cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Protein kinase C alpha expression is inversely related to ER status in endometrial carcinoma: Possible role in AP-1-mediated proliferation of ER-negative endometrial cancer

Abstract Objective. Tamoxifen is the most widely used antiestrogen to treat all stages of estrogen-receptor (ER)-positive breast cancers. However, tamoxifen acts as a partial estrogen in the uterus and is known to increase the risk of endometrial cancer by two- to threefold. Recent evidence indicates that there is a connection between tamoxifen resistance and activation of the activator protein-1 (AP-1) pathway. We have previously reported a possible role for overexpression of protein kinase C alpha (PKCα), an upstream activator of the AP-1 pathway, in hormone-independent breast cancer and antiestrogen-stimulated endometrial tumors. We hypothesize that alterations of the PKC isozyme profile of endometrial carcinomas are similar to that of hormone-independent breast cancer and determine whether specific PKC isozyme alterations correlated with known clinicopathological features of endometrial cancer. Methods. The PKC isozyme profile of endometrial carcinomas from 42 patients who were not previously exposed to antiestrogens was examined by Western blot. The relationship between PKC isozyme expression and key prognostic factors for endometrial carcinoma including hormone receptor status, tumor grade, stage, size, and depth of myometrial invasion was examined using the Spearman's rho correlation coefficient. Results. As previously found in breast cancers, PKCα and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) expression are inversely related ( r s = −0.35, P = 0.046). We report significant inverse correlations among ER/progesterone receptor (PR) expression and tumor grade ( r s = −0.49, P = 0.001 and r s = −0.44, P = 0.004, respectively), ER, and depth of myometrial invasion ( r s = −0.40, P = 0.009). There were no other significant correlations between PKC isozyme expression and other key prognostic factors examined. Conclusion. This study indicates that, similar to what was previously observed in breast cancer, PKCα and ER expression is inversely related in endometrial cancer. PKCα expression may be a useful prognostic indicator in endometrial cancers. A model is offered which describes the putative role of PKCα overexpression in activation of the AP-1 pathway and increased proliferation of ER negative endometrial cancers.
Children and Adolescents Unvaccinated Against Measles: Geographic Clustering, Parents' Beliefs, and Missed Opportunities.

b ABSTRACT Objective. We evaluated the extent to which children and adolescents were not vaccinated against measles ("unvaccinated"), clustering within U.S. coun- ties, and factors associated with unvaccination, including parents' vaccine- related beliefs and missed opportunities. Methods. We analyzed data from the 2010-2013 National Immunization Sur- vey (NIS) and NIS-Teen Survey of households with 19- to 35-month-old children and 13- to 17-year-old adolescents, respectively. We used provider-reported vaccination histories to assess measles vaccination status. Results. In 2013, 7.5% of children and 4.5% of adolescents were unvaccinated against measles. Four-fifths (80.0%) of unvaccinated children lived in counties containing 41.9% of the nation's children, and 80.0% of unvaccinated adoles- cents lived in counties containing 30.4% of the nation's adolescents. Multivari- able statistical analyses found that 74.6% of children who were unvaccinated against measles missed being vaccinated for reasons other than parents' negative vaccine-related beliefs, and 89.6% could be deemed as having at least one missed opportunity for being vaccinated against measles because they were administered at least one dose of other recommended vaccines after 12 months of age. Among adolescents, multivariable analyses found that only demographic factors, not vaccine-related parental beliefs, were independently associated with being unvaccinated. Conclusions. Reasons other than negative vaccine-related beliefs, including missed opportunities, accounted for the vast majority of unvaccinated children and adolescents.
Pollen Capture, Adhesion and Hydration

Pollen capture by the stigma initiates a complex sequence of events that can lead to the hydration and germination of the pollen grain, and eventually to penetration of the pollen tube and fertilization. This chapter will review aspects of the physiology and physics of events related to pollen capture, hydration and adhesion, but not concepts related to the physical capture of pollen by the stigma. Work on the aerobiology of pollen capture in species pollinated by wind is reviewed by Niklas (1987), and in water pollinated species by Ducker and Knox (1976). Many ecological works discuss aspects pollen transfer animal vectors.
Molecular biology of Candida pathogenesis

Candida aibicans and related species represent an ever increasing problem not only in immunocompromised patients (Wey et al., 1988) but also in patients with other predisposing conditions, as well as in apparently healthy individuals (Odds, 1988; Bodey and Feinstein, 1985). These opportunistic pathogens are capable of infecting virtually every tissue of the human body and have been responsible for an increasing number of nosocomial infections (Weber and Rutala, 1988; Isenberg et al., 1989; Burnie et al., 1985; Wey et al., 1988). In HIV-positive individuals, oraloesophageal candidosis represents one of the first signs of symptomatic AIDS (Greenspan, 1988; Syrjanen et al., 1988), and there is preliminary evidence suggesting strain selection and evolution in these patients (Odds et al., 1990). The success of Candida as a pathogen must stem partly from its commensal existence in the natural flora of most individuals and partly from a combination of pathogenic traits. However, for reasons not immediately obvious, but which must include the absence of a reasonable genetic system for experimental investigation (Whelan, 1987), we know little about the epidemiology, etiology and molecular pathology of Candida.
Changing the intended direction of movement

