These monolayers are formed from solutions with varying concentrations of the respective thiols. We show that equilibrium between adsorbed thiol molecules and the thiols in the bulk solution implies fractional coverage of the Au nanoparticle core. We also show that the nanoparticle–nanoparticle separation and the correlation length of particles in these ordered films increases with thiol concentration in the parent solution, and that excess thiol can be found in the space between particles as well as in islands away from the particles. Using the equilibrium constant relating ligand solution concentration and nanoparticle surface coverage of the gold core by the ligand molecules, we interpret the way in which varying thiol concentration affects the nanoparticle–nanoparticle separation as a function of surface coverage of the gold core by the ligand molecules.
How many sleeve gastrectomies are done at nonaccredited centers in Texas

Abstract Background The American College of Surgeons created the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) to improve the safety of surgery and track outcomes of patients undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery. The MBSAQIP captures all surgical procedures performed at accredited centers (AC) but not all metabolic and bariatric surgery cases performed in the United States. Texas has a large statewide administrative database that tracks nearly all surgical procedures performed in the state and we proposed using this database to assess the number of sleeve gastrectomies (SG) and whether they were performed at an AC or not. Objective Our objective was to determine the percentage of SG that are performed in MBSAQIP ACs. Setting University surgical department, United States. Methods The Texas Inpatient and Outpatient Public Use Data Files (PUDF) for the year 2017 were examined. We used the Current Procedural Terminology and International Classification of Diseases version 10 codes for SG, 43775 and 0 DB64 Z3, respectively. We compared the PUDF facility list to a list of MBSAQIP ACs in Texas. Results There were 4549 SG performed in Texas in 2017 reported in the Outpatient PUDF. Of these, 80.8% of cases were performed at ACs. Of the 136 facilities in the outpatient PUDF performing SG, 58 were MBSAQIP accredited. In the Inpatient PUDF for 2017 there were 11,287 SG, of which 9829 (87%) were performed at ACs. Of 153 centers performing SG, 77 were MBSAQIP accredited. There was a higher percentage of adjustable band conversions to SG at non-ACs in the Outpatient PUDF than the Inpatient PUDF. Conclusion The MBSAQIP database is missing almost 20% of outpatient SG performed in Texas and 13% of inpatient SG. Administrative databases can be used to externally validate the MBSAQIP.
The neuromythology of Hashimoto encephalopathy: The emperor has no clothes

The initial description of Hashimoto encephalopathy (HE) is credited to Lord Brain and his colleague Jellinek,1 who in 1966 reported a patient with an “extraordinary and puzzling neurologic illness which waxed and waned for over a year.” The patient was a 48-year-old man who had been previously diagnosed with Hashimoto thyroiditis. Just over a year later, he developed an episodic neurologic illness characterized by alteration in mood and consciousness and stroke-like episodes variably inducing transient aphasia, right or left hemiparesis, hemi-sensory deficits, hemianopsia, and monocular blindness. These were followed by episodic hallucinations, agitated confusion, and involuntary movements (tremor, athetosis). Multiple CSF examinations were remarkable only for an elevated protein (maximal 240 mg/dL) and at times a paucicellular pleocytosis (never >8 cells/mm3). Carotid angiography was unremarkable. An EEG showed generalized theta and delta slowing. Neuroimaging was not performed. He was treated intermittently with prednisone and an anticoagulant with little consistent response. Changes in serum thyroid antibodies seemed to parallel the clinical course. The illness resolved spontaneously. Lord Brain and Jellinek summarized the case as one of a “stuttering brain disorder of an unusual kind with concurrent rise in the level of thyroid antibodies.”1
What is a Global Mindset

The brain is the most powerful possession that a human being possesses. We have a choice of using the brain or limiting the use of the brain. A mindset is a personal approach for allowing ourselves to use the power of the brain based on perceived strengths and weakness. The individual mindset can be divided into three types to understand the individual growth potential The most appropriate individual mindset for building a global mindset is the dynamic mindset that is based on strengths, interest in working on weaknesses as encountered, and willingness to change with the environment.
A Tale of 2 Pneumos: The Impact of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Exposure or Infection Status on Pediatric Nasopharyngeal Carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Pneumocystis jiroveci: A Nested Case Control Analysis From the Pneumonia Etiology Research In Child Health Study.

