cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alterations in Cholesterol Metabolism Restrict HIV-1 Trans Infection in Nonprogressors

ABSTRACT HIV-1-infected nonprogressors (NP) inhibit disease progression for years without antiretroviral therapy. Defining the mechanisms for this resistance to disease progression could be important in determining strategies for controlling HIV-1 infection. Here we show that two types of professional antigen-presenting cells (APC), i.e., dendritic cells (DC) and B lymphocytes, from NP lacked the ability to mediate HIV-1 trans infection of CD4(+) T cells. In contrast, APC from HIV-1-infected progressors (PR) and HIV-1-seronegative donors (SN) were highly effective in mediating HIV-1 trans infection. Direct cis infection of T cells with HIV-1 was comparably efficient among NP, PR, and SN. Lack of HIV-1 trans infection in NP was linked to lower cholesterol levels and an increase in the levels of the reverse cholesterol transporter ABCA1 (ATP-binding cassette transporter A1) in APC but not in T cells. Moreover, trans infection mediated by APC from NP could be restored by reconstitution of cholesterol and by inhibiting ABCA1 by mRNA interference. Importantly, this appears to be an inherited trait, as it was evident in APC obtained from NP prior to their primary HIV-1 infection. The present study demonstrates a new mechanism wherein enhanced lipid metabolism in APC results in remarkable control of HIV-1 trans infection that directly relates to lack of HIV-1 disease progression. IMPORTANCE HIV-1 can be captured by antigen-presenting cells (APC) such as dendritic cells and transferred to CD4 helper T cells, which results in greatly enhanced viral replication by a mechanism termed trans infection. A small percentage of HIV-1-infected persons are able to control disease progression for many years without antiretroviral therapy. In our study, we linked this lack of disease progression to a profound inability of APC from these individuals to trans infect T cells. This effect was due to altered lipid metabolism in their APC, which appears to be an inherited trait. These results provide a basis for therapeutic interventions to control of HIV-1 infection through modulation of cholesterol metabolism.
WILL PEOPLE BE HEALTHY ENOUGH TO WORK LONGER

If Americans continue to retire at age 63, a great many will risk income shortfalls especially at older ages. Because work directly increases current income, Social Security benefits, retirement saving, and decreases the length of retirement, a logical solution would be to increase the age of retirement. But are Americans healthy enough to work longer? Using the National Health Interview Study, this paper shows that healthy life expectancy increased by about three years over 1970-2000 for the average 50-year-old man. This increase is largely the result of men moving up the education ladder, with minimal increases within educational groups. Moreover, major disparities in healthy life expectancy remain between those in the bottom and top quartiles of the population. And these disparities mean that a vulnerable portion of the population - perhaps those who most need to work longer - might not be able to extend their work lives.
Toeplitz and circulant matrices

The fundamental theorems on the asymptotic behavior of eigenvalues, inverses, and products of banded Toeplitz matrices and Toeplitz matrices with absolutely summable elements are derived in a tutorial manner. Mathematical elegance and generality are sacrificed for conceptual simplicity and insight in the hope of making these results available to engineers lacking either the background or endurance to attack the mathematical literature on the subject. By limiting the generality of the matrices considered, the essential ideas and results can be conveyed in a more intuitive manner without the mathematical machinery required for the most general cases. As an application the results are applied to the study of the covariance matrices and their factors of linear models of discrete time random processes.
Anterolateral papillary muscle rupture: an unusual complication of septic coronary embolism

In most cases, acute mitral valve regurgitation in the setting of infective endocarditis is caused by the destruction of either the mitral valve leaflets or the chordal apparatus. A 54-year-old woman had development of respiratory failure due to pulmonary oedema from severe acute mitral valve regurgitation in the setting of acute bacterial endocarditis. She was found to have a ruptured anterolateral papillary muscle from occlusion of the circumflex artery by embolic vegetations arising from the aortic valve. Although this occurrence is uncommon, an embolic phenomenon resulting in myocardial infarction and subsequent rupture of papillary muscle must be considered as a cause of acute severe mitral valve regurgitation.
New scales help public, technicians understand space weather

The Space Weather Scales of the US. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration were recently developed by NOAA's Space Environment Center (SEC) to improve understanding of space weather events among technical operators and the general public alike. The scales (see tables) serve as a sort of Richter scale that correlates space weather events with their likely effects on electric power, satellites, and other systems. To many who view space weather as an obscure field, the NOAA Space Weather Scales will convey useful information and perhaps pique new scientific interest. The SEC has forecasted the space environment for more than 35 years, alerting users to existing conditions between the Sun and Earth. Demand for these services has grown as technology susceptible to space weather damage has increased in use. Satellites, for example—which were once rare and only government-owned—are now numerous, and many are commercially owned. Transmissions to and from those satellites now carry weather information and military surveillance, television and other communications signals, credit card and pager information, navigation data, and cell phone conversations.
Activity‐based approach to justification of advanced factory management systems

