cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Non-syndromic single-suture craniosynostosis in triplets

Craniosynostosis is the premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures. The cause of non-syndromic craniosynostosis has been attributed to a complex interaction among genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. Increased concordance rates in monozygotic twins support a genetic etiology while a concordance rate less than 100% suggests environmental and/or epigenetic influences. Here, we describe the first reported occurrence of all three children in a triplet set with non-syndromic single-suture craniosynostosis. The dichorionic triamniotic triplets were the product of a non-consanguineous marriage delivered at 35 weeks’ gestation by a 38-year-old mother and consisted of a monochorionic-diamniotic pair (A and B) and a fraternal triplet (C). Three-dimensional computed tomography scans confirmed sagittal synostosis in A and B and metopic synostosis in C. All patients underwent endoscopic strip craniectomy and were discharged on the second postoperative day with helmet orthoses. Comparative genetic hybridization (CGH) and whole-exome sequencing (WES) failed to identify pathogenic copy number variants or gene mutations, respectively. The results of the genetic testing suggest the possibility of a rare variant contributing to the risk of midline craniosynostosis shared among the triplets, with potential modifiers at other genetic loci affecting the phenotype. We speculate mutations at loci within non-coding regions not captured by our genetic analysis may have been involved. Moreover, epigenetic factors as well as environmental factors including, but not limited to, in utero head constraint could have contributed to the observed phenotype.
Tissue distribution of avenanthramides and gene expression of hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA:hydroxyanthranilate N-hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HHT) in benzothiadiazole-treated oat (Avena sativa)1

Oats produce a group of natural products termed avenanthramides. These compounds are produced in both the vegetative tissue and the grain. They are produced in leaf tissue in response to crown rust...
Risk factor analysis for mortality among infants requiring tracheostomy.

INTRODUCTION An increasing number of tracheostomies are performed in infants with complex comorbidities including bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and congenital heart disease (CHD). With this shift in indications, there is an urgent need to characterize outcomes in this population. METHODS This 5-year retrospective chart review assessed rates of 12-month mortality in infants who were ≤12 months of age at the time of tracheostomy at a tertiary care pediatric hospital and risk factors associated with death. Patient characteristics evaluated included chronologic age and post-menstrual age at tracheostomy placement, gestational age and weight, sex, ethnicity, indication for tracheostomy, and comorbidities including BPD, CHD, subglottic stenosis (SGS), craniofacial syndromes, and chromosomal trisomy syndromes. Subgroup analysis was performed in infants with CHD. RESULTS One hundred thirty-two tracheostomies were performed during the study period with an overall 12-month mortality of 14.4% (19/132). Mortality was increased in patients with CHD (35%) and decreased in patients with SGS (3.7%). No other patient characteristics were associated with differences in mortality. There was a trend towards improved mortality outcomes among patients born at earlier gestational ages. CONCLUSIONS Among infants with tracheostomy in this cohort, overall mortality rates were relatively low but not insignificant. CHD was associated with increased mortality; however, children with SGS showed more favorable outcomes. Other patient characteristics were not associated with differences in mortality. These data clarify outcomes in a group of infants with tracheostomy.
The Hybrid Rapper

Employing content analysis as a methodological approach, Oware complicates the reading of turn of the century rap artists. Analyzing 350 + songs of popular male rappers from 2005 to 2015 reveals the continued presence of the hegemonic themes of braggadocio, misogyny, and violence that dominated the genre in the 1990s. However, Oware finds fewer instances of homophobic references than expected. Finally, the author uncovers references where males express caring and loving attitudes towards friends and family. These homosocial themes within hegemonic black masculinity rarely receive attention when addressing male artists’ lyrics. Yet, this discovery adds complexity to lyrical analyses of contemporary rap music. Specifically, Oware presents male rappers as simultaneously dominant and vulnerable or hybrid rappers. Nonetheless, these artists continue to sexualize and objectify women.
Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Cardiovascular Correlates

Cardiovascular disease is cited as the underlying cause of death in one out of every three deaths within the United States; this burden on the health care system percolates down to affect patients on an individual level. In part, the problem arises from the low regenerative capacity of cardiovascular system cells, for example, cardiac myocytes, and from oxidative stressors to the human body. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are a type of stem cell, and various clinical conditions including hypertension and renal failure underlie their dysfunction. EPCs are classified as either early or late outgrowth endothelial progenitor cells depending on the time they appear in circulation and at the site of injury after an inciting event. Their function is paracrine through the release of cytokines, growth factors and chemokines such as interleukin-6 and vascular endothelial growth factor, and they are involved in transdifferentiation into vascular smooth muscle cells and potentially cardiac myocytes. They are beneficial to the modification of cardiovascular cell apoptosis, fibrosis, and contractility. In times of stress, the normal function of endothelial progenitor cells is altered; this creates a maladaptive cycle where stress and failed coping mechanisms enhance each other toward the culmination of cardiovascular disease. The development of the cardiovascular system follows gastrulation in the embryonic period, and the cells that form the system are derived from the mesoderm; being mesoderm, the vascular cells exhibit heterogeneity in their origin and function. The need to understand the molecular and cellular regulatory pathways during development can amalgamate efforts of endothelial cell and cardiovascular system pathophysiology for the advancement of patient cardiovascular reserve and function.
Engaged Dialogic Pedagogy and the Tensions Teachers Face

