cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High-Grade Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia in Dogs

The dog is the only nonhuman species in which high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) and invasive carcinoma spontaneously occur. Our work was the first to describe HGPIN in the dog prostate. Canine HGPIN bears remarkable morphologic similarity to its human counterpart. There is also striking similarity between canine and human HGPIN with respect to basal layer disruption, proliferative index, and microvessel density. For each of these parameters, HGPIN is intermediate between benign epithelium and invasive carcinoma, strengthening the hypothesis that HGPIN is an intermediate step on the road to prostate cancer. In another study, we showed that HGPIN is present in the majority (55%) of elderly sexually intact pet dogs without clinical evidence of prostate cancer. These data suggest that the early events of prostate carcinogenesis may occur with high frequency within the prostates of pet dogs sharing the same environment as humans. We are currently conducting a large-scale autopsy-epidemiological study to further characterize the epidemiology of HGPIN and invasive carcinoma in pet dogs. We are also testing the potential utility of pet dogs for the rapid, cost-effective in vivo screening of chemopreventive agents by using the prevalence and extent of HGPIN in the dog prostate as a surrogate endpoint biomarker.
The impact of behavioral intervention on obesity mediated declines in mobility function: implications for longevity

A primary focus of longevity research is to identify prognostic risk factors that can be mediated by early treatment efforts. To date, much of this work has focused on understanding the biological processes that may contribute to aging process and age-related disease conditions. Although such processes are undoubtedly important, no current biological intervention aimed at increasing health and lifespan exists. Interestingly, a close relationship between mobility performance and the aging process has been documented in older adults. For example, recent studies have identified functional status, as assessed by walking speed, as a strong predictor of major health outcomes, including mortality, in older adults. This paper aims to describe the relationship between the comorbidities related to decreased health and lifespan and mobility function in obese, older adults. Concurrently, lifestyle interventions, including diet and exercise, are described as a means to improve mobility function and thereby limit the functional limitations associated with increased mortality.
Signal integrity issues in ASIC and FPGA design

Most often when addressing electromagnetic compatibility issues in the electronic design of analog and digital circuits, EMC principles such as grounding, coupling, emissions, shielding, etc. are commonly scrutinized. Studies and research within EMC normally extends to the more fundamental principles of interference and compatibility as developed from the basic framework of electromagnetic theory. This framework has lately been extended to include computational methods for the solution of interference problems that are otherwise difficult to address analytically. However, it is usually observed that newly designed hardware first encounter electromagnetic interference in the area of signal integrity where the design must overcome the inherited electromagnetic constraints imposed by high speed logic and the very low noise threshold levels of analog components. Addressing the most important signal integrity issues in digital electronic design, and which are common to most present design, are briefly covered in this paper, as well as the relevance of such issues to the electromagnetic compatibility principles previously mentioned.
CT of the temporal bone in achondroplasia

In an attempt to better define the changes affecting the temporal bone that might predispose achondroplastic dwarfs to otitis media, nine achondroplastic subjects who were evaluated for hearing loss underwent high-resolution CT scanning of the temporal bone. Comparisons were made with 10 nonachondroplastic subjects. A number of morphologic changes were seen, including (1) poor development of mastoid air cells, (2) foreshortening of the carotid canals, (3) narrowing of the skull base, (4) "towering" petrous ridges, and (5) relative "rotation" of the cochlea and other temporal bone structures. The most significant change was the rotational effect, which was more pronounced medially, resulting in an abnormal orientation of inner ear structures relative to middle ear structures and of middle ear structures relative to the external auditory canal. There was a notable lack of evidence for otitis media or its sequelae in any of the achondroplastic subjects. Audiograms were obtained in six of the nine achondroplastic subjects (two adults and four children). There was evidence of mixed hearing loss in the four children, but only of sensorineural hearing loss in the adults. We believe that the persistent hearing loss in achondroplasia is not due to sequelae of otitis media as some authors have suggested. Intrinsic vestibulocochlear changes below the limits of resolution of high-resolution CT scanning may be responsible.
Wal-Mart: Supplier performance and market power

Abstract This research seeks to further the understanding of the relationship between Wal-Mart and its suppliers. 1988–1994 demonstrates Wal-Mart's market power in relation to manufacturers [Bloom PN, Perry, VG. Retailer power and supplier welfare: the case of Wal-Mart. Journal of Retailing 2001; 77( 3): 379-396.]. Wal-Mart suppliers for that period had lower profits than non-suppliers, which indicate a dependency model of market power when suppliers give concessions to a stronger retailer in order to obtain or maintain the relationship. Wal-Mart's dramatic growth and increasing marketing power since the 1988–1994 period offer an opportunity to retest previous findings and further the understanding of a major retailer's strategy for managing suppliers through the use of the strategic profit model. Initial results indicate that gross margin is significantly less for Wal-Mart suppliers than non-suppliers indicating pricing concessions and a dependency model of market power. However, a fixed-effects model controlling for unobservable firm characteristics such as strategic choice suggest that Wal-Mart suppliers are self-selecting or are implicitly pre-screened such that Wal-Mart suppliers have a low-cost strategy and choose lower returns as a market strategy. Findings indicate that small firms do experience a dependency model in that they have lower gross margin, lower operating income, and higher turnover. However, considering fixed-effects for these firms, small manufacturers experience only higher turnover as a result of doing business with Wal-Mart, thus indicating more of a partner-type model of market power.
The Soldier Experience in the Fourteenth Century. Edited by Adrian R. Bell and Anne Curry , with Adam Chapman, Andy King, and David Simpkin. (Woodbridge, England: Boydell Press, 2011. Pp. ix, 234. $99.00.)