The behavioral and neural correlates of processing of motor directional information are described for two different visuomotor tasks: mental rotation and context-recall. Psychological studies in human subjects suggested that these two tasks may involve different mechanisms processing directional information. Analyses of the activity of single cells and neuronal populations in the motor cortex of behaving monkeys performing in the same tasks provided direct insight into the neural mechanisms involved, and confirmed their different nature.
Why renin inhibitors

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors are widely used in the treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure. They are potent drugs and have few side effects. The search for potent and orally absorbable agents that either block the angiotensin II receptor or inhibit the catalytic action of renin has not been so successful. This paper reviews present efforts to develop renin inhibitors. Most of the work has been based on the design of peptide analogues of angiotensinogen, many of which contain the unusual amino acid statine (or one of its variants) in place of the scissile bond (the peptide bond that renin cleaves in angiotensinogen). Substitutions at other sites in the molecule determine potency and species selectivity; for example, substitutions at the carboxyl terminus permit the construction of potent renin inhibitors that contain fewer amino acid residues. Peptide analogues of the prorenin segment of the enzyme, however, are but weak inhibitors and show little promise. Progress has also been slow in efforts to understand the principles required in the synthesis of potent renin inhibitors with significant bioavailability after oral administration. Finally, the question of whether renin inhibitors will offer a clinical advantage over converting enzyme inhibitors has not been answered.
Water relations of immature and adult lesser cornstalk borers, Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Water content, cuticular permeability, and percentage of total body water (% TBW) lost as a function of time was determined with larval, pupal, and adult lesser cornstalk borers (LCB), Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller). No relationship was detectable between initial weight and % TBW or cuticular permeability for any of the stages, although both parameters varied among stages. Larvae had the greatest % TBW (77.1 Â± 2.0%) ($\bar x$ ± SE) and the greatest cuticular permeability (12.1 ± 1.2 μcm−2Â·h−1Â·mm Hg−1), whereas adult females had the least % TBW (63.2 ± 1.2%) and pupae the least cuticular permeability (1.1 ± 0.3 μcm−2h−1mmHg−1). Mean % TBW lost increased linearly with time for each stage. Larvae, pupae, adult females, and adult males lost 30.6 ± 4.9, 6.0 ± 0.6, 28.7 ± 0.5, and 43.1 ± 1.5% TBW, respectively, at 24 h. All stages of the LCB, particularly the pupae, are much more xeric-adapted than many other arthropods.
The Long Way Towards Multivariate Predictive Control of Flotation Processes

Abstract Flotation processes are very complex, and after more than one hundred years of history, there are few reports on applications of novel techniques in monitoring and control of flotation units, circuits and global plants. On the other hand, the successful application of multivariate predictive control on other processes is well known. In this paper, an analysis on how the characteristics of flotation processes, the quality of measurements of key variables, and the general lack of realistic dynamic models, are delaying the appropriate use of predictive control. In this context, the applications of multivariate statistics, such as PCA, to model the relationship between operating data for on-line diagnosis and fault detection and to build causal models are discussed. Also the use of PLS models to predict target variables for control purposes, is presented. Results, obtained at pilot and industrial scales, are discussed, introducing new ideas on how to obtain more valuable information from the usual available operating data of the plant, and particularly from froth images, and how to integrate this data in a multivariate predictive control strategy.
Incidence of Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis in 3 Municipalities of Guangdong,2008-2010

Objective To determine the incidence of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis( ADEM)among permanent residents in 3 cities of Guangdong province from 2008- 2010. Methods We collected demographic information and vaccination data of ADEM cases using hospital information system( HIS) or by manual search. Invited experts reviewed cases. The distribution and the causes of disease were analyzed using descriptive epidemiological methods. Result From 2008 to 2010,we searched 183 hospitals and a total of 4,928,425 in-patient records. There were 44 permanent-resident cases among 186 ADEM cases.The incidence of ADEM among permanent residents was 0. 65 per 1,000,000. The incidence rate had been increasing year by year,and cases were reported every month except June and September. The highest incidence rate was 1. 08 per 1,000,000,which was among children aged 5- 9 years old. The incidence among women( 0. 71 per 1,000,000) was higher than among men( 0. 59 V per 1,000,000). Farmers and students were the most susceptible populations. Six cases had a history of vaccination within 2 months before onset. Half of cases were vaccinated with rabies vaccine for human use( 50. 00%). Conclusion Three cities in Guangdong in 2008 to 2010 had a lower incidence rate of ADEM than found in the literature( 1 to 8 per 1,000,000 populations).Women had a higher incidence rate than men;children aged 5- 9 had the highest incidence rate.Few cases of ADEM occurred that had a vaccination history of less than two months.
Nausea and vomiting induced by pregnancy or by administration of synthetic estrogens; Treatment with antihistaminic compounds: A further study of an additional 50 cases

Abstract 1. 1. Twenty-nine cases of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy have been treated with antihistaminic compounds with twenty-seven cases cured, one improved, and one unimproved. 2. 2. Eleven patients with various diagnoses, unable to take diethylstilbestrol because of nausea and vomiting induced by the drug, were given antihistaminic compounds in addition and all could tolerate the full therapeutic dose of the estrogen with no nausea or vomiting. 3. 3. Ten patients unable to take hexestrol because of nausea and vomiting were able to take the full dose without nausea when antihistaminic drugs were added.
An Integrative Literature Review on the Barriers Impacting Adult Learners' Return to College.