Book review: Fecho, B., Falter, M., & Hong, X. (2016). Teaching outside the box and inside the standards: Making room for dialogue. New York: Teachers College Press.This review highlights the editors’ vision of showing the power of engaged dialogic practice in classroom contexts that are at odds with the push for the standardization of schools and learning. In particular, this review will show how the individual stories of the four teachers highlighted in the book along with the experience of the university researchers created a dialogue from which readers can take hope that their choice to engage in Bakhtinian dialogism in the context of their classrooms is a worthy pursuit. According to the book, this is true even when that choice puts them at odds with other teachers, administrators, and state or national standards. This review will show that the editors and the teachers whose stories are told do not intend for their readers to come to this text ready to join the fight against standards, but for them to be able to see how dialogue is exceptionally important in working in standardized spaces. The book itself is short with only six chapters and just over one hundred pages, therefore, the review will address each chapter individually and its overall engagement with the purpose outlined above. Each chapter ends with the author’s suggestions for action which can help the reader new to dialogical pedagogy grasp dialogical strategies.
Chronic Kidney Disease and Kidney Cancer Surgery: New Perspectives.

Purpose:We sought to provide a contemporary understanding of chronic kidney disease and its relevance to kidney cancer surgery. Another purpose was to resolve points of discrepancy regarding the su...
Abstract 3090: In vivo characterization of AMG 510 - a potent and selective KRASG12Ccovalent small molecule inhibitor in preclinical KRASG12Ccancer models

Somatic activating mutations of RAS family members are tumor driver mutations found in an estimated 21% of all cancers. Oncogenic KRAS mutations at residues G12, G13, and Q61 represent the most common RAS mutations found in solid malignancies. The prevalence of KRAS p.G12C tumors is ~13% of lung adenocarcinoma (including NSCLC), 3% of colorectal carcinoma (CRC), and 1% to 2% of numerous other solid tumors, representing an unmet medical need. We have developed AMG 510, an orally bioavailable, covalent inhibitor of KRASG12C with potent biochemical and cellular activity, and robust in vivo efficacy. AMG 510 inhibited SOS-catalyzed nucleotide exchange of recombinant mutant KRASG12C/C118A but had minimal effect on KRASC118A, which is wildtype at position 12. In cellular assays, AMG 510 covalently modified KRASG12C and inhibited KRASG12C signaling as measured by phosphorylation of ERK1/2 (p-ERK) in all KRAS p.G12C-mutant cell lines tested but did not inhibit p-ERK in cell lines with various other KRAS mutations. AMG 510 also selectively impaired viability of KRAS p.G12C mutant cell lines but did not affect cell lines with other KRAS mutations. In vivo pharmacodynamic assays demonstrated dose- and time-dependent inhibition of KRASG12Csignaling in human pancreatic and NSCLC tumor xenografts. Covalent modification of KRASG12C by AMG 510 was measured by mass spectrometry and correlated with p-ERK inhibition in tumors. AMG 510 significantly inhibited the growth of KRAS p.G12C xenografts and resulted in tumor regression. Combination treatment of AMG 510 with standard-of-care and targeted agents demonstrated enhanced tumor growth inhibition compared to either single agent. In a syngeneic model of KRAS p.G12C mutant cancer, AMG 510 treatment significantly inhibited tumor growth and caused regression. AMG 510 is currently in Phase 1, first-in-human clinical trials for patients with advanced solid tumors harboring a KRAS p.G12C mutation. Citation Format: Karen Rex, Anne Y. Saiki, Ji-Rong Sun, Tyler Holt, Neelima Koppada, Brian A. Lanman, Laurie P. Volak, Robert S. Foti, Victor J. Cee, J. Russell Lipford, Jude Canon. In vivo characterization of AMG 510 - a potent and selective KRASG12Ccovalent small molecule inhibitor in preclinical KRASG12Ccancer models [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3090.
Poliovirus combined immunization with inactivated and live attenuated vaccines

Since the introduction of inactivated poliovirus vaccine in 1955 and live oral poliovirus vaccine in 1962, the number of cases of paralytic poliomyelitis has declined dramatically. In the United States, approximately five cases of poliomyelitis are reported annually and all of them are vaccine-associated. World-wide, there are approximately 200000 cases of natural poliomyelitis. Both the inactivated and live vaccines have proven to be highly effective. The disadvantages of inactivated vaccine are relatively poor mucosal immunity and a belief that booster doses are required to maintain immunity. Live oral vaccine, on the other hand, is associated with paralytic poliomyelitis and poor seroconversion rates in underdeveloped regions of the world. A new enhanced potency inactivated vaccine is more immunogenic, induces greater mucosal immunity, and requires less frequent boosting than earlier inactivated preparations. A sequentional immunization schedule consisting of two doses of enhanced potency inactivated vaccine followed by two doses of the live oral vaccine has been shown to induce excellent systemic and local immunity that is long lasting. The introduction of sequentional immunization as the schedule of choice will require additional simplification of a currently complex vaccine program for polio.
The Serial Novel, Nation, and Utopia: An Intratextual Re-reading of Pauline Hopkins’ Of One Blood; Or, the Hidden Self