The latest volume in Boydell Press's outstanding “Warfare in History” series, The Soldier Experience brings together fresh and pioneering research on fourteenth‐century armies and the individual so...
CONTRASTING BEHAVIORAL RESPONSES BY DETRITIVOROUS AND PREDATORY MAYFLIES TO CHEMICALS RELEASED BY INJURED CONSPECIFICS AND THEIR PREDATORS

Larvae of the mayfly Siphlonisca are predators of the detritivorous mayfly Siphlonurus in floodplain wetlands in Maine (USA). Both mayflies are natural prey of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). We exposed larvae of Siphlonurus and Siphlonisca to chemicals from injured conspecifics and their predators. Significant decreases in movement activity by Siphlonurus were elicited by chemicals released from Siphlonisca, chemicals released from brook trout fed conspecifics, and by chemicals released from injured conspecifics. A significant decrease in movement activity by Siphlonisca was elicited by chemicals released from brook trout fed either conspecifics or Siphlonurus. Movement activity by either Siphlonurus or Siphlonisca was not significantly affected by chemicals released from trout feeding on brine shrimp (Artemia). Both Siphlonurus and Siphlonisca were able to detect chemicals that provided information about past feeding behaviour by brook trout. However, their response to the chemicals used in this study was context-specific. A reduction in movement activity, a behavior that presumably reduces the probability of being consumed by visual predators, occurred only when mayflies were exposed to chemicals released by brook trout feeding on conspecific (Siphlonurus) or confamilial (Siphlonisca) prey.
Digital discourses: Implementing technology within the public speaking classroom

In this semester-long project, students will be able to utilize various digital tools to meet four outcomes within the Public Speaking classroom. First, we are focused on the student’s ability to demonstrate critical consumption of media technologies. Second, students should use these technologies to narrate and curate current events. Third, technology should not hinder collaboration; rather we are seeking to utilize technology to encourage collaborative efforts that may have been impossible prior to the implementation of the technology. Finally, we place an emphasis on the student’s investment in digital citizenship, or the ethical use of technology in communicating information.
Nuclear lamins and neurobiology.

Much of the work on nuclear lamins during the past 15 years has focused on mutations in LMNA (the gene for prelamin A and lamin C) that cause particular muscular dystrophy, cardiomyopathy, partial lipodystrophy, and progeroid syndromes. These disorders, often called “laminopathies,” mainly affect mesenchymal tissues (e.g., striated muscle, bone, and fibrous tissue). Recently, however, a series of papers have identified important roles for nuclear lamins in the central nervous system. Studies of knockout mice uncovered a key role for B-type lamins (lamins B1 and B2) in neuronal migration in the developing brain. Also, duplications of LMNB1 (the gene for lamin B1) have been shown to cause autosome-dominant leukodystrophy. Finally, recent studies have uncovered a peculiar pattern of nuclear lamin expression in the brain. Lamin C transcripts are present at high levels in the brain, but prelamin A expression levels are very low—due to regulation of prelamin A transcripts by microRNA 9. This form of prelamin A regulation likely explains why “prelamin A diseases” such as Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome spare the central nervous system. In this review, we summarize recent progress in elucidating links between nuclear lamins and neurobiology.
Determinants of Transcription of the Chorionic Gonadotropin /Luteinizing Hormone Receptor Gene in Human Breast Cells

▪ Abstract: Epidemiological evidence suggests that the earlier in life a woman becomes pregnant, the lower her chances for developing breast cancer later in life. This protective effect appears to be due to pregnancy hormone hCG inducing the nonreversible differentiation of proliferative terminal end buds into secretory type lobules. Perhaps this and other actions of hCG are mediated by newly discovered hCG/LH receptors in human breast cells. Thus the hCG actions in breast are potentially important for breast cancer prevention. Because of this importance, we investigated the cis-acting elements and trans-acting proteins that determine the transcription of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)/luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor gene in MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and normal human breast epithelial HMEC cells. These cells contained major—4.8 and 1.8 kb—and minor—9.0, 6.0, and 1.2 kb—hCG/LH receptor transcripts with significantly higher levels in MCF-7 cells. Nuclear run-on transcription, as well as transfection with a fusion construct of luciferase gene and the −2056 to −1 bp of the 5′-flanking region of hCG/LH receptor gene, revealed that MCF-7 cells were transcriptionally more active than the other breast cells. Sequential deletion of the 5′-flanking region revealed that breast cells contained a promoter at −184 to −1 bp. Electrophoretic gel mobility shift assays demonstrated that breast cell nuclear extracts contained Ap2 and Egr promoter binding proteins. Sp1 was also present, but it could not bind because of competition with Egr for binding to a partially overlapping Egr/Sp1 site. The higher levels of Ap2 and Egr binding proteins may explain higher transcription of hCG/LH receptor gene in MCF-7 cells than in the other breast cells. ▪
Metallo-dielectric photonic crystals for infrared applications

