cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A new †Aglyptorhynchus (Perciformes: Scombroidei: †?Blochiidae) from the Late Oligocene of Oregon

Abstract A partial fish skull with a nearly complete rostrum, a cup-shaped sclerotic bone, and cycloid scales (UCMP 123170) from the Yaquina Formation (late Oligocene, Oregon) is described and identified as †Aglyptorhynchus maxillaris, sp. nov. Unusual features of the rostrum include a fused premaxillary segment with a low dorsal keel, and a maxilla with both a flat flange on its postero-ventral margin and a large condyle that presumably allowed dorso-ventral movement of the rostrum to increase the gape. The Yaquina Formation was estimated to have been deposited at a water depth of over 100 m and a sea surface temperature of at least 20°C, conditions that are similar to the preferred habitats of extant billfish and postulated paleoenvironments of blochiids from the Ashley River Formation, Belgian Basin, London Clay, and Monte Bolca. This is the first record of a blochiid from a deposit bordering the Pacific Ocean. It is hypothesized that †A. maxillaris or its ancestor emigrated from the warm Gulf Stream o...
Quality Control Management

The cornerstone of assisted reproductive technology (ART) is based upon quality control management. From instruments used to formulate media to methods to determine environmental properties such as temperature, relative humidity, and gas concentrations, all should be monitored and calibrated according to manufacturer’s specifications to insure their accuracy. In addition, attention to detail and the will to examine and improve our ART laboratory processes must be our main goals in our quest to provide a high quality, predictable product to the patients we serve. This review discusses quality control and quality assurance as they pertain to the ART laboratories.
The granular and polymer composite nature of kerogen-rich shale

In the past decade, mechanical, physical, and chemical characterization of reservoir shale rocks, such as the Woodford shale, which is kerogen-rich shale (KRS), has moved toward micro- and nanoscale testing and analyses. Nanoindentation equipment is now widely used in many industrial and university laboratories to measure shale anisotropic Young’s moduli, kerogen stiffness, plastic yield parameters, and other isotropic and anisotropic poromechanical and viscoelastic properties. However, to date, failure analyses of KRS and the effects of organic components on the tensile strength have not been observed or measured at the micro- or nanoscales. In this study, preserved kerogen-rich Woodford shale samples manufactured in micro-beam and micro-pillar geometries were mechanically tested and brought to failure in tension and compression, respectively. These tests were conducted in situ using a nanoindenter inside a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The load versus displacement curves of prismatic micro-cantilever beams were analyzed in light of high-resolution images collected during tensile fracture initiation, propagation, and ultimately sample failure. The micro-pillar geometries were subjected to a uniaxial compressive load and were also brought to failure while capturing measurements of stress and strain. It was found that, within just a few hundred microns of the KRS micro-cantilever beams, both brittle and ductile failure modes were observed. In the ductile plastic domain, strain-softening and strain-hardening behaviors were identified and characterized. These were not due to confining stress variations, but due to the volume of the organic matter and the way it is interlaced with the shale minerals in and around the failure planes. The tensile strength characteristics and the large modulus of toughness of kerogen, which is a cross-linked polymer, definitely weigh heavily in our engineering field applications, such as hydraulic fracking, which is a Mode I tensile fracture opening and propagation phenomenon. This practice demands that, due to the complex composite nature of KRS, mechanical characterization be not only for unconfined compressive strength but also for unconfined tensile strength and moduli of ruptures. At the end of this study, the need for nanometer scale mechanical characterization of KRS will become apparent. These nano- and micro-scale shale failure tests reinforce our previous understanding of the heterogeneous composite nature of Woodford KRS and its complex behavior, as well as other source shale reservoir formations.
The Oral Health Care Manager in a Patient-Centered Health Facility.

Abstract The dental hygienist team member has an opportunity to coordinate care within an interprofessional practice as an oral health care manager. Background and purpose Although dental hygienists are currently practicing within interprofessional teams in settings such as pediatric offices, hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and federally qualified health centers, they often still assume traditional responsibilities rather than practicing to the full extent of their training and licenses. This article explains the opportunity for the dental hygiene professional to embrace patient-centered care as an oral health care manager who can facilitate integration of oral and primary care in a variety of health care settings. Methods Based on an innovative model of collaboration between a college of dentistry and a college of nursing, an idea emerged among several faculty members for a new management method for realizing continuity and coordination of comprehensive patient care. Involved faculty members began working on the development of an approach to interprofessional practice with the dental hygienist serving as an oral health care manager who would address both oral health care and a patient's related primary care issues through appropriate referrals and follow-up. This approach is explained in this article, along with the results of several pilot studies that begin to evaluate the feasibility of a dental hygienist as an oral health care manager. Conclusion A health care provider with management skills and leadership qualities is required to coordinate the interprofessional provision of comprehensive health care. The dental hygienist has the opportunity to lead closer integration of oral and primary care as an oral health care manager, by coordinating the team of providers needed to implement comprehensive, patient-centered care.
Critical Behavior of Fluids: Concepts and Applications

