cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamic alterations of specific histone modifications during early murine development

In order to investigate whether covalent histone modifications may be involved in early embryonic reprogramming events, changes in global levels of a series of histone tail modifications were studied during oocyte maturation and pre-implantation mouse development using indirect immunofluorescence and scanning confocal microscopy. Results showed that histone modifications could be classified into two strikingly distinct categories. The first contains stable 'epigenetic' marks such as histone H3 lysine 9 methylation [Me(Lys9)H3], histone H3 lysine 4 methylation [Me(Lys4)H3] and histone H4/H2A serine 1 phosphorylation [Ph(Ser1)H4/H2A]. The second group contains dynamic and reversible marks and includes hyperacetylated histone H4, histone H3 arginine 17 methylation [Me(Arg17)H3] and histone H4 arginine 3 methylation [Me(Arg3)H4]). Our results also showed that removal of these marks in eggs and early embryos occurs during metaphase suggesting that the enzymes responsible for the loss of these modifications are probably cytoplasmic in nature. Finally, we provide data demonstrating that treatment of cellular histones with peptidylarginine deiminase (PAD) results in loss of staining for the histone H4 arginine 3 methyl mark, suggesting that PADs can reverse histone arginine methyl modifications.
What are the best options for controlling prandial glycemia

Epidemiologic studies suggest that postprandial hyperglycemia is more strongly linked to an increased risk for cardiovascular events than fasting or preprandial glucose levels. Although the results of prospective randomized studies proving causation of this finding are mixed, clinicians have given increased attention to target therapy to postprandial glucose than in the past. Rapid-acting insulin analogues, glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, and acarbose all target the postprandial glucose levels. This wide range of therapies allows the clinician to mix and match agents of different classes to target the fasting, preprandial, and postprandial glucose to optimize the daily glucose pattern and reduce the risk of diabetic complications.
JunB contributes to Id2 repression and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in response to transforming growth factor-β.

The process of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in response to transforming growth factor–β (TGF-β) contributes to tissue fibrosis, wound healing, and cancer via a mechanism that is not fully understood. This study identifies a critical role of JunB in the EMT and profibrotic responses to TGF-β. Depletion of JunB by small interfering ribonucleic acid abrogates TGF-β–induced disruption of cell–cell junctions, formation of actin fibers, focal adhesions, and expression of fibrotic proteins. JunB contributes to Smad-mediated repression of inhibitor of differentiation 2 through interaction with transcription repressor activating transcription factor 3. Importantly, JunB mediates the TGF-β induction of profibrotic response factors, fibronectin, fibulin-2, tropomyosin (Tpm1), and integrin-β3, which play critical roles in matrix deposition, cell–matrix adhesion, and actin stress fibers. In summary, JunB provides important input in setting the transcriptional program of the EMT and profibrotic responses to TGF-β. Thus, JunB represents an important target in diseases associated with EMT, including cancer and fibrosis.
Base Isolation: Linear Theory and Design

Abstract The idea that a building can be uncoupled from the damaging effects of the ground movement produced by a strong earthquake has appealed to inventors and engineers for more than a century. Many ingenious devices have been proposed to achieve this result, but very few have been implemented and the concept now referred to as base isolation or seismic isolation has yet to be generally accepted by the engineering profession. Although most of the proposed systems are unacceptably complicated, in recent years a few practical systems have been developed and implemented. While some of these systems have been tested on large‐scale shaking tables, none have to date been tested as‐built by a strong earth tremor. The shake table testing and related static testing of full‐scale components such as isolation bearings, however, has led to a certain degree of acceptance by the profession and it is possible that the number of practical implementations of base isolation will increase quite dramatically in the next f...
Transition Path Delay Faults: A New Path Delay Fault Model for Small and Large Delay Defects

We propose a new path delay fault model called the transition path delay fault model. This model addresses the following issue. The path delay fault model captures small extra delays, such that each one by itself will not cause the circuit to fail, but their cumulative effect along a path from inputs to outputs can result in faulty behavior. However, non-robust tests for path delay faults may not detect situations where the cumulative effect of small extra delays is sufficient to cause faulty behavior after any number of extra delays are accumulated along a subpath. Under the new path delay fault model, a path delay fault is detected when all the single transition faults along the path are detected by the same test. This ensures that if the accumulation of small extra delays along a subpath is sufficient to cause faulty behavior, the faulty behavior will be detected due to the detection of a transition fault at the end of the subpath. We discuss the new model and present experimental results to demonstrate its viability as an alternative to the standard path delay fault model. We describe an efficient fault simulation procedure for this model. We also describe test generation procedures. An efficient test generation procedure we discuss combines tests for transition faults along the target paths in order to obtain tests that satisfy the requirements of the new model.
Thought-Provoking Software: Juxtaposing Symbol Systems