BACKGROUND The majority of pediatric human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases in Africa reflect maternal-to-child transmission. HIV exposed but uninfected (HEU) children have increased rates of morbidity and mortality when compared to HIV unexposed and uninfected (HUU) children. The mechanisms behind these unexpected trends are only partially understood but could be explained by the differences in the immune response to infections triggered by an altered immune system state. METHODS Using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, we compared the nasopharyngeal carriage prevalence and density of Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) and Pneumocystis jirovecii (PJ) between children living with HIV and HEU or HUU cases (pneumonia) and controls (without pneumonia). RESULTS The cohort included 1154 children (555 cases and 599 matched controls). The SP carriage prevalence rates were similar between cases and controls. Among SP carriers with pneumonia, carriage density was increased among children living with HIV, versus HEU or HUU children (15.8, 4.7, and 3.6 × 105 copies/mL, respectively). The rate of PJ carriage was significantly higher among children living with HIV than among HEU and HUU children (31%, 15%, and 10%, respectively; P < .05), as was carriage density (63.9, 20.9, and 4.8 × 103 copies/mL, respectively; P < .05). CONCLUSIONS Carriage prevalences and densities for SP and PJ show different kinetics in terms of their relationship with HIV exposure and clinical status, particularly for Pneumocystis jirovecii. This supports the theory that the increased morbidity and mortality observed among HEU children may reflect deficits not just in humoral immunity but in cell-mediated immunity as well.
Chapter 26 – Liability in Negligence

Publisher Summary A pharmacist, like any other professional person, can make a mistake and, like doctors, the consequences of a pharmacist's mistake can be most serious. The customer may suffer serious personal injuries as a result of the mistake. In the UK, little research has been performed on dispensing errors in community pharmacy. With the increase in professional negligence litigation, it is an area of law with which the contemporary community pharmacist needs to have some familiarity. It is always a question of fact whether the defendant has failed to show reasonable care in the particular circumstances of a case. The law lays down the general rules that determine the standard of care that has to be attained and it is for the court to apply that legal standard of care to its findings of fact to find whether the defendant has attained that standard. The legal standard is not the standard of the defendant himself, but that of a person of ordinary prudence or a person using ordinary skill. In cases where a person has a particular skill, such as a pharmacist, the person is required to show the skill normally possessed by persons undertaking work of a similar nature.
Finding Time For Compassion In A Busy Emergency Department

A medical error in the emergency department causes emotional trauma for a patient, who seeks compassion in the aftermath.
A Method for Developing Trustworthiness and Preserving Richness of Qualitative Data During Team-Based Analysis of Large Data Sets:

This article outlines a three-phase, team-based approach used to analyze qualitative data from a nation-wide needs assessment of access to Veteran Health Administration services for rural-dwelling ...
Urban Aerobiomes are Influenced by Season, Vegetation, and Individual Site Characteristics

Exposure to biodiverse environments such as forests can benefit human well-being, and evidence suggests exposure to high microbial diversity may improve mental and immune health. However, the factors that drive microbial community assembly are poorly understood, as is the relationship between exposure to these communities and human health. We characterized airborne bacterial communities in two disparate types of urban greenspace (forest and grass) in late-spring 2017 at sites previously sampled in late-summer 2015 in Eugene-Springfield, Oregon, using high-throughput metabarcode sequencing. While all sites shared a core aerobiome in late-spring consisting of plant- and soil-associated genera, forests had significantly higher diversity than grass sites (F = 12, P = 0.004). Vegetation type explained 14% of the difference between forest and grass aerobiomes, yet individual site location explained 41% of the variation. These results were similar to but amplified over those from late summer, suggesting that both aerobiome diversity and vegetation-driven effects are higher when deciduous foliage is fresher and more active, temperatures cooler, and humidity higher. Continued exploration and hypothesis-driven research will enable development of mechanistic theory describing key drivers of urban aerobiome assembly and its relationship to human health, which, in turn, will help urban designers and planners create evidence-based salutogenic cities for future generations.
Trends in Incidence of Nicotine Use Disorder Among Adolescents in the Pediatric Hospital, 2012-2019