This paper presents the fundamental concepts of critical behavior in fluids and fluid mixtures in a form that is useful for chemical engineering applications of near- and supercritical fluids. The first part of the paper introduces the divergences of the compressibility and the correlation length, the characterization of critical anomalies by critical exponents, and the dependence of the values of the critical exponents on the path to the critical point. These concepts are then generalized to fluid mixtures. The second part of the paper concentrates on the peculiarities of dilute mixtures, frequently encountered in applications of supercritical fluids, such as supercritical chromatography. Implications for control of experimental variables, and for the molecular simulation of dilute near-critical mixtures are stated. In the applications, emphasis is given to the phase behavior and thermodynamics of supercritical aqueous systems.
The Vultures: Their Movements, Economic Status, and Control in Texas

INSTANCES in which vultures have been known to attack and devour domestic animals, particularly the young, are not uncommon. Lovell (1947) reported on the killing of young pigs by Black Vultures (Coragyps atratus) in Kentucky; Sprunt (1946) noted a case of predation on a lamb by this species in West Virginia; Andrews (1942) described some of the losses of lambs and ewes to Black Vultures in Burnet and Lampasas counties, Texas. Attacks by Black Vultures on wild animals such as the skunk and opossum have also been observed (McIlhenny, 1939). In the northern states where comparatively few of these birds are present, predation on livestock also occurs. Most of the damage inflicted on domestic animals is attributed to Black Vultures, with but few exceptions (Hamilton, 1941). As pointed out by Lovell (1947), however, the report by Hamilton that Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura) killed young pigs near Fort Myers, Florida, may have been a "case of misidentification." During the past ten or fifteen years, there has been an apparent increase in the amount of predation on livestock by Black Vultures, particularly in areas where cattle, hogs, and sheep are raised in large numbers. Greatest losses occur among newly-born animals and cows, ewes, and hogs during labor or shortly after birth of the offspring. The following data are presented in an effort to represent the situation as it exists and has existed in Texas; in regard to control measures, it is neither a defense nor a condemnation of such practices. Acknowledgements.-I am indebted to Allen J. Duvall, Fish and Wildlife Service, for band return records and other data pertaining to banding. Without the assistance and information supplied by the county agents as well as the ranchers who trapped vultures, this study would not have been possible. I also wish to express my gratitude to Mr. Allen Burgess, Route 2, Nacogdoches, Texas, for permitting me to band and use for other purposes many of the vultures that he trapped. METHODS
Rectal and bladder dose reduction with the addition of intravaginal balloons to vaginal packing in intracavitary brachytherapy for cervical cancer

Abstract Purpose The use of intravaginal Foley balloons in addition to conventional packing during high-dose–rate (HDR) tandem and ovoids intracavitary brachytherapy (ICBT) is a means to improve displacement of organs at risk, thus reducing dose-dependent complications. The goal of this project was to determine the reduction in dose achieved to the bladder and rectum with intravaginal Foley balloons with CT-based planning and to share our packing technique. Methods and Materials One hundred and six HDR-ICBT procedures performed for 38 patients were analyzed for this report. An uninflated Foley balloon was inserted into the vagina above and below the tandem flange separately and secured in place with vaginal packing. CT images were then obtained with both inflated and deflated Foley balloons. Plan optimization occurred and dose volume histogram data were generated for the bladder and rectum. Maximum dose to 0.1, 1.0, and 2.0 cm 3 volumes for the rectum and bladder were analyzed and compared between inflated and deflated balloons using parametric statistical analysis. Results Inflation of intravaginal balloons allowed significant reduction of dose to the bladder and rectum. Amount of reduction was dependent on the anatomy of the patient and the placement of the balloons. Displacement of the organs at risk by the balloons allowed an average of 7.2% reduction in dose to the bladder ( D 0.1 cm 3 ) and 9.3% to the rectum ( D 0.1 cm 3 ) with a maximum reduction of 41% and 43%, respectively. Conclusions For patients undergoing HDR-ICBT, a significant dose reduction to the bladder and rectum could be achieved with further displacement of these structures using intravaginal Foley balloons in addition to conventional vaginal packing.
Clinical study of off-pump placation for left ventricular aneurysm

