cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Initial and innate responses to viral infections--pattern setting in immunity or disease.

Host responses to infectious challenges include initial events elicited directly by agent structures distinct from host determinants, activation of innate immune system components by the products of initial events, and the shaping of downstream adaptive immunity by these initial/innate responses. The picture emerging from viral infections is that viral structures interact with intracellular signaling pathways to induce expression of the type 1 interferons, IFN-α/β. In addition to mediating direct antiviral effects, these cytokines play dominant roles in regulating innate and adaptive immune responses to infection. In particular, IFN-α/β acts to inhibit interleukin-12 (IL-12) expression and IL-12 activation of innate natural killer (NK) cell IFN-γ production, while inducing NK cell cytotoxicity and proliferation, and promoting adaptive T cell IFN-γ responses. Although certain viral infections do elicit initial/innate IL-12 and NK-cell-produced IFN-γ, endogenous IFN-α/β also controls the magnitudes of these responses. Thus, the pathways activated, to dominantly regulate innate and adaptive immune responses during viral infections, are being defined.
Phagocytic Receptors Dictate Phagosomal Escape and Intracellular Proliferation of Francisella tularensis

Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of tularemia, survives and proliferates within macrophages of the infected host as part of its pathogenic strategy, through an intracellular life cycle that includes phagosomal escape and extensive proliferation within the macrophage cytosol. Various in vitro models of Francisella-macrophage interactions have been developed, using either opsonic or nonopsonic phagocytosis, and have generated discrepant results on the timing and extent of Francisella phagosomal escape. Here we have investigated whether either complement or antibody opsonization of the virulent prototypical type A strain Francisella tularensis subsp. tularensis Schu S4 affects its intracellular cycle within primary murine bone marrow-derived macrophages. Opsonization of Schu S4 with either human serum or purified IgG enhanced phagocytosis but restricted phagosomal escape and intracellular proliferation. Opsonization of Schu S4 with either fresh serum or purified antibodies redirected bacteria from the mannose receptor (MR) to the complement receptor CR3, the scavenger receptor A (SRA), and the Fcγ receptor (FcγR), respectively. CR3-mediated uptake delayed maturation of the early Francisella-containing phagosome (FCP) and restricted phagosomal escape, while FcγR-dependent phagocytosis was associated with superoxide production in the early FCP and restricted phagosomal escape and intracellular growth in an NADPH oxidase-dependent manner. Taken together, these results demonstrate that opsonophagocytic receptors alter the intracellular fate of Francisella by delivering bacteria through phagocytic pathways that restrict phagosomal escape and intracellular proliferation.
Mechanism of ionomycin-induced intracellular alkalinization of rat hepatocytes

Calcium ionophores such as ionomycin and A23187 are often used to determine the role of intracellular Ca++ in cellular processes. Ionomycin but not Ca+(+)-mobilizing agonists increases basal intracellular pH in hepatocytes. To explain this difference in effects of agents that increase intracellular Ca++ concentration, the mechanism of ionomycin-induced increases in basal intracellular pH in isolated rat hepatocytes was studied. Changes in intracellular pH and intracellular Ca++ concentration were measured with the fluorescent probes BCECF (2',7'-bis-2-[carboxyethyl ester]-5[6]carboxyfluorescein) and quin-2, respectively. Ionomycin produced dose-dependent increases in intracellular pH and intracellular Ca++ concentration, with the increase in intracellular Ca++ concentration preceded by the increase in intracellular pH. Ionomycin-induced increases in intracellular pH were not affected by 1 mmol/L amiloride, 100 mumol/L diisothiocyanostilbene disulfonate or removal of extracellular Na+, indicating that the effect is not mediated by Na+/H+ exchange, Cl-/HCO3- exchange or Na+/HCO3- cotransport. Ionomycin failed to increase intracellular pH or intracellular Ca++ concentration in the absence of extracellular Ca++, and both intracellular pH and intracellular Ca++ concentration increased promptly when extracellular Ca++ was reintroduced. Ionomycin-induced increases in intracellular Ca++ concentration but not intracellular pH were smaller in hepatocytes loaded with the Ca++ buffering agent MAPTA. Thapsigargin increased intracellular Ca++ concentration but failed to increase intracellular pH. Thus the effect of ionomycin is independent of the effect of ionomycin on intracellular Ca++ concentration and dependent on extracellular intracellular Ca++ concentration. Experimental conditions that produce cell depolarization did not increase basal intracellular pH but lowered ionomycin-induced increases in intracellular pH by 25% without affecting increases in intracellular Ca++ concentration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The evolving classification of soft tissue tumours – an update based on the new 2013 WHO classification

