cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Obstetrical Complications and Long-Term Cardiovascular Outcomes.

Obstetrical complications including indicated preterm birth (PTB), hypertension (HTN), IUGR, and GDM are risk factors for future cardiovascular disease. To identify patients at risk, the American Heart Association recommends obtaining a detailed obstetric history. Our objective was to determine if non-OB-GYN physicians-in-training obtain an obstetric history when assessing a risk profile for cardiovascular disease and to identify differences based on level of training. In 2019, an anonymous survey was distributed to trainees in internal medicine, cardiology, endocrinology, nephrology, and neurology. Subjects were queried about frequency of asking a history of PTB, IUGR, GDM, and HTN in pregnancy. Survey options were always/frequently/sometimes/rarely/never and were categorized into two groups: “ask” (always/frequently/sometimes) vs. “do not ask” (rarely/never). Comparisons between specialties and levels of training were made using chi-square and Fisher’s exact test. Comparisons within subjects were made using McNemar’s test. The response rate was 64% (210 total possible participants), including 98 internal medicine residents and 37 fellows in cardiology (21), endocrinology (3), nephrology (8), and neurology (5). Asking about medical complications (HTN + GDM) was significantly more common than asking about OB complications (PTB + IUGR) (p < 0.001). Internal medicine residents were less likely than subspecialty fellows to ask about HTN (31% vs. 70%; p < 0.001). There were no differences in likelihood of eliciting OB history based on PGY level. An OB history can identify risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity. Our data demonstrates that physicians caring for women lack awareness on the association between complications in pregnancy and cardiovascular health.
Impact of faculty interviewers on student matriculation following pharmacy school offer of admission.

Abstract Introduction Acceptance to pharmacy school relies on data such as grade point average (GPA) and Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) scores in addition to holistic review. The interview is the final step in finding successful applicants. This study sought to identify if faculty interviewers had an impact on prospective students' decisions to accept an offer of admission to our college of pharmacy. Methods A seven-year retrospective review of applicants granted an offer of admission was conducted. Analyses determined if interviewer assignment impacted yield of students matriculating into the program. Results Fifty-two different faculty interviewed 1634 applicants who were subsequently offered admission during the seven-years of review; of these applicants, 482 matriculated (yield 29.5%). Ten faculty interviewers provided 1020 (62.4%) of these interviews, with 302 applicants matriculating (yield 29.6%). Univariate analysis of these 10 interviewers did not find a significant difference in yield. Matriculation between the highest and lowest yielding faculty members trended toward a difference but was not statistically significant. Lower cumulative GPA, lower quantitative PCAT, lack of a bachelor's degree or higher, and interviewing later in the admissions cycle correlated with a higher matriculation yield (P Conclusions Faculty interviewers did not impact an applicant's decision to accept an offer of admission to pharmacy school. Interviewing late in the admissions cycle, not having a bachelor's degree, lower cumulative GPA, and lower quantitative PCAT score correlated with increased matriculation yield.
The effect of retirement on health biomarkers.

Abstract We utilize panel data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing to investigate the impact of retirement on objective health measures. In contrast to many previous studies, which focus on subjective self-reported health and life satisfaction measures, we focus on objective health biomarkers, such as diabetes indicators and cholesterol. Because poor health can induce retirement, we instrument for retirement using eligibility for state and employer sponsored pensions. Overall, there are few significant impacts of retirement on health biomarkers. The direction of effects is also mixed. Some biomarkers improve upon retirement, while others deteriorate. This contrasts with the consistently positive and significant improvements that are found in self-reported measures from the same dataset.
The role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, lymph node dissection, and treatment delay in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer undergoing partial cystectomy.

Abstract Objectives To investigate treatment patterns of partial cystectomy (PC), neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), lymph node dissection (LND), and treatment delays, and the associations with overall survival (OS) among patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Patients and Methods We identified patients with cT2–4cN0cM0 urothelial carcinoma of the bladder in the National Cancer Database who underwent PC from 2007 through 2015. We performed descriptive statistics and assessed temporal trends using the Cochrane-Armitage test. Our outcomes of interest were NAC, LND, and treatment delay defined as ≥8 or ≥12 weeks for patients who underwent NAC or upfront surgery, respectively. We used logistic regression and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to evaluate predictors and associations with OS, respectively. Results A total of 9,199 patients met inclusion criteria. Over the study period, PC utilization decreased from 9% to 7% (P = 0.06). Compared with patients who underwent radical cystectomy, patients treated with PC less frequently received NAC (7% vs. 17%, P Conclusion PC is uncommon and associated with poorer utilization of NAC and LND, but fewer treatment delays. The adequacy of LND was associated with improved OS while NAC and treatment delay were not.
Atomistic simulation of displacement damage and effective nonionizing energy loss in InAs