Objective To evaluate the surgical results of off-pump for plication for left ventricular aneurysm. Methods The study included 34 patients with left ventricular aneurysm,who underwent left ventricular aneurysmecto- my and plicatien on pump in group Ⅰ(17 cases)and simply aneurysm plicatien off pump in group Ⅱ(17 cases).All patients except two in group I underwent coronary artery bypass grafting simultaneously.Results There was one early death in group Ⅱ because of refractory ventricular arrhythmia.The complication included atrial fibrillation,ventricular arrhythmias,heart failure and delayed healing of wound.The aneurysm in group Ⅰ[(45±15)%of the ventricle]is larger than in groupⅡ[(29±12)%of the ventricle,P0.05].The left ventricle end-diastolic diameter decreased in both groups while the left ventricle ejection fraction increased obviously.However,the change in left ventricle func- tion was not obvious before and after operation in two groups.Conclusion Off-pump placation for left ventricular anen- rysm can achieve good results,which is similar to the routine on-pmnp operation.
Genetics in renal cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The combination of several recent molecular technologies, including comparative genomic hybridization, fluorescence in-situ hybridization and complementary DNA and tissue microarrays, has advanced our understanding of renal cancer. However, a great deal of information regarding the genetics of renal neoplasms has also emerged from the extensive cytogenetic investigations in the past decade. RECENT FINDINGS: The correlation between cytogenetic or molecular genetic abnormalities and histomorphology is most consistent in clear cell and papillary types of renal cell carcinoma. However, gene expression profile studies have brought new insights into the classification of renal tumors, and may provide new markers that identify patients with a poor prognosis as well as identifying potential therapeutic targets. SUMMARY: The integration of expression profile data and clinical parameters could serve to enhance the diagnosis and prognosis of renal cell carcinoma. The identification and evaluation of new molecular parameters will be necessities in cancer research and cancer treatment.
Disorders of Smell and Taste

This article describes the anatomy and physiology of the gustatory and olfactory organs in man. Dysfunction of these senses is closely examined with respect to etiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Taste and smell are closely interrelated. An influence on the function of one sense often affects the function of the other sense.
Ultimate reality and meaning in Nikos Kazantzakis

Etude de la conception heterodoxe de dieu developpee par N. Kazantzakis en reponse au probleme du mal et au probleme de la liberte de l'homme qui se posent a tout theodicee. Evoquant la vie et l'oeuvre de Kazantzakis, et mesurant les fondements bergsoniens des themes du temps, de l'intellect et de l'elan vital, l'A. etudie la conception de la realite ultime, du passage du cri, de la transsubstantiation et des nouveaux Moyen-Âges chez Kazantzakis qui definissent un theisme dipolaire et un mysticisme di-forme dont la methode tend a reconcilier la logique occidentale (grecque) avec la dis-harmonie orientale
Unpacking the Black Box of Technology Distribution, Development Potential and Carbon Markets Benefits

In 2005, the international carbon market was launched under the Kyoto Protocol, creating an innovative financing design for low-emissions development initiatives. Just over 10 years after its inception, the carbon market can now provide insight on the opportunities and limitations of “blended finance” approaches, whereby private-public partnerships are employed to pursue global development goals such as poverty alleviation and development. Utilizing process-tracing and value chain methods, this chapter adds granularity to debates on whether and how carbon markets can support local economic development, as measured through the creation of local enterprises and the support of local livelihoods. It offers a “Livelihood Index” to assess the employment impact of the carbon intervention in order to address the core question: how is the carbon credit pie divvied up? Three carbon projects in Cambodia, aimed at household level interventions (water filters, biodigesters for cooking and fertilizer production, and fuel-efficient cookstoves) are evaluated through the livelihood index and results indicate that distribution strategies matter for local economic gains. Distribution strategies to deliver low-carbon technologies within the carbon market are currently a “black box”, understudied and undocumented in the project pipeline; this paper argues that opening the black box may be useful for policymakers, standard setting organizations and academics interested in promoting pro-poor impacts through carbon market interventions.
Characteristics of Silicon Implanted Trap Memory in Oxide-Nitride-Oxide Structure

In this work, non-volatile memory based on silicon nano trap was implemented by implanting silicon into oxide-nitride-oxide layers(ONO) on silicon. The charge storage effects in these memory structures were measured using capacitance-voltage techniques in polysilicon-ONO- silicon structures in terms of silicon implantation dose. Without silicon implantation, the devices did not the threshold shift (memory window). The memory window was found to be dependent on silicon implantation dose and DC bias (programming) voltage. The memory window did show any degradation by annealing in nitrogen or forming gas environment at 450 °C for 30 minutes. Nano trap memory elements were fabricated with 0.35 micron technology showed encouraging results up to 1e5 program/erase cylces.
Resection of the Primary Tumor in Stage IV Colorectal Cancer: When Is It Necessary?

Approximately 20% of patients with colorectal cancer present with metastatic disease, which can be challenging to manage (1). Within this subpopulation, there are many different clinical scenarios, leading to a potentially complex decision-making process for selecting a treatment plan. Despite considerable advances in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, in the majority of cases the disease is not curable. Therefore, the goal of treatment for most patients is to extend survival and improve the quality of life. Treatment options are tailored to the patient’s performance status, comorbidities, disease burden, and the presence or absence of symptoms such as bowel obstruction (2). For patients with minimal primary-tumor symptoms and acceptable performance status, the standard treatment according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines is systemic chemotherapy, which has been shown to increase survival (3, 4). Over the last 10 years, the overall survival (OS) rate has improved from 9 to 24 months (and in some series up to 36 months) which is possibly the result of the addition of multiagent chemotherapy (5,6). First line chemotherapy with FOLFOX or FOLFIRI (folinic acid, fluorouracil, irinotecan) produces major responses in the majority of previously untreated patients (7). Systemic therapy alone rarely cures the disease; however, in patients with resectable disease, effective chemotherapy combined with complete resection of metastatic disease maximizes the possibility of a cure. In this context, several important questions arise. Is the metastatic disease resectable? If so, should the resection be synchronous or staged and, if staged, in what order? If the metastatic disease is not resectable, is resection of the primary tumor indicated? These and related questions are matters of considerable debate, reflecting the complexity of the management of metastatic colorectal cancer. In this chapter, we review the published literature with the goal of developing an evidence-based approach to managing various clinical scenarios associated with metastatic colorectal cancer.
Fragile X‐associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome in an Adolescent Female