An existing class of software meets the following criteria. It is deliberately designed to juxtapose two or more symbol systems in a way that encourages users to consciously move back and forth between the systems with a view to promoting insight and understanding. The symbol systems and the content must allow for translation with some degree of correspondence between the systems (as in graphs and equations). This software is deliberately designed to create rich, social encounters in which symbol systems are used and discussed. These encounters can take place in small groups in the presence of the computer or be created through more distal effects on larger social units such as the classroom. The content ought to be deliberately chosen so as to provide the broadest possible utility and value within the social system. Finally, this software should be designed to encourage users to generate new forms of knowledge and translate these forms from one symbol to another. This kind of software currently exists; a...
From the New Deal to the New Federalism: Presidential Ideology in the U.S. from 1932 to 1982

. The essence of the Reagan mandate is neither taxation nor balanced budgets, rather the reduction of federal government controls and a corresponding growth in state and local controls. This concern is neither Right nor Left, but a response to a growing realization of ineptitudes and inefficiencies seen in all the highly developed industrialized nations. Hence, whether inspired by the “free-enterprise” doctrines of Reagan in the U.S. or the “socialist” approach of Mitterrand in France, the policy goal of advanced nations is clear: a shift in fiscal priorities and political controls to strike a more realistic balance. The emphasis is upon the social movement aspects of Reagan's New Federalism: the coalition of middle sectors and elite working classes, rather than the “big business” label usually assigned to this administration. Federalism, essentially a social policy, can succeed to the degree that there is an equitable sharing in economic hardships no less than economic gains. But fiscal favoritism, racial inequalities, class dislocations, and similar difficulties can produce its defeat.
Multisample cross-validation of a model of childhood posttraumatic stress disorder symptomatology

This study is the latest advancement of our research aimed at best characterizing children's posttraumatic stress reactions. In a previous study, we compared existing nosologic and empirical models of PTSD dimensionality and determined the superior model was a hierarchical one with three symptom clusters (Intrusion/Active Avoidance, Numbing/Passive Avoidance, and Arousal; Anthony, Lonigan, & Hecht, 1999). In this study, we cross-validate this model in two populations. Participants were 396 fifth graders who were exposed to either Hurricane Andrew or Hurricane Hugo. Multisample confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated the model's factorial invariance across populations who experienced traumatic events that differed in severity. These results show the model's robustness to characterize children's posttraumatic stress reactions. Implications for diagnosis, classification criteria, and an empirically supported theory of PTSD are discussed.
Creep, Strength, Expansion, and Elastic Moduli of Sintered BeO As a Function of Grain Size, Porosity, and Grain Orientation

Physical properties are presented for extruded and sintered BeO from 25° to 1400° C as a function of porosity (0 to 15%), grain size (5 to 100μ), and grain orientation (random to 80% preferred). The elastic constants and linear thermal expansion are sensitive to the degree of preferred grain orientation. Measurements on polycrystalline specimens permitted calculation of the anisotropy in single crystals of BeO for these properties. Modulus of rupture data are treated in terms of the Knudsen equation, and compressive creep data have been used to estimate the diffusion coefficient controlling strain rate at 1200°C.
A deterministic approach for designing conditionally stable amplifiers

Microwave devices with the Rollet parameter (k) less than one can always be made stable by resistive loading. In cases where noise figure or output power is at a premium, the performance of an amplifier can often be enhanced by using a design where k is less than unity thereby avoiding resistive loading. While a simultaneous conjugate match is impossible for such conditionally stable designs, single-sided matching can be achieved. Low-noise and power designs are examples where single-sided matching considerations naturally occur. With single-sided matching and 0 >
Prediction of mechanical behavior of plastics undergoing decomposition from the combined effects of environmental exposure and stress

Abstract : A study was made to determine if the behavior of plastics undergoing breakdown from the effects of stress, elevated temperatures, and chemical attack could be predicted by means of a mechanical-chemical equation of state. Five systems were studied, the first four of which were tested for retention of strength at room temperature after environmental exposure: (a) Glass-reinforced polyester laminate exposed to an alkaline medium at elevated temperatures; (b) cellulose laminate exposed to elevated temperatures, resulting in oxidative degradation; (c) paper-phenolic laminate exposed to elevated temperatures, resulting in further cross-linking followed by oxidative degradation; (d) heat-resistant glass fiber polyester resin laminate exposed to very high degradative temperatures; and (e) same material and treatment as (d) except that the specimens were under stress during the exposure (stress-rupture). It is concluded that the effects of the various environments on the mechanical properties of the plastics under study can be predicted accurately by use of a parameter of the equation of state representing a second-order chemical reaction. (Author)
Anterior cruciate ligament replacement using patellar tendon. An evaluation of graft revascularization in the dog.