Summary form only given.We have fabricated both bandstop and bandpass filters using flat scatterers for infrared wavelengths, and have used an FDTD simulation to accurately model the filter performance. The bandstop filter consists of three layers of circular metal scatterers (1.9 /spl mu/m diameter) in triangular planar arrays (3.2 /spl mu/m nearest neighbor spacing) with 2.6 /spl mu/m of planarizing polymer dielectric (n=1.45) between layers, and 1.3 /spl mu/m of dielectric on each end. The bandpass filter consists of three square-shaped inductive meshes, of period 4.2 /spl mu/m with 2.7 /spl mu/m square apertures, in the same dielectric layers. Both filters were fabricated using standard contact photolithography on a Si substrate. The level of agreement obtained for the main stopband (bandstop filter) and for the long wavelength cutoff (bandpass filter) is shown.
A New Mobility Formula for Spatial Mechanisms

A new formula for predicting the mobility of spatial mechanisms is introduced. Instead of counting rigid links and the constraints between them, as is done in the usual Grubler-Kutzbach formulae, we count vertices and edges in a polyhedral model of the mechanism. It is well known that the conventional formula underpredicts the mobility of certain exceptional classes of mechanisms, and in particular, does not easily accommodate compound spatial mechanisms that contain planar or spherical sub-mechanisms. The new approach provides a correct mobility whenever the conventional formula does and accounts for planar and spherical sub-mechanisms in a simple manner. Additionally, we present simple modifications to correctly model certain mechanisms that have remote spherical centers. We illustrate the method on compound mechanisms constructed from scissors linkages.Copyright © 2007 by ASME and General Motors
Tunneling Quantum Dot Sensors for Multi-band Infrared and Terahertz Radiation Detection

Tunneling quantum dot infrared photodetector (T-QDIP) structures designed for multi-band infrared and terahertz radiation detection are demonstrated. In T-QDIP structures, photoabsorption takes place in InGaAs QDs (due to transition of carriers from the QD ground-state to a QD excited-state) and photoexcited carriers are selectively collected by resonant tunneling, while the dark current is blocked by AlGaAs/InGaAs tunneling barriers. This approach was effectively used to develop terahertz sensors. Characteristics of a room temperature T-QDIP showing two color responses at wavelengths of 6 and 17 mum and a terahertz T-QDIP responding at 6 THz are presented.
Money use in the Deccan, c. 1350-1687: The role of Vijayanagara hons in the Bahmani currency system

This article examines the interactions between two distinct currency systems that dominated the Deccan during the period c. 1350–1687—that of the Bahmani sultanate and its successor states, and that of the Vijayanagara kingdom and its successors. Based on a GIS database of over 300 reported coin hoards containing material issued by either state, the study demonstrates that while the Bahmani currency was limited in circulation to Bahmani territory, the coinage of Vijayanagara in contrast enjoyed wide circulation throughout the entire Deccan region. This was evidently due to a high demand in rural areas for the small, conveniently-sized gold coins of Vijayanagara known as hon, since gold coins of similar weight, purity and fabric had customarily been used throughout the Deccan to pay agricultural taxes since the late tenth century. By the opening years of the sixteenth century, agricultural and commercial taxes within the Bahmani territory were being assessed and collected in Vijayanagara-issued hons. The Vijayanagara hon circulated in such great numbers in Bahmani territory that it became an integral part of the economy of the Bahmanis and their successors, prompting Firishta to note (in 1607 CE) that ‘even up to the present day, that same infidel coinage is current among the Muslims’.
Distinguishing users with capacitive touch communication

As we are surrounded by an ever-larger variety of post-PC devices, the traditional methods for identifying and authenticating users have become cumbersome and time-consuming. In this paper, we present a capacitive communication method through which a device can recognize who is interacting with it. This method exploits the capacitive touchscreens, which are now used in laptops, phones, and tablets, as a signal receiver. The signal that identifies the user can be generated by a small transmitter embedded into a ring, watch, or other artifact carried on the human body. We explore two example system designs with a low-power continuous transmitter that communicates through the skin and a signet ring that needs to be touched to the screen. Experiments with our prototype transmitter and tablet receiver show that capacitive communication through a touchscreen is possible, even without hardware or firmware modifications on a receiver. This latter approach imposes severe limits on the data rate, but the rate is sufficient for differentiating users in multiplayer tablet games or parental control applications. Controlled experiments with a signal generator also indicate that future designs may be able to achieve datarates that are useful for providing less obtrusive authentication with similar assurance as PIN codes or swipe patterns commonly used on smartphones today.
Two different families of fixed degree regular Cayley networks