Fragile X–Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS) is caused by a small expansion with 55-200 CGG repeats, termed as “premutation”, in the promoter region of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene. The elevated CGG repeat mRNA has deleterious consequences causing the phenotypic features of FXTAS.1 After the initial description of FXTAS in five patients2, Jacquemont et al described FXTAS in 26 male patients, all over 50 years of age who had intention tremor and/or cerebellar ataxia with MRI brain showing T2 hyper intensity in the bilateral middle cerebellar peduncles.3 Since then several females with FXTAS have been reported. We report the youngest case of FXTAS in an adolescent girl. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
A multi-tool recipe to identify regions of protein-DNA binding and their influence on associated gene expression.

One commonly performed bioinformatics task is to infer functional regulation of transcription factors by observing differential expression under a knockout, and integrating DNA binding information of that transcription factor. However, until now, this task has required dedicated bioinformatics support to perform the necessary data integration. GenomeSpace provides a protocol, or “recipe”, and a user interface with inter-operating software tools to identify protein occupancies along the genome from a ChIP-seq experiment and associated differentially regulated genes from a RNA-Seq experiment. By integrating RNA-Seq and ChIP-seq analyses, a user is easily able to associate differing expression phenotypes with changing epigenetic landscapes.
14 Attention and the Control of Movements

During voluntary movements hand and eye are coordinated under the control of central attentional mechanisms. Several techniques are reviewed that serve to dissociate the usually coordinate activity of attention, eye and hand movements. Discrepancies between central expectancies and visual input produce errors that differentially affect hand and eye. Interference between directed eye movements and manual probes is used to trace both the capacity utilization and spatial distribution of attention during eye movements. Monocular bilateral stimulation is used to separate endogenous control of oculomotor responses from pathways subserving centrally controlled eye movements and consciousness. Taken as a whole, these techniques provide promising avenues for understanding the central control of coordinate movements.
‘Playing with or like the girls’: advancing the performance of ‘multiple masculinities in Black boys’ childhood play’ in U.S. early childhood classrooms

Play is a gendered activity among young children, especially boys. Boys often tend to be more actively engaged in the (re)production of gendered play. However, most research studies and conceptual ...
An Evolutionarily Conserved Structural Platform for PRC2 Inhibition by a Class of Ezh2 Inhibitors.

Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) mediates trimethylation of histone H3K27 (H3K27me3), an epigenetic hallmark for repressed chromatin. Overactive mutants of the histone lysine methyltransferase subunit of PRC2, Ezh2, are found in various types of cancers. Pyridone-containing inhibitors such as GSK126 compete with S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) for Ezh2 binding and effectively inhibit PRC2 activity. PRC2 from the thermophilic fungus Chaetomium thermophilum (ct) is functionally similar to the human version in several regards and has the added advantage of producing high-resolution crystal structures, although inhibitor-bound structures of human or human/chameleon PRC2 are also available at up to 2.6 A resolution. We solved crystal structures of both human and ctPRC2 bound to GSK126 and the structurally similar inhibitor GSK343. While the two organisms feature a disparate degree of inhibitor potency, surprisingly, GSK126 binds in a similar manner in both structures. Structure-guided protein engineering of the drug binding pocket allowed us to introduce humanizing mutations into ctEzh2 to produce a ctPRC2 variant that is more susceptible to GSK126 inhibition. Additional analysis indicated that an evolutionarily conserved structural platform dictates a unique mode of GSK126 binding, suggesting a mechanism of drug selectivity. The existing drug scaffold may thus be used to probe the function and cellular regulation of PRC2 in a wide spectrum of organisms, ranging from fungi to humans.
Regulation of Tyrosine Hydroxylase mRNA Stability by Oxygen in PC12 Cells