The new World Health Organization (WHO) classification of soft tissue tumours was published in early 2013, almost 11 years after the previous edition. While the number of newly recognized entities included for the first time is fewer than that in 2002, there have instead been substantial steps forward in molecular genetic and cytogenetic characterization of this family of tumours, leading to more reproducible diagnosis, a more meaningful classification scheme and providing new insights regarding pathogenesis, which previously has been obscure in most of these lesions. This brief overview summarizes changes in the classification in each of the broad categories of soft tissue tumour (adipocytic, fibroblastic, etc.) and also provides a short summary of newer genetic data which have been incorporated in the WHO classification.
In-building radio distribution using a "saturated" distributed-antenna-architecture-universal radio-power and delay-spread statistics

The complex radio-propagation environment inside buildings often necessitates site-specific radio planning/modeling/measurements in designing an in-building wireless network. With the emergence of very-low-cost distributed-antenna hardware, it becomes economically feasible to blanket a building with a large number of antenna elements (the "saturating approach"). We investigate the characteristic radio distribution statistics (for both radio-power and delay-spread) under this scenario, and found that with a "sufficiently large" number of antenna elements per unit area, these radio statistics approach certain universal distributions which are largely independent of the specific floor-plan, and which can be accurately predicted, without invoking adjustable parameters, using only a few easily-determinable "global" building parameters. Comparison with experimental measurements yields excellent agreements.
Determining the influence of muscle operating length on muscle performance during frog swimming using a bio-robotic model.

Frogs are capable of impressive feats of jumping and swimming. Recent work has shown that anuran hind limb muscles can operate at lengths longer than the ‘optimal length’. To address the implications of muscle operating length on muscle power output and swimming mechanics, we built a robotic frog hind limb model based upon Xenopus laevis. The model simulated the force–length and force–velocity properties of vertebrate muscle, within the skeletal environment. We tested three muscle starting lengths, representing long, optimal and short starting lengths. Increasing starting length increased maximum muscle power output by 27% from 98.1 W kg −1 when muscle begins shortening from the optimal length, to 125.1 W kg −1 when the muscle begins at longer initial lengths. Therefore, longer starting lengths generated greater hydrodynamic force for extended durations, enabling faster swimming speeds of the robotic frog. These swimming speeds increased from 0.15 m s −1 at short initial muscle lengths, to 0.39 m s −1 for the longest initial lengths. Longer starting lengths were able to increase power as the muscle’s force–length curve was better synchronized with the muscle’s activation profile. We further dissected the underlying components of muscle force, separating force–length versus force–velocity effects, showing a transition from force–length limitations to force–velocity limitations as starting length increased. (Some figures may appear in colour only in the online journal)
Individual Differences in Identifying Sources of Science Knowledge

We have developed an instrument to assess students' proficiencies in identifying sources of science knowledge (SoK) in text passages. We describe the new web-based instrument and our evaluation of the instrument with a sample (n = 338) of children grades 2-8. By creating and validating this tool, we aim to establish a learning progression, inform science teaching, and tailor instruction to individual differences. Our findings suggest that students demonstrate differential ability in identifying SoK and thus imply the need for instruction to accommodate individual student perspectives on SoK. We expect that highlighting student ability in identifying SoK as a distinct skill will enable differentiated, adaptive instruction. We further expect this instrument to make explicit a component of what it means to think like a scientist, and in doing so facilitate conversations among teachers and students about the practice of science.
ZØ: an optimizing distributing zero-knowledge compiler

Traditionally, confidentiality and integrity have been two desirable design goals that are have been difficult to combine. Zero-Knowledge Proofs of Knowledge (ZKPK) offer a rigorous set of cryptographic mechanisms to balance these concerns. However, published uses of ZKPK have been difficult for regular developers to integrate into their code and, on top of that, have not been demonstrated to scale as required by most realistic applications. This paper presents ZO (pronounced "zee-not"), a compiler that consumes applications written in C# into code that automatically produces scalable zero-knowledge proofs of knowledge, while automatically splitting applications into distributed multi-tier code. ZO builds detailed cost models and uses two existing zero-knowledge back-ends with varying performance characteristics to select the most efficient translation. Our case studies have been directly inspired by existing sophisticated widely-deployed commercial products that require both privacy and integrity. The performance delivered by ZO is as much as 40× faster across six complex applications. We find that when applications are scaled to real-world settings, existing zero-knowledge compilers often produce code that fails to run or even compile in a reasonable amount of time. In these cases, ZO is the only solution we know about that is able to provide an application that works at scale.
Integrating across episodes: Investigating the long-term accessibility of self-derived knowledge in 4-year-old children