Looks at the literature to date which has indicated some successful cases of using traditional economic analysis techniques in justifying factory automation. Points out, however, that strategic implications and integration effects of factory control systems are beyond the scope of currently available justification schemes. Presents a new approach to justification of advanced factory management systems, namely activity‐based costing (ABC). Introduces frameworks of typical advanced factory management systems and briefly discusses basic concepts, definitions and current applications of ABC. Enumerates the need for this new justification approach, the hierarchy of factory operating expenses and steps to implement ABC in acquiring advanced factory management systems. Concludes with a case study example to illustrate the application of this new approach.
Mass Spectrometric Analyses of Purified Rhesus Monkey Rhadinovirus Reveal 33 Virion-Associated Proteins

The repertoire of proteins that comprise intact gammaherpesviruses, including the human pathogen Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), is likely to have critical functions not only in viral structure and assembly but also in the early stages of infection and evasion of the host's rapidly deployed antiviral defenses. To develop a better understanding of these proteins, we analyzed the composition of rhesus monkey rhadinovirus (RRV), a close phylogenetic relative of KSHV. Unlike KSHV, RRV replicates to high titer in cell culture and thus serves as an effective model for studying primate gammaherpesvirus structure and virion proteomics. We employed two complementary mass spectrometric approaches and found that RRV contains at least 33 distinct virally encoded proteins. We have assigned 7 of these proteins to the capsid, 17 to the tegument, and 9 to the envelope. Of the five gammaherpesvirus-specific tegument proteins, three have no known function. We also found three proteins not previously associated with a purified herpesvirus and an additional seven that represent new findings for a member of the gamma-2 herpesviruses. Detergent extraction resulted in particles that contained six distinct tegument proteins in addition to the expected capsid structural proteins, suggesting that this subset of tegument components may interact more directly with or with higher affinity for the underlying capsid and, in turn, may play a role in assembly or transport of viral or subviral particles during entry or egress.
TWO CLOSELY LINKED MUTATIONS IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER THAT ARE LETHAL TO OPPOSITE SEXES AND INTERACT WITH DAUGHTERLESS

A new spontaneous mutation named Sex-lethal, Male-specific #1 (SxlM1) is described that is lethal to males, even in the presence of an Sxl+ duplication. Females homozygous for SxlM1 are fully viable. This dominant, male-specific lethal mutation is on the X chromosome approximately 0.007 map units to the right of a previously isolated female-specific mutation, Female-lethal, here renamed Sex-lethal, Female-specific #1 (SxlF1). SxlM1 and SxlF1 are opposite in nearly every respect, particularly with regard to their interaction with the maternal effect of the autosomal mutation, daughterless (da). Females that are homozygous for da produce defective eggs that cannot support female (XX) development. A single dose of SxlM1 enables daughters to survive this da female-specific lethal maternal effect. A duplication of the Sxl locus weakly mimics this action of SxlM1. In contrast, SxlF1 and a deficiency for Sxl, strongly enhance the female-lethal effects of da. The actions of SxlM1 and SxlF1 are explained by a model in which expression of the Sxl locus is essential for females, lethal for males, and under the control of a product of the da locus. It is suggested that SxlM1 is a constitutive mutation at the Sxl locus.
Structure and Dynamics of a Tropical Squall–Line System

Abstract A tropical squall-line system which moved over the observational network of the Global Atmospheric Research Programme's Atlantic Tropical Experiment (GATE) was investigated using rawinsonde, weather radar, satellite, surface meteorological, acoustic sounder and cloud photographic data. Combining these data led to a detailed synthesis of the three-dimensional structure, dynamics and life cycle of the disturbance. The squall-line system consisted of a squall line forming the leading edge of the system and a trailing anvil cloud region. The squall line was made up of discrete active centers of cumulonimbus convection, referred to as line elements (LE's). New LE's formed ahead of the squall line. Old LE's weekened toward the rear of the line and blended into the trailing anvil region as they dissipated. Each LE progressed through a period of rapid growth, with echo tops penetrating the tropopause to maximum heights of 16–17 km, then decreasing to heights of 13–14 km, which corresponds to the height o...
A Community Building Perspective in Social Work Education

ABSTRACT This paper presents a community building perspective as integral to all aspects of social work education. Community building theories have existed for many years but community building practice approaches are just beginning to emerge. Organizational studies have primarily looked at community building in suburban or rural areas and for prevention of child abuse and neglect (Earls, McGuire & Shay 1994; Garbarino & Kostelny, 1992; Glisson & James, 1992; Halpern, 1996; Mulroy & Shay, 1997; Shay, 1995) or in youth leadership development (Finn & Checkoway, 1998; Lerner, 1996). These studies demonstrate the basic principles of community building practice. These include involving community residents as partners rather than clients as they establish community or neighborhood networks that use empowerment strategies and a community asset approach (Naparstek & Dooley, 1997). This paper examines incorporating community building practice into graduate social work education primarily through field education an...
The Khar'kov Operation, 12–27 May 1942