The composition of the college population has shifted from a bastion of full-time 18- to 22-year-old students to a far more diverse population that typically works part-time or full-time, has greater family commitments, is over 24, and is juggling various competing responsibilities while attending college. This shift has prompted researchers to examine the challenges that this student body of adult learners face in their pursuit of a college education. The purpose of this integrative literature review is to offer an updated synthesis of empirical findings on the barriers faced by adult learners who are seeking a college degree. In addition, this review offers potential solutions to college institutions to help their adult learners overcome the barriers they face.
Mexico: Single Window for Foreign Trade

This case study analyzes VUCEM, Mexico’s single window for trade. VUCEM seeks to digitize procedures related to international trade. The case study analyzes the implementation of this project, which encompasses 198 formal procedures, 400,000 annual transactions, and involves 11 government agencies. There are approximately 103 million subscribed users in VUCEM, out of which 73 million represent all trade related businesses in Mexico. VUCEM strengthens competitiveness, a goal consistent with the National Digital Strategy. The case examines different ways to measure VUCEM’s effectiveness including a 100 % service adoption by Mexican businesses. It is also reviews a number of important factors for VUCEM’s success including political commitment, guaranteed funding, addressing technological challenges and systems training, and critical stakeholder involvement in the project.
Response of native plants to elevated soil nitrogen in the sand dunes of Lake Michigan, USA

Atmospheric deposition of nitrogen (N) has been reported to reduce the diversity of plant species in N-limited soil. The sand dunes along the southern shore of Lake Michigan have been N-limited historically but receive substantial amount of N from the atmosphere currently. We investigated the effect of N-addition to soil on seed germination rates and species composition of nine native plants. In the greenhouse, the ambient addition (15 kg N ha− 1 yr− 1) enhanced the germination of Elymus canadensis and Echinacea purpurea, while the 9 × ambient N addition reduced seed germination of Dalea purpurea and Elymus. However, regardless the results from greenhouse, these species exhibited no or poor emergence in the field plots. Panicum virgatum was the only species whose germination was promoted significantly by the ambient addition in the greenhouse and also emerged in the field plots in the early years (2010 − 2012), but its dominance diminished during 2013–2014. The decline of Panicum suggests a failure of establishment and reproduction after germination. Such failure has likely led to reduction or exhaustion of viable seeds in soil. Meanwhile, the species that showed relatively low germination rates (< 20%) in the greenhouse, such as Lupinus perennis, Monarda punctata and Schizachyrium scoparium, established substantially in the field plots. Also in the field plots, soil with elevated-N (3 ×, 5 × and 9 × ambient) appeared to favor grass over forb species. Dominance of grass over forb species has led to a reduction in species diversity and divergence of species composition between the ambient and elevated-N plots.
Efficacy of Intravenous Cobinamide Versus Hydroxocobalamin or Saline for Treatment of Severe Hydrogen Sulfide Toxicity in a Swine (Sus scrofa) Model

Background Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a potentially deadly gas that naturally occurs in petroleum and natural gas. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration cites H2S as a leading cause of workplace gas inhalation deaths. Mass casualties of H2S toxicity may be caused by exposure from industrial accidents or release from oil field sites. H2S is also an attractive terrorism tool because of its high toxicity and ease with which it can be produced. Several potential antidotes have been proposed for hydrogen sulfide poisoning but none have been completely successful. Objective To compare treatment response assessed by the time to spontaneous ventilation among groups of swine with acute H2S induced apnea treated with intravenous (IV) cobinamide (4mg/kg in 0.8 ml of 225mM solution), IV hydroxocobalamin (4mg/kg in 5 ml saline), or saline alone. Methods Twenty-four swine (45-55 kg) were anesthetized, intubated, and instrumented with continuous femoral and pulmonary artery pressure monitoring. After stabilization, anesthesia was adjusted such that animals would spontaneous ventilate with an FIO2 of 0.21. Sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS; concentration of 8 mg/ml) was begun at 1 mg/kg/min until apnea was confirmed for 20 seconds by capnography. This infusion rate was sustained for 1.5 minutes post apnea, and then decreased to a maintenance rate for the remainder of the study to replicate sustained clinical exposure. Animals were randomly assigned to receive cobinamide (4 mg/kg), hydroxocobalamin (4 mg/kg) or saline and monitored for 60 minutes beginning one-minute post apnea. G* power analysis using the Z test determined that equal group sizes of 8 animals were needed to achieve a power of 80% in detecting a 50% difference in return to spontaneous ventilations at α=0.05. Results There were no significant differences in baseline variables. Moreover, there were no significant differences in the mg/kg dose of NaHS (5.6 mg/kg; p=0.45) required to produce apnea. Whereas all of the cobinamide treated animals survived (8/8), none of the control (0/8) or hydroxocobalamin (0/8) treated animals survived. Mean time to spontaneous ventilation in the cobinamide treated animals was 3.2(±1.1) minutes. Conclusions Cobinamide successfully rescued the severely NaHS-poisoned swine from apnea in the absence of assisted ventilation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
IKK-γ is an essential regulatory subunit of the IκB kinase complex