Mammals evolved to live in the environment that contains 21% of oxygen. In order to preserve optimal tension of oxygen (pO2) in the blood, organisms developed specialized cells that are O2-sensors and initiate adaptive and protective regulatory mechanisms during limited availability of oxygen in the environment (i.e. hypoxia). The best known of these O2-sensitive cells are the carotid body type I glomus cells that immediately detect even relatively moderate reduction in pO2 in the arterial blood and communicate this information via carotid sinus nerve to the central nervous system networks that regulate the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. A major neurotransmitter that is released during hypoxia from type I cells is catecholamine dopamine. In type I cells hypoxia stimulates the activity of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate limiting enzyme in dopamine synthesis (Gonzalez et al, 1977; Hanbauer et al, 1977), and induces dopamine synthesis and release (Fidone et al, 1982a,b; Fishman et al, 1985). Moreover, hypoxia causes a five-fold increase in TH mRNA in a mechanism that is intrinsic to the type I cells, i.e. independent from neural or hormonal inputs (Czyzyk-Krzeska et al, 1992). Further identification and characterization of the O2-dependent mechanisms that regulate TH gene expression required analysis at the molecular level. This type of studies has been, however, hindered by paucity of tissue provided by carotid body (only approximately 10,000 oxygen sensitive cells per carotid body in the rat). Our laboratory has recently reported that a clonal cell line derived from adrenal medulla tumor -pheochromocytoma- (PC12 cells) demonstrates several characteristics very similar to the carotid body type I cells. During hypoxia PC12 cells depolarize and release dopamine (Zhu et aI, 1996).
Physicochemical studies of Ca++ controlled antigen antibody systems.

In this paper we will briefly discuss some basic aspects of immunoglobulin structure and function. We will then present in some detail our studies on the divalent cation controlled antigenantibody reactions which are germane to this Symposium. And finally, we will describe some of the fundamental unresolved problems concerning the antibody molecule and show how we have used these reactions to investigate some of these problems.
Rate Controlled Sintering Revisited

Two decades have now passed since the concept of rate controlled sintering (RCS) was first introduced by Palmour and Johnson in 1965. In this paper, the historical background of RCS development is briefly reviewed, some earlier experimental problems are considered, and the comparative ease and effectiveness of the present-day experimental procedures are described.
Congenital Hand Differences: A Review

: This review article will cover common congenital conditions affecting the hand with specific reference to etiology, diagnosis, and treatment. The congenital hand differences that are covered herein are syndactyly, amniotic constriction band, hypoplastic thumb, radial polydactyly, vascular anomalies, and radial longitudinal deficiency. The reader is provided with a brief review of each of these conditions.
Forces in Space

Three or more forces which act through a common point, but are not all in the same plane are called non-coplanar concurrent forces. Such a loading situation necessitates a three dimensional (3D) analysis. Algebraically, the solution is well known with the resultant magnitude described as:where Fx, Fy and Fz are mutually orthogonal components, sometimes called the i, j, k vectors. These three components need not align with any pre-determined x, y, z axes, but they must be mutually perpendicular, i.e. they must have 90° angles between them.
Citgo, Sponsored by Boston: Why We Shouldn't Landmark Ads

The Citgo sign, a massive lighted advertisement just beyond the bounds of Fenway Park, is a Boston landmark. The sign has been a fixture in the Boston skyline for decades. For almost as many years, the city has debated whether to give the sign protected landmark status, freezing the advertisement—and potentially much of the surrounding development—in place. Unquestionably, the Citgo sign and other advertisements like it meet statutory criteria for landmark designation, and landmarking them would serve the goals supposed to be furthered by historic preservation in general. But landmarking advertisements, as opposed to buildings, boats and bridges, presents constitutional and statutory issues that should give landmarks commissions pause. This Note is the first to explore the many legal problems caused by landmarking advertisements. It also addresses certain policy concerns raised by decisions to grant the legal protection of historic preservation laws to ads. In designating advertisements as landmarks, cities expose themselves to takings claims (by affected property owners) and statutory economic- hardship claims (by affected advertisers) that could ultimately force taxpayers to bear the cost of advertising for profitable corporations. And because advertisements communicate, while more traditional subjects of historic preservation do not, landmarking them could also subject cities to compelled-speech claims. Unlike the takings and economic-hardship claims, First Amendment violations cannot be satisfied by paying just compensation. The potential landmarking of the Citgo sign is used as a case study to explain the issues, but the problems would accompany the decision to landmark almost any advertisement. The approaches suggested for decisions to landmark advertisements would serve any preservation commission. I have posted the paper on SSRN to be accessed by the Boston Landmarks Commission and other interested parties in the ongoing Citgo sign debate.
PERFORMANCE OF AORTIC ANNULAR ASSESSMENT BY 3D TRANSESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY OR MAGNETIC RESONANCE ANGIOGRAPHY WITH FERUMOXYTOL IN PATIENTS WITH CKD UNDERGOING TAVR

Background: Procedural success in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is dependent on accurate aortic valve annular measurement, with miscalculations resulting in paravalvular regurgitation, annular rupture or device embolization. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) remains the gold
Author Correction: Trends in weather type frequencies across North America

In the original version of the article, the wrong image was supplied for Fig. 4. This error has now been corrected in the PDF and HTML versions of this article.
Single nucleotide polymorphism analysis in interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome.