We investigated the revascularization pattern of patellar tendon grafts used to replace the anterior cruciate ligament in thirty-six dogs by histological and tissue-clearing (Spalteholz) techniques. Initially the grafts were avascular, but by six weeks they were completely ensheathed in a vascular synovial envelope. The soft tissues of the infrapatellar fat pad, the tibial remnant of the anterior cruciate ligament, and the posterior synovial tissues contributed to this synovial vasculature. Intrinsic revascularization of the patellar tendon graft progressed from the proximal and distal portions of the graft centrally and was complete by twenty weeks. The tibial attachment of the patellar tendon graft did not contribute any vessels to the revascularization process. At one year, the vascular and histological appearance of the patellar tendon graft resembled that of a normal anterior cruciate ligament. Clinical Relevance: The absence of perfused vessels within the patellar tendon graft immediately after transplantation within the knee joint and the failure of the osseous insertion of the graft to contribute vessels to the revascularization process suggest that although it is left attached at the tibia, the patellar tendon graft is essentially an avascular free graft at transplantation. The contribution of the soft tissues of the knee to the revascularization process of the graft suggests preservation and utilization of the infrapatellar fat pad and synovial tissue to optimize the graft's revascularization and ultimate viability.
SSL Adoption by Museums: Survey Results, Analysis, and Recommendations

DOE Solid-State Lighting GATEWAY report that summarizes the results of a survey of the museum community regarding conversions to SSL in museums. Responses provided real-world insight into how LEDs are being incorporated into museums, and what successes and hurdles have been encountered in the process.
Immunofluorescent Studies of Human Leukemic Cells with Antiserum to a Murine Leukemic Virus (Rauscher Strain)

Cells from bone marrow aspirates and liver, kidney and spleen imprints from patients with leukemia and other nonleukemic hematological and non-hematological disorders were tested for reactivity with murine leukemia (Rauscher) virus antibody using the technique of immunofluorescence. The cells of all eleven patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and four out of five patients with chronic lymphatic leukemia reacted strongly. In only six of the 15 patients with myelogenous leukemia and approximately one-third of the 47 patients with miscellaneous disorders (Table 1) was strong immunofluorescence demonstrated.
Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation for patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia

Seventy patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation following cytoreduction with total body irradiation and cyclophosphamide. Thirty patients underwent transplantation in first remission, 11 in second remission, 3 in third remission, and 26 in relapse. At a median follow-up of 30 mo, 17 of those in first remission and 7 of those in second remission survive in continuous remission, compared to 1 in third remission and 3 in relapse. The 3-yr Kaplan-Meier probability of disease-free survival among the various groups was 55% (+/- 9.2%) for the first remission transplants, 64% (+/- 14.5%) for second remission, 33% (+/- 20%) in third remission, and 10.3% (+/- 6.3%) in the relapse group. Statistical analysis showed a similar survival in the first and second remission groups that was significantly better than that seen in the third remission and relapse groups (p less than 0.01). The improved survival seen in the early remission groups was due to a significant decrease in the incidence of relapse posttransplant (p less than 0.01). These results confirm observations that a significant number of patients transplanted in first remission may achieve extended disease-free survival and document similar results for patients transplanted in second remission.
The fashion gap: the Cold War politics of American and Soviet fashion, 1945-1959

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the role that fashion played in the Cold War competition between the USA and the Soviet Union during the period from 1945 to 1959. Design/methodology/approach – This paper begins by situating fashion within the larger American efforts of cultural diplomacy. It then examines the American and Soviet approaches to fashion. Finally, it focuses on the fashion show at the 1959 American National Exhibition in Moscow. This paper utilizes primary sources, including archival sources and period newspapers and magazines. Findings – Both American and Soviet leaders tried to use fashion to embody the ideological values of each political and economic system. Both also acknowledged a “fashion gap”, whereby Americans enjoyed clear superiority thanks to a well-developed mass production system of ready-made, stylish clothing, that some termed the American Look. Americans hoped the fashion gap would demonstrate that only capitalism could provide women with an abundance of the...
Pharmacogenetic characterization of naturally occurring germline NT5C1A variants to chemotherapeutic nucleoside analogs.

BACKGROUND Mutations or alterations in expression of the 5' nucleotidase gene family can lead to altered responses to treatment with nucleoside analogs. While investigating leukemia susceptibility genes, we discovered a very rare p.L254P NT5C1A missense variant in the substrate recognition motif. Given the paucity of cellular drug response data from the NT5C1A germline variation, we characterized p.L254P and eight rare variants of NT5C1A from genomic databases. MATERIALS AND METHODS Through lentiviral infection, we created HEK293 cell lines that stably overexpress wild-type NT5C1A, p.L254P, or eight NT5C1A variants reported in the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute Exome Variant Server (one truncating and seven missense). IC50 values were determined by cytotoxicity assays after exposure to chemotherapeutic nucleoside analogs (cladribine, gemcitabine, 5-fluorouracil). In addition, we used structure-based homology modeling to generate a three-dimensional model for the C-terminal region of NT5C1A. RESULTS The p.R180X (truncating), p.A214T, and p.L254P missense changes were the only variants that significantly impaired protein function across all nucleotide analogs tested (>5-fold difference vs. wild-type; P<0.05). Several of the remaining variants individually showed differential effects (both more and less resistant) across the analogs tested. The homology model provided a structural framework to understand the impact of NT5C1A mutants on catalysis and drug processing. The model predicted active site residues within NT5C1A motif III and we experimentally confirmed that p.K314 (not p.K320) is required for NT5C1A activity. CONCLUSION We characterized germline variation and predicted protein structures of NT5C1A. Individual missense changes showed considerable variation in response to the different nucleoside analogs tested, which may impact patients' responses to treatment.
Initial Management and Follow-up of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer in Children

