cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Safety of Same-day Pegfilgrastim Administration in Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer Treated With Cabazitaxel With or Without Carboplatin.

Abstract Introduction Although myeloid growth factors are commonly used to treat metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), the optimal timing of administration has not been well studied. We assessed the effects of same-day pegfilgrastim, a neutrophil stimulator, after cabazitaxel treatment with or without carboplatin in patients with mCRPC. We also evaluated the frequency of urinary tract inflammation during treatment. Patients and Methods Between September 2010 and September 2014, 151 consecutive patients with mCRPC underwent cabazitaxel treatment with or without the addition of carboplatin at a single institution. We assessed absolute neutrophil count recovery, incidence of neutropenia, neutropenic fever, antibiotic usage, treatment delays or discontinuation, dose reduction, and hospitalization with pegfilgrastim administration. Radiologists blinded to therapy reviewed computed tomography scans to detect urinary tract inflammation. Results The median patient age was 69 years (range, 41-88 years); 78% of patients were white, and 54% had a Gleason score ≥ 9. Median overall survival was 9 months (95% confidence interval, 8-11 months). One patient ( P = .01). Conclusion Same-day pegfilgrastim administration after cabazitaxel treatment with or without carboplatin in patients with mCRPC is feasible. The urinary tract inflammation rate (21%) was higher than that reported anecdotally. Results need to be prospectively validated.
Fatalistic Cancer Beliefs and Information Seeking in Formerly Incarcerated African-American and Hispanic Men: Implications for Cancer Health Communication and Research.

African-American and Hispanic men are disproportionately affected by cancer experiencing higher rates of cancer-related morbidity and mortality for many cancers (but not all). These challenges may ...
A deep feature fusion methodology for breast cancer diagnosis demonstrated on three imaging modality datasets.

Background Deep learning methods for radiomics/computer-aided diagnosis (CADx) are often prohibited by small datasets, long computation time, and the need for extensive image preprocessing. Aims We aim to develop a breast CADx methodology that addresses the aforementioned issues by exploiting the efficiency of pre-trained convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and using pre-existing handcrafted CADx features. Materials & Methods We present a methodology that extracts and pools low- to mid-level features using a pretrained CNN and fuses them with handcrafted radiomic features computed using conventional CADx methods. Our methodology is tested on three different clinical imaging modalities (dynamic contrast enhanced-MRI [690 cases], full-field digital mammography [245 cases], and ultrasound [1125 cases]). Results From ROC analysis, our fusion-based method demonstrates, on all three imaging modalities, statistically significant improvements in terms of AUC as compared to previous breast cancer CADx methods in the task of distinguishing between malignant and benign lesions. (DCE-MRI [AUC = 0.89 (se = 0.01)], FFDM [AUC = 0.86 (se = 0.01)], and ultrasound [AUC = 0.90 (se = 0.01)]). Discussion/Conclusion We proposed a novel breast CADx methodology that can be used to more effectively characterize breast lesions in comparison to existing methods. Furthermore, our proposed methodology is computationally efficient and circumvents the need for image preprocessing.
“This is English class”: Evolving identities and a literacy teacher's shifts in practice across figured worlds

Abstract Teacher learning should be regarded as a complex life-long process, one that may be best understood as interwoven with the life-long process of identity development. Using concepts like figured worlds, histories-in-person, cultural artifacts, and conceptual/procedural identity (Holland, Lachiotte, Skinner, & Cain, 1998), this paper explores one secondary teacher's shifting from traditional methods of English teaching to a workshop approach. As the teacher perceived the figured nature of dominant narratives about schooling alongside his own history-in-person, emerging tensions became productive spaces. This paper concludes with implications about the usefulness of identity theories to examine and facilitate teacher learning over time.
Challenges with Percent Predicted Maximal V˙O2 in Patients with Heart Failure.

PURPOSE This study aimed to describe the influence of different equations to predict maximal oxygen uptake (MV˙O2) on the percent predicted MV˙O2 (ppMV˙O2) and the resultant categorization of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction into high or low risk. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, ppMV˙O2 was calculated using six different equations to predict MV˙O2 among 1168 patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (33% women). Repeated-measures ANOVA was used to compare within-subject differences in mean ppMV˙O2 between the prediction equations. Cochrane's Q test was used to compare the within-subject difference in the proportion of patients with ppMV˙O2 of <50% (high risk) and ≥75% (low risk) between the prediction equations. RESULTS The ppMV˙O2 varied significantly (P < 0.001) between the MV˙O2 prediction equations, with mean (10th, 90th percentile) ppMV˙O2 ranging from 39% (25%, 54%) to 60% (39%, 83%) in men and 37% (24%, 49%) to 70% (47%, 94%) in women. Significant variation (P < 0.001) was also observed between prediction equations for the proportion of patients with ppMV˙O2 of <50% and ≥75% in men and women. CONCLUSIONS Statistically significant and clinically meaningful variations in the ppMV˙O2 are observed on the basis of the reference equation used to predict MV˙O2. Future writing committees should specify the preferred reference equation when identifying a ppMV˙O2 criterion in guideline statements.
Patient activation, knowledge, and health literacy association with self-management behaviors in persons with heart failure.