OBJECTIVES: To assess trends in the incidence of nicotine use disorder (NUD) and describe associated factors among adolescents in the pediatric emergency department (ED) and inpatient settings. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all adolescents (11–18 years) with a hospital encounter (inpatient, observation, or ED) in the Pediatric Health Information System between January 1, 2012, and September 30, 2019. After excluding adolescents with a previous International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, and International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, NUD diagnosis in the past 2 years, adolescents with new NUD diagnosis (ie, NUD incidence) were identified. A multivariable generalized liner mixed model was used to assess adjusted NUD incidence and investigate the relationship of NUD with patient characteristics and any interactions between characteristics and time. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation between NUD incidence and e-cigarette use reported among youth. RESULTS: Of 3 963 754 adolescents, 15 376 (0.4%) had a new diagnosis of NUD. Between 2012 and 2019, NUD incidence increased from 0.3% to 0.4% (P CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of NUD among adolescents is increasing. Efforts to increase the screening and treatment of NUD among adolescents in the hospital, particularly among the at-risk populations identified, are needed.
Non-binary gender identity and algorithmic-psychometric marketing legibility

Recently, discussions of non-binary gender identity have been increasingly featured in U.S. American mainstream print media, particularly mass market magazines, advertising and business editorials,...
Chemical Waves in the Oscillatory Zhabotinskii System. A Transition from Temporal to Spatio-temporal Organization

The Zhabotinskii system [1], [2], is an excellent example of chemical synergetics [3]. When four or five chemical compounds are mixed in the appropriate concentration ranges and at the appropriate temperature, the Zhabotinskii system spontaneously organizes itself into temporal or spatio-temporal dissipative structures of macroscopic dimensions [4]. In this chemical reaction, at least twenty intermediates are formed. The chemical mechanism involved is so complex that almost all theoretical work is performed on models rather than on the best rate equations available today [5]. A first type of model involves “macrokinetic” steps rather than elementary ones. This type includes the model of ZHABOTINSKII and his collaborators [1] which attempts to reproduce both waveforms and periods of oscillations. It includes also the many versions of the Oregonator [6] which are designed to reproduce the waveforms of a few intermediates. Other models are of the heuristic-topological type, according to the PACAULT [7] classification. Two of them are the well-known PRIGOGINE-LEFEVER model [8] (or Brusselator) and the analytic BAUTIN system [9], [10] (or DREITLEIN-SMOES model). It is unnecessary to emphasize here the role played by the PRIGOGINE-LEFEVER model as a research tool in the theory of dissipative structures. The BAUTIN system is less well known in spite of several attractive features: this system is solvable in closed form; it exhibits a limit cycle and bistability; there is a saddle-node transition between steady-state and finite amplitude oscillations [2].
Mesenteric ischemia-reperfusion injury up-regulates certain CC, CXC, and XC chemokines and results in multi-organ injury in a time-dependent manner