Children with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) often present with metastatic disease and have a high risk for recurrence, but rarely die of the disease. This article reviews DTC in children and discusses current approaches to their initial care and follow-up. These recommendations take into account the greater risk for recurrence and lower disease-specific mortality in these patients. Total thyroidectomy and central compartment lymph node dissection are appropriate for most children, but should be performed by a high-volume thyroid surgeon. Radioactive iodine (RAI) should generally be prescribed for those at very high risk for recurrence or known to have microscopic residual disease, and those with iodine-avid distant metastases. RAI should be considered in other patients only after carefully weighing the relative risks and benefits and the aggressiveness of the clinical presentation, because RAI may be associated with an increased risk for second malignancies and an increase in overall morbidity and mortality. All patients should be treated with thyroid hormone suppression, and follow-up should be lifelong. However, the degree of thyroid hormone suppression and frequency of disease surveillance usually decrease over time as patients are determined to be disease-free.
A maximum a-posteriori based algorithm for dynamic load model parameter estimation

Transient stability analysis is becoming increasingly important for power systems engineers and researchers. Accurate dynamic models are required, but aggregate load models are an area of weakness. Measurement-based system identification methods based on least-square minimization have difficulty determining model parameters because the models do not satisfy injectivity: vastly different model parameters can produce the same output waveform for a given disturbance. One could argue that the parameters of a model are unimportant, as long as the simulation output waveforms are correct. While this is true for the disturbance(s) we used to determine the parameters, we show that the model fails when we try to use it to predict the result of other disturbances. Thus, we must attempt to regain injectivity. In this paper, we present two methods for doing so. First we try using multiple disturbances, but this does not have a significant impact. Second, we present an algorithm based on a maximum a-posteriori (MAP) estimator, which is much more robust than least-squares. The MAP estimator can take advantage of prior knowledge of the parameters of the grid. When we know a great deal about the model parameters beforehand, the MAP estimator is extremely robust to measurement noise, even down to SNRs approaching zero. When we do not, even if we simply guess that each of the five components in the complex load model comprises 20% of the total load, the MAP estimator still performs significantly better than least squares.
Implementation of a high-performance cardiopulmonary resuscitation protocol at a collegiate emergency medical services program

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a significant public health issue. Although OHCA occurs relatively infrequently in the collegiate environment, educational institutions with on-campus emergency medical services (EMS) agencies are uniquely positioned to provide high-quality resuscitation care in an expedient fashion. Georgetown University's on-campus EMS program recently updated its medical protocols to reflect the latest literature in resuscitation science. In a high-performance CPR (HPCPR) resuscitation, minimally interrupted chest compressions are emphasized, along with a coordinated team-based approach.
Pathological characteristics of gastric mucosa infections due to Helicobacter pylori

OBJECTIVE To explore the pathological characteristics of gastric diseases induced by the gastric mucosa with different forms of Helicobacter pylori infections so as to reduce the incidence of gastric infection with H.pylori.METHODS A total of 219 patients who underwent the gastric mucosa biopsy from Apr 2011 to Mar 2014 were enrolled in the study.The morphology of the H.pylori strains was described by using different staining methods,and the pathological changes of the gastric mucosa were observed.The statistical analysis was performed with the use of SPSS13.0software.RESULTS The proportion of the male patients complicated with spiral and spherical H.pylori infection was significantly higher than that of the patients with single spherical H.pylori infection,with significant difference(P0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the type of mucosa,type of inflammation,or complication of dysplasia between the patients complicated with spiral and spherical H.pyloriinfection and the patients with single H.pylori infection.Among the patients complicated with spiral and spherical H.pylori infection,79.35% had inflammatory activity,55.43% had severe inflammation,and 50.00% had follicular formation.Among the patients with single spherical H.pylori infection,43.75% had the inflammatory activity,25.00% had severe inflammation,and 25.00% had follicular formation;the incidence of the spiral and spherical H.pylori infection was significantly higher than that of the single H.pylori infection,with significant difference(P0.05).CONCLUSIONBoth the spherical H.pylori and the spiral H.pylori show the pathogenicity of gastric mucosa,and the pathogenicity of the spiral H.pyloriis even higher.The spiral H.pyloriis prevalent in the male patients,which should be paid attention to.
Through the India's Blackout to Perceive the Generalized Congestions in Power Systems