A molecular dynamics (MD) method, along with the analytical bond-order potential, is applied to study defect production in InAs. This potential is modified to obtain a better description for point-defect properties and is extended for proper applications in radiation damage simulation. By using this modified potential, the threshold displacement energy $({E}_{d})$, as one of the crucial parameters in radiation damage studies, is calculated over thousands of crystallographic directions for incorporating spatial anisotropy. However, the ${E}_{d}$ dependence on directions is found to be relatively weak. The defect production, clustering, and evolution in InAs are further investigated for the energies of the primary knock-on atom (PKA) ranging from 500 eV to 40 keV. A nonlinear defect production is seen with increasing PKA energy. This nonlinearity, which is associated with the direct-impact amorphization, is very distinctive for PKA energies ranging from 1 to 20 keV. Based on the damage density evaluated from molecular dynamics simulations, a theoretical model is developed for determining nonionizing energy loss (NIEL), which can be used for quantifying the electronic device degradation in a space radiation environment. The NIELs of InAs for proton, alpha, and Xe particles are calculated from the displacement threshold up to 60 MeV in comparison with available data so as to validate our model in the current study.
Cascaded κ-µ Fading Channels with Colluding Eavesdroppers: Physical-Layer Security Analysis

This paper studies the physical-layer security (PLS) of a system model consisting of a transmitter, a receiver, and multiple eavesdroppers. Cascaded general fading channel, which is the κ -µ distribution is assumed at the main and the wiretap links of the network. The impacts of the cascade level, the number of eavesdroppers attempting to overhear the confidential information, and the wiretap channel's parameters on the system's secrecy are investigated. Two of the main secrecy metrics are used to evaluate the secrecy level of the system, which are the secrecy outage probability (OP sec ) and the probability of non-zero secrecy capacity (P nsc ). Exact and asymptotic form expressions for (OP sec ) and (P nsc ) are derived. Asymptotic analysis is performed to gain a clear vision about the impact of some key parameters over the secrecy. The results show that the fading channel cascade level has a significant effect on the system's secrecy. Also, the results show that the system is less protected when increasing the number of eavesdroppers or when improving the wiretap channel's conditions. Analytical results are validated using Monte-Carlo simulations.
A pilot study of aquatic prehabilitation in adults with knee osteoarthritis undergoing total knee arthroplasty - short term outcome.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is increasingly more prevalent and significant number of patients require knee arthroplasty. Although knee arthroplasty is generally successful, it takes months to recover physical function. Preoperative physical function is known to predict postoperative outcomes and exercise can improve preoperative physical function. However, patients with KOA have difficulty exercise on land due to pain and stiffness, while water exercise can be better tolerated. We hypothesized that preoperative water exercise to improve preoperative physical function will improve postoperative outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We enrolled 43 participants who were scheduled for elective TKA in 4–8 weeks and scored at or below 50th percentile in mobility assessment tool-sf (MAT-sf). All enrolled participants were assessed on 1) clinical osteoarthritis symptom severity using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), 2) physical function using Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), 3) self-reported mobility using Mobility Assessment Tool-short form (MAT-sf), 4) depression using Geriatric Depression Scale-short form (GDS-sf), 5) cognitive function using Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Blood samples for high-sensitivity-C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were stored at − 80 °C then all samples were analyzed together. All the enrolled participants were randomly assigned to the aquatic exercise intervention (AEI) or usual care group. Sixty minute sessions of AEI was conducted three times a week for 4–8 weeks. Participants in both groups were evaluated within 1 week before their scheduled surgery, as well as 4 weeks after the surgery. The mean age was 67.1 (±6.2), 44% were female, 74% were White. There is no statistically significant difference in combined outcome of any complication, unscheduled ER visit, and disposition to nursing home or rehab facility by AEI. However, AEI was associated with more favorable outcomes: WOMAC scores (p < 0.01), chair-stand (p = 0.019), MAT-sf as well as improved depression (p = 0.043) and cognition (p = 0.008). 4–8 weeks of aquatic exercise intervention resulted in improved functional outcomes as well as improved depression and cognition in elderly patients undergoing TKA. A larger study is warranted to explore the role of water exercise in clinical and functional outcomes of TKA.
Fate of Salmonella spp. in fresh-cut papaya (Carica papaya L.) at different storage temperature and relative humidity

Abstract Salmonella has been a recurring issue in the papaya industry. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of post-harvest storage conditions on the growth kinetics of Salmonella in fresh-cut papaya. Papaya samples were spot inoculated with nalidixic acid adopted Salmonella spp (4-strain) at 4–5 log CFU/g and then stored in an environmental chamber at six different temperature (4, 12 and 21 °C) and relative humidity (55 and 90%) combinations for up to 14 days. The levels of Salmonella and the changes in pH, TSS, color, and water activity of papaya were determined. Increasing the storage temperature from 4 to 21 °C and RH from 55 to 90% increased the log survival. However, no significant effect (P > 0.05) of RH was observed when the samples were stored either at 12 or 4 °C for 14 days. Both Baryani-Roberts (R20.794–0.975) and Biphasic models (0.793–0.975) best fitted the experimental data at the tested storage conditions. Salmonella showed a maximum growth rate ranging from −0.0207 to 0.0632 (1/h) and the highest growth rate was observed at 21 °C and 90% RH. These findings demonstrate that better control over storage temperature and RH is critical to mitigate the risk of Salmonella in papaya.
“Rule of Law” in a Party-State: A Conceptual Interpretive Framework of the Constitutional Reality of China