(1992). The Khar'kov Operation, 12–27 May 1942. The Journal of Soviet Military Studies: Vol. 5, No. 3, pp. 494-510.
Abstract 9: Development And Testing Of A Human Induced Pluripotetent Stem Cell Derived Cardiac Scaffold

Introduction: Cell-based regenerative therapies hold promise in providing treatment strategies for heart failure. Previous work from our laboratory has shown that tissue engineered cardiac constructs enhance improvements in cardiac function by providing structural and nutrient support, potentially aiding in transplanted cell survival, integration and re-population of injured tissues. Our current studies focus on the development and testing of second-generation cardiac constructs utilizing high purity human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs). Methods: High purity hiPSC-CMs were seeded and co-cultured onto a vicryl matrix embedded with biologically active human dermal fibroblasts. The hiPSC-CM constructs were maintained at 37°C and 5% CO2. Patches were constructed maintained as described for both in vitro and in vivo evaluation. Patches for in vivo evaluation were seeded, cultured and implanted onto the rat heart 3 weeks after left coronary artery ligation to assess improvements in LV function. Patches prepared for in vitro evaluation were seeded and cultured 1-10 days. Results: Patches constructed with hiPSC-CMs displayed synchronized and spontaneous contractions within 48hrs of culture which developed in robustness over time. At maximal robustness, contractions were visualized across the full thickness of the construct. Contractions were recorded at 36+5 beats BPM. In addition hiPSC-CM constructs respond to electrical stimulation with increased rate of contraction while maintaining their synchrony. Post pacing, the hiPSC-CM constructs return to their intrinsic rhythm. Conclusion: These findings show that high purity hiPSC-CMs can be seeded and co-cultured onto a vicryl and fibroblast construct in manner permitting adhesion and electromechanical coupling of the hiPSC-CMs to form a fully contractile construct. This is supported by the observation that the hiPSC-CMs contract spontaneously and in a synchronized manner in a directional fashion.
Local predation risk shapes spatial and foraging neophobia patterns in Trinidadian guppies

The "dangerous niche" hypothesis posits that neophobia functions to reduce the cost of habitat use among animals exposed to unknown risks. For example, more dangerous foraging or higher competition may lead to increased spatial neophobia. Likewise, elevated ambient predation threats have been shown to induce phenotypically plastic neophobic predator avoidance. In both cases, neophobia is argued to reduce the cost of living associated with ecological uncertainty. Here, we test the hypothesis that ambient predation shapes both neophobic predator avoidance and spatial and foraging neophobia in Trinidadian guppies. Guppies were exposed to a novel foraging arena paired with a known cue (conspecific alarm cue), a novel cue (lemon odor), or a stream water control in three streams differing in ambient predation risk. We demonstrate that guppies from a high-predation-risk stream exhibited risk-averse foraging patterns regardless of the chemical stimulus presented (high spatial neophobia) and that those from a low-predation-risk stream were only risk-averse when the foraging arenas were paired with conspecific alarm cue (lower spatial neophobia). Those tested in the intermediate-predation-risk stream were consistently intermediate to the high-risk vs. low-risk populations. Our study suggests that ambient predation risk shapes both neophobic predator avoidance and space-use patterns and that neophobia may function as a "generalized" response to ecological uncertainty.
The Rice Water Weevil Problem in Arkansas

The rice water weevil ( Lissorhoptrus simplex Say) occurs in large numbers in all rice fields in Arkansas, and is the only generally distributed pest of this crop in this region. The larvae feed on the roots of rice and are frequently charged with causing great damage. In large cage experiments the yield of rice in uninfested cages was approximately 35 per cent greater than it was in cages artificially infested. The loss caused by this insect may be reduced by drainage, at the time the majority of the larvae have entered the third instar and before severe root pruning begins. Drainage should continue until the soil is thoroughly dried.
Ultrasound of the pectoralis major muscle after reverse shoulder arthroplasty: A case report

Only a few reports exist in the literature for sonographic assessment of the pectoralis major muscle. Presented is a case of pectoralis major muscle atrophy as a cause of persistent internal rotation weakness diagnosed via ultrasound in a patient with multiple previous surgeries and contraindication to magnetic resonance imaging because of a shoulder implant. This patient's physical examination suggested an abnormal contour of the pectoralis major muscle on contraction, so he was referred for diagnostic ultrasound. The ultrasound was key to guiding the management of this patient because surgical repair of a torn pectoralis major muscle was planned if this was found. No pectoralis major tear or rupture was seen on ultrasound, but there was evidence of pectoralis major muscle atrophy. Accordingly, surgery was avoided and the patient was able to continue with his physical therapy program.
How does the Presence of a Special Education Teacher impact Co-teachers’ Behavior in an Inclusive Classroom