India's potential power reliability hazards in aspects like generation planning,transmission planning,grid infrastructure,management system,primary energy,environmental constraint,market economy and information technology,which together aggravate the power disaster,have been revealed by the "7·30" blackout.These factors,which influence the power supply adequacy and security in a similar manner as transmission congestion does,can be called by a generic term as generalized congestions.Different participants' attempts to benefit from multi-gaming by utilizing generalized congestions,will in turn aggravate congestions.From this perspective,the inevitability of India's power disaster,occasionality of trigger event and inherent evolution law of blackout are reflected,the enlightenment on China's power industry is discussed,and blackout risk control measures are explored in this paper.The positive role of strong smart grid in ensuring energy and environment security is highlighted.
Biology and Diseases of Ferrets

Ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) belong to the ancient family Mustelidae, which is believed to date back to the Eocene period, some 40 million years ago. The taxonomic groups in the family Mustelidae, as recognized by Nowak (1999), include 67 species in 25 genera from North, Central, and South America; Eurasia; and Africa. No other carnivore shows such diversity of adaptation, being found in a wide variety of ecosystems ranging from arctic tundra to tropical rainforests. Mustelids have retained many primitive characteristics, which include relatively small size, short stocky legs, five toes per foot, elongated braincase, and short rostrum (Anderson, 1989). The Mustelinae is the central subfamily of the Mustelidae. The best-known members of the Mustelinae are the weasels, mink, ferrets (genus Mustela), and the martens (genus Martes) (Anderson, 1989). The genus Mustela is divided into five subgenera: Mustela (weasels), Lutreola (European mink), Vison (American mink), Putorius (ferrets), and Grammogale (South American weasels). The smallest member of the Mustelidae family is the least weasel (Mustela nivalis), which weighs as little as 25 g, and the largest member is the sea otter (Enhydra lutris), which can weigh as much as 45 kg (Nowak, 1999).
The Normative Accountability of Human Action

The mutual accountability of human conduct is one of the most significant features of organized social existence. Human beings can describe and explain their own and others’ activities for practical purposes and in the light of a host of relevances in everyday life. This poses a dilemma for the student of the social world, a dilemma articulated by Alfred Schutz in the following terms: It is up to the natural scientist and to him alone to define, in accordance with the procedural rules of his science, his observational field, and to determine the facts, data, and events within it which are relevant for his problems or scientific purpose at hand. Neither are those facts and events pre-selected, nor is the observational field pre-interpreted. The world of nature, as explored by the natural scientist, does not ‘mean’ anything to the molecules, atoms, and electrons therein. The observational field of the social scientist, however, namely the social reality, has a specific meaning and relevance structure for the human beings living, acting, and thinking therein. By a series of common-sense constructs they have pre-selected and pre-interpreted this world which they experience as the reality of their daily lives.1
Artificial intelligence in surface coal mine planning

ABSTRACT Artificial intelligence and knowledge based expert systems can be utilized for planning of surface coal mining operations. Approach to planning of surface coal mines involves property selection to meet consumer coal quality requirements, site characteristics, equipment analysis, and mine parameters. The architecture of the Expert System consists of the user, the knowledge base, and the inference engine. Interfacing of the Expert System with other conventional computer programs for coal mine design can be arranged.
Doctor‐Patient Communication

Doctor–patient communication is shaped by relational dynamics similar to personal relationships, but with additional goals of diagnosing and treating a patient's presenting biomedical and illness concerns. In addition to building relationship and addressing illness concerns, doctor–patient communication is also shaped by a host of factors that together shape communication processes. Relational and task-driven functions of provider–patient communication can work in concert, or they can become competing goals. Beyond these immediate functions, understanding the connection between doctor–patient communication and health outcomes is a cornerstone of health communication and medical research. The outcomes of doctor–patient communication are important because they impact adherence to the medical regimen, quality of life, and medical malpractice, in addition to predicting illness and health status changes. Keywords: doctor–patient; health care; health communication; health outcomes; interpersonal
Dynamical Semiconductor Medium FDTD Simulation of Current-Injection Nanophotonic Devices

We report successful simulation of current-injection photonic crystal laser showing the spatial-temporal evolution of the electromagnetic field as well as carrier distribution using our dynamical semiconductor medium (DSM) FDTD model, showing its capability in dealing with complex electromagnetic structures and semiconductor carrier dynamics.
Patterns of Success for Urban 4-H Youth Development in the Near Future

A Modified Delphi study identified patterns of success for urban Extension 4-H programming in the next five years. The Delphi panel of 20 experts represented all regions, program areas, organizational levels as well as two external friends of Extension. The Delphi process provided both quantitative and qualitative data on the topics of collaboration, target populations, and programming. Fifteen patterns of success were identified for urban 4-H youth development. These patterns should serve as best practices for Extension youth development programming in urban counties for “making the best better!” in the near future.
Reactions of Ferrous Coproheme Decarboxylase (HemQ) with O2 and H2O2 Yield Ferric Heme b.