This article identifies and conceptualizes the structural features of the Party-state and proposes a “dual normative system” as a framework to interpret the constitutional reality of China. This framework has four components: (1) structural integration of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP or the Party) and the state; (2) reserved delegation of authority to the state; (3) bifurcation of state decision-making processes; and (4) cohabitation of the two normative systems: one of the Party and one of the state. This article demonstrates that the political reforms in China since the 1980s have not separated the power of the Party and the state, but have created an increasingly institutionalized dual normative system that is more complex compared with the previous fused system, yet more pliable to adjustments and more open to different interpretations, including to that of the “Party-state constitutionalism”, which interprets the “rule of law” as compatible with the rule of the Party.
Addressing Abusive Citizen Petitions

One of the tools brand-name drug companies have used to delay generics involves the filing of questionable citizen petitions with the FDA. This short comment applauds the agency for addressing this pressing issue and offers modifications that would make the proposed guidance stronger. The FDA can summarily dispose of a petition if its primary purpose is to delay generic entry and if it does not on its face raise a valid scientific/regulatory issue. Though helpful in theory, the agency has never invoked this power in practice. This comment supports the FDA's attention to elaborating the first of two factors for summary disposition, showing that a petition's "primary purpose" is to delay generic entry. But it calls for a linkage with the second factor, raising a scientific/regulatory issue. The comment supports referring petitions filed for the primary purpose of delay to the FTC and Congress, and suggests that the FDA provide additional detail in its reports to Congress on which generic applications are delayed, how delay is determined, and the length of delay.
Intermittent Fasting and Sleep: A Review of Human Trials

This review examines the effects of two popular intermittent fasting regimens on sleep in adults with overweight and obesity. Specifically, the effects of time restricted eating (TRE; eating all food within a 4–10 h window) and alternate day fasting (ADF; 600 kcal fast day alternated with ad libitum feast day) on sleep quality, sleep duration, sleep latency, sleep efficiency, insomnia severity, and risk of obstructive sleep apnea, will be summarized. The role of weight loss will also be discussed. Results from our review reveal that the majority of these trials produced weight loss in the range of 1–6% from baseline. Sleep quality and sleep duration remained unaltered with TRE and ADF, as assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The effects of intermittent fasting on sleep latency and sleep efficiency are mixed, with one study showing worsening of these parameters, and others showing no effect. Insomnia severity and the risk of obstructive sleep apnea remained unchanged in the trials assessing these metrics. Taken together, these preliminary findings suggest that TRE and ADF produce mild to moderate weight loss (1–6%) but their effects on sleep remain unclear. Solid conclusions are difficult to establish since participants in the studies had healthy sleep durations and no clinical insomnia at baseline, leaving little room for improvement in these metrics. Moreover, none of the trials were adequately powered to detect statistically significant changes in any measure of sleep. Future well-powered trials, conducted in individuals with diagnosed sleep disturbances, will be necessary to elucidate the effect of these popular diets on sleep.
Increased 2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol levels normalize cortical responses to sound and improve behaviors in Fmr1 KO mice.

Individuals with Fragile X syndrome (FXS) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit an array of symptoms, including sociability deficits, increased anxiety, hyperactivity, and sensory hyperexcitability. It is unclear how endocannabinoid (eCB) modulation can be targeted to alleviate neurophysiological abnormalities in FXS as behavioral research reveals benefits to inhibiting cannabinoid (CB) receptor activation and increasing endocannabinoid ligand levels. Here, we hypothesize that enhancement of 2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol (2-AG) in Fragile X mental retardation 1 gene knock-out (Fmr1 KO) mice may reduce cortical hyperexcitability and behavioral abnormalities observed in FXS. To test whether an increase in 2-AG levels normalized cortical responses in a mouse model of FXS, animals were subjected to electroencephalography (EEG) recording and behavioral assessment following treatment with JZL-184, an irreversible inhibitor of monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL). Assessment of 2-AG was performed using lipidomic analysis in conjunction with various doses and time points post-administration of JZL-184. Baseline electrocortical activity and evoked responses to sound stimuli were measured using a 30-channel multielectrode array (MEA) in adult male mice before, 4 h, and 1 day post-intraperitoneal injection of JZL-184 or vehicle. Behavior assessment was done using the open field and elevated plus maze 4 h post-treatment. Lipidomic analysis showed that 8 mg/kg JZL-184 significantly increased the levels of 2-AG in the auditory cortex of both Fmr1 KO and WT mice 4 h post-treatment compared to vehicle controls. EEG recordings revealed a reduction in the abnormally enhanced baseline gamma-band power in Fmr1 KO mice and significantly improved evoked synchronization to auditory stimuli in the gamma-band range post-JZL-184 treatment. JZL-184 treatment also ameliorated anxiety-like and hyperactivity phenotypes in Fmr1 KO mice. Overall, these results indicate that increasing 2-AG levels may serve as a potential therapeutic approach to normalize cortical responses and improve behavioral outcomes in FXS and possibly other ASDs.
Remote Pair Collaborations of CS Students: Leaving Women Behind?