Abstract Background More evidence is needed about factors that influence self-management behaviors in persons with heart failure. Objective To test a correlational mediation model of the independent variables of health literacy, patient activation, and heart failure knowledge with heart failure self-management behaviors. Methods The study used a prospective, cross-sectional, correlational design. Correlation and multiple regression were used to analyze associations among variables. Results: Of 151 participants, 57% were male, and mean age was 68 years. Heart failure self-management behaviors was positively correlated with patient activation level (p = .0008), but not with health literacy or heart failure knowledge. Conclusions Persons with heart failure may better manage their condition if sufficiently activated, regardless of their level of health literacy or knowledge of heart failure disease and management processes.
Report From the Electronic Trenches: An Update on Computer-Assisted Legal Research

This article examines recent changes in the two leading computer-assisted legal research systems, LEXIS and WESTLAW. These changes are of special interest not only because they significantly augment the value of both systems as research tools, but also because they reflect a clear desire on the part of both vendors to identify and respond to users's needs. By identifying and articulating additional needs and creating a forum for ongoing discussion, the author hopes that CALR users can become partners with CALR vendors in future developments of these systems.
Proteomic Analysis of Bovine Muscles during Aging

Three structural proteins, alpha-actinin, tropomyosin, and a fragment of myosin heavy chain, changed in relative abundance with postmortem aging in the longissimus dorsi (LD), but not the adductor (AD). These results suggest that it is important to release these proteins from the myofibrillar matrix or degrade them in order to increase postmortem tenderness. Determining the process that accomplishes this release or degradation would be the next step in indentifying the vital steps in postmortem tenderization. Additionally, four enzymes involved in glycolysis were found to change in relative abundance during aging in the LD. By establishing a correlation between these proteins and postmortem tenderization there is the potential to use these proteins as indicators of tenderness that could then be used by the beef industry to identify consistently tender beef
The importance of company: Na+ and Cl- influence substrate interaction with SLC6 transporters and other proteins.

SLC6 transporters, which include transporters for γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, glycine, taurine, L-proline, creatine, betaine, and neutral cationic amino acids, require Na+ and Cl− for their function, and this review covers the interaction between transporters of this family with Na+ and Cl− from a structure-function standpoint. Because detailed structure-function information regarding ion interactions with SLC6 transporters is limited, we cover other proteins cotransporting Na+ or Cl− with substrate (SLC1A2, PutP, SLC5A1, melB), or ion binding to proteins in general (rhodanese, ATPase, LacY, thermolysine, angiotensin-converting enzyme, halorhodopsin, CFTR). Residues can be involved in directly binding Na+ or Cl−, in coupling ion binding to conformational changes in transporter, in coupling Na+ or Cl− movement to transport, or in conferring ion selectivity. Coordination of ions can involve a number of residues, and portions of the substrate and coupling ion binding sites can be distal in space in the tertiary structure of the transporter, with other portions that are close in space thought to be crucial for the coupling process. The reactivity with methanethiosulfonate reagents of cysteines placed in strategic positions in the transporter provides a readout for conformational changes upon ion or substrate binding. More work is needed to establish the relationships between ion interactions and oligomerization of SLC6 transporters.
Providing timely and ongoing vision rehabilitation services for the diabetic patient with irreversible vision loss from diabetic retinopathy.

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) remains the leading contributor to severe vision loss in the United States among persons 20 to 70 years of age. Despite advances in disease management and treatment, patients with vision loss from DR continue to constitute a significant portion of patients served in vision rehabilitation service (VRS) settings. These patients present special challenges to VRS providers because of early onset, fluctuations in and the complex nature of vision loss, unique visual demands of disease management, and associated multi-system losses. Case Reports: After introductory epidemiologic review, a case presentation format is used to illustrate solutions a multidisciplinary VRS can offer the special visual challenges of the person with diabetes with vision loss from DR. Four patients are presented-ages 30 to 70 years-with varying degrees and types of vision loss, with different lifestyle demands and disease management needs. The cases address vocational issues, vision fluctuation, coordinating adaptive solutions to complex visual losses, and meeting diabetic needs to measure medication, insulin, and blood glucose levels, to maintain skin care, diet, exercise, transportation, family roles, and support systems. Conclusions: The unique and complex needs of people with diabetes who experience vision loss can be well addressed through timely and ongoing VRS consultations, in conjunction with medical/ocular disease management.
Tremography as a Measure of Extrapyramidal Function in Study of the Dopamine Hypothesis

Although an association between schizophrenia and abnormal movements has long been noted, recent behavioral research in schizophrenia has emphasized cognitive and emotional manifestations almost exclusively. Theoretical work has focused on “mental” phenomena [see, e.g., the behavioral topics considered in Cancro’s reviews of schizophrenia (1971, 1972)], although clinicians recognize certain motor abnormalities as part of the schizophrenic syndrome (Fish, 1967). Movements such as posturing, mannerisms, waxy flexibility, etc., contribute to the establishment of the diagnosis, or to decisions as to the severity of illness.
A Note on Monte-Carlo Jackknife: McJack and Big Data