Introduction: Trauma patients who develop multi-organ dysfunction have increased systemic levels of chemotactic cytokines. Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury to the gut may play a role. The purpose of this study was to examine chemokine production in a mouse model of mesenteric IR injury. Given the pre-eminent role of the neutrophil, there has been much investigation of the CXC chemokines, but very limited research on the CC and XC chemokines. We hypothesized that intestinal IR injury would induce remote organ injury and enhance serum CC and XC chemokine levels. Methods: Fasted female C57BL6 mice were anesthetized prior to laparotomy. In IR animals, the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) was occluded for 30, 45, or 75 min, while controls underwent sham laparotomy, n = 5-7 per group. After the indicated time point, the incision was closed and the mouse was allowed to recover for six hours. Following euthanasia, serum levels of 15 chemokines (10 CC, 4 CXC, and 1 XC) were assessed and histopathologic analyses performed. Results: Seventy-five minutes of SMA occlusion was the key time frame for significant serum cytokine level up-regulation, intestinal and remote organ injury, and neutrophil influx into tissues. With 75 min of intestinal ischemia, significantly elevated serum levels, as compared to shams, were noted for seven CC chemokines: MCP-1, MCP-3, MIP-1β, MIP-3β, eotaxin, MDC, and RANTES. Levels of the XC chemokine lymphotactin also increased. Levels of MIP-2, IP-10, and KC/GRO (CXC chemokines) rose significantly. MIP-1α levels were only significantly increased at 45 min IR. We did not find any significant IR injury-induced changes in levels of MCP-5, MIP-1γ, or GCP-2, at any ischemia time frame. Serum levels of IL-6 correspondingly increased significantly with longer ischemia times. Conclusions: The novel finding of this study is the demonstration of significant systemic increases in the CC chemokines eotaxin, MCP-3, MDC, MIP-3β in a time-dependent manner, along with tissue injury. The data suggest a complex response to IR injury whereby chemokines that are active on a variety of leukocytes may play a role in inducing local and remote tissue injury.
Spontaneous Autoreactive Memory B Cell Formation Driven by a High Frequency of Autoreactive CD4+ T Cells

Although somatically mutated autoantibodies are characteristic of many autoimmune diseases, the processes that can lead to their development remain poorly understood. We have examined the formation of autoreactive memory B cells in PevHA mice, which express the influenza virus PR8 hemagglutinin (HA) as a transgenic membrane bound neo-self-Ag. Using a virus immunization strategy, we show that PR8 HA-specific memory B cell formation can occur in PevHA mice, even though a major subset of PR8 HA-specific B cells is negatively selected from the primary repertoire. Moreover, PR8 HA-specific memory B cells develop spontaneously in TS1 x PevHA mice, which coexpress a transgenic PR8 HA-specific TCR and contain a high frequency of HA-specific CD4(+) T cells. Notably, autoreactive memory B cell formation occurred in TS1 x PevHA mice even though approximately half of the HA-specific CD4(+) T cells were CD25(+)Foxp3(+) cells that could significantly attenuate, but did not completely abolish HA-specific autoantibody production in an adoptive transfer setting. The findings provide evidence that a high frequency of autoreactive CD4(+) T cells can be sufficient to promote autoreactive memory B cell formation in the absence of signals provided by overt immunization or infection and despite the presence of abundant autoantigen-specific CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells.
Electrochemical and alkali metal reduction studies of silicon, germanium, and tin derivatives of cyclooctatetraene : Properties conferred by cyclooctatetraenide dianions by group IV substituents

Abstract The electrochemical behavior of trimethylsilyl-, trimethylgermyl-, trimethylstannyl- and t-butylcyclooctatetraenes has been examined by the techniques of polarography and cyclic voltammetry in THF and hexamethylphosphoramide (vastly preferred) solutions. Chemical reduction by means of potassium in ND 3 has also been studied. Evidence is presented that all four compounds undergo reduction to their respective dianions. However, the energetics of (Me 3 )MCOT − and (Me 3 )MCOT 2− formation vary widely, as do the rates and mechanism of dianion disappearance under the conditions of electrochemical measurement. The available kinetic data suggest, for example, that destruction of the t-Bu and trimethylgermyl substituted dianions proceeds via protonation and/or disproportionation pathways. In contrast, the silyl and stannyl examples experience metal-ring carbon cleavage reactions at yet faster rates. Interestingly, the E 1 1 2 values give evidence of being quite well correlated by σ p . Furthermore, when the magnitude of the E 1 1 2 -E 2 1 2 gap are plotted vs the covalent radii of the M atoms, a straight line is obtained for the Si, Ge and Sn examples; C deviates widely. This effect is believed to have its origin in resonance of the M←C π type involving the d orbitals of M which, of course, is not possible in the carbon case. The significance of these results as well as the other observations made in the course of this work is discussed.
Theory and Observations of Non-Thermal Phenomena in Hot Massive Binaries