Remote pair programming research indicates benefits for CS students, increasing productivity, code quality, teamwork, knowledge management, and morale. The COVID-19 pandemic increased the prevalence of remote pair programming. Gender gaps persist in CS classes and workplaces, which may negatively impact the way pairs coordinate, communicate, and collaborate. To understand these effects, we conducted a large-scale survey to investigate differences between men and women as well as same- and mixed-gender pairs. The survey questions were adapted from established literature on gender differences in the fields of education, communication, management, human-robotic interaction, and human-computer interaction. Quantitative analysis of the survey data using ANOVA and pairwise t-tests indicated that women participants reported their men partners made gender-based assumptions about them, and felt dominated and interrupted with men partners. Men participants felt their men partners were more rude and gave more negative feedback than women partners. Further, qualitative analysis of interviews gave insights to several challenges CS students face in same and mixed-gender pairs when programming remotely. Our findings have implications for researchers, practitioners, and educators to promote gender inclusivity in collaborative environments.
Using Self-Questioning To Engage Students' Problem-Solving Skills For Academic, Social, And Emotional Challenges

Location: JC Room E Given the cultural, social, and emotional challenges that international students face as they adapt to the American academic context (de Araujo, 2011), instructors often wonder how to collaborate with other specialized university professionals to support these students. Within their own classrooms, instructors struggle to find appropriate ways of addressing the academic, social, and emotional issues their studentsâ are facing. One of the ways instructors can help to address the academic, social, and emotional challenges faced by international (and other) learners is by using self-questioning to engage studentsâ problem-solving skills and responsible decision-making (Elias, 2004). This presentation applies self-questioning through a six-step problem solving process that was developed by Rick Cohen, an assistant superintendent in New Jerseyâs public schools. Cohenâs process draws on work by Elias (2004) who has studied social emotional learning for decades. Elias (2004) states that the teaching of social decision making and social problem solving is inherently linked with academic readiness and critical thinking. After a brief overview of the problem-solving process and suggestions for presenting it to students, we will introduce sample question sets for social problem solving, reading comprehension, group decision making, and the research process. We will then model one of our question sets for attendees, before leading them through an activity that will ask them to imagine they are students using the questions to solve a problem. We will also invite the audience to consider other ways that they may present the question sets throughout the semester, both with the whole class and one-on-one, to help their students internalize the questions as a framework for solving any problem using background knowledge, critical thinking, and self talk. Although the focus is on instructors, we think the same process and question sets can also be applied by other departments and units on campus, thus creating a unified programmatic approach for engaging and supporting students as they work through any problem: academic, social, or emotional.
Identification of the Escherichia coli sohB gene, a multicopy suppressor of the HtrA (DegP) null phenotype.

We cloned and sequenced the sohB gene of Escherichia coli. The temperature-sensitive phenotype of bacteria that carry a Tn10 insertion in the htrA (degP) gene is relieved when the sohB gene is present in the cell on a multicopy plasmid (30 to 50 copies per cell). The htrA gene encodes a periplasmic protease required for bacterial viability only at high temperature, i.e., above 39 degrees C. The sohB gene maps to 28 min on the E. coli chromosome, precisely between the topA and btuR genes. The gene encodes a 39,000-Mr precursor protein which is processed to a 37,000-Mr mature form. Sequencing of a DNA fragment containing the gene revealed an open reading frame which could encode a protein of Mr 39,474 with a predicted signal sequence cleavage site between amino acids 22 and 23. Cleavage at this site would reduce the size of the processed protein to 37,474 Mr. The predicted protein encoded by the open reading frame has homology with the inner membrane enzyme protease IV of E. coli, which digests cleaved signal peptides. Therefore, it is possible that the sohB gene encodes a previously undiscovered periplasmic protease in E. coli that, when overexpressed, can partially compensate for the missing HtrA protein function.
Zur Morphologie des Taramellits