The majority of studies regarding co-teaching have primarily looked at what specific instructional practices and teacher characteristics are needed to make co-teaching an effective practice. In contrast, this study investigates how co-teaching affects a teacher’s particular teaching style and behavior. Of greatest interest is how a teacher’s use of instructional technology is impacted by the presence of a co-teacher. With many schools making inclusion a priority, the number of co-taught classes is increasing. In order for students to gain the most from classes that are co-taught, it is important that we first understand the factors that affect co-teachers. Once we understand these factors, it will be possible to increase the effectiveness of coteachers.
The functional protective effect and the mechanism of curcumin on IL-6 induced neuronal damage in rat hippocampus

Aim:The present study was performed in vitro on rat brain slices to determine the functional effect of curcumin on IL-6-induced neuronal damage in rat hippocampus,and to study the molecular mechanism of the impact for curcumin on IL-6 neurotoxicity. Methods: In vitro brain slices recording techniques were used to record the excitatory postsynaptic potential(EPSP) of CA1 pyramidal layer of rat hippocampal brain slices.High frequency stimulation(HFS) was given on Schaffer branches to induce long-term potentiation(LTP).The initial slope of EPSP was then measured in the treatments of IL-6 or NMDA with or without curcumin.Results: Compared with the control group incubated only with artificial cerebrospinal fluid(ACSF),IL-6 and NMDA markedly inhibited LTP of hippocampal brain slices of rats(P0.05).The inhibition ofLTP by IL-6 or NMDA was partially but significantly prevented by addition of curcumin(IL-6 versus IL-6 plus curcumin,P0.05;NMDA versus NMDA plus curcumin,P0.05).IL-6,curcumin and NMDA had no effects on basal synaptic transmission of hippocampal slices.Conclusion:Curcumin has a protective role on hippocampal neurons through NMDA receptor on the neuronal omembrane,reversing the damage induced by IL-6.
Estimating the Effect of State Zero Tolerance Laws on Exclusionary Discipline, Racial Discipline Gaps, and Student Behavior:

Zero tolerance discipline policies have come under criticism as contributors to racial discipline gaps; however, few studies have explicitly examined such policies. This study utilizes data from two nationally representative data sources to examine the effect of state zero tolerance laws on suspension rates and principal perceptions of problem behaviors. Utilizing state and year fixed effects models, this study finds that state zero tolerance laws are predictive of a 0.5 percentage point increase in district suspension rates and no consistent decreases in principals’ perceptions of problem behaviors. Furthermore, the results indicate that the laws are predictive of larger increases in suspension rates for Blacks than Whites, potentially contributing to the Black–White suspension gap. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.
Nonfearful panic disorder in neurology patients validated by lactate challenge.

Objective Nonfearful panic disorder meets the DSM-III-R criteria for panic disorder but is not associated with subjective fear and anxiety. The authors determined its prevalence in a group of neurology patients and assessed its diagnostic validity as a panic disorder subtype by evaluating the response of the patients with nonfearful panic disorder to sodium lactate and antipanic pharmacotherapy. Method The subjects were all neurology patients referred over 1 year to a university hospital's psychiatric consultation service because of negative medical workups for their symptoms (N = 48). Patients who met the DSM-III-R criteria for panic disorder but did not report subjective anxiety or fear during panic episodes were diagnosed as having nonfearful panic disorder. Afterward, each of those patients received a sodium lactate infusion and, 5 hours later, a sodium chloride infusion. They were then treated with antipanic medication and followed for at least 6 months. Results Of the 48 neurology patients referred for psychiatric evaluation, 11 (23%) met the criteria for panic disorder, and all 11 met the criteria for nonfearful panic disorder. All 11 responded positively to lactate but not to placebo, and they each experienced an at least 75% reduction in symptoms during the 6-month follow-up period. Detailed case reports of three of these patients are presented. Conclusions These findings support the construct and predictive diagnostic validity of nonfearful panic disorder as a subtype of panic disorder and suggest that a lack of attention to this group leads to both the underestimation of the prevalence of panic disorder and to the withholding of potentially successful treatments for this group.
Response to Open Peer Commentaries on “Human Germline CRISPR-Cas Modification: Toward a Regulatory Framework”

In our target article “Human Germline CRISPR-Cas Modification: Toward a Regulatory Framework” (Evitt, Mascharak, and Altman 2015), we present a model regulatory strategy to responsibly evaluate cli...
Epigenetic Mechanisms of Stem Cell Aging and Rejuvenation