The shock between the colliding winds in binary systems containing two massive stars accelerates particles to relativistic energies. These energetic particles can produce observable non-thermal radiation from the radio to γ-rays. The important physical processes in such systems are very similar to those we have proposed for non-thermal emissions from single hot stars, which have shocks generated by instabilities in the radiatively driven stellar winds. This paper discusses the theory and observations of non-thermal radiation in the radio, X-ray, and γ-ray regions from both single stars and massive binaries. Similarities and differences between the two types of systems are outlined. We discuss two important physical effects that apparently have been neglected in previous theoretical work on colliding wind binaries.
Impact of contract bundling and consolidation on defense acquisition system and defense industrial base: The case of the u.s. department of the navy

Despite Congressional and Presidential emphasis on reducing bundling and consolidation of defense contracts, recent studies cast doubt on whether such practices are problematic for small contractors or the defense acquisition system. Those studies proposed that bundling and consolidation are generally positive tools to procure best value. This paper tests these propositions by examining relevant U.S. Department of the Navy (DON) contracts for Fiscal Year 2010, when Congress reported record bundling and consolidation in U.S. defense contracting. Specifically, the paper looks to performance of Navy and Marine Corps buying commands in meeting small business goals and other good-government objectives such as competition, performance-based acquisitions, preference for commercial suppliers, and support for the U.S. defense industrial base. The paper recommends improvements in targeted good-government practices as measures to reduce bundling and consolidation.
“It is not guaranteed that you will benefit”: True but misleading?

Background:Participants of early-phase intervention trials for serious conditions provide high estimates of likelihood of benefit, even when informed consent forms do not promise such benefits. How...
Time-dependent disposition of tacrolimus and its effect on endothelin-1 in liver allograft recipients.

Study Objective. To characterize a time-dependent disposition of oral tacrolimus and its relationship with plasma endothelin-1 concentrations. Design. Randomized, crossover study. Setting. Clinical research center of a university-affiliated hospital. Patients. Twelve stable liver transplant recipients. Interventions. In the steady state, 23 blood samples were taken from each patient before and after tacrolimus administration over 24 hours. Measurements and Main Results. Whole blood samples for tacrolimus and plasma endothelin-1 were analyzed by enzyme immunoassay. The relationship of their concentrations and their pharmacokinetic parameters between morning and evening doses were compared. The area under the curve (AUC) of tacrolimus in the morning dose was significantly larger than that in the evening dose (219 ± 54 ng•hr/ml and 188 ± 57 ng•hr/ml, respectively, p=0.004). The mean time to peak concentration (Tmax) was significantly shorter for the morning dose than for the evening dose (1.6 ± 0.7 hrs and 3.5 ± 2.9 hrs, respectively, p=0.01). The mean peak concentration (Cmax) was significantly higher in the morning dose than in the evening dose (32.2 ±9.1 ng/ml and 21.6 ± 8.3 ng/ml, respectively, p=0.008). However, the mean trough concentration (Cmin) was not significantly different between doses. Endothelin-1 concentrations followed the same pattern as tacrolimus, with AUC and Cmax for the morning significantly higher than those for the evening dose of tacrolimus (AUC 13.8 ± 3.7 pg•hr/ml, morning, and 11.0 ± 3.5 pg•hr/ml, evening, p=0.005; Cmax 2.4 ± 1.1 pg/ml morning, and 1.5 ± 0.6 pg/ml evening, p=0.02). Tacrolimus levels did not correlate with endothelin-1 levels (r2=0.06, p=0.001). Conclusions. Tacrolimus disposition in liver transplant patients is determined by time of administration. Plasma endothelin-1 concentrations follow the same pattern as blood tacrolimus concentrations.
Farnesoid X Receptor Agonists: What They Are and How They Might Be Used in Treating Liver Disease