This short note explains how Big Data computing issues can occur even when the data size is not large compared to what a computer scientist may call Big Data, in obtaining measures of uncertainty using a Monte-Carlo jackknife method.
Prognosis of Power Connector Disconnect and High Resistance Faults

With recent technology developments, the number of electrical subsystems and components in a typical vehicle has significantly increased. Electrical power is delivered to the subsystems and components through power wires and connectors, which may become loose or corroded. A loose connector may cause the electrical subsystem or component to disconnect intermittently from its power supply, while a corroded connector introduces high resistance that causes voltage drop at the inputs of the electrical subsystem or component. This paper develops prognosis solutions for power connector disconnect and high resistance faults. For the power connector disconnect fault, a canary-based approach is utilized to detect looseness in the power connector, where a relatively inexpensive secondary connector is attached to the main connector. The secondary connector has shorter contact length than the main power connector, and, hence, as the main connector becomes loose (but still connected electrically), the secondary connector disconnects to provide early warnings. For detecting high resistance in power connectors, power conservation laws are utilized so that additional hardware (i.e., sensors) is not required. Experiments illustrating the developed solutions are conducted considering power connectors of an electric power steering (EPS) system. The results show that early warning of considered power connector faults can be raised before subsystem or component failure. Although the solutions are presented assuming vehicle subsystems and components, the developed methods are applicable to any electrical subsystem or component connected to a power source.
Two-Stage Distribution Circuit Design Framework for High Levels of Photovoltaic Generation

Present-day radial electric power distribution circuit faces multiple challenges due to the increased photovoltaic (PV) generation. This paper aims to examine and design modern distribution circuit topologies for accommodating high PV penetration, while addressing power quality concerns. The central hypothesis of the proposed design approach is that by decreasing the Thevenin impedance at the buses where PVs are connected, the impacts on feeder voltages due to PV generation become less pronounced thereby additional PV capacity can be integrated at the corresponding buses. A novel two-stage optimization framework is proposed. The first stage is a mixed-integer linear programing based formulation to design new optimal configuration for any given distribution circuit. The formulation allows the possibility that the circuit can be operated in either a radial or loop configuration. The second stage, a nonlinear programing based formulation, then finds PV hosting capacity for the identified optimal configuration. The proposed two-stage framework is evaluated for IEEE 123-bus test feeder. It is demonstrated that the PV hosting capacity of the feeder can be increased by 53% by optimally adding two new distribution lines with tie-switches.
Long-term results of a pilot study evaluating hyperbaric oxygen therapy to improve umbilical cord blood engraftment

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) transplantation is a promising option for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with hematologic malignancies who lack an HLA-matched sibling or well-matched unrelated donor; however, it has a higher incidence of delayed or failed engraftment because cell doses are low and bone marrow homing is inefficient. We have demonstrated that pre-treating irradiated immune-deficient mice with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) prior to UCB CD34+ cell transplantation lowered host systemic erythropoietin (EPO) and improved UCB CD34+ cell homing and engraftment. These findings suggested that EPO-EPO-R signaling plays a role in UCB CD34+ homing and engraftment. In a pilot clinical trial, we showed that recipients of HBO therapy prior to UCB cell infusion had reduced systemic EPO, which was associated with improved kinetics of blood count recovery. Although early clinical outcomes at day 100 were encouraging, with improved overall survival, the long-term effects of HBO therapy on UCB-transplanted patients were not evaluated. In this study, we examined the long-term outcome of patients in our pilot study, compared with a historic control group, and correlated their clinical outcomes to serum EPO response to HBO. While 50% of HBO-treated patients received single UCB units, ~ 90% of the control patients received double UCB units. Although HBO patients had much better rates of survival at 6 months, their 1-year survival did not significantly differ from the control group. HBO-treated patients had on average lower relapse and non-relapse mortality rates, and less chronic graft versus host disease (GVHD), but had increased acute GVHD. However, these differences were not statistically significant, probably because of the small sample size. In the HBO-treated cohort, immune reconstitution analysis showed significant improvement in early B cell recovery, with a trend toward improvement in early NK cell recovery. When we evaluated the ratio of 8 h to baseline EPO levels, we found a non-significant trend toward lower EPO values in those who neither relapsed nor died by 1 year, compared to those who died or relapsed. This result suggests that EPO response to HBO may be associated with better outcomes. Disease progression-free survival was also improved in those who had more than 80% reduction in EPO levels in response to HBO. Our study highlights the long-term safety of HBO therapy when used prior to UCB transplantation. Future UCB transplant patients who receive HBO should have their serum EPO response measured, as it may be a marker of relapse/mortality.
How family caregivers of persons with advanced cancer assist with upstream healthcare decision-making: A qualitative study.