For most tissues, stem cell numbers decline negligibly with age; nevertheless, there is an age-dependent decline in stem cell functionality. Many molecular, biochemical, and functional features of stem cells have been characterized across a broad range of tissues, and these changes have been assumed to be largely irreversible and inevitable accompaniments of aging. However, in studies both in vivo and in vitro we have demonstrated a reversibility of the functional and, in some cases, molecular characteristics of aged stem cells. Supported by compelling data from studies of heterochronic parabiotic pairings of mice, it is clear that the aged phenotype can be modified when aged cells are exposed to a youthful systemic milieu. These findings challenge the fundamental tenet of aging as an irreversible process and raises the question of whether, or to what extent, the aged phenotype is epigenetically determined. We have begun to examine the epigenetic profiles of young, old, and “rejuvenated” old stem cells to attempt to define youthfulness and aging in epigenetic terms. To the extent that aging can be “reprogrammed” back to youthfulness in somatic tissues, it has parallels to the resetting of the aging clock that occurs with somatic cell nuclear transfer. Elucidating the underlying molecular features, both genetic and epigenetic, of aged stem cells will provide a framework for understanding the fundamental molecular mechanisms of aging and the mechanisms by which environmental influences, such as those that occur in the setting of heterochronic parabiosis, can reverse the mechanisms of aging. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
A case for true morphological crypsis: Pacific Dasya anastomosans and Atlantic D. cryptica sp. nov. (Dasyaceae, Rhodophyta)

Abstract: With the advent of regular genetic bar coding for taxonomic distinction a decade ago, descriptions of morphologically cryptic species have exploded in the macroalgal literature. A review of this literature is provided. Produced by either convergence of morphological characteristics by geographically distant species or divergence of species from a common ancestor, cryptic species can often be distinguished by subtle anatomical or reproductive features. Some species pairs, however, remain indistinguishable with overlapping characteristics even upon close inspection. Such a case is demonstrated for two species differentiated by sequences of a portion of the rbcL chloroplast gene: Dasya anastomosans from the Indo-Pacific and D. cryptica sp. nov. from the western Atlantic. After assembling morphological and anatomical data for the two species, no significant differences were detected between them, thus affording the usage of the epithet for the new species from an ocean basin more distant than its co...
Muslim Belonging in Hindu South Asia: Ambivalence and Difference in Nepali Public Discourses:

AbstractThe role of Islam and Muslims in secular Hindu South Asia is central to debates about who belongs and what constitutes national identity. This article examines the symbolic and abstract dimensions of the representations of Muslim minority belonging in the secular but Hindu majority state of Nepal. Through analysis of discourses in Nepal (English, Urdu and Nepali) about Muslims, I argue there is an underlying narrative representing Muslims as either cooperative supporters of Hindu religious life in a Hindu majority culture or as dangerous non-patriots with proclivities to violence. I argue that both representations are problematic, as neither correspond with the lived realities of this internally diverse and increasingly globalised religious minority. I also attempt to demonstrate that these narrative tropes bring into view important distinctions between religion as an abstract category and religion as a lived reality for Muslims in contemporary South Asia.
Older Adults More Likely to Discuss Advance Care Plans With an Attorney Than With a Physician

Adults are encouraged to discuss their end-of-life health care preferences so that their wishes will be known and hopefully honored. The purpose of this study was to determine with whom older adult...
Impact of Palliative Chemotherapy and Travel Distance on Hospice Referral in Patients With Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis Within a Veterans Administration Medical Center:

Background:Metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) has a poor prognosis despite chemotherapy advancements. Although hospice utilization has increased, timing of referral is not always optimal.Aim:To investigate whether palliative chemotherapy and travel distance to the treatment center impact hospice referral patterns in veterans of the US military in order to identify potential areas for improving referral timing.Design:Demographic and clinical data were collected retrospectively according to the timing of hospice referral.Settings/Participants:Patients with mPDAC within a Veterans Administration Medical Center from 2005 to 2014.Results:Of 58 patients identified, 52 were referred to hospice. The median time from diagnosis to referral and referral to death was 2.4 and 3.1 weeks, respectively. Palliative chemotherapy was administered to 22 (42.3%) patients, with 30 (57.7%) patients not treated due to poor functional status (n = 16, 53.3%) or patient refusal (n = 14, 46.7%). Subset analysis for ...
Participatory place mapping in fire planning

Place situates social phenomena in geographical space, and thus the concept of place demands careful consideration of the role of scale and how different scales interact. This chapter discusses a study that used participatory mapping methods to examine the relationship between place meanings and proposed management actions. The results showed that while participating landowners readily described and mapped special places, site-specific special places did not influence views on fire and fuels management. Instead landowner preferences for fire and fuels management were situated almost entirely at larger scales and explained by broader worldviews and ideologies about proper stewardship and the appropriate human-nature relationship. Getting scale “right” is critically important for public lands managers engaged in project planning at multiple scales.
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy for Thyroid Cancer