Taramellit kommt im westlichen Nordamerika an mindestens acht Fundstellen vor, wo er bis jetzt wenig beachtet wurde. Die Taramellite dieser Fundstellen sind alle sehr Ti-reich. Bisher wurde Taramellit nach dem ersten Vorkommen, Candoglia in Italien, meist als faserig beschrieben. Die Ti-reichen Taramellite in Nordamerika, besonders die in California, welche mit Sanbornit und Gillespit vorkommen, erscheinen aber als gut ausgebildete Einkristalle. Es wurden viele solche Kristalle goniometrisch gemessen. Obgleich etwa dreisig Formen verzeichnet wurden, ist der Habitus der orthorhombischen Kristalle meist durch das Vorherrschen der Pinakoide und einiger {hk0} und {0kl} Prismen bedingt. Am haufigsten ist der tafelige habitus nach {100}.
Public Health Versus Personal Liberty – The Uneasy Case for Individual Detention, Isolation and Quarantine

In the summer of 2007, Atlanta attorney Andrew Speaker made headlines when, while traveling in Italy on his honeymoon, he was diagnosed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) with extremely drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB), a contagious, untreatable and potentially-lethal condition. Against the instructions of U.S. public health authorities, Speaker re-entered the U.S. only to be served by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) with a federal order of quarantine at a hospital in New York, the first such order to be issued in nearly half a century. Speaker challenged the CDC’s diagnosis of XDR-TB, resulting in an eventual downgrade of his condition and the lifting of restrictions on his movements. The Speaker case generated significant public attention and Congress conducted formal hearings regarding the incident. Speaker’s case highlights a crucial issue in public health law: the circumstances, if any, under which public officials may detain individuals against their will in order to protect the public from communicable diseases. In other words, when do utilitarian principles of social good trump the guarantees of individual rights afforded by the Constitution?
An Evaluation of Spatial Interpolation Accuracy of Elevation Data

This paper makes a general evaluation of the spatial interpolation accuracy of elevation data. Six common interpolators were examined, including Kriging, inverse distance to a power, minimum curvature, modified Shepard’s method, radial basis functions, and triangulation with linear interpolation. The main properties and mathematical procedures of the interpolation algorithms were reviewed. In order to obtain full evaluation of the interpolations, both statistical (including root-mean-square-error, standard deviation, and mean) and spatial accuracy measures (including accuracy surface, and spatial autocorrelation) were employed. It is found that the accuracy of spatial interpolation of elevations was primarily subject to input data point density and distribution, grid size (resolution), terrain complexity, and interpolation algorithm used. The variations in interpolation parameters may significantly improve or worsen the accuracy. Further researches are needed to examine the impacts of terrain complexity in details and various data sampling strategies. The combined use of variogram models, accuracy surfaces, and spatial autocorrelation represents a promising direction in mapping spatial data accuracy.
Bupropion Overdose Presenting as Status Epilepticus in an Infant.

Abstract Background Bupropion is a monocyclic antidepressant in the aminoketone class, structurally related to amphetamines. The Food and Drug Administration withdrew this product from the market in 1986 after seizures were reported in bulimic patients. It was later reintroduced in 1989 when the incidence of seizures was shown to be dose-related in the immediate release preparation. Massive bupropion ingestion has been associated with status epilepticus and cardiogenic shock in adults. Seizures have been reported in children, but not status epilepticus. This report highlights a patient who presented with status epilepticus and developed cardiopulmonary arrest after bupropion ingestion. False-positive amphetamine diagnosis from urine drug screen on presentation was reported. Method We review the presentation, clinical course, diagnostic studies, and outcome of this patient. We then review the literature regarding bupropion overdose in children. Result Symptoms of bupropion toxicity and risk for seizures are dose-dependent and fatalities have been reported. Our patient developed status epilepticus and cardiopulmonary arrest and then progressed to have a hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and refractory symptomatic partial seizures. Conclusion Our report highlights the need to keep this medication away from children in order to prevent accidental overdose.
Prevention of air travel–related deep venous thrombosis with mechanical devices: Active foot movements produce similar hemodynamic effects

Objective We compared the hemodynamic effects of different mechanical devices aimed for prevention of travel-related deep venous thrombosis with active foot movements. Methods Two battery-operated intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices and three foot and calf muscle pump facilitating devices (PFD) that claimed to prevent travel-related deep venous thrombosis were tested in 17 healthy volunteers on the ground and in 8 of same volunteers during flight. Flow changes during active foot movements were compared with the effects of each of the tested devices. Results There was no significant difference in hemodynamic effect between PFDs and active foot movements. The hemodynamic effects of IPC devices were significantly less compared with active foot movements. Values obtained during air flights were not significantly different from those obtained on the ground. Conclusions Whereas IPC use for prevention of venous stasis during flight can be justified for immobile patients or during sleep, PFDs do not provide additional hemodynamic benefits compared with simple movements of the foot.
Relationship between Wilson-Mikity syndrome and the new bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