This chapter provides a critical rereading of Pauline Elizabeth Hopkins’ Of One Blood; Or, the Hidden Self (1902–1903), a serial utopian novel published in the Colored American Magazine. Taking an intratextual approach, Foster intervenes in the tendency to read nineteenth-century serial novels as standalone texts. Rather, she builds upon the work of textual scholars to re-read Of One Blood as the product of complex negotiations between editor, author, surrounding texts, and readers. She ultimately finds that Hopkins and the other writers of CAM resisted the systemic racism and segregation of their present by reimagining their collective past and future in a practice that evinces African American engagement with the processes of nation-building taking place at the time.
Ultrabright fluorescent nanoscale labels for the femtomolar detection of analytes with standard bioassays

The detection and quantification of low-abundance molecular biomarkers in biological samples is challenging. Here, we show that a plasmonic nanoscale construct serving as an ‘add-on’ label for a broad range of bioassays improves their signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range without altering their workflow and readout devices. The plasmonic construct consists of a bovine serum albumin scaffold with approximately 210 IRDye 800CW fluorophores (with a fluorescence intensity approximately 6,700-fold that of a single 800CW fluorophore), a polymer-coated gold nanorod acting as a plasmonic antenna and biotin as a high-affinity biorecognition element. Its emission wavelength can be tuned over the visible and near-infrared spectral regions by modifying its size, shape and composition. It improves the limit of detection in fluorescence-linked immunosorbent assays by up to 4,750-fold and is compatible with multiplexed bead-based immunoassays, immunomicroarrays, flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry methods, and it shortens overall assay times (to 20 min) and lowers sample volumes, as shown for the detection of a pro-inflammatory cytokine in mouse interstitial fluid and of urinary biomarkers in patient samples. A plasmonic nanoscale construct serving as a customizable ‘add-on’ fluorescent label improves the signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range of a range of fluorescence-based bioassays.
GFF Utilities: GffRead and GffCompare.

GTF (Gene Transfer Format) and GFF (General Feature Format) are popular file formats used by bioinformatics programs to represent and exchange information about various genomic features, such as gene and transcript locations and structure. GffRead and GffCompare are open source programs that provide extensive and efficient solutions to manipulate files in a GTF or GFF format. While GffRead can convert, sort, filter, transform, or cluster genomic features, GffCompare can be used to compare and merge different gene annotations. Availability and implementation: GFF utilities are implemented in C++ for Linux and OS X and released as open source under an MIT license ( https://github.com/gpertea/gffread, https://github.com/gpertea/gffcompare).
Edward Stull

In the modern workplace, technical roles often have overlapping responsibilities. Therefore, it is essential for professional communicators to familiarize themselves with these roles to facilitate a collaborative and cooperative work environment. Stull’s UX Fundamentals for Non-UX Professionals: User Experience Principles for Managers, Writers, Designers, and Developers is a beneficial book for professionals, students, and anyone interested in user-experience (UX) design and research. The book’s purpose is to teach beginners the fundamentals of UX by making the content accessible, although the effort sometimes fails in the denser chapters.
Closing Gaps But Increasing Bias In North American Butterfly Inventory Completeness

Aggregate biodiversity data from museum specimens and community observations have promise for macroscale ecological analyses. Despite this, many groups are under-sampled, and sampling is not homogeneous across space. Here we used butterflies, the best documented group of insects, to examine inventory completeness across North America. We separated digitally accessible butterfly records into those from natural history collections and burgeoning community science observations to determine if these data sources have differential spatio-taxonomic biases. When we combined all data, we found startling under-sampling in regions with the most dramatic trajectories of climate change and across biomes. We also found support for the hypothesis that community science observations are filling more gaps in sampling but are more biased towards areas with the highest human footprint. Finally, we found that both types of occurrences have familial-level taxonomic completeness biases, in contrast to the hypothesis of less taxonomic bias in natural history collections data. These results suggest that higher inventory completeness, driven by rapid growth of community science observations, is partially offset by higher spatio-taxonomic biases. We use the findings here to provide recommendations on how to alleviate some of these gaps in the context of prioritizing global change research.
A 120–330V, Sub-μA, 4-Channel Driver for Microrobotic Actuators with Wireless-Optical Power Delivery and over 99% Current Efficiency

This work presents a 4-channel, mm-scale, electrostatic and piezoelectric actuator driver that uses < 1 μA total quiescent bias current and can drive actuator loads up to 120–330V at frequencies over 1kHz. The driver achieves over 99% current efficiency and can operate untethered with an integrated photovoltaic array driven by a collimated or diffuse optical power source. The circuit is tested with an off-chip boost circuit, generating over 1.5kV with 85% power efficiency at 45mW load. The system uses a simple 4-bit CMOS logic level interface with 100 kHz clock to actuate high voltage channels; on-chip photovoltaics also power the digital controller, and I/O bus.
A Survey of Challenges and Opportunities in Sensing and Analytics for Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Disorders