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is a technology that makes it possible to shape the radiation dose distribution in a way that is not possible with conventional delivery systems. The main rationale for using IMRT is to decrease normal tissue damage. However, there are people who talk about IMRT as if it were a fundamentally different kind of radiation therapy. This is not the situation. All of the hardwaremeaning the machines that generate the radiation beam, the blocking devices, and the imaging equipmentused with IMRT is the same as that currently used for conventional radiotherapy. The unique thing about IMRT is the computer software that plans and directs radiation delivery. With IMRT, computer programs direct radiation blocking devices (multileaf collimators) to split a small number of conventional radiotherapy beams into a large number (sometimes hundreds) of small “beamlettes”. The IMRT planning program is able to adjust the shape and intensity of each beamlette in a way that matches the radiation dose distribution to the shape of the target volume better than conventional radiation therapy systems. A more detailed explanation of IMRT is beyond the scope of this book and not necessary to understand the role of IMRT in treating patients with thyroid cancer.
Reoperation for Symptomatic Nonunions in Atlantoaxial (C1-C2) Fusions with and without Bone Morphogenetic Protein: A Cohort of 108 Patients with >2 Years Follow-Up

Objective To determine if there is a difference in reoperation rates for symptomatic nonunions in atlantoaxial (C1-C2) fusions with or without bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) using data from a national spine registry and to analyze the different types of bone grafts used in the non-BMP group. Methods Data from the Kaiser Permanente spine registry were used to identify patients with C1-C2 fusions with >2 years follow-up. Patient characteristics, diagnosis, operative times, length of stay, and reoperations were extracted from the registry. The data set was divided into patients with and without BMP. Further analysis was made of the different types of non-BMP grafts as well as the instrumentation used. Results In our cohort, we found 58 patients (53.7%) with BMP and 50 patients (46.3%) without with an average follow-up time of 5 years (interquartile range, 2.04–8.49). The BMP versus non-BMP groups differed in admitting diagnosis, operative times, length of stay, and follow-up times. There were no reoperations for symptomatic nonunions in both groups. The non-BMP group included iliac crest graft (with or without allograft [+/−] allograft); lamina (+/− allograft); and allograft alone. Conclusions Using one of the largest retrospective studies on C1-C2 fusions with and without BMP, we found no difference in reoperation rates for symptomatic nonunions. For the non-BMP group, we found that lamina (+/− allograft) or allograft alone may also be just as effective as iliac crest graft (+/− allograft) in having no reoperations for symptomatic nonunions.
National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Immediate Management of Appendicular Joint Dislocations

Objective To provide certified athletic trainers (ATs) with recommendations and guidelines for the immediate management of patients with joint dislocations. Background One of the primary responsibi...
Parallel membership queries on very large scientific data sets using bitmap indexes

Author(s): Yildiz, B; Wu, K; Byna, S; Shoshani, A | Abstract: Many scientific applications produce very large amounts of data as advances in hardware fuel computing and experimental facilities. Managing and analyzing massive quantities of scientific data is challenging as data are often stored in specific formatted files, such as HDF5 and NetCDF, which do not offer appropriate search capabilities. In this research, we investigated a special class of search capability, called membership query, to identify whether queried elements of a set are members of an attribute. Attributes that naturally have classification values appear frequently in scientific domains such as category and object type as well as in daily life such as zip code and occupation. Because classification attribute values are discrete and require random data access, performing a membership query on a large scientific data set creates challenges. We applied bitmap indexing and parallelization to membership queries to overcome these challenges. Bitmap indexing provides high performance not only for low cardinality attributes but also for high cardinality attributes, such as floating-point variables, electric charge, or momentum in a particle physics data set, due to compression algorithms such as Word-Aligned Hybrid. We conducted experiments, in a highly parallelized environment, on data obtained from a particle accelerator model and a synthetic data set.
Enhanced recovery in liver surgery

Enhanced recovery in liver surgery has been shown to improve outcomes including patient-reported outcomes, length of stay, return to intended oncology therapy, and cost. The goal of this chapter will be to review the elements of a modern enhanced recovery pathway that is utilized across the entire episode of care in liver surgery.
Tracking legacy mercury in the Hackensack River estuary using mercury stable isotopes

Abstract Spatial redistribution of legacy mercury (Hg) contamination in the Hackensack River estuary (New Jersey, USA) was evaluated using mercury stable isotopes. Total Hg varied from 0.06 to 3.8 μg g−1 in sediment from the tidal Hackensack River and from 15 to 154 μg g−1 near historically contaminated sites in upper Berry's Creek, a tributary of the Hackensack River. δ202Hg values for total Hg from Berry's Creek and Hackensack River estuaries varied over a fairly narrow range (−0.44‰ to −0.21‰), but were highest for sediment from upper Berry's Creek. Isotope mixing plots show that residual legacy mercury from upper Berry's Creek is partially diluted by a low concentration and low δ202Hg pool of mercury associated with low organic matter content sediments similar to those in Newark Bay. Based on an isotope mixing model, we estimate that upper Berry’s Creek contributes 21%–82% of the mercury in sediments in the Hackensack River estuary and its tidal tributaries, including upstream marsh habitats far from the primary source. Our results show that mercury stable isotopes can be used to track the redistribution of mercury in tidal ecosystems and highlight the potentially large areas which may be affected by legacy mercury contamination in estuaries.
Design of facial recognition system implemented in an unmanned aerial vehicle for citizen security in Latin America