Introduction Interstitial Cystitis (IC) is a chronic condition diagnosed based on the presence of symptoms, such as suprapubic/ pelvic pain, pressure or discomfort in association with urgency and increased urinary frequency. Confusable diseases must be excluded. However, there is no objective test or marker to establish the presence of the disease. Diagnosis and patient management is often difficult, given the poor understanding of IC pathogenesis and its unknown etiology and genetics. As an attempt to find biomarkers related to IC, we assessed the association between 20 selected single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) with IC and pain severity. Objectives To assess the presence of SNPs in IC patients’ blood samples and correlate them with the disease and chronic pain condition. Methods A case-control study was conducted. We selected 34 female patients with IC diagnosed according to NIDDK criteria and 23 patients in the control group (previously healthy women with only stress urinary incontinence). IC patients were allocated into two groups according to reported chronic pain severity. We selected the following SNPs for analysis: rs1800871, rs1800872, rs1800896, rs1800471, rs1800629, rs361525, rs1800497, rs6311, rs6277, rs6276, rs6313, rs2835859, rs11127292, rs2243248, rs6887695, rs3212227, rs1799971, rs12579350, rs3813034, and rs6746030. Genotyping was performed by real-time PCR (q-PCR). Results The polymorphic allele of SNP rs11127292 exhibited a higher frequency in subjects with IC than in controls (p:0.01). The polymorphic allele of SNP rs6311 was more frequent in patients with severe pain (p:0.03). The frequency of the wild-type allele of SNP rs1799971 was higher in patients with mild to moderate pain (p:0.04). Conclusion The results indicated differences in SNP frequency among subjects, suggesting that SNPs could serve either as a marker of IC or as a marker of pain severity in IC patients. The study showed promising results regarding IC and polymorphism associations. These associations have not been previously reported.
Healthcare Experiences of Transgender People of Color.

Transgender people and racial/ethnic minorities separately report poor healthcare experiences. However, little is known about the healthcare experiences of transgender people of color (TPOC), who are both transgender and racial/ethnic minorities. To investigate how TPOC healthcare experiences are shaped by both race/ethnicity and gender identity. Semi-structured, in-depth individual interviews (n = 22) and focus groups (2; n = 17 total); all taken from a sample of TPOC from the Chicago area. All participants completed a quantitative survey (n = 39). Interviews and focus groups covered healthcare experiences, and how these were shaped by gender identity and/or race/ethnicity. The interviews and focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and imported into HyperRESEARCH software. At least two reviewers independently coded each transcript using a codebook of themes created following grounded theory methodology. The quantitative survey data captured participants’ demographics and past healthcare experiences, and were analyzed with descriptive statistics. All participants described healthcare experiences where providers responded negatively to their race/ethnicity and/or gender identity. A majority of participants believed they would be treated better if they were cisgender or white. Participants commonly cited providers’ assumptions about TPOC as a pivotal factor in negative experiences. A majority of participants sought out healthcare locations designated as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT)-friendly in an effort to avoid discrimination, but feared experiencing racism there. A minority of participants expressed a preference for providers of color; but a few reported reluctance to reveal their gender identity to providers of their own race due to fear of transphobia. When describing positive healthcare experiences, participants were most likely to highlight providers’ respect for their gender identity. TPOC have different experiences compared with white transgender or cisgender racial/ethnic minorities. Providers must improve understanding of intersectional experiences of TPOC to improve quality of care.
Effectiveness of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery in the Treatment of Refractory Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Case Series.

Background Medical management is the first line of treatment for trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Patients with medically refractory TN may undergo a variety of invasive surgical interventions with varying success rates. Management of TN refractory to both medical and surgical intervention remains somewhat controversial. Objective To assess the effectiveness of Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS; Elekta Instruments AB) for medically refractory TN. Methods A retrospective review was conducted for 57 cases (47 patients) who underwent GKRS for refractory TN at our institution between 2005 and 2018. TN pain outcomes were evaluated using the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) Pain Scale. A good outcome was defined by post-GKRS BNI score of I-III, whereas treatment failure was defined BNI score IV-V. Results Of the total 57 GKRS procedures, 47 (82.5%) had good outcomes. A total of 22 patients (46.8%) experienced complete pain relief off medications (BNI I). The average time to pain relief was 30 d (range 1-120 d). Prior invasive surgical treatment for TN was not found to have a significant impact on GKRS outcomes (P = .32). Target and treatment volumes were not found to correlate significantly with GKRS outcomes (.47 and .47, respectively). Complications included 2 cases (4.2%) of facial numbness. A total of 37 patients (78.7%) did not have any additional invasive surgical interventions following GKRS treatment. Conclusion GKRS is a safe and effective treatment modality for both medically and surgically refractory TN. Complete symptom relief was possible in patients with prior surgical or GKRS treatments. Recurrent symptoms following surgery or GKRS should not exclude a patient from future GKRS consideration.
Association of Blood Pressure and Cognition after Stroke.