Pro-inflammatory cytokines activate the transcription factor NF-kappaB by stimulating the activity of a protein kinase that phosphorylates IkappaB, an inhibitor of NF-kappaB, at sites that trigger its ubiquitination and degradation. This results in the nuclear translocation of freed NF-kappaB dimers and the activation of transcription of target genes. Many of these target genes code for immunoregulatory proteins. A large, cytokine-responsive IkappaB kinase (IKK) complex has been purified and the genes encoding two of its subunits have been cloned. These subunits, IKK-alpha and IKK-beta, are protein kinases whose function is needed for NF-kappaB activation by pro-inflammatory stimuli. Here, by using a monoclonal antibody against IKK-alpha, we purify the IKK complex to homogeneity from human cell lines. We find that IKK is composed of similar amounts of IKK-alpha, IKK-beta and two other polypeptides, for which we obtained partial sequences. These polypeptides are differentially processed forms of a third subunit, IKK-gamma. Molecular cloning and sequencing indicate that IKK-gamma is composed of several potential coiled-coil motifs. IKK-gamma interacts preferentially with IKK-beta and is required for the activation of the IKK complex. An IKK-gamma carboxy-terminal truncation mutant that still binds IKK-beta blocks the activation of IKK and NF-kappaB.
The Clinician-Educator Pathway in Radiology: An Analysis of Institutional Promotion Criteria.

Abstract Purpose To provide radiology departmental promotional committees and vice chairs of education with a more global perspective on the types of academic activity valued by institutions to aid in their faculty mentoring and standardizing of the Clinician-Educator (ClinEd) pathway. Methods Ninety-two research schools were ranked into three tiers. Ranking was correlated with the presence of a ClinEd track. Thirty promotion documents (ten from each tier) were analyzed to identify common criteria. Differences in guidelines between tiers were assessed by the frequency distribution of criteria. Results Tier 1 had a significantly greater proportion of schools with a ClinEd track than tier 2 (73% versus 44%, p Conclusions The criteria for the ClinEd promotion track still vary across institutions, though many commonalities exist. A handful of innovative criteria reflect the changing structure of modern health care systems, such as incorporation of online teaching modules and quality improvement efforts. As health care changes, guidelines and incentive structures for faculty should change as well. The information gathered may provide promotion committees with a more global perspective on the types of academic activity valued by modern-day institutions to aid in the national standardization of this pathway and to assist in faculty mentoring.
MicroRNA-203 inhibits long noncoding RNA HOTAIR and regulates tumorigenesis through epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition pathway in renal cell carcinoma

This study aims to investigate the role of miR-203-HOTAIR interaction in the suppression of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We employed series of in vitro assays such as proliferation, invasion, migration and colony formation along with in vivo tumor xenograft model. Profiling of miR-203 and HOTAIR expression revealed that miR-203 was significantly under-expressed whereas HOTAIR was overexpressed in RCC cell-lines and clinical specimens compared to normal cell line and tissue. Both miR-203 and HOTAIR expression significantly distinguished malignant from normal tissues and significantly correlated with clinicopathological characteristics of patients. Overexpression of miR-203 significantly inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion with an induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Whereas, HOTAIR suppression resulted in the similar functional effects in the same RCC cell lines. In silico RNA-22 algorithm showed a binding site for miR-203 in HOTAIR. We observed a direct interaction between miR-203 and HOTAIR by RNA-immunoprecipitation (RIP) and luciferase reporter assays. We show that miR-203-HOTAIR interaction resulted in the inhibition of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastatic genes as indicated by induction of key metastasis-suppressing proteins E-cadherin, claudin (epithelial markers) and PTEN along with induction of tumor suppressor genes p21 and p27. A significant decrease in vimentin (mesenchymal-marker), KLF4 and nanog (stemness-markers) was also observed. This is the first report demonstrating miR-203 mediated regulation of HOTAIR induces tumor suppressor effects in RCC by regulating EMT and metastatic pathway genes. Thus, the study suggests that therapeutic regulation of HOTAIR by miR-203 overexpression may provide an opportunity to regulate RCC growth and metastasis.
Regulation of B-lineage cells by caspase 6