In the new technological era, facial recognition has become a central issue for a great number of engineers. Currently, there are a great number of techniques for facial recognition, but in this research, we focus on the use of deep learning. The problems with current facial recognition convection systems are that they are developed in non-mobile devices. This research intends to develop a Facial Recognition System implemented in an unmanned aerial vehicle of the quadcopter type. While it is true, there are quadcopters capable of detecting faces and/or shapes and following them, but most are for fun and entertainment. This research focuses on the facial recognition of people with criminal records, for which a neural network is trained. The Caffe framework is used for the training of a convolutional neural network. The system is developed on the NVIDIA Jetson TX2 motherboard. The design and construction of the quadcopter are done from scratch because we need the UAV for adapt to our requirements. This research aims to reduce violence and crime in Latin America.
E-108 Incidence of in-situ thrombosis in acute large vessel occlusion: review of 168 thrombectomy patients

Introduction Acute large vessel occlusion (LVO) presenting with stroke symptoms may occur as a result of embolic occlusion, in-situ thrombosis of intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis or intracranial arterial dissection, vasculopathy, or other etiologies. The literature reflects variation in the incidence of these pathologies depending on geography, heredity, smoking history, as well as others factors. Methods We retrospectively analyzed a consecutive series of 168 patients who presented with acute stroke symptoms and imaging revealing intracranial large vessel occlusion, who underwent cerebral angiography and attempted endovascular thrombectomy. Patients who underwent successful thrombectomy with no evidence of post-thrombectomy underlying ICAD lesion, dissection, or other vascular abnormality were presumed to have an embolic cause of their LVO. Patients who had an underlying vessel abnormality post-thrombectomy (exclusive of mechanical vasospasm) and no history of atrial fibrillation or other embolic risk factor were categorized as in-situthrombosis. Results Of the 168 patients, 151 arteries were revascularized with no post-thrombectomy vessel abnormality, indicating potential embolic cause. The remaining 17 patients had an underlying abnormality of which 15 appeared to be atherosclerotic in nature and 2 with underlying arterial dissection. These patients were initially indentified by the inability to pass the occlusive lesion with a J shape microwire. All 17 patients underwent angioplasty of their stenotic lesion at the time of thrombectomy. In addition, 13 patients underwent intracranial stenting. This included 8 patients stented acutely and 5 patients stented in a delayed fashion. Stenting was typically performed acutely if there was significant arterial recoil or lack of sufficient flow following angioplasty alone. One patient appeared to have an acute stent thrombosis within 12 hours of stenting. Conclusions Although the majority of acute LVO stroke was embolic in this series, 10.1% of patients appeared to have a clinical picture more consistent with in-situthrombosis and 8.9% of the total patient cohort appeared to have an underlying ICAD lesion. Within this regional series, in-situ occlusion is a less common, but significant pathology, that may require different treatment strategies that conventional thrombectomy for LVO. Disclosures M. Alexander: 2; C; Stryker Neurovascular, Medtronic, Penumbra, Inc. Z. Barnard: None.
The Top 100 Cited Articles in Urethral Reconstruction

Author(s): Lee, Austin W; Ramstein, Joris; Cohen, Andrew J; Agochukwu-Mmonu, Nnenaya; Patino, German; Breyer, Benjamin N | Abstract: ObjectiveTo examine the most cited literature in urethral reconstruction, review types of work published, and observe research trends.MethodsThe Web of Sciences Sci-Expanded Index was used to conduct a search for urethral reconstruction. References were assessed for relevance to urethral reconstruction by 2 independent reviewers and a final list of the top 100 articles ranked by citation count was obtained. For each article, citation count, publication date, corresponding author, origin institution, origin country, topic area, study design, level of evidence, and origin journal were collected.ResultsThe mean citation count per publication was 108 (median = 94.5; range = 69-366, SD = 43) with a total of 10,874 citations for all papers since 1970. The top 100 articles were published between 1973 and 2011, came from 19 different countries and 16 different journals. Nearly half were case series and most studies were Level III evidence or lower. The United States was the largest contributor to the top 100 with 56 publications, followed by Italy (14), England (12), and Egypt (7). "Outcomes of surgical treatment for urethral stricture disease" was the most prevalent topic area comprising 55 articles in the top 100, with most articles including descriptions or outcomes of novel surgical techniques.ConclusionIn this study, we discovered that the most cited literature in the field of urethral reconstruction is singularly focused and lacking in high levels of evidence. The top 100 cited articles originate primarily from the United States, focus on short-term outcomes after surgical treatment for urethral stricture disease, and are predominantly case series.
Balazs thought experiment and its implications for the electromagnetic force density in continuous media. Relativistic analysis