The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a nuclear receptor expressed in the liver, small intestine, kidneys, and adrenals. In mouse liver, FXR is bound to thousands of genomic DNA binding sites. Conformational changes induced by bile acid binding to pre-bound FXR leads to increased expression of a variety of genes. These changes lead to decreased intracellular bile acid concentrations through multiple mechanisms including decreased bile acid synthesis from cholesterol, decreased hepatocellular uptake and increased secretion into bile. Activated FXR also modulates the expression of genes responsible for lipid and glucose metabolism. One of the other genes induced by activated FXR is a small heterodimeric partner (SHP), a protein that represses expression of specific genes. The effects of pharmacologically modulating FXR activation in humans is only beginning to be explored with the hopes of favorably altering lipid and glucose metabolism to address the vascular and metabolic complications of obesity and diabetes.
Site-specific cleavage of chromosomes in vitro through Cre-lox recombination

Abstract Site-specific recombination systems are useful tools for chromosome engineering in vivo and site-specific DNA cleavage methods have applications in genome analysis and gene isolation. Here, we report a new method to fragment chromosomes in vitro using the Cre-lox site-specific recombination system. Two lox sites were targeted into the 5.7 Mb chromosomes I of Schizosaccharomyces pombe. In vitro recombination between chromosomal lox sites and exogenously provided lox oligonucleotides 'cleaved' the chromosome at the defined lox sequences. Site-specific cleavage of lox sites in the tobacco genome was also demonstrated. This recombination-based cleavage method provides a novel approach for structural and functional analyses of eukaryotic chromosomes as it allows direct isolation of chromosome regions that correspond to phenotypes revealed through Cre-lox mediated chromosome rearrangements in vivo. Moreover, recombination with end-labeled lox oligonucleotides would permit the specific end-labeling of chromosome segments to facilitate the long range mapping of chromosomes.
Multi-Field Responsive Origami Structures: Preliminary Modeling and Experiments

The use of origami principles to create 3-dimensional shapes has the potential to revolutionize active material structures and compliant mechanisms. Active origami structures can be applied to a broad range of areas such as reconfigurable aircraft and deployable space structures as well as instruments for minimally invasive surgery. Our current research is focused on dielectric elastomer (DE) and magneto active elastomer (MAE) materials to create multi-field responsive structures. Such multi-field responsive structures will integrate the DE and MAE materials to enable active structures that fold/unfold in different ways in response to electric and/or magnetic field. They can also unfold either as a result of eliminating the applied field or in response to the application of an opposite field. This concept is demonstrated in a folding cube shape and induced locomotion in the MAE material. Two finite element models are developed for both the DE and MAE materials and validated through physical testing of these materials. The models are then integrated to demonstrate multi-field responses of a bi-fold multi-field responsive structure. The bifold model is designed to fold about one axis in an electric field and a perpendicular axis in a magnetic field. Future modeling efforts and research directions are also discussed based on these preliminary results.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Qualitative determination of low-molecular-weight organic acids in mixed hazardous wastes using thermospray liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry

A technique has been developed for the qualitative determination of low-molecular-weight organic acids in radioactive, mixed hazardous wastes using thermospray liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. A tank waste was analyzed, and the results indicated the presence of citric, glycolic, acetic, and nitrosoiminodiacetic acid (NIDA). Further investigation revealed NIDA was formed under acidic conditions with the reaction of iminodiacetic acid and the high nitrate/nitrite concentration present in the waste.
Remediation/Restoration of Degraded Soil: I. Impact on Soil Chemical Properties