Regular Cayley graphs like hypercubes and recently introduced star graphs play an important role in designing interconnection networks for multiprocessing systems; these graphs are regular and the degree of the nodes increases with the size of the graph (the number of nodes) either logarithmically or sub logarithmically. But, from a VLSI design point of view, constant degree networks are more suitable for area efficient layout and there are also important applications the computing nodes in the interconnection network can have only a fixed number of I/O ports. Our purpose in the present paper is to introduce two new families of fixed degree Cayley graphs. The first family has a constant node degree 4 with a connectivity of 4 (thus maximally fault tolerant) and can be viewed as more attractive and efficient alternative of Debruijn graphs. The other family has a constant node degree 3 with a vertex connectivity of 3 (thus maximally fault tolerant), providing a better alternative for Mobius graphs for VLSI implementation in terms of regularity and greater fault tolerance at no additional cost. >
Semen Production in the Turkey Male 2. Age at Sexual Maturity

Abstract MATURITY as measured by the first production of semen has been found to vary considerably in turkey males and the variation is influenced by hereditary factors (Lorenz and Lerner, 1946). The present observations were made to find out more about the variation in age at the beginning of semen production, whether selection would be effective and whether time of hatch had an effect on maturity. MATERIAL AND METHODS In 1948 and 1949 most of the males used were out of Broad Breasted Bronze strains 3 and 4. The reproductive performance of the hens of these two strains did not differ greatly and they were similar in body weight and conformation. For convenience they will be referred to as strain 3 since they were combined prior to 1948. In 1950 another strain (strain number 6) of Broad Breasted Bronze was added. The two earliest-maturing males out of this strain were selected …
HiFi: a new monitoring architecture for distributed systems management

With the increasing complexity of large scale distributed (LSD) systems, an efficient monitoring mechanism has become an essential service for improving the performance and reliability of such complex applications. The paper presents a scalable, dynamic, flexible and nonintrusive monitoring architecture for managing large scale distributed (LSD) systems. This architecture, which is referred to as the HiFi monitoring system, detects and classifies interesting primitive and composite events and performs either a corrective or steering action. When appropriate, information is also disseminated to management applications, such as reactive control tools. The outlined solution offers improvements over related works by supporting new monitoring techniques such as hierarchical filtering based monitoring and filter incarnation that improve the monitoring scalability and dynamism which are required for managing large scale distributed systems. The HiFi monitoring system has been implemented and used at the Old Dominion University for monitoring and steering Interactive Remote Instruction (IRI) which is a large scale distributed multimedia system for distance learning.
EEG arousal during laryngoscopy and intubation: comparison of thiopentone or propofol supplemented with nitrous oxide.

We studied EEG arousal after laryngoscopy and intubation with standardized bolus induction of anaesthesia. Twenty patients were prospectively allocated randomly to induction with propofol 3 mg kg-1 (n = 10) or thiopentone (6 mg kg-1 (n = 10) and 50% nitrous oxide in oxygen. Neuromuscular block was produced with vecuronium 0.2 mg kg-1 given 30 s after induction. Three minutes after induction, laryngoscopy was performed for 60 s, with intubation at 3 min 30 s, and study end at 5 min. Nociception to laryngoscopy and intubation was followed by loss of low (relative delta activity change: thiopentone -30%, propofol -7%; P
Sociocultural anthropology's encounters with large public data sets: The case of the Spanish Municipal Register

This article asks how socioculturally inspired questions can be illuminated by exploiting large demographic data sets. Focusing on people represented in the annually updated Spanish Municipal Register (the Padron Municipal) who report themselves as citizens of countries outside Spain, it treats demographic numbers as texts that can speak to us as plainly as words about something as challenging as the dynamics of identity and belonging.
The effects of attribute evaluability and evaluation mode on decisions involving nontraditional and nonfinancial accounting information

This study investigates how the presentation of nontraditional and nonfinancial accounting information interacts with supplemental evaluability information (EI) to influence management decisions. The evaluability hypothesis (Hsee 1996) states that difficult-to-evaluate data are weighted more when analyzing alternatives jointly (called joint evaluation mode, or JE) than separately (SE). In Study One (n = 119), participants were randomly assigned to an evaluation mode (EM) condition, i.e. either JE or SE, with either none or complete EI in a 2X2 factorial design. Participants evaluated two equally important environmental accounting metrics for two factories and indicated how much they would invest in each; one factory was superior to the other. EM and EI interacted to influence accuracy; participants invested more in the superior than the inferior factory in JE than SE mode with no EI; with complete EI, there was no difference in the accuracy of investments across EM. In Study Two (n = 53), EM was again manipulated (JE, SE) while EI was only available for one of the two metrics; the two factories were equally attractive. EM influenced investments; alternatives favored by the metric containing EI were rated higher in SE mode, while alternatives favored by the metric without EI were rated higher in JE mode. These results suggest the importance of cost accountants and system designers carefully considering EM and EI influences when presenting varying levels of evaluable accounting information that is nontraditional and nonfinancial for decision making – such as investments that include environmental considerations.
The role of atypical pathogens in community-acquired pneumonia