A recently discovered pathway for the biosynthesis of heme b ends in an unusual reaction catalyzed by coproheme decarboxylase (HemQ), where the Fe(II)-containing coproheme acts as both substrate and cofactor. Because both O2 and H2O2 are available as cellular oxidants, pathways for the reaction involving either can be proposed. Analysis of reaction kinetics and products showed that, under aerobic conditions, the ferrous coproheme–decarboxylase complex is rapidly and selectively oxidized by O2 to the ferric state. The subsequent second-order reaction between the ferric complex and H2O2 is slow, pH-dependent, and further decelerated by D2O2 (average kinetic isotope effect of 2.2). The observation of rapid reactivity with peracetic acid suggested the possible involvement of Compound I (ferryl porphyrin cation radical), consistent with coproheme and harderoheme reduction potentials in the range of heme proteins that heterolytically cleave H2O2. Resonance Raman spectroscopy nonetheless indicated a remarkably w...
The Portable Recording Studio: Documentary Filmmaking and Live Album Recording, 1967-1969

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
Body as a Site of Justice and Expiation in J. M. Coetzee's Fiction

This paper examines the centrality of an ontological discourse to attempts at reparation by white characters in J.M.Coetzee’s fiction: Waiting for the Barbarians (1980), Age of Iron (1990), and Disgrace (1999). These novels address the issues of justice and expiation in relation to a set of racialized, gendered, and sexualized encounters between the colonizer and the colonized, whites and non-whites, or self and other. As means of making amends for the political violence that seems to be inherent in these (uneven) encounters, Coetzee’s novels deploy a discourse of justice that hints at the potentialities of reparation (to a large extent, at a personal level) located in the body, but, at the same time, complicates such a possibility.
Pain, hedonic regulation, and opioid misuse: Modulation of momentary experience by Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement in opioid-treated chronic pain patients

Abstract Background Given the risk of opioid misuse among chronic pain patients being treated with long-term opioid pharmacotherapy, non-pharmacological treatments are needed. Further, in light of hedonic deficits in this population, therapies that enhance positive affect may be useful. The purpose of this study was to examine effects of a Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) intervention on ecological momentary assessments (EMA) of pain and positive affective experience, and to determine if changes in pain, affect, and their interaction were associated with opioid misuse at post-treatment. Methods This study examined unpublished EMA data from a subset of participants (N = 55) in a previously published RCT (NCT01505101) of MORE versus a support group (SG) control. Across 8 weeks of treatment, patients completed up to 224 EMA measures of pain and affect. Multilevel models and generalized estimating equations examined effects of treatment on momentary pain and positive affect, and generalized linear models examined associations between pain and affect and changes in opioid misuse by post-treatment. Results Patients in MORE reported significantly greater improvements in momentary pain ( p = 0.01) and positive affect ( p = 0.004) than patients in the SG. Further, over the entire course of treatment, patients in MORE were significantly more likely to exhibit positive affect regulation (OR = 2.75) than patients in the SG. Finally, improvements in positive affect (but not pain) over the course of intervention were associated with reduced risk of misusing opioids by post-treatment ( p = 0.02). Conclusion MORE may be a useful non-pharmacological treatment for pain and hedonic deficits among chronic pain patients at risk for opioid misuse.
Teeth penetration force of the tiger shark Galeocerdo cuvier and sandbar shark Carcharhinus plumbeus.

This study examined the minimum force required of functional teeth and replacement teeth in the tiger shark Galeocerdo cuvier and the sandbar shark Carcharhinus plumbeus to penetrate the scales and muscle of sheepshead Archosargus probatocephalus and pigfish Orthopristis chrysoptera. Penetration force ranged from 7·7–41·9 and 3·2–26·3 N to penetrate A. probatocephalus and O. chrysoptera, respectively. Replacement teeth required significantly less force to penetrate O. chrysoptera for both shark species, most probably due to microscopic wear of the tooth surfaces supporting the theory shark teeth are replaced regularly to ensure sharp teeth that are efficient for prey capture.
Annals for Hospitalists Inpatient Notes - Gender Equality in Hospital Medicine—Are We There Yet?