Cardiovascular disorders cause nearly one in three deaths in the United States. Short- and long-term care for these disorders is often determined in short-term settings. However, these decisions are made with minimal longitudinal and long-term data. To overcome this bias towards data from acute care settings, improved longitudinal monitoring for cardiovascular patients is needed. Longitudinal monitoring provides a more comprehensive picture of patient health, allowing for informed decision making. This work surveys sensing and machine learning in the field of remote health monitoring for cardiovascular disorders. We highlight three needs in the design of new smart health technologies: (1) need for sensing technologies that track longitudinal trends of the cardiovascular disorder despite infrequent, noisy, or missing data measurements; (2) need for new analytic techniques designed in a longitudinal, continual fashion to aid in the development of new risk prediction techniques and in tracking disease progression; and (3) need for personalized and interpretable machine learning techniques, allowing for advancements in clinical decision making. We highlight these needs based upon the current state of the art in smart health technologies and analytics. We then discuss opportunities in addressing these needs for development of smart health technologies for the field of cardiovascular disorders and care.
Optimal PV Inverter Control in Distribution Systems via Data-Driven Distributionally Robust Optimization

Distribution systems with high penetration of uncertain solar generation call for advanced control strategies of photovoltaics (PVs) inverters. This paper proposes a data-driven distributionally robust optimization (DDDRO) approach to optimally controlling the PV inverters to improve the system operation performance under solar power uncertainties. In the proposed DDDRO approach, a Wasserstein ball-based method is proposed to construct the distributional ambiguity set to model the uncertainties of PV generation through partial observations of historical data without knowing exact probability distributions. We further reformulate the computationally intractable DDDRO model to a mixed integer second order cone programming (MISOCP) problem. The effectiveness and out-of-sample performance of the proposed approach have been demonstrated on a modified IEEE 33-node system. We conduct a comparative study to compare the proposed method with traditional chance constrained programming (CCP). It shows that the proposed DDDRO approach can provide a less conservative yet robust solution to minimize the worse-case expectation of the total network loss while maintaining nodal voltages in a secure range.
NASPAG Clinical Opinion: Diagnosis and Management of Lichen Sclerosus in the Pediatric and Adolescent Patient

This Clinical Opinion replaces the NASPAG Clinical Recommendation: Pediatric Lichen Sclerosus published in 2014. The objective of this document is to provide guidance in the diagnosis and management of vulvar lichen sclerosus (LS) in the pediatric and adolescent patient in order to treat patient symptoms and reduce long-term sequelae. LS is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the anogenital region that may present in the prepubertal or adolescent patient. Clinical presentations include significant pruritus, loss of pigmentation and vulvar adhesions with loss of normal vulvar architecture. Management includes topical agents for induction and maintenance therapy, as well as long-term follow-up for identification and treatment of recurrence and sequelae. This document is intended for use by both primary and specialty pediatric and adolescent gynecology (PAG) providers, including specialists in pediatrics, gynecology, adolescent medicine, and dermatology.
Challenges and Opportunities for Biotech Quality by Design

Due to the complex nature of protein therapeutics, there are unique challenges and opportunities to implement a Quality by Design (QbD) approach for the biotechnology-derived products. This chapter describes bioprocessing schemes for both liquid and lyophilized drug products. The International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidance documents are discussed in the context of bioprocessing to provide examples of the systematic QbD approach. Additionally, this chapter discusses the role of process analytical technologies (PAT) and design of experiments (DoEs) as complementary approaches in upstream and downstream process could serve to support the overall development and manufacture of a quality product. The ultimate goal of QbD is a well-understood process and high-quality product with a commitment to continuous improvement.
Interview with Dr.Pamela Lowry

Illinois Wesleyan University Professor of Economics Dr. Pamela Lowry has been working on a topic she started researching in graduate school. Part of her research will culminate when her paper "External Economies and Trade: An Empirical Analysis" appears in the journal Economic Development and Cultural Change. Dr. Lowry's study, based on findings fiom her dissertation, involves using large amounts of data to test more exactly how increasing social capabiity expands a country's abiity to trade. This article is available in The Park Place Economist: http://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/parkplace/vol4/iss1/8 The Park Place Economist, v. 4 opportunity costs are high. If she remains at her present position, she should be able to become an associate and relocate to the Hong Kong office some time this year. Yuet Wei admits that working in Asia is a goal for her, not only because her roots are there-she is from Malaysia-but also because "it [Asia] is very exciting," and it has "potential for a lot of growth." Yuet Wei is yet another example of the success one can achieve when hard work is combined with a degree from Illinois Wesleyan. Interview with Dr. Pamela Lowry
Sequence and Genomic Analysis of a Rhesus Macaque Rhadinovirus with Similarity to Kaposi’s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus/Human Herpesvirus 8