Semantic memory, defined as our store of knowledge about the world, provides representational support for all of our higher order cognitive functions. As such, it is crucial that the contents of semantic memory remain accessible over time. Although memory for knowledge learned through direct observation has been investigated previously, we know very little about the retention of knowledge derived through integration of information acquired across separate learning episodes. The current research investigated cross-episode integration in 4-year-old children. Participants were presented with novel facts via distinct story episodes and tested for knowledge extension through cross-episode integration as well as for retention of the information over a 1-week delay. In Experiment 1, children retained the self-derived knowledge over the delay, although performance was primarily evidenced in a forced-choice format. In Experiment 2, we sought to facilitate the accessibility and robustness of self-derived knowledge by providing a verbal reminder after the delay. The accessibility of self-derived knowledge increased irrespective of whether participants successfully demonstrated knowledge of the integration facts during the first visit. The results suggest that knowledge extended through integration remains accessible after delays even in a population where this learning process is less robust. The findings also demonstrate the facilitative effect of reminders on the accessibility and further extension of knowledge over extended time periods.
A guide to human in vivo microcirculatory flow image analysis

Various noninvasive microscopic camera technologies have been used to visualize the sublingual microcirculation in patients. We describe a comprehensive approach to bedside in vivo sublingual microcirculation video image capture and analysis techniques in the human clinical setting. We present a user perspective and guide suitable for clinical researchers and developers interested in the capture and analysis of sublingual microcirculatory flow videos. We review basic differences in the cameras, optics, light sources, operation, and digital image capture. We describe common techniques for image acquisition and discuss aspects of video data management, including data transfer, metadata, and database design and utilization to facilitate the image analysis pipeline. We outline image analysis techniques and reporting including video preprocessing and image quality evaluation. Finally, we propose a framework for future directions in the field of microcirculatory flow videomicroscopy acquisition and analysis. Although automated scoring systems have not been sufficiently robust for widespread clinical or research use to date, we discuss promising innovations that are driving new development.
Is college education worth it? Evidence from its impacts on entrepreneurship in the United States

Using the Current Population Survey (CPS) March Supplement data between 1989 and 2011, the article examines the impacts of college education on the likelihood of self-employment and on entrepreneurs' annual income in the United States. The primary results suggest that individuals with college education are more likely to have their own businesses than those without; entrepreneurs with college education receive a significantly higher annual income than those without. Specifically, college education is more effective in promoting Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs than other ethnic groups. Women with a college degree are more inclined to be self-employed and earn more than those without college education. However, the influences of college education are stronger for men than for women on self-employment and annual income.
From Puzzling Pleasures to Moral Practices: Aristotle and Abhinavagupta on the Aesthetics and Ethics of Tragedy

How is it that our enjoyment of tragic theater is enhanced as the pain, fear, and pity it evokes become more intense? Does just the distancing mechanism of ‘make-believe’ and ‘mimesis’ explain why normal, nice people enjoy watching others suffer on stage or on the screen? Aristotle has traditionally been read as explaining away the puzzle of tragic pleasure in terms of a cathartic cleansing of the emotions through witnessing the play of complex feelings inside the spectator when the theatrical narrative is acted out. But such an interpretation of Aristotelian katharsis appears to work by a weakening of the intensity of the emotions, particularly as we relate to imagined others. In contrast, the eleventh-century Kashmir-Shaiva philosopher Abhinavagupta finds the solution of the puzzle within the magic of heart-sharing through aesthetically transformed emotions themselves. The audience of a tragedy no longer needs to be passive, disinterested witnesses who have elided the alterity of others. Ours is an exercise in comparative aesthetics of theater by imagining a debate between Aristotle and Abhinavagupta on the puzzle of the pleasures of a tragedy. Along the way, it challenges standard readings of both thinkers, considers and responds to serious objections to these theories, and offers insights into how the experience of theater provides important resources for moral transformation.
The Distribution and Association of Gonatorrhodiella Highlei with Nectria Coccinea in the United States

The presence and distribution of Gonatorrhodiella Highlei A. L. Smith, one of the rarer members of the Fungi Imperfecti collected originally in England on onion bulbs, are reported for the first ti...
Comparative 16S rRNA gene surveys of granular sludge from three upflow anaerobic bioreactors treating purified terephthalic acid (PTA) wastewater.

The microbial communities from three upflow anaerobic bioreactors treating purified terephthalic acid (PTA) wastewater were characterized with 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing surveys. Universal bacterial and archaeal primers were used to compare the bioreactor communities to each other. A total of 1,733 bacterial sequences and 383 archaeal sequences were characterized. The high number of Syntrophus spp. and Pelotomaculum spp. found within these reactors indicates efficient removal of benzoate and terephthalate. Under anaerobic conditions benzoate can be degraded through syntrophic associations between these bacteria and hydrogen-scavenging microbes, such as Desulfovibrio spp. and hydrogenotrophic methanogens, which remove H 2 to force the thermodynamically unfavourable reactions to take place. The authors did not observe a relatively high percentage of hydrogenotrophic methanogens with the archaeal gene survey because of a high acetate flux (acetate is a main component in PTA wastewater and is the main degradation product of terephthalate/benzoate fermentation), and because of the presence of Desulfovibrio spp. (a sulfate reducer that scavenges hydrogen). The high acetate flux also explains the high percentage of acetoclastic methanogens from the genus Methanosaeta among the archaeal sequences. A group of uncultured bacteria (OD1) may be involved in the degradation of p -toluate (4-methyl benzoate), which is a component of PTA wastewater.
Everything is Awesome