The caspase (Casp) family of proteases regulate both lymphocyte apoptosis and activation. Here, we show that Casp6 regulates early B-cell development. One-week-old Casp6 knockout (Casp6 KO) mice have significantly more splenic B-cell subsets than wild-type (WT) mice. Adult Casp6 KO mice have normal levels of total splenic B cells but have increased numbers of B1a B cells and CD43+ "transitional" or splenic red pulp (RP) B cells. These results suggested that Casp6 may function to control B-cell numbers under nonhomeostatic conditions and during B-cell development. Consistent with this model, reconstitution of B cells was dysregulated in Casp6 KO mice after sublethal irradiation. Furthermore, bone marrow pro-B, pre-B and immature B-cell numbers were significantly higher in 1-week-old Casp6 KO mice than in 1-week-old WT mice. Casp6 KO pro-B cells proliferated more in response to IL-7 than WT pro-B cells, suggesting that Casp6 regulates early B-cell responses to IL-7. Indeed, adult and aged Casp6 KO mice had elevated numbers of IL-7αR+ Sca1+ precursors of common lymphoid progenitors, suggesting Casp6 may help regulate progenitors of B cells and early B-lineage cells. Casp6 regulates B-cell programs both during early development and after antigen stimulation in the periphery.
The safe patient flow initiative: a collaborative quality improvement journey at Yale-New Haven Hospital.

Article-at-a-Glance Background Yale-New Haven Hospital (YNHH) began a successful journey to achieve safe patient flow in fiscal year (FY) 2008 (October 1, 2007-September 30, 2008). The 966-bed (now 1,541-bed) academic medical center faced several challenges, including overcrowding in the Adult Emergency Department (ED); delays in the postanesthesia care unit, which affected the flow of patients through the operating rooms; pinched capacity during the central part of the day; and a lack of interdependent institutionwide coordination of patients. Methods The Safe Patient Flow Steering Committee oversaw improvement efforts, most of which were implemented in FY 2009 (October 2008-September 2009), through a cascade of operational meetings. Process changes were made in various departments, such as the Adult ED, Physicians/Providers, and the Bed Management Department. Organizationwide method changes involved standardizing the discharge process, using status boards for visual control, and improving accuracy and timeliness of data entry. Results Between FY 2008 and FY 2011, YNHH experienced an 84% improvement in discharges by 11:00 a.m. The average length of stay decreased from 5.23 to 5.05 days, thereby accommodating an additional 45 inpatients on a daily basis, contributing to YNHH's positive operating margin amid increasing volume and overall decreasing inpatient length of stay. Conclusions YNHH improved clinical, operational, and financial outcomes by embracing five key components of demand capacity management: real-time communication, inter/intradepartmental and interdisciplinary collaboration, staff empowerment, standardization of best practices, and institutional memory.
A New Analytical Approximation for the Flow into a Well in a Finite Reservoir

A new approach is presented for the pressure calculation around a horizontal well or a partially penetrating vertical well in a finite height reservoir. The new method matches the asymptotic solutions close to- and far from the well. To this end, the reservoir is divided into two distinct volumes with ellipsoidal and elliptically cylindrical symmetry, respectively. Comparison with other techniques shows that the new expressions yield excellent results. The method is also applicable to reservoirs containing one elliptical, vertical or horizontal fracture, and can be used with account of a zone of altered permeability around the well or fracture due to formation damage or stimulation.
Die unspezifischen Mittel

In der Praxis der unspezifischen Therapie sind eine grose Anzahl therapeutischer Mittel gebraucht worden; von der alten Form der Gegenreizung bis zu unseren gegenwartigen Methoden der Heterobakteriotherapie, Proteintherapie und der intravenosen Injektion von kolloidalen Metallen oder anderen kolloidalen Substanzen. Wenn wir diese verschiedenen Mittel besprechen, die wir zur Verfugung haben, um die „Plasmaaktivierung“ oder die „Ergotropie“ herbeizufuhren, je nachdem wie man die Reaktion nennen will, so wird es nicht unangebracht sein eine Anzahl von ihnen wegen ihres geschichtlichen Zusammenhangs oder wegen ihrer Theorie einzuschliesen und nicht wegen ihres tatsachlichen therapeutischen Wertes. Man soll deshalb ihre Erwahnung nicht als eine Bestatigung ihrer Nutzlichkeit, noch als eine Rechtfertigung fur ihren Gebrauch in der Praxis ansehen. Sie sind unter einer einzigen Gruppe zusammengefast, da es hochst wahrscheinlich ist, das ihre gelegentliche Nutzlichkeit — von der bei einigen Beispielen keine Rede sein kann — sich auf eine ahnliche Reaktion, d. h. wirkliche Gewebeanregung und Aktivierung, grundet, die sie im Korper hervorrufen, und sie ihre heilende Kraft mehr durch Reaktionsveranderung des ganzen Organismus ausuben, als durch tatsachliche Beeinflussung der Ursache des Krankheitsvorganges. Obgleich die folgende Liste ausgiebig ist, ist sie keineswegs vollstandig. Die verschiedenen Drogen, die moglicherweise wegen ahnlicher Reize nutzlich sind, — unter ihnen einige Quecksilberpraparate, Zimt- und Bernsteinsauren und ihre Salze, Ameisensaure (Chinin), die Antipyrine, Jode usw. — sind nicht aufgenommen, da ihre Besprechung zu weit fuhren wurde. Eine grose Anzahl anderer und alterer Verfahren, die in der Geschichte der Medizin einmal angewendet wurden, und die wahrscheinlich ihre Nutzlichkeit auf die namliche allgemeine Reaktion grundeten, sind ebenfalls ausgelassen worden, da lediglich eine Besprechung ihrer historischen Folge als unspezifisches therapeutisches Mittel keinen Wert haben wurde.
The Emergence of Inequality