We have sequenced the long unique region (LUR) and characterized the terminal repeats of the genome of a rhesus rhadinovirus (RRV), strain 17577. The LUR as sequenced is 131,364 bp in length, with a G+C content of 52.2% and a CpG ratio of 1.11. The genome codes for 79 open reading frames (ORFs), with 67 of these ORFs similar to genes found in both Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) (formal name, human herpesvirus 8) and herpesvirus saimiri. Eight of the 12 unique genes show similarity to genes found in KSHV, including genes for viral interleukin-6, viral macrophage inflammatory protein, and a family of viral interferon regulatory factors (vIRFs). Genomic organization is essentially colinear with KSHV, the primary differences being the number of cytokine and IRF genes and the location of the gene for dihydrofolate reductase. Highly repetitive sequences are located in positions corresponding to repetitive sequences found in KSHV. Phylogenetic analysis of several ORFs supports the similarity between RRV and KSHV. Overall, the sequence, structural, and phylogenetic data combine to provide strong evidence that RRV 17577 is the rhesus macaque homolog of KSHV.
Between stereotype and authenticity: Using action research in a cross‐cultural management course

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide international business students with a deeper appreciation of cross‐culture issues that might impact their future management practice. Specifically, it considers the use of action research as a driver of the learning dynamics of a course in cross‐cultural management.Design/methodology/approach – The course was designed around core readings and assignments that suggested action research as a way of coming to a more authentic appreciation of cross‐cultural management scenarios. Action research was not, however, formally discussed or introduced. In this initial study, participant reflections were collected and analyzed from a phenomenological perspective.Findings – Results suggest that students, when forced into situations that required them to explore a new cultural dimension, were able to implicitly use action research models. This led participants to a deeper appreciation of their own national culture (predominantly Russian) and a more nuanced approach to ...
Racial Differences in Public Confidence in Education: 1974–2002*

Objective. This article examines the black-white gap in confidence in education in the United States and how the gap has changed over time. Method. The study uses ordinal logit regression on General Social Surveys (1974–2002). Results. Whites have less confidence in education, partly because whites tend to have higher levels of education, income, and conservatism, and are more likely to be affiliated with the Republican Party and evangelical denominations. The black-white gap is largest at lower levels of education, and disappears among college graduates. The gap shrinks during Republican control of the presidency in the United States, and widens during Democratic control. Conclusion. The black-white gap in confidence is not due solely to individual factors, but also to the larger political context and to the groups' different relationships to the institution of education.
Accumulation of adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate induced by catecholamines in the rat superior cervical ganglionin vitro

Abstract Levels of cyclic AMP are elevated rapidly in rat superior cervical ganglia incubated in medium containing low concentrations of isoprenaline, adrenaline and noradrenaline. Phenylephrine and dopamine increase cyclic AMP when used at higher concentrations. The moderate rise induced by dopamine has a slow onset and long duration; the peak accumulation induced by beta-adrenergic agents is rapid and short-lasting. Preincubation with propranolol completely suppresses the elevation of cyclic AMP levels induced by all the agents tested.
Radar cross section of symmetric parabolic reflectors with cavity-backed dipole feeds

The monostatic radar cross section (RCS) of a symmetric parabolic reflector antenna with a cavity-backed dipole feed is computed using the method of moments. At frequencies below the operating frequency band of the antenna the dipole contribution is not significant; in the operating band the dipole terminal load condition only affects the RCS near boresight. The f/D ratio of the antenna is shown to have a significant effect on the RCS. By adjusting the focal length, the cavity and paraboloid scattering contributions can be made to partially cancel, yielding a reduction in RCS near boresight. >
Segmental hyperalgesia to mechanical stimulus in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome: evidence of central sensitization.

Purpose: We investigate if subjects with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome demonstrate mechanical or thermal hyperalgesia, and whether the hyperalgesia is segmental or generalized (global).Materials and Methods: Ten female subjects with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome and 10 age matched female controls without comorbid fibromyalgia or narcotic use were recruited for quantitative sensory testing. Using the method of limits, pressure pain and heat pain thresholds were measured. Using the method of fixed stimulus, the visual analog scale pain experienced was recorded when a fixed pressure/temperature was applied.Results: The visual analog scale pain rated by female subjects with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome was significantly higher than that rated by female control subjects when a fixed mechanical pressure (2 or 4 kg) was applied to the suprapubic (T11) area (p = 0.028). There was an up shift of the stimulus-response curve, which corresponded to the presence of mechanical...
Construct Validity of the Oasis Interest Schedule: A Replication

The purpose of this study was to investigate the construct validity of the Occupational Aptitude Survey and Interest Schedule (OA-SIS) by comparing interest and aptitude scores of a sample of 126 community college students majoring in different academic areas. Planned orthogonal comparisons revealed that science majors scored highest on the Scientific interest scale, mechanical majors scored highest on the Mechanical interest scale, business majors scored highest on the Business Detail interest scale, and humanitarian majors scored highest on the Humanitarian interest scale. These results replicate and extend the findings of Parker and Green (1987).
A pilot study of topiramate in the treatment of infantile spasms.