Abstract We analyze the Balazs thought experiment under minimal assumptions and show that the two expressions for the force density that have been recently discussed in the literature (the conventional Lorentz force density and the generalized or Einstein–Laub force density) are fully consistent with conservation of energy, conservation of momentum and the center-of-energy theorem. This conclusion contradicts some of the previously published claims that the conventional Lorentz force density is inconsistent with the center-of-energy theorem. We identify the sources of errors in these claims. We conclude that the conventional Lorentz force density captures all experimentally-observable effects of interaction of electromagnetic fields with matter and no other law or postulate (such as a resolution of the so-called Abraham–Minkowski dilemma) is necessary.
Well-Being and Experience

Robert Nozick argued that we would not plug into his machine that could give us any experiences we chose. More recently Richard Kraut has argued that it would be prudentially rational to plug into the machine, since only experiences count for personal welfare. I argue that both are wrong, that either choice can be rational or not, depending on the central desires of the subjects choosing. This claim is supported by the empirical evidence, which shows an almost even split between those who would enter and those who would not. If we interpret those on both sides as making rational choices to maximize their personal well-being, and if such rational choice tends to enhance well-being, then the experience machine thought experiment supports neither experientialism nor its denial, but instead a rational desire satisfaction account of personal well-being. Unlike objective list and perfectionist accounts, the desire satisfaction account of well-being easily accommodates rational choices on both sides, depending on the motivational sets of the choosers.
High-Resolution Comonomer Sequencing of Blocky Brominated Syndiotactic Polystyrene Copolymers Using 13C NMR Spectroscopy and Computer Simulations

This work demonstrates the first high-resolution comonomer sequencing of Blocky brominated syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS-co-sPS-Br) copolymers based on pentad assignments of the quaternary carbon r...
E-cigarette or vaping-product associated lung injury complicated by spontaneous pneumothoraces in the setting of covid-19 pandemic

Introduction: Electronic-cigarette or vaping-product associated lung injury (EVALI) was first identified in August 2019, when U.S. public health officials noted a clinical syndrome of acute respiratory failure and systemic inflammation associated with the use of aerosolized nicotine and cannabinoids. The presence of lipid-laden macrophages on bronchiolar lavage is a specific but not sensitive histological finding of EVALI, which is often a diagnosis of exclusion. In 2020, the first cases of COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV2 virus, were seen in the U.S. Both COVID-19 and EVALI can affect previously healthy individuals, manifesting with severe hypoxemia and systemic inflammation, posing diagnostic challenges in distinguishing the two syndromes. Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax is a well-described complication of COVID-19 yet is only rarely associated with EVALI, with only one published case report of EVALI complicated by pneumothorax. Here, we report a case of a 34-year-old man presenting with hypoxemic respiratory failure complicated by pneumothorax, initially thought to be from COVID-19 pneumonia, found ultimately to have EVALI associated diffuse alveolar damage. Case: In April 2020, a 34-year-old man presented with one week of myalgia, shortness of breath, and a reduced exercise tolerance. Social history was notable for extensive vaping. His exam was notable for hypoxemia requiring nonrebreather. Testing showed elevated inflammatory markers and diffuse bilateral opacities on chest radiography. Nasopharyngeal PCR was negative for SARS-CoV2. CT chest revealed dense consolidation with ground grass opacities and air bronchograms. Rheumatologic and infectious workup was unremarkable. Despite six negative SARS-CoV2 tests, he was treated for COVID-19 with empiric steroids and antibiotics for community-acquired pneumonia. On hospital day 3, he developed a right-sided pneumothorax requiring chest tube. On hospital day 12, he developed a left-sided pneumothorax and a second chest tube was placed. A presumptive diagnosis of pneumonitis and diffuse alveolar damage secondary to EVALI was made. Given non-healing bilateral pneumothoraces, on hospital day 32, he underwent chemical pleurodesis with doxycycline which was complicated by ARDS. He was intubated, suffered a PEA arrest from refractory hypoxemia, and emergently cannulated to VV ECMO. A head CT demonstrated diffuse cerebral edema suggestive of anoxic brain injury. After extensive goals of care discussions, care was withdrawn and the patient passed away. Discussion: EVALI, similar to COVID-19, is syndrome of severe acute hypoxemia and systemic inflammation. Both conditions have similar radiographic findings with ground glass opacities indicative of alveolar damage, histological findings of tracheobronchitis and diffuse alveolar damage, and can lead to secondary spontaneous pneumothoraces.