In the history of the human species, there is no more significant transition than the emergence and institutionalization of inequality. Yet strangely, until recently, this critical issue has received less direct concern in archaeological discussions of social change than two other important evolutionary questions, the origins of agriculture and the rise of the state. In part, this lack of focused attention accounts for the pessimism cited above, especially when the enormity of this general issue is considered. Yet, in part, these comments also may stem from the inability of ecologically oriented scholars, like Binford and Kelly, to define a specific and parsimonious suite of exogenous conditions (e.g., environment, population) that can convincingly explain this key socioeconomic transition.
Disease stage-related changes in T cell receptor-VB profile in cutaneous T cell lymphoma (88.10)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the T cell receptor-Vβ (TCR-Vβ; Vβ) repertoire in patients with Mycosis Fungoides (MF) and Sezary Syndrome (SS) variants of cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) across all stages, in order to identify relationships between Vβ expression levels and disease stage. Blood was drawn from MF/SS patients (n=31) and the percentage of CD4+ T cells expressing each Vβ was determined by multiparameter flow cytometery and the change in expression levels with progressive disease stage was calculated with Spearman9s rank correlation coefficients. We found that individual TCR-Vβ families were expanded in some patients with advanced MF/SS. Further, we detected significant decreases in the proportion of five TCR-Vβs with progressive stages of disease, while the proportion of all other tested TCR-Vβ families did not change with disease stage. These data show disease stage-related changes in the expression of certain TCR-Vβs known to be activated by viral superantigens. In particular, there was a highly significant decrease in expression of TCR-Vβ13, which has been found to be activated by an EBV-associated superantigen, in advanced CTCL. Based on these findings, we theorize that in early stages of CTCL, viral infection may play a role in the expansion of specific superantigen-associated T-cells; while in later stages, these same T-cells become eliminated by a yet unknown mechanism. Funding Sources: National Institutes of Health, Dermatology Foundation, University of Pittsburgh Clinical & Translational Research Center
Single-Camera and Inter-Camera Vehicle Tracking and 3D Speed Estimation Based on Fusion of Visual and Semantic Features

Tracking of vehicles across multiple cameras with nonoverlapping views has been a challenging task for the intelligent transportation system (ITS). It is mainly because of high similarity among vehicle models, frequent occlusion, large variation in different viewing perspectives and low video resolution. In this work, we propose a fusion of visual and semantic features for both single-camera tracking (SCT) and inter-camera tracking (ICT). Specifically, a histogram-based adaptive appearance model is introduced to learn long-term history of visual features for each vehicle target. Besides, semantic features including trajectory smoothness, velocity change and temporal information are incorporated into a bottom-up clustering strategy for data association in each single camera view. Across different camera views, we also exploit other information, such as deep learning features, detected license plate features and detected car types, for vehicle re-identification. Additionally, evolutionary optimization is applied to camera calibration for reliable 3D speed estimation. Our algorithm achieves the top performance in both 3D speed estimation and vehicle re-identification at the NVIDIA AI City Challenge 2018.
Group Prenatal Care Reduces Risk of Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight: A Matched Cohort Study

Abstract Background: Group prenatal care is a promising strategy to improve perinatal outcomes. Research in larger more diverse populations with attention to adherence is needed to inform clinical ...
Pushing boundaries: High pressure, supercritical optical floating zone materials discovery

Abstract In this perspective review, we provide the rationale for utilizing supercritical fluids for solid state materials discovery in the context of recent advances in the field of high pressure synthesis. We discuss the importance of the transition from gas-like to solvent-like environments in which materials synthesis and crystallization is occurring, the appropriate conceptual frameworks for its impact on synthesis and directional solidification, and dispel popular myths. We provide an overview of materials that have been grown in single crystal form by the high pressure optical floating zone technique, report the first successful stable molten zone in an optical furnace at P = 300 bar, and show viability of the traveling solvent method even with high fluid pressures. Further, we report on some unexpected observations found in the highly dynamic synthesis environment of supercritical fluids, enabled by the ability to observe, in real time, materials behavior. Finally, we offer a perspective on the scientific domains opened by these new capabilities.
SYNTHESIS OF A NEW FLUOROGENIC SUBSTRATE FOR THE ASSAY OF PHOSPHOINOSITIDE-SPECIFIC PHOSPHOLIPASE C

Abstract The synthesis of a fluorescein-derived fluorogenic substrate, D,L-myo-inositol l-([6′-hexyloxy-3-oxo]spiro[isobenzofuran-1(3H),9′-[9H]xanthen]-3′-yl hydrogen phosphate) sodium salt 9, for assay of activity of phosphatidylinositide-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC), is described. This substrate is shown to be a sensitive substrate for bacterial PI-PLC in a continuous, non-radioactive assay.
Proper Use of Infusion Systems

The purpose of this chapter is to describe the assembly of equipment for an intravenous infusion, initiation of the infusion procedure and its termination, and some variables which result from inserting optional devices in the system.
Surgeon Workload in Colorectal Surgery: Perceived Drivers of Procedural Difficulty.