Summary: Purpose: West syndrome is a rare epileptic syndrome associated with infantile spasms, a specific abnormal electroencephalographic pattern (termed hypsarrhythmia). and mental retardation. Management of this disorder is difficult because current treatment regimens, including many anticonvulsants and hormones, are often ineffective. Topiramate (TPM) is a new antiepileptic drug that may be effective in pediatric epilepsies. We conducted a pilot study to test the effects of rapid TPM dosing in patients with refractory infantile spasms. Methods: Eleven children with refractory infantile spasms were given an initial dose of 25 mg TPM per day in addition to their current therapy. Dosage was increased by 25 mg every 2–3 days until spasms were controlled, the maximal tolerated dose was reached, or the maximal dose of 24 mg/kg/day was achieved. Efficacy was primarily assessed by video EEG and secondarily by parental count of spasm frequency. Results: Five (45%) subjects became spasm free during the study, with absence of infantile spasms and hypsarrhythmia (either classic or modified) proven by video EEG. Nine subjects, including the five spasm free, achieved a spasm reduction of 250%. Spasm frequency decreased from 25.6 f 19.3 to 6.9 r 5.9 spasmdday. Sixty-four percent of the subjects were able to achieve TPM monotherapy. Conclusions: Results in this cohort of 11 patients with refractory disease show TPM to be a promising new agent for the treatment of infantile spasms.
Case Report: Capnocytophaga canimorsus A Novel Pathogen for Joint Arthroplasty

We report the case of a 59-year-old man with Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia and active alcohol use who presented with bilateral knee pain 5 years after a bilateral staged TKA. Cultures of synovial fluid and periprosthetic tissue specimens from both knees yielded, after prolonged anaerobic incubation, a catalase- and oxidase-positive gram-negative bacillus, which was identified as Capnocytophaga canimorsus by 16S ribosomal RNA PCR analysis. C canimorsus, an organism that is commonly found in dog and cat saliva, is a rare cause of various infections in immunocompromised and healthy individuals. However, a review of the medical literature indicates C canimorsus has not been reported previously to cause infection after joint arthroplasty. The patient was immunocompromised by cytotoxic chemotherapy, corticosteroids, and alcohol use. The patient was managed successfully with bilateral two-stage exchange and 6 weeks of intravenous ertapenem therapy. Because of its fastidious and slow-growing characteristics, C canimorsus may be an unrecognized cause of culture-negative joint arthroplasty infections, especially in cases when dog and cat exposure is evident in the clinical history.
Properties of barium gallium germanate glasses

Abstract The glass-forming region density, index of refraction, glass transition temperature, Tg, chemical durability and viscosity of BaO-Ga2O3-GeO2 (BGG) glasses have been determined. In general, the physical properties of these ternary germanate glasses behave in a similar manner to comparable silicate glasses. Three series of BGG glasses containing a constant Ga2O3 content were formulated to approximate the physical property behavior of alkaline earth germanate glasses. The molar volume of the glasses in these series passes through a minimum with increasing BaO content, indicating a maximum in packing density and therefore the possibility of the existence of six-coordinated germanium ions.
Intraperitoneal Flucytosine in the Management of Fungal Peritonitis in Patients on Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis

Five episodes of fungal peritonitis were treated by intraperitoneal instillation of 5-flucytosine (5-Fc) while the patients remained on their usual schedule of dialysis. Therapeutic, nontoxic dialysate and serum concentrations of 5-Fc were achieved. Although some patients transiently responded with improved symptoms, a drop in their dialysate WBC count and negative cultures, all patients required removal of their dialysis catheters for cure. It is concluded that intraperitoneal (IP) 5-Fc, as used in this study, is not efficacious in the treatment of fungal peritonitis.
Inhibition of synaptosomal protein synthesis by neurotransmitter substances

Abstract The incorporation of [14C]amino acids into protein by isolated nerve endings (synaptosomes) is inhibited by several putative transmitter substances. Dopamine, serotonin and DOPA were found to inhibit protein synthesis approximately 50% at concentrations of 10−3M. Epinephrine and norepinephrine inhibited protein synthesis 24% and 28% respectively at this concentration. Acetylcholine and gamma aminobutyric acid were inactive at any concentration studied. At concentrations of 10−4M, similar pattern, but of lesser magnitude, was observed using radioactive leucine, valine or glutamic acid as precursors. Simultaneously isolated brain mitochondria generally showed a similar pattern of inhibition of protein synthesis by the agents studied under most conditions. These effects could not be reversed by ATP or ADP and dibutyryl cyclic AMP had no effect. Studies of the TCA soluble fraction of labeled synaptosomes suggest interference with leucine uptake and compartmentalization as a partial explanation of the observed effects. It is concluded that synaptic protein synthesis can be influenced by several substances thought to act as transmitter agents in the central nervous system.
Cholesterol study: Reaction plateau and kinetic determinations