The hit song from a recent children’s motion picture has the worker singing the words “Everything is awesome” (Tegan and Sara feat. The Lonely Island, 2014) every day of his work life. The character asserts that being part of a work team is a great experience. Organizational cynicism on the other hand is a way of describing the way many workers and leaders regularly speak about their work. This cynicism lends itself to the creation of bad attitudes at work and less than awesome teamwork. While it would be interesting to work in a place without organizational cynicism and the positive energy produced by saying these words, the nurse leader in most healthcare settings knows that organizational cynicism exists in some shape or form. Dellasega and Volpe (2013) in their book Toxic Nursing: Managing Bullying, Bad Attitudes and Total Turmoil touch on the subject of organizational cynicism as toxic nursing and something nurses can fix. Their book is reviewed in this column. Let’s see what Dr. Mary Morrow has to say about their book.
Trap characteristics and species morphology explain size-biased sampling of two salamander species

Demographic studies often depend on sampling techniques providing representative samples from populations. However, the sequence of events leading up to a successful capture or detection is susceptible to biases introduced through individual-level behaviour or physiology. Passive sampling techniques may be especially prone to sampling bias caused by size-related phenomena (e.g., physical limitations on trap entrance). We tested for size-biased sampling among five types of passive traps using a 9-year data set for two species of aquatic salamanders that have a 20 and 61 fold change in length over their ontogeny (Amphiuma means, Siren lacertina). Size-biased trapping was evident for both species, with body size distributions (body length mean and SD) of captured individuals differing among sampling techniques. Because our two species differed in girth at similar lengths, we were able to show that size biases (in length) were most likely caused by girth limitations on trap entry rates, and potentially by differences in retention rates. Accounting for the biases of sampling techniques may be critical when assessing current population status and demographic change.
I can’t steal from a coworker if I work from home: Conceptual and measurement-related issues associated with studying counterproductive work behavior in a telework setting

ABSTRACTTeleworkers are an increasingly large proportion of the workforce. Despite the popularity of telework, organizations are concerned that telework offers employees more opportunity to engage in counterproductive work behavior (CWB). We argue that current CWB scales are inappropriate for the telework setting because this context affects the types of employee behavior that can (a) feasibly be enacted and (b) conceptually be considered as CWB. In this article, we develop a CWB scale suitable for the telework setting (i.e., the T-CWB scale) by addressing the errors of contamination (commission) and omission present in existing CWB scales vis-a-vis the telework setting. We end by outlining an agenda for future research on CWB in the telework setting.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Synaptotagmin Binding to Lipid Bilayers

Synaptotagmin 1 (Syt1) is a protein associated with synaptic vesicles that serves as a neuronal calcium sensor. In response to an action potential, calcium ions inflow into the nerve terminal, bind Syt1, and trigger fusion of vesicles with the plasma membrane. Although the structure, dynamics, and calcium binding properties of Sy1 have been extensively studied, it is still debated how specifically Syt1 triggers fusion. Syt1 includes a transmembrane region and two cytosolic domains, C2A and C2B, connected by a flexible linker. Both domains have calcium binding loops, and calcium binding is thought to promote the insertion of domain tips into lipid bilayers. To elucidate this mechanism, we performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of calcium free and calcium bound forms of Syt1 in water/ion environment and took advantage of periodic boundary conditions to model the dynamics of Syt between bilayer bilayers. We found that calcium binding loops of C2A domain have strong affinity to lipids even in the absence of calcium, and calcium biding strongly promotes their penetration into bilayers. In contrast, C2B binding loops did not interact with lipids in the absence of calcium, and even upon calcium binding only a week interaction of C2B calcium binding loops with lipids was observed. Apparently, this interaction may depend upon lipid composition and may require specific lipids which were not included in our simulations. Calcium binding pockets of C2 domains had a strong preference for facing opposing membranes during the entire length of the simulation. These results suggest a scenario whereby the tip of Syt1 C2A domain preferentially interacts with the vesicle membrane and immerges into lipids upon calcium binding, while C2B domain interacts with the plasma membrane, possibly being anchored by membrane-specific lipids, such as PIP2.
Improving Organ Utilization to Help Overcome the Tragedies of the Opioid Epidemic

Death rates from drug overdoses have nearly doubled since 2003, with over 47 000 deaths in 2014. This is largely attributable to the opioid epidemic. If the unfortunate deaths of otherwise healthy people have yielded an increase in organ donors, then this might serve as perhaps the only comforting factor among this tragic and unnecessary loss of life. In this viewpoint, we present data from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) that show how the greatest relative increases in the mechanism of death among deceased donors from 2003 to 2014 were drug overdoses. Unfortunately, despite the absolute increase in the number of donors who died from a drug overdose, the mean organ yield was significantly lower than in other categories, in part due to concerns about disease transmission. In this paper, we present data on the changes in donation from donors with a drug overdose as a result of the opioid epidemic and discuss the need to educate transplant candidates and their physicians about the low risk of disease transmission compared to the greater risk of dying on a transplant waitlist.
Measuring Sexual Motives: A Test of the Psychometric Properties of the Sexual Motivations Scale