The atypical pathogens in community-acquired pneumonia traditionally have included Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Legionella spp. Recent studies documenting their epidemiology and clinical characteristics have shown that these organisms are indistinguishable from the pneumococcus. Furthermore, therapy no longer depends on the specific bacterial cause of community-acquired pneumonia. Etiologic diagnosis is still difficult, although new methods are becoming available. This article focuses on these issues and on why the term atypical is no longer meaningful.
Mediation of the Legitimization of Paltry Favors Technique: The Impact of Social Comparison and Nature of the Cause

This experiment builds upon previous research on the legitimization of paltry favors (LPF) technique by probing the conditions that explain the effectiveness of the technique. Specifically, impression management as a potential mediator was explored. Subjects were randomly exposed to one of eight solicitation conditions where cause (highly prosocial, less prosocial) and social comparison (No C [confederate], C does not donate, C donated $1.00, C donated $10.00) were varied. The robustness of the LPF technique was assessed by examining the impact of the extent to which the cause was prosocial and by the magnitude of the pledge made by another on the probability of targets’ compliance as well as on the magnitude of the pledges. Results indicated that both factors influenced the effectiveness of the LPF technique.
Sequencer virtualization

The Multiple Instruction Stream Processor (MISP) architecture introduces the sequencer as a new class of architectural resource, and provides a minimalist user-level MIMD instruction set extension for application programs to directly control execution of concurrent instruction streams on these sequencers. As with classic architectural resources, namely, registers and memory, the sequencer architectural resource can be subject to virtualization. This paper details the idea of Sequencer Virtualization (SV), a foundational architectural support to decouple architectural virtual sequencers from physical sequencers. SV enables more efficient utilization of sequencer resources at the microarchitectural level while maintaining a consistent programming interface at the architectural level. To evaluate the key tradeoffs for SV, we conduct extensive experiments by implementing a prototype SV system using a custom firmware on a large-scale multiprocessor system. Using the prototype SV system, we demonstrate that SV improves efficiency in sequencer utilization while incurring little performance overhead. In particular, for a set of real multithreaded workloads, SV can significantly improve sequencer utilization, achieving an average of 32% better wall-clock performance than MISP without SV support in a multi-programming environment.
Block Copolymer-Encapsulated CaWO4 Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Formulation, and Characterization

We envision that CaWO4 (CWO) nanocrystals have the potential for use in biomedical imaging and therapy because of the unique ways this material interacts with high-energy radiation. These applications, however, require development of nanoparticle (NP) formulations that are suitable for in vivo applications; primarily, the formulated nanoparticles should be sufficiently small, chemically and biologically inert, and stable against aggregation under physiological conditions. The present study demonstrates one such method of formulation, in which CWO nanoparticles are encapsulated in bioinert block copolymer (BCP) micelles. For this demonstration, we prepared three different CWO nanocrystal samples having different sizes (3, 10, and 70 nm in diameter) and shapes (elongated vs truncated rhombic). Depending on the specific synthesis method used, the as-synthesized CWO NPs contain different surfactant materials (citric acid or cetyltrimethylammonium bromide or a mixture of oleic acid and oleylamine) in the coati...
Audit of lidocaine use

An audit of lidocaine use in critical-care areas of a hospital is reported. Fifty adult patients for whom lidocaine was prescribed were admitted to the study; 31 were men. Using process, outcome, and complication criteria, the investigators reviewed the patients9 medical records. If a deviation from accepted criteria was found, a medical audit committee (composed of physicians) reviewed the records and decided if the deviation was warranted. The audit results showed good compliance with the established criteria. Some minimal deficiencies were found in how lidocaine administration was initiated (6%), when a constant infusion was begun (12%), the rate of constant infusion (2%), and converting to oral therapy (2%). There was substantial deviation from criteria when ventricular arrhythmias recurred during lidocaine therapy. No major deficiencies in management of lidocaine toxicity were found. Recommendations that resulted from the audit are discussed.
Some effects of spermine on Escherichia coli.