Aims Numerous healthcare decisions are faced by persons with advanced cancer from diagnosis to end-of-life. The family caregiver role in these decisions has focused on being a surrogate decision-maker, however, little is known about the caregiver’s role in supporting upstream patient decision-making. We aimed to describe the roles of family caregivers in assisting community-dwelling advanced cancer patients with healthcare decision-making across settings and contexts. Methods Qualitative study using one-on-one, semi-structured interviews with community-dwelling persons with metastatic cancer (n = 18) and their family caregivers (n = 20) recruited from outpatient oncology clinics of a large tertiary care academic medical center, between October 2016 and October 2017. Transcribed interviews were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Findings Caregivers averaged 56 years and were mostly female (95%), white (85%), and the patient’s partner/spouse (70%). Patients averaged 58 years and were mostly male (67%) in self-reported “fair” or “poor” health (50%) with genitourinary (33%), lung (17%), and hematologic (17%) cancers. Themes describing family member roles in supporting patients’ upstream healthcare decision-making were: 1) seeking information about the cancer, its trajectory, and treatments options; 2) ensuring family and healthcare clinicians have a common understanding of the patient’s treatment plan and condition; 3) facilitating discussions with patients about their values and the framing of their illness; 5) posing “what if” scenarios about current and potential future health states and treatments; 6) addressing collateral decisions (e.g., work arrangements) resulting from medical treatment choices; 6) originating healthcare-related decision points, including decisions about seeking emergency care; and 7) making healthcare decisions for patients who preferred to delegate healthcare decisions to their family caregivers. Conclusions These findings highlight a previously unreported and understudied set of critical decision partnering roles that cancer family caregivers play in patient healthcare decision-making. Optimizing these roles may represent novel targets for early decision support interventions for family caregivers.
Cardiogenic pulmonary edema: Mechanisms and treatment - An intensivist's view

Purpose of reviewThis review summarizes current understanding of the pathophysiology of cardiogenic pulmonary edema, its causes and treatment.Recent findingsThe pathobiology and classification of pulmonary edema is more complex than the hydrostatic vs. permeability dichotomy of the past. Mechanisms
E3 Ligase UBR5 HECT domain mutations in lymphoma control maturation of B cells via alternative splicing

ABSTRACT Coordination of a number of molecular mechanisms including transcription, alternative splicing, and class switch recombination are required to facilitate development, activation, and survival of B cells. Disruption of these pathways can result in malignant transformation. Recently, next generation sequencing has identified a number of novel mutations in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) patients including the ubiquitin E3 ligase UBR5. Approximately 18% of MCL patients were found to have mutations in UBR5 with the majority of mutations within the HECT domain of the protein which can accept and transfer ubiquitin molecules to the substrate. Determining if UBR5 controls the maturation of B cells is important to fully understand malignant transformation to MCL. To elucidate the role of UBR5 in B cell maturation and activation we generated a conditional mutant disrupting UBR5’s C-terminal HECT domain. Loss of the UBR5 HECT domain leads to a block in maturation of B cells in the spleen and up-regulation of proteins associated with mRNA splicing via the spliceosome. Our studies reveal a novel role of UBR5 in B cell maturation by regulating alternative splicing of key transcripts during B cell development and suggests UBR5 mutations may promote mantle cell lymphoma initiation. KEY POINTS Utilizing a novel mouse model mimicking MCL patient mutations, the loss of UBR5’s HECT domain causes alterations in B cell development. UBR5 mutations lead to stabilization of UBR5 and aberrant splicing.
Targeting Stem Cell-Derived Tissue-Associated Regulatory T Cells for Type 1 Diabetes Immunotherapy.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune cells selectively destroy the pancreatic beta (β) cells and results in the deficiency of insulin production. The optimal treatment strategy for T1D should be preventing of β-cell destruction in the pancreas. The purpose of this review is to discuss the immunological therapeutic mechanisms that will help to understand the development and control of β-cell destruction. The review also presents a novel method for development of autoantigen (Ag)-specific regulatory T cells (Tregs) for T1D immunotherapy. Pancreatic-resident Tregs have the ability to dramatically suppress hyperactive immune cells. Islet cell transplantation is another attractive approach to replace the failed β cells. Due to the limited source of islet cells, research is going on in the use of animal cells and adult stem cells that may be derived from the patient’s own body to produce β cells for transplantation. The mechanism behind the pancreatic β-cell destruction is largely unknown. In this review, a novel approach for the generation of tissue-associated Tregs from stem cells is considered. The stem cell-derived tissue-associated Tregs have the ability to home to the damaged pancreas to prevent the destruction. The review also provides new insights on the mechanism on how these suppressive immune cells protect the pancreas from the destruction of autoimmune cells. A novel method to develop functional auto Ag-specific Tregs that are derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), i.e., iPSC-Tregs, is discussed. Adoptive transfer of the iPSC-Tregs can substantially suppress T1D development in a murine model.
Optimizing Quality of Life for Patients with Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Prospective Study Combining DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction and Lymphedema Surgery.