Nutrient dynamics in the calcareous eroded soils of the western United States may react differently than the acid soils in the eastern United States. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the impact of tillage practices and N treatments on changes in soil nutrient constituents. The eroded study was initiated in 2006 at the Agriculture Research Center, Hays, KS, on an Armo silt loam (fine-loamy, mixed, mesic Entic Haplustolls). Tillage practices were no-tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT). Beef manure (M) and urea, as commercial fertilizer (F) at low (L) and high (H) rates were applied as N sources. The control (C) treatment, with no N added, was included under both tillage practices. Annually (2006–2011) spring soil samples were taken at 0- to 15-cm and 15- to 30-cm depths. Soil chemical properties were influenced by N treatments and sampling depths, but not by tillage. Soil acidity (pH) was reduced in 2011 compared with 2006. Relative to control, more reduction in soil pH was observed with HM (21%) compared with HF treatment. Soil EC with HM and HF was approximately 2.2 times greater than LM and LF. Soil extractable P with HM substantially increased, 45.9 mg kg–¹, compared with LM, 18.3 mg kg–¹, at the surface 0 to 15 cm. The change in soil organic carbon (ΔSOC) associated with M was 36-fold higher than F treatments. In general, the use of M as N source improved soil nutrient dynamics in this eroded site compared with F.
Comparison of Text versus Video for Teaching Laparoscopic Knot Tying in the Novice Surgeon: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

Abstract Background Video seems advantageous over traditional text as an educational tool in conceptually-based procedures such as laparoscopy. However, this has never been tested directly. Objective The purpose of this study was to compare the use of text versus video as an educational tool for laparoscopic training, through a randomized controlled trial. Study Design Prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial (Canadian Task Force classification I). Methods Eighty (n = 80) medical students, who had no experience with tying a laparoscopic intracorporeal knot, were randomly taught to do so by either reading a text with accompanying pictures (n = 40) or watching a short video with audio of comparable content (n = 40). The participants were allowed to review the material for as long as they needed to achieve understanding of the procedure. They were then asked to tie a laparoscopic square knot in a box trainer, with a limit time of 15 minutes. Time to review the educational material(s), time to tie the knot(s), numbers of attempts at the task (n), and numbers of those who expressed understanding of the task (n) were recorded. Results The number of participants who were able to complete the knot (n = 14 text v. n = 18 video, p = 0.49) and the average time needed for completion (479 s text v.494 s video, p = 0.38) were not statistically different in the two groups. However, time to review the material (407 s text v. 258 s video, p 2 attempts, p = 0.01), and number of those who expressed understanding when they could not complete the task (35% text v. 59% video, p = 0.047) were statistically different. Conclusions This is the first randomized trial evaluating video alone as an educational tool in laparoscopic training. It demonstrates that video is superior to text in achieving superior conceptual understanding, without improving operative times. Understanding through video instruction cannot make up for a lack of technical ability in novice surgeons.
Statistical segmentation and porosity quantification of 3D x-ray microtomography

High-resolution x-ray micro-tomography is used for imaging of solid materials at micrometer scale in 3D. Our goal is to implement nondestructive techniques to quantify properties in the interior of solid objects, including information on their 3D geometries, which supports modeling of the fluid dynamics into the pore space of the host object. The micro-tomography data acquisition process generates large data sets that are often difficult to handle with adequate performance when using current standard computing and image processing algorithms. We propose an efficient set of algorithms to filter, segment and extract features from stacks of image slices of porous media. The first step tunes scale parameters to the filtering algorithm, then it reduces artifacts using a fast anisotropic filter applied to the image stack, which smoothes homogeneous regions while preserving borders. Next, the volume is partitioned using statistical region merging, exploiting the intensity similarities of each segment. Finally, we calculate the porosity of the material based on the solid-void ratio. Our contribution is to design a pipeline tailored to deal with large data-files, including a scheme for the user to input image patches for tuning parameters to the datasets. We illustrate our methodology using more than 2,000 micro-tomography image slices from 4 different porous materials, acquired using high-resolution X-ray. Also, we compare our results with standard, yet fast algorithms often used for image segmentation, which includes median filtering and thresholding.
Hyperspectral remote sensing of atmospheric profiles from satellites and aircraft