Exponentially growing cultures of Escherichia coli were exposed to bactericidal concentrations of the polyamine spermine. The earliest changes noted were slowing of protein synthesis, stimulation of ribonucleic acid (RNA) synthesis, and increased potassium fluxes; these changes preceded a decline in viable number. Possible interrelationships among these early effects of spermine have been discussed, and these effects have been compared with those of another polycationic antibiotic, streptomycin. Both glucose starvation and chloramphenicol treatment blocked the bactericidal action of spermine, but their protective mechanisms appeared different. Glucose starvatiomi prevented the usual uptake of spermine by growing cells, whereas chloramphenicol treatment did not.
Effects of Liposomal Bupivacaine With Adductor Canal Block on Pain and Functional Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty

Background: Liposomal bupivacaine (LB) has an extended duration of action compared to bupivacaine and may allow patients to reach physical therapy (PT) goals faster than traditional methods. Objective: To determine the effect of a periarticular LB mixture with adductor canal blockade (ACB) on postoperative opioid requirements, pain scores, and functional outcomes in patients undergoing primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed; 86 patients received the LB mixture + ACB, and 86 historical controls received nonliposomal bupivacaine and femoral nerve block (FNB). Results: There was no effect of group on mean postoperative pain scores (P = 0.144). There was an effect of group on equivalent morphine dose (P = 0.008). Pain scores and morphine doses changed over time in both groups, but there was no time-group interaction. Compared with controls, patients in the LB mixture group were more likely to require minimal assistance or better when going from a sittin...
Stimulated neutrophils induce myosin light chain phosphorylation and isometric tension in endothelial cells

The mechanism or mechanisms by which polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) penetrate junctions between neighboring endothelial cells (EC) to traverse endothelial barriers remain unresolved. We report that chemoattractant-stimulated PMN induce a coordinate increase in both phosphorylation of serine 19 and threonine 18 of EC myosin regulatory light chains and isometric tension generation by EC monolayers. Unstimulated PMN had no effect on either parameter. These findings, coupled with our previous report (Huang et al., J. Cell Biol. 120: 1371-1380, 1993) that chemoattractant-stimulated PMN cause a rise in EC cytosolic free Ca2+, provide strong presumptive evidence that myosin light chain kinase is the EC enzyme responsible for initiating myosin light chain phosphorylation, EC contraction, and isometric tension generation in response to chemoattractant-stimulated PMN. We suggest that, by inducing phosphorylation of EC cytoskeletal proteins, chemoattractant-stimulated PMN induce EC to open their intercellular junctions, thereby facilitating transendothelial movement of these leukocytes.
Moral hazard, skin in the game regulation and CRA performance

Abstract This paper investigates the implications of the “issuer skin in the game” regulation for the rating accuracy of a credit rating agency (CRA). The analysis shows that, as well mitigating a moral hazard problem on the issuer's side, skin in the game requirements can also improve the rating accuracy of a CRA involved in the sale. The results also link the accuracy of the CRA's ratings to the severity of the issuer's moral hazard problem. A more nuanced skin in the game rule that accounts for the specifics of the underlying security class can be more desirable rather than the proposed ”one size fits all” rule.
Rendezvous with Research: Government Support of Science in a Space Society

Mark Brown and David Guston have outlined a framework for addressing state protection of scientific freedom in the contemporary United States, arguing that a limited freedom of scientific research improves democratic governance. I show how this reasoning, with modification, can be applied to protection of scientific freedom in a democratic lunar society, and I argue that lunar society will experience a comparatively greater need to ensure scientific freedom.
Lipolysis of LDL with phospholipase A2 alters the expression of selected apoB-100 epitopes and the interaction of LDL with cells

To assess the effects of perturbing the surface of low density lipoprotein (LDL) on the conformation of apoB-100, LDL (d 1.030-1.050 g/ml) isolated from normal subjects were treated with phospholipase A2 (PL-A2) for 0.5 to 15 min. The resulting P-LDL and concurrent control LDL (C-LDL) incubated without PL-A2 were isolated by gel permeation chromatography. Approximately 50% of LDL-phosphatidylcholine was hydrolyzed in 2 min and approximately 85% in 5 min. Lysophosphatidylcholine compounds (LPC) and free fatty acids (FFA) accumulated during lipolysis but most of the LPC and all of FFA could be removed by adding FFA-free albumin to the lipolysis mixtures. Immunoreactivities of P-LDL and C-LDL were evaluated in competitive radioimmunoassays, using a library of anti-human LDL monoclonal antibodies directed against the major regions of apoB-100 (the T4, T3, and T2 thrombin fragments). One epitope defined by monoclonal antibody 465B6C3 and localized near the carboxyl end of the apoB-100 molecule became less immunoreactive (ED 50s increased); three other epitopes on the T2 fragment near the LDL receptor recognition site and four epitopes localized towards the middle (T3) and amino terminal (T4) regions did not change. Altered immunoreactivities were not related to LPC and FFA contents. Thus, the conformation of apoB-100 was selectively altered by phospholipolysis. The interactions of P-LDL with cultured fibroblasts were grossly altered: P-LDL were bound nonspecifically to fibroblasts of both normal and homozygous familial hypercholesterolemic subjects and P-LDL were not degraded. LPC and FFA retained in LDL did not explain these alterations, nor did changes of epitope expression near the LDL receptor recognition site. It is likely that the apoB-100 aberrant cell interaction is due to loss of surface phospholipids and "uncovering" of core lipids that react nonspecifically with cell surface components.
Complications of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery—laparoscopy and hysteroscopy—is increasingly common, and providers should be prepared to assess patients immediately postoperatively and when they return with urgent issues. The differential diagnosis and initial steps in the assessment of postoperative fever, pain, and nausea are provided in this chapter. Management of infectious complications (including wound infections, abscesses, toxic shock syndrome, necrotizing fasciitis, urinary tract infections, and pneumonia), thrombotic morbidity, urinary or gastrointestinal tract injuries, vaginal cuff dehiscence, nerve injuries, and complications specific to hysteroscopy are all discussed.
Recruiting Neonatal and Infant Patients for Research, Part 1