Sexual motives refer to functions served by sexual behavior. The Sex Motivations Scale (SMS) has frequently been used to assess sexual motives. At its development, the SMS demonstrated good internal consistency; convergent, divergent, and criterion validity; and configural invariance across sex, age, and Caucasians and African Americans. Yet the metric and scalar invariance of the SMS has not been examined, nor has the measurement invariance of the SMS across Hispanic and Asian Americans, sexual minority status, and relationship status been tested. The criterion validity of the SMS also has yet to be examined for nonintercourse sexual behaviors, such as sexting. The present study aimed to address these gaps in a diverse sample of 2,201 college students (77.60% female; Mage = 22.06; 27.84% Caucasian). Results further affirmed the configural, metric, and scalar invariance of the SMS. The convergent and divergent validity of the SMS was supported in relation to positive and negative affect and attachment pat...
Dynamic Current Clamp Experiments Define The Functional Roles Of IK1 And Ito,f In Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Derived Cardiomyocytes

The transient outward potassium current (Ito) plays a key, albeit incompletely defined, role in cardiomyocyte physiology and pathophysiology. In light of the technical challenges of studying adult human cardiomyocytes, this study examines the use of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) as a system which potentially preserves the native cellular milieu of human cardiomyocytes. ISPC-CMs express a robust Ito with slow recovery kinetics and fail to express the rapidly recovering Ito,f which is implicated in human disease. Overexpression of the accessory subunit KChIP2 (which is not expressed in iPSC-CMs) resulted in restoration of a rapid component of recovery. To define the functional role of Ito, dynamic current clamp was used to introduce computationally modeled currents into iPSC-CMs while recording action potentials. However, iPSC-CMs exhibit action potentials with multiple immature physiological properties, including slow upstroke velocity, heterogeneous action potential waveforms, and the absence of a phase 1 notch, thus potentially limiting the utility of these cells as a model of adult cardiomyocytes. Importantly, the introduction of modeled inwardly rectified current (IK1) ameliorated these immature properties by restoring a hyperpolarized resting membrane potential. In this context of normalized action potential morphologies, dynamic current clamp experiments introducing Ito,f demonstrated that there is significant cell-to-cell heterogeneity and that the functional effect of Ito,f is highly sensitive to the action potential plateau voltage in each cell.
The strategic defense of physician autonomy: State public health agencies as countervailing powers.

Advances in genetic testing and the aggressive marketing of genetic tests by commercial diagnostic laboratories have driven both consumer demand and the need for unbiased information about how tests should guide healthcare delivery. This paper uses the countervailing powers framework to explore the role of state public health agencies as arbiters of quality and safety, specifically through their efforts to encourage physicians to follow evidence-based recommendations for screening for hereditary cancers. Social scientists have often viewed actions by the state to regulate cost, quality, or safety as a threat to physician autonomy. This paper draws on case studies from two US states—Michigan and Connecticut—to better understand the specific role of state public health agencies, and especially whether their activities to encourage adherence to evidence-based recommendations bolster or subvert the interests of other parties in the healthcare arena. We find that lacking authority to compel provider to follow evidence-based recommendations, they improvised ways to foster compliance voluntarily, for example, by emphasizing the role of the physician as gatekeeper, thus affirming the importance of physician autonomy and clinical judgment. Both states also used public health surveillance data to make rare diseases visible and illustrate gaps between recommendations and practice. Finally, they both showed that following evidence-based recommendations could align the professional and market interests of healthcare stakeholders. Both states employed similar strategies with similar effects, despite substantial differences in the regulatory climate and organizational capacity. Taken as a whole, their activities orchestrated a countervailing response that checked the profit-seeking motives of commercial laboratories. Our findings demonstrate that rather than eroding physician autonomy, state action to monitor healthcare quality and encourage adherence to evidence-based recommendations can actually reinforce physician authority.
A Homological Approach to Two Problems on Finite Sets

We propose a homological approach to two conjectures descended from the Erdos-Ko-Rado Theorem, one due to Chvatal and the other to Frankl and Furedi. We apply the method to reprove, and in one case improve, results of these authors related to their conjectures.
Gastric Bypass After Failed Fundoplication from Dimitrios Stefanidis