Background Patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema can be treated with a simultaneous deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap, vascularized inguinal lymph node transfer, and lymphovenous anastomosis for aesthetic breast reconstruction and lymphedema in one operation. Methods The authors performed a comparison of prospectively followed patients who underwent free flap breast reconstruction with vascularized inguinal lymph node transfer and anastomosis to a retrospective cohort of patients who underwent free flap breast reconstruction with vascularized inguinal lymph node transfer alone. Results Thirty-three patients underwent DIEP flap reconstruction with vascularized inguinal lymph node transfer and lymphovenous anastomosis, and 21 received a free flap with lymph node transfer alone. There were no significant differences in demographics, adjuvant chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. The average number of nodes removed was also equivalent (21.2 versus 21.4 nodes). Two anastomoses per patient, on average, were performed (range, one to four) in the combined cohort, and all patients (100 percent) reported a subjective improvement in symptoms, compared with 81.0 percent of patients undergoing only lymph node transfer (p = 0.019). Perometer measurements demonstrated a significant reduction between the groups at early time points [3 months, 40.7 percent versus 20.0 percent (p = 0.037); 6 months, 57.0 percent versus 44.5 percent (p = 0.043)]; however, the difference was not statistically significant at 12 months (60.4 percent versus 57.8 percent; p = 0.43). Conclusion This is the first prospective study demonstrating the safety and efficacy of a combined DIEP flap with vascularized inguinal lymph node transfer and lymphovenous anastomosis, which may be superior to lymph node transfer alone. Clinical question/level of evidence Therapeutic, III.
Variations in surgical treatment of stage I gallbladder carcinoma impacts survival.

495Background: Variations in surgical care for stage I gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) may be associated with inferior outcomes. The aim of this study was to identify the variations in surgical treatme...
When artificial intelligence meets educational leaders’ data-informed decision-making: A cautionary tale

Abstract Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to a type of algorithms or computerized systems that resemble human mental processes of decision making. Drawing upon multidisciplinary literature that intersects AI, decision making, educational leadership, and policymaking, this position paper aims to examine promising applications and potential perils of AI in educational leaders’ data-informed decision making (DIDM). Endowed with ever-growing computational power and real-time data, highly scalable AI can increase efficiency and accuracy in leaders’ DIDM. However, misusing AI can have perilous effects on education stakeholders. Many lurking biases in current AI could be amplified. Of more concern, the moral values (e.g., fairness, equity, honesty, and doing no harm) we uphold might clash with using AI to make data-informed decisions. Further, missteps on the issues about data security and privacy could have a life-long impact on stakeholders. The article concludes with recommendations for educational leaders to leverage AI potential and minimize its negative consequences.
Cold plasma and carnauba wax as strategies to produce improved bi-layer films for sustainable food packaging

Abstract Fish protein films present promising properties for use in food packaging; however, their hydrophilic behavior still limits their use. In the present study, cold plasma and a carnauba wax coating were combined as a strategy to reduce the sensitivity to water of films produced with myofibrillar proteins from fish. Bi-layer films were produced by protein solution casting, followed by plasma-treatment (glow discharge) and coating with carnauba wax. The effects of plasma and wax coating on the packaging-related properties of protein films (thickness, mechanical and barrier performance, water solubility, color and opacity), microstructure, and glass transition and melting temperatures were evaluated. The importance of cold plasma to produce bi-layer films was confirmed since inferior properties were obtained for coated samples without plasma application. The glow discharge plasma application followed by carnauba wax coating resulted in 175% higher tensile strength and 65% lower water vapor permeability of fish protein films under the best conditions identified in comparison to control films. The modifications of fish protein films properties were confirmed by the scanning electron microscopy images, X-ray diffraction pattern and thermal transitions. The combination of cold plasma and carnauba wax coating is an alternative to improve the packaging properties of fish protein films, addressing the need to reduce synthetic plastics accumulation in nature, while using environmentally friendly resources and technologies.
An operator-independent artificial finger can differentiate anterior vaginal wall indentation parameters between control and prolapse patients.

Abstract In this study, the reproducibility and validity of an automated artificial finger for evaluating properties of vaginal wall tissue was assessed. The effect of angle and rate of indentation on displacing the anterior vaginal wall (AVW) was studied in control and prolapse patients. Following IRB approval, an automated artificial finger equipped with a calibrated piezoresistive sensor at its tip was used to induce 3-second AVW deformation sequences (10°, 15°, and 20° indentation). Measurements were taken in patients in supine position, either awake in clinic or under anesthesia in the operating room (OR). The real time voltage output of a sensor (linearly proportional to the reaction force) was recorded for each motion profile to calculate key parameters: baseline voltages, amplitude changes over indentation intervals, and slopes of indentation curves. 23 women (9 controls and 14 prolapse) were studied, 6 in clinic and 17 in OR. No differences in mean reproducibility was noted across groups. There was a significant difference in sensor output based on selected motion profile parameters between different degrees of indentation for all women (p
Aerobic Growth of Escherichia coli Is Reduced, and ATP Synthesis Is Selectively Inhibited when Five C-terminal Residues Are Deleted from the ϵ Subunit of ATP Synthase *