A future hyperspectral resolution remote imaging and sounding system, called the GIFTS (Geostationary Imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer), is described. An airborne system, which produces the type of hyperspectral resolution sounding data to be achieved with the GIFTS, has been flown on high altitude aircraft. Results from simulations and from the airborne measurements are presented to demonstrate the revolutionary remote sounding capabilities to be realized with future satellite hyperspectral remote imaging/sounding systems.
In-Situ Neutron Diffraction Study of the Bauschinger Effect in B2 Structured CoZr

A combination of in-situ neutron diffraction and elastoplastic self-consistent (EPSC) modeling have been used to elucidate the role played by intergranular stresses in the Bauschinger effect in B2 structured CoZr at room temperature and 423 K (150 °C). It is shown that, when insufficient slip modes are present to accommodate arbitrary strains, the large intergranular stresses built up due to inhomogeneous plastic deformation are responsible for the observed Bauschinger effect. Upon the onset of secondary deformation mechanism(s), the stresses are more uniformly distributed among the grains and the influence of intergranular stresses on the Bauschinger effect diminishes. On the other hand, it is speculated that the contribution of intragranular (dislocation-based) stresses is responsible for the persistent Bauschinger effect past the transition point. Similar results are obtained at both room temperature and 423 K (150 °C), and while the yield strength decreases with temperature, the high-temperature stress-strain curve progressively becomes harder than the room temperature one. In light of this, the previously characterized yield strength anomaly in CoZr has been re-examined.
Oxygen saturation levels in the first 30 minutes of life.

Purpose To report a serendipitous finding from a larger investigation describing physiologic variability of healthy and sick pre- and full-term neonates transitioning to extrauterine life in whom the oxygen arterial saturations rose to 90% very quickly. Subjects Thirty-four healthy pre- and full-term neonates and 40 sick pre- and full-term neonates. Design Descriptive, comparative. Methods Within the first 15-30 seconds of life, a pulse oximeter probe was placed on the dorsum of the neonate's foot. The signal was uploaded from the Hewlett Packard Viridia cardiopulmonary/oxygen saturation monitor to a data acquisition module at the bedside. Healthcare personnel performed their routine caregiving procedures for the neonate beginning transition to extrauterine life. They were at liberty to administer oxygen when they felt it was clinically necessary. Main outcome measures Oxygen saturation as measured by pulse oximetry. Principal results Oxygen saturation values reached higher levels much faster for all groups of neonates than what has been previously reported in the literature. Conclusions In light of recent controversies regarding oxygen therapy, the practice of randomly administering oxygen to healthy infants at time of delivery should be examined.
Access to renal transplantation for the elderly in the face of new allocation policy: a review of contemporary perspectives on "older" issues

The benefits of renal transplantation have been demonstrated to extend to the elderly. As a result, more seniors have been placed on the kidney transplant wait list and have received renal allografts in recent years. In June 2013 significant amendments to deceased donor kidney allocation policy were approved to be instituted in 2014 with the goal of increasing overall life years and graft years achieved compared to the current system. Going forward, it is conceivable that transplant centers may perceive a need to adjust practice patterns and modify evaluation and listing criteria for the elderly as the proportion of kidneys distributed to this segment of the wait list would potentially decrease under the new system, further increasing wait times. This review examines contemporary perspectives on access to transplantation for seniors and pertinent issues for this subgroup such as wait time, comorbidity, and evaluation and listing practices. Potential approaches to improve the evaluation of elderly patients being considered for transplant and to increase availability of expanded criteria donor (or higher kidney donor profile index) and living donor organ transplant opportunities while maintaining acceptable outcomes for seniors are explored.