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects 40 % of the American population and has a clear association with obesity. With the incidence of obesity rising at alarming rates in the USA, the prevalence of GERD is also increasing [1, 2]. Some studies have even described a dose–response relationship between obesity and GERD [2]. Even though the mainstay of GERD treatment is pharmacologic, some patients may benefit from surgery [3]. Laparoscopic gastric fundoplication is considered the gold standard for the surgical management of GERD, as it is associated with low morbidity, early recovery, and excellent outcomes [3]. Nevertheless, long-term patient follow-up data have cast doubts about the efficacy of the procedure as a considerable percentage of patients have symptom relapse and restart acid-reducing treatment [4]. Importantly, evidence suggests that fundoplications are associated with a higher incidence of failure in the obese compared with the nonobese [5].
Abstract P226: Aggressive Blood Pressure Control Status Post-acute Aortic Dissection May be Associated With Acute Kidney Injury: A Pilot Study

Management of acute aortic dissection includes appropriate blood pressure control (120/80 mmHg per AHA guidelines) but this is not based on evidence. Excessive lowering of blood pressure may contribute to organ malperfusion. The kidneys are the most commonly affected organs, causing refractory hypertension and acute kidney injury (AKI). Recent landmark blood pressure trials with intensive pressure goals have a significant incidence of AKI. This pilot study tested the hypothesis that achieved systolic blood pressure less than 120 mmHg has a higher incidence of AKI than those treated systolic pressures > 120 mmHg. Methods: Patients were identified via surgical log. Retrospective chart review was performed on patients in the acute setting following dissection. Daily average blood pressures were calculated. Patients were included if they underwent surgical repair of aortic dissection and survived the first 24 hours. Patients were excluded if they demonstrated shock physiology or required renal replacement therapy in the first 24 hours. Serum creatinine and clinical course (including anti-hypertensive regimen) were recorded. The primary endpoint was in-hospital occurrence of AKI (defined per KDIGO criteria) in the acute setting status post aortic dissection in patients receiving anti-hypertensive therapy. An unadjusted odds ratio was calculated. Data on potential confounders and covariates (baseline sCR, contrast exposure etc) were also collected. Results: From 2013-2017, 37 cases of surgically repaired aortic dissection were identified and 16 cases met inclusion/exclusion criteria. The incidence of AKI in patients treated to an average systolic blood pressure less than 120mmHg was 75% compared with 50% in those with pressure greater than 120 mmhg. OR =3.0 [95% CI 0.3612-24.9];p=0.3019. Covariates and potential confounders were balanced between groups but given the small numbers additional statistical adjustments were not performed. Conclusion: The incidence of AKI was numerically higher in the group of patients achieving more intensive blood pressure targets. Our study was limited by small sample size and selection bias. Both of these issues can be addressed if we apply similar methodologies to address the same question on a lager sample size.
29 – Occupational Asthma

Publisher Summary Many different agents encountered at work can stimulate a hypersensitivity response and cause asthma. Asthma induced by an agent inhaled at work may become chronic, persisting for several years, if not indefinitely, after avoidance of exposure to its initiating cause. This particularly seems to occur in individuals with asthma caused by low-molecular-weight chemicals, among whom asthma can persist in more than half. This chapter presents a study where despite avoidance of exposure for several years, patients had respiratory symptoms consistent with persistent airway hyperresponsiveness and histamine (H) PC20 was increased. Patients who develop occupational asthma and are diagnosed with its cause should be advised to avoid further exposure to the cause of their asthma. This seems particularly important where low-molecular-weight chemicals—such as isocyanates, plicatic acid, or acid anhydrides—are responsible as these are likely to cause continuing airway hyperresponsiveness and asthma after complete avoidance of exposure. Information from follow-up cases of asthma due to western red cedar suggests that the risk of this occurring is least for those who avoid exposure within a short time of the onset of asthma.
Relation of multi-marker panel to incident chronic kidney disease and rapid kidney function decline in African Americans: the Jackson Heart Study

Few investigations have evaluated the incremental usefulness of multiple biomarkers representing varying physiological pathways for predicting risk of renal outcomes in African Americans. We related a multi-marker panel to incident chronic kidney disease (CKD) and rapid kidney function decline (RKFD) in 2813 Jackson Heart Study participants without prevalent CKD at exam 1 (2000–2004) and with complete assays at exam 1 for 9 biomarkers: adiponectin, aldosterone, B-natriuretic peptide [BNP], cortisol, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), endothelin, homocysteine, plasma renin activity and mass. Incident CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 at exam 3 while RKFD was defined as eGFR ≥30% loss between exams 1 and 3 (8.2 median years). We employed multiple logistic regression model to describe association between the panel and incident CKD and RKFD and used backward elimination strategy to estimate the most parsimonious biomarker model while controlling for conventional risk factors. The multi-marker panel predicted the risk for both incident CKD (odds ratios [OR], 2.72; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.63, 4.56; P = 0.001) and RKFD (2.61; 95% CI, 1.67, 4.08; P < 0.001). Per standard deviation increase in log biomarker concentrations were significantly (multivariable adjusted odds ratios, [95% confidence interval], p-value) associated with incident CKD: plasma adiponectin (1.24 [1.07, 1.44], p = 0.005) and leptin (1.3 [1.06, 1.61], p = 0.011), and with RKFD: plasma adiponectin (1.22 [1.06, 1.40], p = 0.006); hsCRP (1.17 [1.01, 1.36], p = 0.031) and aldosterone (0.85 [0.74, 0.96], p = 0.012). Moderate levels (3rd quartile) of aldosterone were inversely associated with incident CKD (0.54 [0.35, 0.82], p = 0.004) while leptin was associated with RKFD (1.64 [1.10, 2.44], p = 0.015). Biomarkers improved CKD risk prediction (P = 0.003) but not RKFD risk prediction (P = 0.10). In this community-based sample of African Americans, a multi-marker panel added only moderate predictive improvement compared to conventional risk factors.
Pregnancy risk assessment monitoring system for dads: Public health surveillance of new fathers in the perinatal period