F-type ATP synthases are rotary nanomotor enzymes involved in cellular energy metabolism in eukaryotes and eubacteria. The ATP synthase from Gram-positive and -negative model bacteria can be autoinhibited by the C-terminal domain of its ϵ subunit (ϵCTD), but the importance of ϵ inhibition in vivo is unclear. Functional rotation is thought to be blocked by insertion of the latter half of the ϵCTD into the central cavity of the catalytic complex (F1). In the inhibited state of the Escherichia coli enzyme, the final segment of ϵCTD is deeply buried but has few specific interactions with other subunits. This region of the ϵCTD is variable or absent in other bacteria that exhibit strong ϵ-inhibition in vitro. Here, genetically deleting the last five residues of the ϵCTD (ϵΔ5) caused a greater defect in respiratory growth than did the complete absence of the ϵCTD. Isolated membranes with ϵΔ5 generated proton-motive force by respiration as effectively as with wild-type ϵ but showed a nearly 3-fold decrease in ATP synthesis rate. In contrast, the ϵΔ5 truncation did not change the intrinsic rate of ATP hydrolysis with membranes. Further, the ϵΔ5 subunit retained high affinity for isolated F1 but reduced the maximal inhibition of F1-ATPase by ϵ from >90% to ∼20%. The results suggest that the ϵCTD has distinct regulatory interactions with F1 when rotary catalysis operates in opposite directions for the hydrolysis or synthesis of ATP.
Digital Electronic Controls for Detroit Diesel Allison Heavy Hauling Transmissions

Commande electronique numerique de transmissions de vehicules lourds pour exploitation miniere (Detroit Diesel Allison)
Bill Preference: The Continued Relevance of the Congressional Black Caucus

How does the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) distinguish itself from the Democratic caucus? Will distinguishing itself lead to the CBC introducing legislation that is significantly different from the rest of the Democratic caucus? Will CBC members behave just as other Democrats with similar ideological temperaments? This article seeks to place the role of the contemporary CBC within the larger Democratic caucus. By tapping into bill introduction, I conclude that in most ways, the CBC is remarkably similar to the rest of the Democratic caucus, and in only small ways, is there a demonstrable difference. CBC representation ensures constituents an increased likelihood that their congressperson will introduce legislation related to the government but not in Civil Rights or Community Development. Thus, the value to liberal black voters in electing black representatives to Congress is largely in the liberal voting behavior of black representatives, not the value they bring to bill introduction. ?Que distingue a la Camara del Congreso Afroamericana (CCA) de la Camara Democrata? ?Puede la autodistincion hecha por la (CCA) conducir a la introduccion de legislaciones que son significativamente diferentes a aquellas de la Camara Democrata? ?Acaso los miembros de la (CCA) se comportan de la misma manera que otros Democratas con un temperamento ideologico similar? Este articulo busca ubicar el rol de la CCA actual dentro de la Camara Democrata. Analizando la introduccion de proyectos de ley, concluyo que la CCA es notablemente similar al resto de la Camara Democrata, y solo en pequenos detalles hay una diferencia significativa. La representacion a traves de la CCA garantiza a los constituyentes una mayor probabilidad de que su congresista introducira legislaciones relacionadas al gobierno, pero no sobre derechos civiles o desarrollo de la comunidad. Por lo tanto, para el electorado negro la importancia de elegir representantes negros para el Congreso es en gran medida en el liberalismo del comportamiento electoral de los representantes afroamericanos y no en su importancia para introducir proyectos de ley.
Chapter 25. Programmed Cell Death Mediated by Members of the TNF Receptor Family

Publisher Summary In both specific immune response and nonspecific immune response to any infectious challenge, the affected cells must quickly be removed after the pathogen is cleared. And in both the cases, removal is accomplished through the programmed cell death or apoptosis. Apoptotic destruction of the cells is characterized by cytoplasmic condensation and fragmentation of nuclear DNA. It is often punctuated with phagocytic removal of the dying cell by neighboring cells. The terminal events of apoptotic death are phenomenologically complex and, therefore, poorly understood; however, the signaling events that mediate apoptosis have come into sharper focus with the appreciation that, in many instances, apoptosis is initiated by signals that arise in the extracellular environment. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is the first to be isolated as a protein responsible for inducing hemorrhagic necrosis of transplantable tumors. Several members of the TNF ligand and receptor families are now known to be of central importance in the apoptotic destruction of lymphocytes, and perhaps other cells as well. The two receptors for homotrimeric TNF and lymphotoxin (LT)-α (the 55 kDa and 75 kDa TNF receptors) and the Fas antigen are known to be capable of initiating cytolysis, whereas the nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor and CD40 molecule appear to prevent cytolysis in the presence of their respective ligands.
Route of hydrodynamic turbulence in rotating shear flow: Secondary perturbation triggers growing eigenmodes through the elliptical instability

Origin of hydrodynamic turbulence in rotating shear flow, e.g. plane Couette flow including the Coriolis force, is a big puzzle. While the flow often exhibits turbulence in laboratory experiments, according to the linear perturbation theory it should always be stable. We demonstrate that the secondary disturbance to the primarily perturbed flow triggers the elliptical instability in such a system and hence an exponential growing eigenmode. This result has an immediate application to astrophysics and geophysics which often exhibit a turbulent flow with the Keplerian angular momentum profile. We address the origin of turbulence in such a Keplerian flow which is similar to rotating Couette flow.
The air spora close to a compost facility in Northeast Oklahoma: Part I—spore trap sampling