Abstract Background To understand how surgeon expectation of case difficulty relates to workload for colon and rectal procedures and to identify possible surgeon-perceived drivers contributing to case difficulty. Materials and methods For 3 mo, surgeons were asked to complete a modified NASA-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) questionnaire following each surgical case. Questions included items on distractions, fatigue, procedural difficulty, and expectation plus the validated NASA-TLX items. All but expectation were rated on a 20-point scale (0 = low, 20 = high). Expectation was rated on a 3-point scale (i.e., more difficult than expected, as expected, less difficult than expected). Surgeons also reported perceived drivers contributing to case ease or difficulty. Patient and procedural data were analyzed for procedures with completed surveys. Results Seven surgeons (three female) rated 122 procedures over the research period using a modified NASA-TLX survey. Mean surgeon-perceived workload was highest for effort (mean [M] = 10.83, standard deviation [SD] = 5.66) followed by mental demand (M = 10.18, SD = 5.17), and physical demand (M = 9.19, SD = 5.60). Procedural difficulty varied significantly by procedure type (P Conclusions Procedural difficulty significantly differed across procedure type. More than one-third of cases were more difficult than expected, during which surgeons attributed this to operative team characteristics as well as issues in patient anatomy and body habitus.
APOE4 exacerbates α-synuclein pathology and related toxicity independent of amyloid.

The apolipoprotein E (APOE) e4 allele is the strongest genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease mainly by driving amyloid-β pathology. Recently, APOE4 has also been found to be a genetic risk factor for Lewy body dementia (LBD), which includes dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson's disease dementia. How APOE4 drives risk of LBD and whether it has a direct effect on α-synuclein pathology are not clear. Here, we generated a mouse model of synucleinopathy using an adeno-associated virus gene delivery of α-synuclein in human APOE-targeted replacement mice expressing APOE2, APOE3, or APOE4. We found that APOE4, but not APOE2 or APOE3, increased α-synuclein pathology, impaired behavioral performances, worsened neuronal and synaptic loss, and increased astrogliosis at 9 months of age. Transcriptomic profiling in APOE4-expressing α-synuclein mice highlighted altered lipid and energy metabolism and synapse-related pathways. We also observed an effect of APOE4 on α-synuclein pathology in human postmortem brains with LBD and minimal amyloid pathology. Our data demonstrate a pathogenic role of APOE4 in exacerbating α-synuclein pathology independent of amyloid, providing mechanistic insights into how APOE4 increases the risk of LBD.
Illuminating the trauma of the LGBTQ closet: A cinematic-phenomenological study and film about existential rights

This phenomenological research study investigated the lived experience of the LGBTQ closet and presents the research findings in two ways: a written hermeneutic interpretation, and a short film cal...
Interstitial Hypertension Suppresses Escape of Human Breast Tumor Cells Via Convection of Interstitial Fluid

Interstitial hypertension, a rise in interstitial fluid pressure, is a common feature of many solid tumors as they progress to an invasive state. It is currently unclear whether this elevated pressure alters the probability that tumor cells eventually escape into a neighboring blood or lymphatic vessel. In this study, we analyze the escape of MDA-MB-231 human breast tumor cells from a ~3-mm-long preformed aggregate into a 120-μm-diameter empty cavity in a micromolded type I collagen gel. The “micro-tumors” were located within ~300 μm of one or two cavities. Pressures of ~0.65 cm H2O were applied only to the tumor (“interstitial hypertension”) or to its adjacent cavity. This work shows that interstitial hypertension suppresses escape into the adjacent cavity, but not because tumor cells respond directly to the pressure profile. Instead, hypertension alters the chemical microenvironment at the tumor margin to one that hampers escape. Administration of tumor interstitial fluid phenocopies the effects of hypertension. This work uncovers a link between tumor pressure, interstitial flow, and tumor cell escape in MDA-MB-231 cells, and suggests that interstitial hypertension serves to hinder further progression to metastatic escape.
State Assessment of GIS Partial Discharge Based on Chemical Analysis Method

In order to use SF 6 decomposition characteristics to assess the partial discharge (PD) degree of DC gas-insulated switchgear (GIS), the authors studied the PD characteristics of the whole process from the initial discharge to the near breakdown of the free conductive particle defect in DC GIS. $\pmb{q}_{\pmb{v}}, \pmb{n}_{\pmb{v}}$ , and $\Delta \pmb{t}_{\pmb{v}}$ are selected as the feature quantities for characterizing the PD state, and the PD severity is divided into three levels. Then, a large number of SF 6 decomposition experiments were carried out under three PD level, and the decomposition characteristics of SF 6 were obtained. The experimental results show that SF 6 decomposition produces include five stable components of CF 4 , CO 2 , SO 2 F 2 , SOF 2 and SO 2 , among which SOF 2 is the most important decomposition product, and the concentration of the remaining four products is close to each other. Finally, it is proposed to use the concentration ratios $\pmb{R}$ (CF 4 /CO 2 ) and $\pmb{R}$ [SO 2 F 2 /(SOF 2 +SO 2 )] as characteristic quantities to study the correlation between SF 6 decomposition components and PD degree. And based on the C4.5 algorithm, a decision tree for the PD degree assessment is constructed with an accuracy rate of 91.67%.
Counting profile strings from rectangular tilings