In 1960, Wilson and Mikity1 published a report of 5 cases of a new form of respiratory disease in the premature infant. An additional 29 cases were reported from our center in 1969.2 In the intervening years, similar cases had been reported from other centers in the United States, England, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, Italy, and Nigeria, indicating that these cases composed a definite clinical entity of wide geographic distribution. In the early 1960s, none of these infants had received assisted ventilation. Ventilatory support for premature infants became the standard of treatment in the late 1960s. The Wilson-Mikity syndrome (WMS) was swallowed up by bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), the chronic effects of artificial ventilation first reported by Northway et al.3 These were a result of damage to the lung resulting in fibrosis, inflammation, and metaplasia. The reported infants of WMS all were premature with a medium weight of 1280 g.1,2 The smallest was 830 g, and 26 of the 35 were 2000 g. …
Activation of single cardiac and skeletal ryanodine receptor channels by flash photolysis of caged Ca2

Single ryanodine-sensitive sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release channels isolated from rabbit skeletal and canine cardiac muscle were reconstituted in planar lipid bilayers. Single channel activity was measured in simple solutions (no ATP or Mg2+) with 250 mM symmetrical Cs+ as charge carrier. A laser flash was used to photolyze caged-Ca2+ (DM-nitrophen) in a small volume directly in front of the bilayer. The free [Ca2+] in this small volume and in the bulk solution was monitored with Ca2+ electrodes. This setup allowed fast, calibrated free [Ca2+] stimuli to be applied repetitively to single SR Ca2+ release channels. A standard photolytically induced free [Ca2+] step (pCa 7-->6) was applied to both the cardiac and skeletal release channels. The rate of channel activation was determined by fitting a single exponential to ensemble currents generated from at least 50 single channel sweeps. The time constants of activation were 1.43 +/- 0.65 ms (mean +/- SD; n = 5) and 1.28 +/- 0.61 ms (n = 5) for cardiac and skeletal channels, respectively. This study presents a method for defining the fast Ca2+ regulation kinetics of single SR Ca2+ release channels and shows that the activation rate of skeletal SR Ca2+ release channels is consistent with a role for CICR in skeletal muscle excitation-contraction coupling.
The role of the interosseous membrane and triangular fibrocartilage complex in forearm stability

This study investigated the relative roles of the interosseous membrane (IOM) and triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) in the transmission of force from the hand to the humerus. Our findings suggest a spectrum of forearm destabilizing injuries. The intact radius abutting the capitellum provides the primary restraint to proximal migration of the radius. After radial head excision, up to 7 mm of proximal radial migration can occur under axial compression. If the TFCC or the IOM alone is disrupted, little alteration in load or displacement is evident. When both the midportion of the IOM and TFCC are incompetent, however, further proximal radial migration occurs, the radial stump abuts the humerus, and load is shifted back to the radial column. These data suggest that the central portion of the IOM is the crucial structural subdivision within the IOM acting as a restraint to proximal radial migration. The TFCC also resists proximal radial migration and participates in load transfer. We propose that clinical migration of the radius under an axial load greater than 7 mm implies disruption of both the midportion of the IOM and TFCC.
Nest and Nestmate Recognition by a Fungus‐growing Ant, Apterostigma collare Emery (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

The ability of Apterostigma collare workers to differentiate their nest from other nests and their nestmates from non-nestmates was examined. In field tests, workers that were removed from their nest were accepted back into their own nests, but were rejected when they were placed onto a nearby (≤ 1 m) nest or a distant (≥ 100 m) nest. In the laboratory, when given a choice between a fragment of their own nest and a fragment of a second nest (near or distant), workers selected their own nest material rather than the material of the second nest. For the nestmate recognition bioassay, two workers from one nest were placed together in an arena with a worker from a second nest. In most bioassays, the nestmates were tolerant of each other, but they were intolerant of the non-nestmate. The results demonstrate that A. collare workers have the ability to recognize nestmates and their nests. The results also suggest that each nest of A. collare is an independent colony.
Videotaped teaching segments and the preservice teacher: Developing reflective practice

Abstract This article describes a project that uses videotaped segments of “best practice” teaching methods with freshman practicum students in a midsized university. The rationale, process of collecting teaching segments, and preliminary use of two tapes are presented. Initial response suggests that using videotaped teaching segments with preservice teaching majors is a positive approach to introducing students to the intricacies of teaching and learning.
Emergency department use by centenarians: the 2008 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample.

INTRODUCTION: Older adults have higher rates of emergency department use than do younger adults, and the number of centenarians is expected to increase. The objective of this study was to examine centenarians' use of the emergency department in the United States, including diagnoses, charges, and disposition. METHODS: The 2008 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample, Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality provided encounter-level data on emergency department visits and weights for producing nationwide estimates. From this data set, we collected patient characteristics including age, sex, primary diagnosis, and disposition. We used χ(2) tests and t tests to test for significant differences among people aged 80 to 89, 90 to 99, and 100 years or older. RESULTS: Centenarians had a lower rate of emergency department use than those aged 90 to 99 (736 per 1,000 vs 950 per 1,000; P CONCLUSION: Centenarians in emergency departments in the United States have different diagnoses, conditions, and outcomes than other older Americans. Language: en
Some aspects of the structure of the stably stratified atmospheric boundary layer