The article discusses public health surveillance for new fathers in the perinatal period. Particular focus is given to how this relates to the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) in the U.S., a source of data and demographic information relating to pregnancy. Additional topics discussed include fatherhood and male health, paternal involvement and how it influences maternal and child health outcomes, and how PRAMS explores perinatal behaviors, attitudes and experiences.
Ambulatory blood pressures and central blood pressures are associated with cardiovascular morbidity in adolescent and young adult patients receiving chronic hemodialysis

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and arterial stiffness measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV) are independent predictors of cardiovascular (CV) mortality in adults receiving chronic dialysis. Hypertension strongly associates with elevated left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and PWV, with ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), and central blood pressure (CBP) superior to office blood pressures (BP) in predicting CV morbidity. Few studies have described associations of office BP, ABPM, and CBP with LVMI and PWV in adolescent and young adult patients receiving hemodialysis (HD). Cross-sectional study of 22 adolescents and young adults receiving chronic HD. Pre- and post-dialysis office BP and CBP using applanation tonometry were obtained. Twenty-four-hour ABPM was obtained midweek post-dialysis. Pre- and post-dialysis carotid-brachial PWV were obtained same day as BP measurements. Annual echocardiograms for standard care were reviewed for LVH. Pre-dialysis CBP index correlated with LVMI (r = 0.3, p = 0.04) and PWV (r = 0.48, p = 0.02). Hypertensive patients identified by ABPM had worse LVMI; daytime ABPM systolic BP index correlated with LVMI (r = 0.5, p = 0.02). Office BP was not associated with LVMI; only office diastolic BP was associated with PWV (r = 0.46, p = 0.02). There was no correlation of LVMI or PWV with bone health parameters, anemia, interdialytic weight gain, or residual renal function. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is superior to casual office BP obtained at time of dialysis in delineating cardiovascular morbidity in adolescent and young adult HD patients. CBP is easily performed and correlates with LVMI and PWV in adolescent and young adult HD patients; however, large-scale normative data is needed.
Noninvasive Oxygenation Strategies in Immunocompromised Patients With Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure: A Pairwise and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials:

Introduction:Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) is a leading cause of intensive care unit (ICU) admission among immunocompromised patients. Invasive mechanical ventilation is associated wit...
If you want to stent ... do intravascular ultrasound

Most invasive cardiologists are familiar with the common catheterization lab “joke” that if you want to justify placing a stent, use intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) to assess the lesion and that if you prefer medical therapy, use fractional flow reserve (FFR) to assess the lesion. Nam et al. ([1
Bacterial Bindance: Adhesins and Their Engagement to Host

In this chapter, the student will be introduced to the fundamental molecular unit of bacterial adherence, the adhesin. The interaction of bacteria with its host is framed in the context of the benefits of these interactions to bacterial survival as well as the long and short term consequences in relation to infection and disease. The organization and function of several classes of adhesins are outlined, as is their engagement of specific host ligands in the context of importance to pathogenesis. The reader will understand the diversity of strategies bacteria use to bind their host and the vulnerabilities the microbe hunter may exploit to prevent such interactions.
Pareto set estimation with guaranteed probability of correct selection

Abstract We consider the ranking and selection problem with multiple objectives and present a procedure to estimate a Pareto set. We provide three different formulations, namely, simultaneously retaining all desirable systems and eliminating all undesirable systems, or achieving either one of the two aforementioned goals. We address situations where all systems and objectives have either independent or correlated observations (e.g., due to the use of common random numbers). In each case, we identify appropriate choices of parameter values and prove that the resulting algorithm guarantees the desired probability of correct selection in a finite amount of time. Numerical experiments are provided to support the validity and efficiency of the algorithms.
When to say no to inhaled nitric oxide in neonates

Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) was approved for use in critically ill term and near-term neonates (>34 weeks gestational age) in 1999 for hypoxic respiratory failure (HRF) with evidence of pulmonary hypertension. In 2011 and 2014, the National Institutes of Health and American Academy of Pediatrics respectively recommended against the use of iNO in preterm infants <34 weeks. However, these guidelines were based on trials conducted with varying inclusion criteria and outcomes. Recent guidelines from the American Thoracic Society/American Heart Association, the Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Network (PPHNet) and European Pediatric Pulmonary Vascular Disease Network recommend the use of iNO in preterm neonates with HRF with confirmed pulmonary hypertension. This review discusses the available evidence for off-label use of iNO. Preterm infants with prolonged rupture of membranes and pulmonary hypoplasia appear to respond to iNO. Similarly, preterm infants with physiology of pulmonary hypertension with extrapulmonary right-to-left shunts may potentially have an oxygenation response to iNO. An overview of relative and absolute contraindications for iNO use in neonates is provided. Absolute contraindications to iNO use include a ductal dependent congenital heart disease where systemic circulation is supported by a right-to-left ductal shunt, severe left ventricular dysfunction and severe congenital methemoglobinemia. In preterm infants, we do not recommend the routine use of iNO in HRF due to parenchymal lung disease without pulmonary hypertension and prophylactic use to prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Future randomized trials evaluating iNO in preterm infants with pulmonary hypertension and/or pulmonary hypoplasia are warranted. (233/250 words).
Review of: A communication perspective on interfaith dialogue: Living within the Abrahamic traditions, edited by D. S. Brown Jr.

Brown, Daniel S., Jr. (Ed.). (2013). A communication perspective on interfaith dialogue: Living within the Abrahamic traditions. Lanham, MD: Lexington Books, 222 pp., $63.00 (hardcover).Interfaith ...
Marxism and Class Consciousness

THE ARTICLE BY TOM LANGFORD, "Strikes and Class Consciousness," in Labour/Le Travail, 34 (Fall 1994), provides a needed opportunity to discuss Marxist methodology and its relation to class consciousness. Langford attempted to study the "ebb and flow of class consciousness during a strike struggle." (108) The empirical part of his study was based on interviews with inside postal workers in Hamilton, ON, during and after a strike in September and October of 1987. Theoretically, be proposes to use a Marxist model. "In my estimation, die most useful model of consciousness change incorporates generalizations about bow strikes have affected workers with a theoretical vision of what workers' political consciousness could become. Marxist writing on strikes combines dwse elements. I have derived a model from Lenin's classic analysis of strikes as a 'school of war/ but believe the model can stand up as a generic Marxist typology." (111) Unfortunately he does not do justice to either Lenin or Marx. Langford indicates two relevant sources from Lenin. The first is the article, "On Strikes." This is an interesting article, but it needs to be used with care. It was written in 1899. It was intended as the first of three parts. The two remaining parts were never written and the article was not published at the time it was written. It was first published in 1924, the year of Lenin's death, and had, basically, archival or historical interest since it dealt with strikes in a capitalist society but was published in the seventh year of Soviet power. In 1899 the Russian working class was newly formed, was in significant numbers illiterate, and had no legal trade union movement Lenin says, for example, that "strikes can only be successful
Offenders and Substance Abuse: Bringing the Family Into Focus, by Catherine M. Lemieux

Catherine M. Lemieux's book, Offenders and Substance Abuse: Bringing the Family Into Focus is aimed at correctional professionals who are faced with ever-increasing numbers of substance-abusing off...
New approaches to preventing brain damage during asphyxia

Abstract For neonates the body temperature at which anoxic survival is longest is not 37° C. but approximately 20° C. less (15° C. in most species). This is true protection since spontaneous recovery from at least 2 times the lethal exposure occurred in every cold animal. In cesarean-delivered monkeys, cooling begun 2 minutes after last gasp prevented brain damage from asphyxia. Hypothermia reduces biochemical decay during asphyxia as measured by O 2 uptake, serum K + , glucose, lactate, pyruvate, pH, and Pco 2 , and reduces glycogen loss from heart, brain, and other organs. Also, cooling improves strikingly electrocardiogram, blood pressure, and pulse pressure. When combined with other treatments, cooling increased their efficacy, and with tris-hydroxymethyl aminomethane + glucose anoxic survivals were the longest yet recorded. Human trials are encouraging, and it is now suggested that infants with Apgar scores of 3 or less be cooled immediately after birth while receiving artificial respiration and other resuscitative measures. Intravenous transfusions are useless during terminal conditions; intra-arterial transfusions preferentially perfuse the heart and brain and should be used more frequently in resuscitation.
Element-selective gas chromatographic detection by atomic plasma emission spectroscopy

Abstract The recent progress and current developments in element-specific detection for gas chromatography by atomic plasma emission spectroscopy are reviewed with emphasis on the applications of microwave-induced plasmas (MIPs) in capillary separations. A number of current applications of atmospheric-pressure MIP detection are then considered, including empirical formula measurement of cyclosiloxane pyrolyzates from silicones, ligand-exchange reactions of aluminum chelates, selectivity and sensitivity considerations in rhodium-specific detection, and dual-element detection for boron and iron in ferroceneboronate derivatives of diols.