Abstract A study has been described of a comparison between reaction plateaus and kinetic modes for measuring cholesterol. A similar investigation of bilirubin reactions under the same procedural conditions was also carried out because this compound is a major interference which is frequently encountered in abnormal serums. The findings indicate that bilirubin is a more sensitive reactant than cholesterol by LB reaction but that its effect as an interference can be lessened by a kinetic approach providing that the effect of H 2 O on reaction velocity and molar absorptivity can be minimized. An iron reaction even though more sensitive proved less workable in the kinetic mode owing to reaction velocity and the presence of air bubbles. However, its reaction plateau characteristics were superior to the LB reaction because of a favorable ratio of colors generated for the two reacting constituents. Based on this study, it is predictable that a kinetic approach is quite workable for the LB reaction and could be made more workable for the iron reaction if, in the latter case, conditions perhaps such as temperature and reaction media, could be altered to slow the rate of color formation.
Macromolecular synthesis by yeasts under frozen conditions

Although viable fungi have been recovered from a wide variety of icy environments, their metabolic capabilities under frozen conditions are still largely unknown. We investigated basidiomycetous yeasts isolated from an Antarctic ice core and showed that after freezing at a relatively slow rate (0.8 degrees C min(-1)), the cells are excluded into veins of liquid at the triple junctions of ice crystals. These strains were capable of reproductive growth at -5 degrees C under liquid conditions. Under frozen conditions, metabolic activity was assessed by measuring rates of [(3)H]leucine incorporation into the acid-insoluble macromolecular fraction, which decreased exponentially at temperatures between 15 degrees C and -15 degrees C and was inhibited by the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide. Experiments at -5 degrees C under frozen and liquid conditions revealed 2-3 orders of magnitude lower rates of endogenous metabolism in ice, likely due to the high salinity in the liquid fraction of the ice (equivalent of approximately 1.4 mol l(-1) of NaCl at -5 degrees C). The mesophile Saccharomyces cerevisae also incorporated [(3)H]leucine at -5 degrees C and -15 degrees C, indicating that this activity is not exclusive to cold-adapted microorganisms. The ability of yeast cells to incorporate amino acid substrates into macromolecules and remain metabolically active under these conditions has implications for understanding the survival of Eukarya in icy environments.
Neurotrophin-4/5 selectively protects nigral calbindin-containing neurons in rats with medial forebrain bundle transections

Abstract Three neurotrophic factors associated with the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system were tested for their trophic potential to rescue degenerating substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons in adult rats with transections of the medial forebrain bundle. Axotomy of nigral dopaminergic neurons results in a retrograde degeneration of their cell bodies. Unilateral transections resulted in a partial reduction of the number of dopaminergic neurons as identified by immunocytochemistry for tyrosine hydroxylase to approximately half of the number of neurons present on the intact contralateral substantia nigra. A similar percentage loss was found for the subpopulation of nigral neurons which contain the calcium binding protein calretinin. In contrast, the small subpopulation of neurons which contain calbindin was less sensitive to the lesion and showed only mild loss in the number of cells, which was reduced to 87% of control. Neurotrophin-4/5 , transforming growth factor α or basic fibroblast growth factor were infused supranigrally for two weeks after transection. None of the trophic factors tested reversed the loss of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive or calretinin-positive cells. In contrast, neurotrophin-4/5 , but not transforming growth factor α or basic fibroblast growth factor, was found to reverse the axotomy-induced loss of calbindin-positive neurons and indeed increased the number of cells to 45% above control levels. In addition, neurotrophin-4/5 elevated the number of calbindin-containing neurons in intact unlesioned animals to 15% above control. These findings suggest that neurotrophin-4/5 selectively acts on nigral calbindin neurons following medial forebrain bundle transection and prevents these cells from degenerating.
Comparative Genomic Analyses of Copper Transporters and Cuproproteomes Reveal Evolutionary Dynamics of Copper Utilization and Its Link to Oxygen

Copper is an essential trace element in many organisms and is utilized in all domains of life. It is often used as a cofactor of redox proteins, but is also a toxic metal ion. Intracellular copper must be carefully handled to prevent the formation of reactive oxygen species which pose a threat to DNA, lipids, and proteins. In this work, we examined patterns of copper utilization in prokaryotes by analyzing the occurrence of copper transporters and copper-containing proteins. Many organisms, including those that lack copper-dependent proteins, had copper exporters, likely to protect against copper ions that inadvertently enter the cell. We found that copper use is widespread among prokaryotes, but also identified several phyla that lack cuproproteins. This is in contrast to the use of other trace elements, such as selenium, which shows more scattered and reduced usage, yet larger selenoproteomes. Copper transporters had different patterns of occurrence than cuproproteins, suggesting that the pathways of copper utilization and copper detoxification are independent of each other. We present evidence that organisms living in oxygen-rich environments utilize copper, whereas the majority of anaerobic organisms do not. In addition, among copper users, cuproproteomes of aerobic organisms were larger than those of anaerobic organisms. Prokaryotic cuproproteomes were small and dominated by a single protein, cytochrome c oxidase. The data are consistent with the idea that proteins evolved to utilize copper following the oxygenation of the Earth.
“Not Charity, but a Chance”: Philanthropic Capitalism and the Rise of American Thrift Stores, 1894–1930