Abstract This Research Methodology Column will address issues and topics pertinent to conducting neonatal and infant research. Some of the columns will address current issues and topics while others will address longstanding or classic issues and topics. The goals of these columns are to inform novice and expert nurse researchers about the research process with neonates and infants, and help troubleshoot issues that might prevent, impede, or suspend research. This second column is devoted to the first considerations of recruitment of neonate/infant research participants.
miR-718 represses proinflammatory cytokine production through targeting phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN).

Bacterial sepsis involves a complex interaction between the host immune response and bacterial LPS. LPS binds Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, which leads to the release of proinflammatory cytokines that are essential for a potent innate immune response against pathogens. The innate immune system is tightly regulated, as excessive inflammation can lead to organ failure and death. MicroRNAs have recently emerged as important regulators of the innate immune system. Here we determined the function of miR-718, which is conserved across mammals and overlaps with the 5′ UTR of the interleukin 1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK1) gene. As IRAK1 is a key component of innate immune signaling pathways that are downstream of most TLRs, we hypothesized that miR-718 helps regulate the innate immune response. Activation of TLR4, but not TLR3, induced the expression of miR-718 in macrophages. miR-718 expression was also induced in the spleens of mice upon LPS injection. miR-718 modulates PI3K/Akt signaling by directly down-regulating phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), thereby promoting phosphorylation of Akt, which leads to a decrease in proinflammatory cytokine production. Phosphorylated Akt induces let-7e expression, which, in turn, down-regulates TLR4 and further diminishes TLR4-mediated proinflammatory signals. Decreased miR-718 expression is associated with bacterial burden during Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection and alters the infection dynamics of N. gonorrhoeae in vitro. Furthermore, miR-718 regulates the induction of LPS tolerance in macrophages. We propose a role for miR-718 in controlling TLR4 signaling and inflammatory cytokine signaling through a negative feedback regulation loop involving down-regulation of TLR4, IRAK1, and NF-κB.
Nucleus of the solitary tract, medullary reflexes, and clinical implications

The nucleus of the solitary tract (solitary nucleus, nucleus tractus solitarii [NTS]), located in the dorsomedial medulla, is the first relay station for general visceral and taste afferents carried by the cranial nerves and has a critical role in the initiation and integration of a wide variety of reflexes controlling cardiovascular function, respiration, and gastrointestinal motility. Though isolated bilateral involvement of the NTS in neurologic disorders is infrequent, its intimate anatomical relationship with the fourth ventricle and the area postrema may underlie its major role in clinical manifestations such as those described in this representative case.
Trigeminal brainstem modulation of persistent orbicularis oculi muscle activity in a rat model of dry eye

Altered corneal reflex activity is a common feature of dry eye disease (DE). Trigeminal sensory nerves supply the ocular surface and terminate at the trigeminal interpolaris/caudalis (ViVc) transition and spinomedullary (VcC1) regions. Although both regions contribute to corneal reflexes, their role under dry eye conditions is not well defined. This study assessed the influence of local inhibitory and excitatory amino acid neurotransmission at the ViVc transition and VcC1 regions on hypertonic saline (HS) evoked orbicularis oculi muscle activity (OOemg) in urethane-anesthetized male rats after exorbital gland removal (DE). HS increased the magnitude of long-duration OOemg activity (OOemgL, >200ms) in DE compared to sham rats, while short-duration OOemg activity (OOemgS, <200ms) was similar for both groups. Inhibition of the ViVc transition by muscimol, a GABAA receptor agonist, greatly reduced HS-evoked OOemgL activity in DE rats, whereas injections at the VcC1 region had only minor effects in both groups. Blockade of GABAA receptors by bicuculline methiodide at the ViVc transition or VcC1 region increased HS-evoked OOemgL activity in DE rats. Blockade of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors at either region reduced HS-evoked OOemgL activity in DE and sham rats. GABAαβ3 receptor density was reduced at the ViVc transition, while NMDA receptor density was increased at both regions in DE rats. Loss of GABAergic inhibition at the ViVc transition coupled with enhanced NMDA excitatory amino acid neurotransmission at the ViVc transition and the VcC1 region likely contribute to altered corneal reflexes under dry eye conditions.
A nutrition-based program for pregnant incarcerated women