We study the enumeration of profiles, which are outlines that occur when tiling a rectangular board with squares, dominoes, and trominoes. Profiles of length m correspond to a special subset of the set {0,1,2,3}m, called profile strings. Profiles and their corresponding strings first appeared in the enumeration of the tilings of rectangular 2×n and 3×n boards with squares, dominoes, and trominoes. Profiles also play a role in enumerating the tilings of an m×n board for any fixed m≥2. We describe how profiles arise when enumerating tilings, and we prove that the number of profile strings of length m equals m⋅3m−1.
Neuromuscular Junction Model Optimized for Electrical Platforms

Neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), specialized synapses between motor neurons and muscle fibers, are essential for muscle activity. A simple and reproducible cell-based in vitro NMJ platform is needed...
Semi-structured recurring decisions: an experimental study of decision making models and some suggestions for DSS

A key to designing the effective computer-based decision support system is deciding which models best support the decision makers. Since most decision support systems include optimizing rater than tracking models, this experiment examines the evidence for tracking when making a production scheduling decision. The experiment found evidence that tracking behavior was occurring. This suggests the need to support tracking behavior with decision support systems. Approaches to such support are offered.
Hypertonic dehydration (hypernatremia): the role of feedings high in solutes.

An epidemic of nonspecific primary gastroenteritis in Minnesota in 1958 encompassed a number of cases of hypertonic dehydration among these infants and this marked increase in incidence of hypertonic dehydration led this study to evaluate the feeding histories of these infants. The purpose of this report was to accent the role that early treatment of mild to moderate diarrheal disease in the home may play in increasing the frequency of the hypertonic dehydration complication of gastroenteritis. Analysis of the feedings received by the 35 infants in this series during the initial phase of diarrhea indicated that those who developed hypernatremia had been fed materials in which the ratio of solutes to water was higher than that in the estimated continuing losses of fluid through stools urine and skin/lungs. The 17 (of 35) infants iwith hypernatremia all had received during the period of continuing diarrheal loss either whole milk without supplemental water whole milk with supplements of a commercially prepared oral hypotonic electrolyte solution (OES) or OES alone. No causative organism could be isolated from any of the infants in this epidemic so that it was impossible to say that the agent causing the gastroenteritis was not also responsible for the unusual frequency of hypertonicity. 4 deaths occurred in this series. These findings underscore the need to reassess throughout the disease process the efficacy of oral rehydration and that parenteral administration of solution is often necessary. In situations of mild gastroenteritis the primary need of the young infant who has higher requirements for water to meet the insensible and renal demands is for waer not obligated to solute.
Introduction to Complexity Theory

The remaining chapters of this book are concerned with complexity theory. The goal of complexity theory is to provide mechanisms for classifying combinatorial problems and measuring the computational resources necessary to solve them. Complexity theory provides an explanation of why certain problems have no practical solutions and provides a way of anticipating difficulties involved in solving problems of certain types. The classification is quantitative and is intended to investigate what resources are necessary (lower bounds) and what resources are sufficient (upper bounds) to solve various problems.
Chassis Control Systems

The future of chassis control systems is strongly dependent on the development of sensors, electronic controllers, and the intelligence of the engineers to find useful solutions to improve driving safety and driving comfort. Chassis control is structured into the three degrees of freedom: longitudinal, lateral, and vertical dynamics. According to this, the vehicle aggregates under consideration are the brakes, the drive train with the traction forces, the steering systems at the front and the rear axles, and the springs and dampers. Following this systematic approach, this chapter deals with the different parts of the cars and their applications, the possibilities to influence these functions, and finally, the necessary electronic systems to have the networking of the systems/functions. New technological solutions such as electronic power steering, electric drive trains, and electronic control systems allow the impressive improvements for the future. The chapter discusses the communication between the systems and the technical solutions, which are already used. The high exchange rate of data requires special bus systems and gateways to connect the systems and the busses with each other. It is shown how the different domains will be connected to the required functions of today and the future. Keywords: adaptive damping; air springs; brake control; CAN bus; chassis; distributed intelligence; electric power steering; electronic stability program; Flexray; hydraulic chassis; stabilizer; vehicle dynamic theory; wheel hub electric motor
Interpreting Survey Data to Inform Solid-Waste Education Programs

Few examples exist on how to use survey data to inform public environmental education programs. I suggest a process for interpreting statewide survey data with the four questions that give insights into local context and make it possible to gain insight into potential target audiences and community priorities. The four questions are: What percentage of the problem is the target audience causing? What is the probability of change? What are the community's priorities? Is it more advantageous to use educational funds to educate about other important solid-waste issues or community priorities? Survey data combined with the answers to these four questions form the basis for creating local environmental education programs. Examples from solid-waste management are used to illustrate the process.