Years ago, when hospital medicine emerged as a subspecialty, it appeared to offer several attractive qualities for female physicians, including scheduling flexibility and a competitive salary. As a...
Dynamic analysis of material ejection from cathodic metal nano-tips due to local heating and field generated stress

The potential for explosive cathode emission due to nanoprotrusions subjected to Maxwell stress and heating from strong electric fields is probed self-consistently based on non-equilibrium molecular-dynamics. The focus is on determining the electric field magnitudes that could lead to material ejection, assessing dependencies of the instability on the nanoprotrusion height and cross-sectional area, and the role of time-dependent thermal conductivity and local temperature changes. Our results indicate that large aspect ratios would facilitate mass ejection, with protrusion break up occurring over times in the 25 ns range, in agreement with experimental reports on explosive emission.
The effect of mastication on food intake, satiety and body weight

As mastication is the major component of the oral processing of solid foods a better understanding of its influence on ingestion, digestion and metabolism may lead to new approaches to improve health. A growing number of studies provide evidence that mastication may influence energy balance through several routes: activation of histaminergic neurons, reducing eating rate, altered digestion kinetics, and changes in macronutrient availability. Indeed, accumulating evidence indicates that increasing the number of masticatory cycles before swallowing reduces food intake and increases satiety. However, while slowing eating rate has been shown to limit weight gain in children and adolescents it is not clear that slowing eating rate by increasing the number of masticatory cycles or slowing mastication rate is a viable method to aid weight management ([10], [15]). Further research is required to determine the influence of mastication on energy balance and how it could be manipulated to aid weight management. This narrative review will provide a brief overview of the effect of mastication on food intake, satiety and body weight.
Generalized Phase-Space Distributions

Shortly after the invention of quantum mechanics, Wigner [93] and Kirkwood [43] addressed the issue of quantum statical mechanics in the following way. They devised a distribution function (different ones) aimed to calculate quantum averages by way of phase-space averaging. It was some time later that Moyal [60] saw the connection between the Weyl rule and the Wigner distribution. In this chapter, we develop a formulation where all distributions may be studied in a unified way.
Brain Ischemic Edema

Brain edema accompanies many neurological diseases. In ischemia, the loss of energy substrates, such as glucose and oxygen, by the interruption of blood flow results in failure of the adenosine triphosphatase pumps that maintain ionic balance across the cell membranes. Retention of sodium causes the cell to swell producing cytotoxic edema. Cerebral capillaries are vulnerable to hypoxia/ischemia. Proteases, including cyclooxygenases and matrix metalloproteinases, open the blood–brain barrier, leading to vasogenic edema. Magnetic resonance imaging shows the different types of brain edema. Treatment is currently limited to osmotic agents for brain swelling because glucocorticosteroids are countraindicated in stroke.
The Dynamics of Communication

Communication is studied here from a supply side point of view. That is, emphasis is placed on supplying information to the public, rather than on the public’s use and evaluation of information. The models used to study the communication channels, however, are based upon well known empirical regularities from the communication and diffusion of innovation literature. The main body of the paper begins with a description of, and the derivation of models for, differing communication channels. The characteristics of changes in agency’s optimal use of these channels are discussed, and accompanied by numerical examples. In the final two sections communication channels are incorporated into two spatial-temporal models. The former, diffusion through an urban system, is implicitly spatial, while the latter, random field models of diffusion, is an explicit spatial-temporal model.
Movies and Medical Ethics

In classrooms and lecture halls around the world, motion pictures have proven to be excellent platforms from which to ignite enthusiasm, illustrate clinical signs and symptoms of illness, recount medical history and scientific progress, and enhance understanding of research and medical practices. They provide instruments for highlighting contemporary social issues and society’s perception of health care, disease and medical ethics, as well as to initiate thought-experiments that advance philosophical knowledge. By portraying relationship webs that influence moral behaviours, films are able to turn us inwards, as we experience the cinematic narrative using both the emotive and cognitive parts of our being. By virtue of a visual, aural, and imaginative medium, film draws on our sensitivities and intellect; challenging us to interpretations that promote debates of complex moral issues or bioethical claims. In a sense, film might be viewed as a nexus where art, science, philosophy, behavioural sciences, and medicine join to enable and enrich our understanding. This chapter provides examples of how feature films and their specific scenes can be used to promote reflection on a variety of medical ethics issues, and showcases some of the techniques and hazards of using cinematic storytelling for this purpose.
HIV-1-Derived Neurotoxic Factors: Effects on Human Neuronal Cultures