Abstract Background and Aim: It is unclear whether blood pressure (BP) is associated with cognition after stroke. We examined associations between systolic and diastolic BP (SBP, DBP), pulse pressure (PP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and cognition, each measured 90 days after stroke. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of prospectively obtained data of 432 dementia-free subjects greater than or equal to 45 (median age, 66; 45% female) with stroke (92% ischemic; median NIH stroke score, 3 [IQR, 2-6]) from the population-based Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi (BASIC) project in 2011-2013. Primary outcome: Modified Mini-Mental Status Examination (3MSE; range, 0-100). Secondary outcomes: Animal Fluency Test (AFT; range, 0-10) and Trail Making Tests A and B (number of correct items [range, 0-25]/completion time [Trails A: 0-180 seconds; Trails B: 0-300 second]). Linear or tobit regression adjusted associations for age, education, and race/ethnicity as well as variables significantly associated with BP and cognition. Results: Higher SBP, lower DBP, higher PP, and lower MAP each were associated with worse cognitive performance for all 4 tests (all P .05). Lower cognitive performance was associated with older age, less education, Mexican American ethnicity, diabetes, higher stroke severity, more depressive symptoms, and lower BMI. Among survivors with hypertension, anti-hypertensive medication use 90 days after stroke was significantly associated with higher AFT scores (P = .02) but not other tests (P > .15). Conclusions: Stroke survivors’ BP levels were not associated with cognitive performance at 90 days independent of sociodemographic and clinical factors.
The combined effects of lead and noise exposure on hearing impairment

Objective To explore the combined effects of lead and noise exposure on hearing impairment in workers, Methods The workers with matched age, length of working, and intensity of noise were chosen to group A (lead and noise exposure) or group B (noise exposure alone). The hearing ability was detected and compared in the two groups. Results As compared with group B, the threshold of hearing increased obviously in group A at 4 KHz and 6 KHz. Conclusions Lead plus niose exposure may worsen the hearing impairment. Key words: Lead; Noise; Combined effect; Hearing impairment
Dyrk1b Displaces Fkbp12 from mTORC2, Causes its Activation and Triggers De Novo Lipogenesis: Implications for the Treatment of Diet-Induced Fatty Liver Disease

The mechanisms that unify the association of insulin-induced de novo lipogenesis (DNL) with hepatic insulin resistance in metabolic syndrome (MetS) are not understood. We had previously shown that rare mutations in the DYRK1B gene are associated with MetS. We now demonstrate that Dyrk1b is a missing link between DNL and hepatic insulin resistance. The increased levels of liver Dyrk1b promoted, while its disruption conferred protection against enhanced glucose production, liver insulin-resistance and steatosis in mice. Mechanistically, Dyrk1b facilitated insulin-induced DNL in a kinase-independent manner by displacing Fkbp12 from mTORC2, causing its activation. Accordingly, the disruption of the hepatic mTORC2 rescued Dyrk1b induced hepatic steatosis and hyperlipidemia. The significance of this disease pathway is further illustrated by increased hepatic Dyrk1b levels in mice and humans with hepatic steatosis. These findings identify Dyrk1b and Fkbp12 as regulators of DNL in the setting of hepatic insulin resistance and attractive therapeutic targets against metabolic syndrome.
Duckweed protein supports the growth and organ development of mice: A feeding study comparison to conventional casein protein.

As global population growth and meat consumption increases, sustainable alternatives to conventional protein-rich fodder crops for livestock are needed to reduce negative environmental impacts. Duckweed, a small floating aquatic plant, can generate 5 to 10 times higher protein yields than conventional land-grown crops. Although some in vivo feeding trials with duckweed have been conducted, those measuring animal weight are limited, and those examining organ development are nonexistent. To secure broad acceptance of new protein sources, such controlled studies are critical. This study measured the food intake, growth, and final organ and adipose tissue mass of male CF-1 mice fed a semi-purified diet containing casein or diets in which 10% or 25% of the casein was replaced with duckweed protein (DWP). Proximate analysis showed that the DWP preparation used contained 39.9% protein (w/w), and contained all of the essential amino acids with Met as the limiting amino acid. The average growth rates were not significantly different among the treatment groups: 0.21 g/day; 0.24 g/day; and 0.25 g/day for the control, 10%, and 25% DWP protein diets, respectively. The daily food intake of both DWP diets was 6.5% to 8.0% higher than the control diet, but feeding efficiency did not differ among diets. The relative weight of the liver, spleen, kidneys, heart, and epidydimal fat, and colon length were not significantly different between treatment groups. The results from this study show that replacement of up to 25% dietary casein with DWP has no adverse effects on the growth rate and final organ and adipose tissue weights of laboratory mice. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Duckweed can produce 5 to 10 times more protein per area than land-grown crops such as soybean. In this study, up to a 25% replacement of casein with duckweed protein had no observable effect on the growth or organ development of laboratory mice. Thus, duckweed has the potential to be used as a protein supplement for livestock, poultry, and fish, thereby decreasing environmental impacts from land-grown crops used for animal feed.
Disease-associated metabolic alterations that impact satellite cells and muscle regeneration: perspectives and therapeutic outlook