A compost facility in northeast Oklahoma is located relatively close to a residential area and is the focus of complaints about smell and concerns about health effects. Several species of Aspergillus have been known to cause health problems, and at least one of these species is dominant in compost. The atmosphere surrounding the compost facility was monitored for 1 year using Burkard spore traps to determine if there was a significant difference in Penicillium/Aspergillus type spores concentration between a test and control site. Samplers were situated 710 m downwind for the test site and 6,085 m upwind at the control site. There was no significant difference in mean concentration of Penicillium/Aspergillus type spores between the two sites (t = 0.576 P > 0.05). The mean concentration of total spores was significantly higher at the upwind control site (t = −7.64, P < 0.01). Wind direction was examined to determine if the compost facility was a possible source for any spikes in concentration. No clear relationship was found between wind direction and mean Penicillium/Aspergillus concentration at the test site, but peak concentrations of Penicillium/Aspergillus seen at the test site were on days when it was downwind from the composting facility. However, these concentrations were no higher than those seen at the control site on other days. If the compost was releasing large amounts of Penicillium/Aspergillus type spores into the atmosphere they were generally diluted to background levels by the time they reached the test site.
Enhancement of protonated molecular ions and ammonium·molecular ion complexes in direct-liquid-introduction-mass spectrometry of carbohydrates☆

Abstract Addition of ammonium acetate to the mobile phase in direct-liquid-introduction mass spectrometry enhances the abundance of the protonated molecular ion or ammonium·molecular ion complex for compounds of biological interest. The efficacy of the method was investigated by comparing mass spectra obtained, with and without ammonium acetate, for a variety of underivatized, per- O -acetylated, and per- O -alkylated carbohydrates, and for several underivatized peptides. The mass spectra of the per- O -alkylated carbohydrates obtained by direct-liquid-introduction mass spectrometry with ammonium acetate were also compared to those obtained by thermospray mass spectrometry.
Traumatic optic nerve injury occurring after forceps delivery of a term newborn

Forceps were used to assist the delivery of a healthy full-term boy. 1 He suffered a medial left lower eyelid laceration involving the lacrimal drainage system that was repaired on his first day of life. He also had peripapillary and severe retinal hemorrhages in the left eye. The infant’s pupil had been dilated before the ophthalmologist’s arrival; thus, a left-relative afferent pupillary defect was noted only on subsequent examinations. Optic nerve pallor with peripapillary pigmentary changes developed, consistent with traumatic optic nerve injury. Numerous complications of forceps delivery have been reported, including seventh cranial nerve palsy, lid ecchymosis, corneal edema, often with breaks in Descemet’s membrane, corneal abscess, traumatic hyphema, Purtscher’s retinopathy 2 , choroidal ruptures 3 , and traumatic optic neuropathy with complex abnormalities seen on computed axial tomography (CAT). 4 The medial portion of the eyelid, including the canalicular system, is unusually vulnerable when any blunt lower eyelid trauma occurs. 5 Sudden traumatic rotation of the globe during forceps delivery is the likely mechanism of injury to the left optic nerve in the absence of fractures of the orbit or optic canal. 6 This is the first case report of traumatic optic nerve injury caused by forceps injury to the medial portion of the orbit without any CAT abnormalities.
Efficacy of QCDCR formulated CpG ODN 2007 in Nile tilapia against Streptococcus iniae and identification of upregulated genes

Abstract The potential of using a QCDCR (quilA:cholesterol:dimethyl dioctadecyl ammonium bromide:carbopol:R1005 glycolipid) formulated CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN), ODN 2007, to confer protection in Nile tilapia against Streptococcus iniae infection was evaluated in this study. At two days post treatment, QCDCR formulated ODN 2007 elicited significant ( P P 10-fold) and 15 moderately (
Mycobacterial disease in the nonhuman primate

Mycobacterial infections are an important cause of morbidity in nonhuman primates. Clinical signs of mycobacterial disease are often inapparent or nonspecific, and fulminant disease is often found. Antemortem diagnosis is difficult, and the array of specific diagnostics currently available to the general veterinary practitioner is limited. Clinical presentations of mycobacterial disease in nonhuman primates are discussed, and the utility of readily available diagnostics, including tuberculin testing, radiology, laboratory assays, and culture, are considered. Because of public health implications, treatment is not recommended.
Allergy to odor of white potato (irish potato)

Abstract 1.1. A case of asthma in a young child is reported. The condition was due to the presence of potatoes in the environment. 2.2. Complete relief was obtained by removal of the potatoes from the home. 3.3. It is suggested that this route for the production of allergic symptoms be kept in mind by physicians and parents.
Tracheal ligation increases mitogen-activated protein kinase activity and attenuates surfactant protein B mRNA in fetal sheep lungs.