Results of an analysis based on the Leipzig wind data are presented. The computed stress profiles and the proportionality constant in the inverse relationship between the non-dimensionalized stable boundary-layer height and the square root of the stability parameter seem to agree well with the model results of Businger and Arya (1974).
Synthesis o an 8-deaza analog of the intermediate in the thymidylate synthetase reaction

Abstract Synthesis of an 8-deaza analog of the proposed intermediate in the thymidylate synthetase reaction was accomplished from diethyl 8-deazafolic acid an unambiguous proof of the structure is provided.
Identification of a novel matrix protein that promotes biofilm maturation in Vibrio fischeri

Bacteria form communities, termed biofilms, in which cells adhere to each other within a matrix, typically comprised of polysaccharides, proteins, and extracellular DNA. Biofilm formation by the marine bacterium Vibrio fischeri requires the Syp polysaccharide, but the involvement of matrix proteins is as yet unknown. Here we identified three genes, termed bmpA, -B, and -C (biofilm maturation protein), with overlapping functions in biofilm maturation. A triple bmpABC mutant, but not single or double mutants, was defective in producing wrinkled colonies, a form of biofilm. Surprisingly, the triple mutant was competent to form pellicles, another biofilm phenotype, but they generally lacked a three-dimensional architecture. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the extracellular matrix of the bmp mutant contained electron-dense, thread-like structures that were also present in the wild type but lacking in syp mutant strains. We hypothesized that the bmp mutant produces the Syp polysaccharide but fails to produce/export a distinct matrix component. Indeed, a mixture of the bmp and syp mutants produced a wrinkled colony. Finally, BmpA could be detected in cell-free supernatants from disrupted pellicles. Thus, this work identifies a new matrix protein necessary for biofilm maturation by V. fischeri and, based on the conservation of bmp, potentially other microbes.
Computer Simulation and Analysis of the Expanding Ring Test

Explosively launched expanding ring tests have been used to extract material flow stress at strain-rates from 103 to 3 x 104 sec−1. Computer simulations of such tests using a strain-rate independent, but work hardening constitutive model were analyzed by the same methods used experimentally. Results of this analysis also showed an apparent strain-rate effect. Further examination of the computer simulations has shown that much, if not all, of the measured strain-rate effect is an increased flow stress due to a plastic strain, ɛL, that is locked in during the initial stages of launch. At a larger launch velocity, hence a larger strain-rate, ɛL is also larger. The value of ɛL is sensitive to details of the launch dynamics.
The hysteretic event in the computation of magnetization

Simulations of magnetic and magnetostrictive behavior based on micromagnetic theory exhibit hysteresis. These systems have a highly nonlinear character involving both short range anisotropy and elastic fields and dispersive demagnetization fields. Hysteresis occurs even in the absence of an imposed dynamical mechanism, for example, a Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert dissipative equation for the magnetic moment, and is symptomatic of the way the system navigates a path through local minima of its energy space. It is not sensitive to the particular method: We implement continuation based on the conjugate gradient method, although the same results were obtained by, for example, a Newton’s method. The phenomenon is robust: Computational experiments confirm that the shape of the loop is invariant over several decades of mesh refinement. Our experience has led us to hold that optimization procedures have the propensity to become marooned at local extrema when applied to nonconvex situations and that this presents a fundamental challenge to analysis. Understanding and controlling such phenomena present the opportunity to develop predictive tools and diagnostics. For example, since the energy picture is mesh-independent, computing on a fairly coarse grid suffices to establish its character.
Truncation error in the analysis of aperture radiation

The mode-matching technique for a flanged aperture is considered. By using the known form of the edge singularities, the mode-coupling equations are cast into a form which partially compensates for the truncation effect. The formulation is shown to recover the local-field properties and the boundary conditions in the immediate vicinity of the edges.
Inhibition of steroidΔ 4 reductase by heparin: Studies with desoxycorticosterone, progesterone, androstenedione and testosterone

Heparin hemmt die Reduktion der Doppelbindung in 4-Stellung des Rings A einer Reihe von C-11-desoxy,Δ 4-4-keto-Steroiden in der Rattenleber. Es scheint, dass Heparin mit NADPH um das Steroid-reduktase-Apoenzym konkurriert.
A case of serendipity

An account is given of how a sensitive bioassay system for measurement of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine serendipitously led to the identification of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) released in vitro from active skeletal muscle. Subsequent application of the identification procedures to exercising human muscle in vivo, cardiac muscle cells in vitro, and human erythrocytes exposed to hypoxia gave rise to the general concept of ATP as a molecule that could influence cell function from the extracellular direction. Mechanisms of ATP release from cells in terms of “trigger” events such as mechanical distortion of the membrane, depolarization of the membrane, and exposure to hypoxia are discussed. Potential therapeutic uses of extracellular ATP in cancer therapy, radiation therapy, and a possible influence upon aging are discussed. Possible roles (distant and local) of extracellular ATP released from muscle during whole body exercise are discussed.
Protein Kinase CK1α Regulates mRNA Binding by Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein C in Response to Physiologic Levels of Hydrogen Peroxide