Goods salvaging programs initiated by the Salvation Army and Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries provided work, shelter, and clothing for charity-seekers, who transformed unwanted goods into viable consumer products. Called thrift stores in the U.S. by the 1920s, they represented a deliberate, profitable sea change in Christian-based community outreach, one requiring business savvy and an understanding of demographic shifts.
AN ANALYSIS OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DRIVER INJURY AND VEHICLE AGE FOR AUTOMOBILES INVOLVED IN NORTH CAROLINA ACCIDENTS DURING 1966-1970

IT HAS BEEN HYPOTHESIZED THAT THE CHRONOLOGIC AGE OF AN AUTOMOBILE (AS DISTINCT FROM ITS MODEL YEAR) IS AN IMPORTANT FACTOR WITH RESPECT TO INJURY SEVERITY RESULTING FROM MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS. TO INVESTIGATE THIS HYPOTHESIS, INJURIES TO UNBELTED DRIVERS IN ACCIDENTS IN NORTH CAROLINA DURING 1966, 1968, 1969, AND 1970 WERE EXAMINED FOR SIX OF THE MORE COMMON MAKES OF CARS WITH THE 1960 -1966 MODELS WITHIN EACH MAKE. INJURY SEVERITY FOR A GIVEN MAKE AND MODEL YEAR COMBINATION FOR ACCIDENTS IN A GIVEN YEAR IS COMPARED WITH THE AGGREGATE (I.E., ALL FOUR YEARS) FOR THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL AFTER ADJUSTING FOR ACCIDENT TYPE (I.E. CAR-OFF-ROAD), IMPACT SITE (E.G., REAR), AND TRAVELING SPEED PRIOR TO THE CRASH. THE PROCEDURE CALCULATES AN EXPECTED FREQUENCY (M) OF SERIOUS INJURIES BASED ON THE AGGREGATE AND COMPARES IT WITH THE OBSERVED FREQUENCY (N) FOR EACH ACCIDENT YEAR USING AN APPROPRIATE CHI-SQUARE TEST. THE MAIN QUESTION IS WHETHER THERE IS A TREND OVER ACCIDENT YEARS IN THE VALUES OF THE RATIOS, R=N/M, A LINEAR REGRESSION MODEL IS FIT TO THE RATIOS BY WEIGHTED LEAST SQUARES. THE RESULTS OF THIS INVESTIGATION SUGGEST THAT THE VEHICLE DETERIORATION HYPOTHESIS DOES NOT APPLY TO THESE NORTH CAROLINA ACCIDENT DATA.
Raman and Infrared Imaging of Dynamic Polymer Systems

This work reviews principles of Raman and infrared imaging, as well as applications of the art to understand physiochemical phenomena in polymer systems. Image sequences may be assessed in terms of spatial or spectral changes that occur over time, either within a specific region or across the field of view. As such, the methods have enabled the analysis of diffusion and dissolution processes at polymer interfaces, drug release from polymer matrices, and structural transitions among others. Despite analytical limitations imposed by resolution (spectral or spatial) and sample preparation, Raman and infrared imaging are powerful tools for relating performance attributes to molecular-level characteristics.
Frontiers in imaging magnetism with polarized x-rays

Although magnetic imaging with polarized x-rays is a rather young scientific discipline, the various types of established x-ray microscopes have already taken an important role in state-of-the-art characterization of the properties and behavior of spin textures in advanced materials. The opportunities ahead will be to obtain in a unique way indispensable multidimensional information of the structure, dynamics and composition of scientifically interesting and technologically relevant magnetic materials.
Cell permeabilization and inhibition of voltage-gated Ca(2+) and Na(+) channel currents by nanosecond pulsed electric field.

Previous studies have found that nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) exposure causes long-term permeabilization of the cell plasma membrane. In this study, we utilized the whole-cell patch-clamp method to study the nsPEF effect on currents of voltage-gated (VG) Ca(2+) and Na(+) channels (I(Ca) and I(Na)) in cultured GH3 and NG108 cells. We found that a single 300 or 600 ns pulse at or above 1.5-2 kV/cm caused prolonged inhibition of I(Ca) and I(Na). Concurrently, nsPEF increased a non-inactivating "leak" current (I(leak)), presumably due to the formation of nanoelectropores or larger pores in the plasma membrane. The nsPEF effects were similar in cells that were exposed intact and subsequently brought into the whole-cell recording configuration, and in cells that were first brought into the whole-cell configuration and then exposed. Although both I(leak) and the inhibition of VG currents were enhanced at higher E-field levels, these two nsPEF effects showed relatively weak correlation with each other. In some cells, I(leak) increased 10-fold or more while VG currents remained unchanged. At longer time intervals after exposure (5-15 min), I(Ca) and I(Na) could remain inhibited although I(leak) had largely recovered. The causal relation of nsPEF inhibitory effects on VG currents and permeabilization of the plasma membrane is discussed.
Brightness temperature and flux density of an astrophysical saturated maser

Abstract This Letter presents a more general formalism to derive a formula for the brightness temperature and flux density of an astrophysical saturated maser, showing that those predicted by the traditional theory are smaller, and also predicts that the two observable physical quantities increase with increasing elastic collision rate. This may help explain some important observed astrophysical maser phenomena.