Many chronic disease patients experience a concurrent loss of lean muscle mass. Skeletal muscle is a dynamic tissue maintained by continuous protein turnover and progenitor cell activity. Muscle stem cells, or satellite cells, differentiate (by a process called myogenesis) and fuse to repair and regenerate muscle. During myogenesis, satellite cells undergo extensive metabolic alterations; therefore, pathologies characterized by metabolic derangements have the potential to impair myogenesis, and consequently exacerbate skeletal muscle wasting. How disease-associated metabolic disruptions in satellite cells might be contributing to wasting is an important question that is largely neglected. With this review we highlight the impact of various metabolic disruptions in disease on myogenesis and skeletal muscle regeneration. We also discuss metabolic therapies with the potential to improve myogenesis, skeletal muscle regeneration, and ultimately muscle mass.
Patient satisfaction scores with telemedicine in the neurosurgical population.

Abstract Background The benefits of telemedicine in neurosurgery have been widely studied, especially as its implementation into clinical practice boomed at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, few studies have investigated telemedicine from the perspective of the patient experience. Objective To evaluate patient satisfaction scores of telemedicine outpatient clinic visits in neurosurgery in comparison with in-person visits. Methods After obtaining Institutional Review Board approval, Press Ganey surveys from 3/1/2019 to 9/15/2020 were evaluated retrospectively from single-institution, academic neurosurgical clinics. Due to the non-normality of our data, stratified Wilcoxon tests were performed with correction for care provider differences. Domain score probability values were corrected for multiple comparisons. Average scores (range 20–100) are documented as mean ± standard deviation. Results The response rates were 20% (97 responders) for telemedicine visits and 19% (589 responders) for in-person visits. Patient overall satisfaction score was slightly higher with telemedicine visits compared to in-person corrected for care provider differences (94.2 ± 12.2 vs 93.1 ± 13.4, p = 0.085). The care provider domain demonstrated no statistically significant difference in telemedicine compared to in-person (94.7 ± 14.4 vs 92.4 ± 16.5, p = 0.096). The access domain (93.7 ± 12.3 vs 93.4 ± 12.4, p = 0.999) and overall domains (94.1 ± 12.1 vs 94.4 ± 13.4, p = 1.000) were not found to be different between visit types. Conclusion Telemedicine appears to be a valuable option for neurosurgical patients and is not significantly different to in-person visits in all domains. This study demonstrates that telemedicine visits result in comparable satisfaction scores by neurosurgical patients, and providers should continue offering this option to their patients as we approach the post-COVID era.
Tensor envelope mixture model for simultaneous clustering and multiway dimension reduction.

In the form of multidimensional arrays, tensor data have become increasingly prevalent in modern scientific studies and biomedical applications such as computational biology, brain imaging analysis, and process monitoring system. These data are intrinsically heterogeneous with complex dependencies and structure. Therefore, ad-hoc dimension reduction methods on tensor data may lack statistical efficiency and can obscure essential findings. Model-based clustering is a cornerstone of multivariate statistics and unsupervised learning; however, existing methods and algorithms are not designed for tensor-variate samples. In this article, we propose a tensor envelope mixture model (TEMM) for simultaneous clustering and multiway dimension reduction of tensor data. TEMM incorporates tensor-structure-preserving dimension reduction into mixture modeling and drastically reduces the number of free parameters and estimative variability. An expectation-maximization-type algorithm is developed to obtain likelihood-based estimators of the cluster means and covariances, which are jointly parameterized and constrained onto a series of lower dimensional subspaces known as the tensor envelopes. We demonstrate the encouraging empirical performance of the proposed method in extensive simulation studies and a real data application in comparison with existing vector and tensor clustering methods.
Recreational Activities and d-Amphetamine Effects in High and Low Sensation Seekers

This study examined the behavioral effects of d-amphetamine and recreational activities, alone and in combination, in high and low impulsive sensation seekers. Healthy 18-27 year-old participants, scoring in the upper (N=8) or lower (N=8) third of college students on the impulsive sensation-seeking scale of the Zuckerman-Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire, completed eight test days in which sessions were completed before (i.e., baseline) and 60, 120 and 180 minutes after d-amphetamine (0, 10 mg/70 kg) administration. Between sessions, subjects completed recreational activities (movies, music, reading, videogames) identified as high or low in sensation value. Each of four conditions (low and high sensation value activities combined with placebo and active drug) was administered under double-blind conditions on 2 days according to a randomized-block design. Typical stimulant-like cardiovascular and task performance effects were engendered by d-amphetamine; consistent with previous research, the magnitude of drug effects were greater among high sensation seekers. High sensation value activities engendered independent stimulant-like effects on subject ratings. These results suggest that d-amphetamine and high sensation stimulus materials may activate a common neurobiological substrate, likely the mesolimbic dopamine system, and that individual differences in sensation seeking status play a role in vulnerability to stimulant drug abuse.