HIV-1 infection of the developing central nervous system (CNS) results in a primary encephalopathy that is clinically devastating. Although it is established that HIV-1 productively infects brain microglia and macrophages, the mechanism(s) for neuronal dysfunction remain controversial. We have recently demonstrated that cocultures of HIV-1-infected monocytes and primary human fetal astrocytes secrete high, but variable levels of the cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) relative to control uninfected monocyte plus astrocyte cocultures.1,2 Additionally, cocultures of HIV-1-infected monocytes and primary human fetal astrocytes secrete high levels of plateletactivating factor (PAF) (unpublished results). Both conditioned media from these cocultures and exogenous TNF-a, PAF, but not IL-lβ are neurotoxic to primary ultures of human fetal neurons.1,2 TNF-a-induced neurotoxicity is dosedependent and can be blocked in part by AMPA receptor antagonists.3 Studies suggest that the time course for this neurotoxicity is subacute, and occurs between 24-48 hours in this cell culture system. Furthermore, PAF-induced neurotoxicity is dose-dependent and can be blocked in part by NMDA receptor antagonists.Other studies demonstrate that TNF-a and PAF down-regulate the expression f neurotransmitter receptors such as the dopamine D2 receptor, which may be dysfunctional in neuroAIDS. Taken together, these data suggest that TNF-a and PAF, produced by interactions between HIV-1-infected monocytes and astrocytes, may act as two candidate neurotoxins to produce neuronal dysfunction and death. Because these neurotoxins act in part through glutamate receptor systems, glutamate receptor antagonists may be useful in the pharmacotherapy of HIV-1-mediated encephalopathy.
BRAF fusions identified in melanomas have variable treatment responses and phenotypes

Oncogenic BRAF fusions have emerged as an alternate mechanism for BRAF activation in melanomas and other cancers. A number of BRAF fusions with different 5' gene partners and BRAF exon breakpoints have been described, but the effects of different partners and breakpoints on cancer phenotypes and treatment responses has not been well characterized. Targeted RNA sequencing was used to screen 60 melanoma patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models for BRAF fusions. We identified three unique BRAF fusions, including a novel SEPT3-BRAF fusion, occurring in four tumors (4/60, 6.7%), all of which were "pan-negative" (lacking other common mutations) (4/18, 22.2%). The BRAF fusion PDX models showed variable growth rates and responses to MAPK inhibitors in vivo. Overexpression of BRAF fusions identified in our study, as well as other BRAF fusions previously identified in melanomas, resulted in a high degree of variability in 2D proliferation and 3D invasion between the different fusions. While exogenously expressed BRAF fusions all responded to MAPK inhibition in vitro, we observed potential differences in signaling and feedback mechanisms. In summary, BRAF fusions are actionable therapeutic targets, however there are significant differences in phenotypes, treatment responses, and signaling which may be clinically relevant.
Novel Homozygous Deletion in STRADA Gene Associated With Polyhydramnios, Megalencephaly, and Epilepsy in 2 Siblings: Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment

Mutations in the STE20-related kinase adaptor α ( STRADA) gene have been reported to cause an autosomal recessive neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by infantile-onset epilepsy, developmental delay, and craniofacial dysmorphisms. To date, there have been 17 reported individuals diagnosed with STRADA mutations, 16 of which are from a single Old Order Mennonite cohort and share a deletion of exons 9-13. The remaining individual is of consanguineous Indian descent and has a homozygous single-base pair duplication. We report a novel STRADA gene deletion of exons 7-9 in 2 sisters from nonconsanguineous parents, as well as an improvement in seizure control in 1 sibling following treatment with sirolimus, an m-Tor inhibitor of potential benefit to patients with this genetic mutation.
Epidemiology of facial fractures among older adults: A retrospective analysis of a nationwide emergency department database

Background/aims The prevalence of facial fractures among older adults has increased in recent years, and nationwide studies about the epidemiological profile and outcomes of hospital-based ED visits for facial fractures among older adults are scarce. The aim of this study was to provide USA-wide data of hospital-based Emergency Department (ED) visits for facial fractures among older adults, and to investigate the outcomes associated with these visits. Material and methods The Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) for the years 2008-2014 was used for the present study. All ED visits with a diagnosis of facial fractures in any of the diagnoses fields and only patients aged 65 years and above were included. Results A total of 540 748 ED visits matched the criteria (62.7% were females). Public insurance-Medicare-(85.2%) was the most common payer. The three most frequent facial fractures included fractures of the nasal bones (61.3%), fractures of "other" facial bones (16.7%), and fractures of the orbital floor (15.0%). Falls were the most common causes of facial fractures (81.8%). Following ED visits, 64.1% were treated and released, and 30.6% were admitted into the hospital. The mean ED charge per visit was US$5507. Total ED charges across the entire United States was US$2 518 289 555. Conclusions Among older adults, nasal bone fractures are the most common type of facial fracture. Facial fractures are mainly caused by falls. There was no significant trend in mortality rates over the study period, and there was a significant financial burden associated with the facial fracture-related ED visits.
Chapter 2 – Methods: Surveillance

Public health surveillance provides the data necessary to inform decisions, monitor change, and detect abnormalities that may otherwise be overlooked. Surveillance plays a critical role in maintaining population health, including in disaster settings. There are two general categories of surveillance, active and passive. Within these two categories, there are different types of surveillance, each with unique characteristics and utility for specific situations and circumstances. This chapter will highlight how different types of surveillance might be used in a disaster situation and discuss how some of public health's greatest achievements have been linked to the use of surveillance data.