Abstract Background. Tracheal ligation has been shown to accelerate fetal pulmonary growth in normal and hypoplastic lungs. Our aim was to study the effects of tracheal ligation on established molecular markers of growth and differentiation [mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase] and maturity [surfactant protein B (SPB) and fatty acid synthase (FAS)]. Materials and methods. Tracheal ligation was performed on four 100-day-gestation fetal sheep, with four age-matched fetuses undergoing maternal laparotomy and hysterotomy as control. Lungs from surviving fetuses ( n = 2 in each group) were harvested after 4 days and frozen in liquid nitrogen. Protein lysates were prepared, and MAP kinase enzymatic assays [extracellular signal regulated protein kinase (ERK)-1 and -2] and Western blots were performed. Total RNA was isolated, and a fetal sheep lung cDNA library was created. The sheep SPB and FAS genes were cloned and sequenced. Northern blots were performed with the new clones, normalizing to β-actin. Results. Tracheal ligation lungs contained a larger volume of fluid (40 ml) compared with age-matched controls (8 ml). MAP kinase enzymatic ERK-1 activity was increased and SPB mRNA expression was reduced in fetal lungs after tracheal ligation. Neither ERK-2 enzymatic activities and FAS mRNA nor ERK protein levels were affected by tracheal ligation, by Western blot analysis. Conclusion. Tracheal ligation-induced fetal lung growth may be mediated in part via the MAP kinase pathway. Expression of SPB mRNA is attenuated by tracheal ligation, whereas FAS, one of the key enzymes that synthesizes the lipid portion of surfactant, is not affected.
Plasma monocyte chemotactic protein-1 levels at 24 hours are a biomarker of primary graft dysfunction after lung transplantation

MCP-1, also known as CCL2, is a monocyte-attracting chemokine produced in lung epithelial cells. We previously reported an association of increased levels of plasma MCP-1 with primary graft dysfunction (PGD) after lung transplantation in a nested case control study of extreme phenotypes using a multiplex platform. In this study, we sought to evaluate the relationship between plasma MCP-1 levels as a biomarker across the full spectrum of PGD. We performed a prospective cohort study of 108 lung transplant recipients within the Lung Transplant Outcomes Group cohort. Plasma MCP-1 levels were measured pre-transplantation, 6 and 24 hours after transplantation. The primary outcome was development of grade 3 PGD within 72 hours of transplant, with secondary analyses at the 72- hour timepoint. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate confounding. 30 subjects (28%) developed PGD. Median MCP-1 measured at 24 hours post transplant was elevated in subjects with PGD (167.95 vs. 103.5 pg/mL p=0.04). MCP-1 levels at 24 hours were associated with increased odds of grade 3 PGD after lung transplantation (OR for each 100 pg/mL 1.24, 95% CI 1.00, 1.53), and with grade 3 PGD present at the 72-hour timepoint (OR for each 100 pg/mL 1.57, 95% CI 1.18, 2.08), independent of confounding variables in multivariable analyses. MCP-1 levels measured pre-operatively and 6 hours after transplant were not significantly associated with PGD. Persistent elevations in MCP-1 levels at 24 hours are a biomarker of grade 3 PGD post-transplantation. Monocyte chemotaxis may play a role in the pathogenesis of PGD.
Fine Structure and Zeeman Effects in Helium Band Lines

Second and third order grating photographs of helium ($\ensuremath{\lambda}\ensuremath{\lambda}6400$, 5733, 4546 and others) having the $2^{3}\ensuremath{\Pi}$ state as their final electron level show fine structures in the band lines. The $3^{3}\ensuremath{\Pi}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2^{3}\ensuremath{\Sigma}$ bands ($\ensuremath{\lambda}\ensuremath{\lambda}4650$, 4670) show no evidence of fine structures in their lines. The observed results can be completely explained by assuming that each rotational level of the $2^{3}\ensuremath{\Pi}$ electron state has a characteristic partially resolved fine structure, as shown in Fig. 3, but that the fine structures which presumably exist for the other electron states involved ($2^{3}\ensuremath{\Sigma}$, $3^{3}\ensuremath{\Sigma}$, $4^{3}\ensuremath{\Sigma}$, $3^{3}\ensuremath{\Pi}$, etc.) are much narrower and completely unresolved in our work. There are two types of fine structures in the $2^{3}\ensuremath{\Pi}$ levels, one for the odd $K$ values ($A$ levels), another for the even $K$ values ($B$ levels). The theoretical interpretation of the observed fine structures as partially resolved triplets is discussed.The Zeeman effect of the $\ensuremath{\lambda}6400$ band ($3^{3}\ensuremath{\Sigma}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2^{3}\ensuremath{\Pi}$) was investigated at three field strengths. In the field, the original fine structures disappear, and the Zeeman patterns which replace them are found to be in excellent agreement with those predicted for a $^{1}\ensuremath{\Sigma}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{1}\ensuremath{\Pi}$ transition. Thus it is evident that the effect of the spin ($S=1$) which gives rise to the original fine structure is completely overpowered by the external field (Paschen-Back effect).