At low concentrations, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a positive endogenous regulator of mammalian cell proliferation and survival; however, the signal transduction pathways involved in these processes are poorly understood. In primary human endothelial cells, low concentrations of H2O2 stimulated the rapid phosphorylation of the acidic C-terminal domain (ACD) of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C (hnRNP-C), a nuclear restricted pre-mRNA-binding protein, at Ser240 and at Ser225–Ser228. A kinase activity was identified in mouse liver that phosphorylates the ACD of hnRNP-C at Ser240 and at two sites at Ser225–Ser228. The kinase was purified and identified by tandem mass spectrometry as protein kinase CK1α (formerly casein kinase 1α). Protein kinase CK1α immunoprecipitated from primary human endothelial cell nuclei also phosphorylated the ACD of hnRNP-C at these positions. Pretreatment of endothelial cells with the protein kinase CK1-specific inhibitor IC261 prevented the H2O2-stimulated phosphorylation of hnRNP-C. Utilizing phosphoserine-mimicking Ser-to-Glu point mutations, the effects of phosphorylation on hnRNP-C function were investigated by quantitative equilibrium fluorescence RNA binding analyses. Wild-type hnRNP-C1 and hnRNP-C1 modified at the basal sites of phosphorylation (S247E and S286E) both avidly bound RNA with similar binding constants. In contrast, hnRNP-C1 that was also modified at the CK1α phosphorylation sites exhibited a 14–500-fold decrease in binding affinity, demonstrating that CK1α-mediated phosphorylation modulates the mRNA binding ability of hnRNP-C.
Encrypted Database Design: Specialized Approaches

This paper presents two specialized approaches to the design of a database incorporating cryptography in a fundamental way. Most processing is carried out on the encrypted version of the database at an insecure central site. Query initiation and final query interpretation occur at a secure local workstation. The first approach implements a text file with searches based on keywords. The second approach uses subfields and homophonic representations to create a secure database with fairly broad capabilities.
Comments on a method for processing stellar speckle data

This letter addresses methods for reducing stellar speckle interferometry data that require obtaining both the average autocorrelation and cross correlations of these speckle patterns. It is shown that these procedures degrade low-frequency results, in particular, those frequencies near the long-exposure atmospheric cutoff.
Enriched environment treatment reverses depression-like behavior and restores reduced hippocampal neurogenesis and protein levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in mice lacking its expression through promoter IV

Promoter IV-driven expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a major neuronal growth factor, is implicated in the pathophysiology of major depression. We previously reported that mice lacking expression of BDNF through promoter IV (BDNF-KIV mice) exhibit a depression-like phenotype. Here, we examined whether the depression-like phenotype and decreased levels of BDNF because of promoter IV deficit could be rescued by enriched environment (EE) treatment, a potential antidepressant intervention. Three weeks of EE treatment rescued depression-like behavior of BDNF-KIV mice as assessed by the tail suspension test, open-field test and sucrose preference test. EE treatment also increased BDNF transcripts driven by multiple endogenous promoters and restored BDNF protein levels in the hippocampus (HIP) of BDNF-KIV mice. Further, we investigated adult hippocampal neurogenesis as a possible cellular mechanism underlying the depression-like behavior and its recovery in BDNF-KIV mice. We found that the number of surviving progenitors and their dendritic length in the dentate gyrus of the HIP were reduced in BDNF-KIV mice compared with the control wild-type mice. EE treatment restored the reduction in cell survival and dendritic length and increased cell proliferation in BDNF-KIV mice. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that EE rescued depression-like behavior, decreased BDNF levels and defective neurogenesis in the HIP caused by lack of promoter IV-driven BDNF expression. These results suggest that decreased BDNF levels because of one impaired promoter can be compensated by other BDNF promoters and that BDNF levels may be one of the key factors regulating depression and antidepressant effects through hippocampal neurogenesis.
Association of immunoreactive eosinophil major basic protein with placental septa and cysts

A protein that is immunochemically indistinguishable from the major basic protein of the eosinophil granule is present at elevated concentrations in the plasma of pregnant women. Major basic protein has been localized to placental trophoblasts known as X cells. Because X cells are located in placental septa and septal cysts, we tested whether the numbers of these structures are correlated with plasma levels of major basic protein. Data analysis revealed strong positive correlations between maternal plasma major basic protein concentrations and the number of placental septa, septal cysts, and subchorial cysts and the presence of subchorial fibrin deposits. No significant correlation was found between plasma major basic protein levels and other variables examined, such as placental weight. Thus major basic protein is a specific marker for septa and cysts, presumably because it is an X-cell product. The study of major basic protein may aid in delineating the function and ontogeny of X cells, as well as their role in fibrin deposition and in septa and cyst formation.