ABSTRACTThe current study presents the findings from the William & Mary Healthy Beginnings Program (W&M HBP), a nutrition-based education program for incarcerated pregnant women. Participants included 116 pregnant women who participated in the W&M HBP (53% identified as a person of color), and 51 incarcerated women (43% identified as a person of color) who recently gave birth but did not participate in W&M HBP. Results show higher birth weights among offspring born to W&M HBP than women in the comparison group. W&M HBP participants significantly increased their pregnancy- and nutrition-related knowledge, and knowledge gains significantly predicted longer gestational periods.
Structural Basis for CD4+ T Cell Epitope Dominance in Arbo-Flavivirus Envelope Proteins: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract A meta-analysis of CD4+ T cell epitope maps reveals clusters and gaps in envelope-protein (E protein) immunogenicity that can be explained by the likelihood of epitope processing, as determined by E protein three-dimensional structures. Differential processing may be at least partially responsible for variations in disease severity among arbo-flaviruses and points to structural features that modulate protection from disease.
Behavior of satellite-tracked Antarctic minke whales ( Balaenoptera bonaerensis ) in relation to environmental factors around the western Antarctic Peninsula

The Antarctic minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) is a relatively small baleen whale species and is well suited to life in the Antarctic pack ice. Information on their individual movement and distribution patterns is largely unknown due to their association with sea ice habitat where direct observations are limited. The primary objectives of this study are (1) to use satellite telemetry to quantify the movement patterns, distribution, and presumed foraging areas of Antarctic minke whales and (2) to assess the environmental conditions that are associated with areas used by minke whales along the western Antarctic Peninsula. Individual movement patterns from three Antarctic minke whales fitted with ARGOS-linked transmitters were analyzed with respect to environmental conditions. Behavioral states were identified using the Multi-Scale Straightness Index. Satellite telemetry revealed disparate behavioral patterns between these three individuals. Generalized additive model analysis demonstrated environmental variables, particularly sea ice, bathymetry, and sea surface temperature, are the best predictors of presumed foraging areas. Satellite telemetry from three individuals revealed Antarctic minke whale summer foraging spaces are highly individualized but can generally be associated with pack ice habitat over the continental shelf. The coupled relationship between minke whales, krill, and sea ice suggests that these whales may be sensitive to changes in sea ice concentration, extent, and duration, making them particularly vulnerable to climate change.
The Use of Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing in Acute Mandibular Trauma Reconstruction

Purpose Virtual surgical planning (VSP) with subsequent computer-aided design and manufacturing have proved efficacious in improving the efficiency and outcomes of a plethora of surgical modalities, including mandibular reconstruction and orthognathic surgery. Patients and Methods Five patients underwent complex mandibular reconstruction after traumatic injury using VSP from July 2016 to August 2017 at our institution. The Johns Hopkins University Hospital institutional review board approved the present study. The patient's occlusion was restored virtually, and a milled 2.0-mm plate was created that would bridge the defect with the patient in occlusion. Results Appropriate occlusion was confirmed using postoperative computed tomography. No patient developed any adverse outcomes, except for a minor dehiscence of the intraoral incision in 1 patient that was treated with local wound care. The average interval from the injury to custom plate availability was approximately 7 days. Conclusions The utility of this technology in acute complex mandibular trauma can overcome the challenges of traditional treatment. Custom patient-specific prebent and milled plates permit the use of a lower profile and therefore less palpable hardware, can guide reduction, avoid the need for plate bending, and obviate the need for an extraoral incision.
Overexpressed HSF1 cancer signature genes cluster in human chromosome 8q.

HSF1 (heat shock factor 1) is a transcription factor that is found to facilitate malignant cancer development and proliferation. In cancer cells, HSF1 mediates a set of genes distinct from heat shock that contributes to malignancy. This set of genes is known as the HSF1 Cancer Signature genes or simply HSF1-CanSig genes. HSF1-CanSig genes function and operate differently than typical cancer-causing genes, yet it is involved in fundamental oncogenic processes. By utilizing expression data from 9241 cancer patients, we identified that human chromosome 8q21-24 is a location hotspot for the most frequently overexpressed HSF1-CanSig genes. Intriguingly, the strength of the HSF1 cancer program correlates with the number of overexpressed HSF1-CanSig genes in 8q, illuminating the essential role of HSF1 in mediating gene expression in different cancers. Chromosome 8q21-24 is found under selective pressure in preserving gene order as it exhibits strong synteny among human, mouse, rat, and bovine, although the biological significance remains unknown. Statistical modeling, hierarchical clustering, and gene ontology-based pathway analyses indicate crosstalk between HSF1-mediated responses and pre-mRNA 3′ processing in cancers. Our results confirm the unique role of chromosome 8q mediated by the master regulator HSF1 in cancer cases. Additionally, this study highlights the connection between cellular processes triggered by HSF1 and pre-mRNA 3′ processing in cancers.