cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
State injury prevention policies and variation in death from injury

Objectives Death from injury is frequently preventable, but injury remains a leading cause of death in the USA. While evidence-based strategies exist to prevent many types of injuries, effective policies for implementing these strategies at the population level are needed to reduce injury deaths. We identified promising injury prevention policies and evaluated their association with injury death rate (IDR). Methods We identified 11 injury prevention policies and accessed data on 2013 state and county IDRs. States were divided into strong, moderate and weak tertiles based on total number of policies in place. Adjusted regression modelling compared the strength of state prevention policies with IDRs at the state level and then at the county level to account for variability within states. Results The strength of state prevention policies (tertile) was not significantly associated with IDR in US states. However, counties in strong policy states had a 11.8-point lower IDR compared with those in weak policy states (p=0.001). Conclusions States with more injury prevention policies in place have lower rates of death from injury, particularly when evaluated at the county level. Implementing recommended prevention policies holds potential to prevent injury death in the USA.
Diatom Frustules as a Mechanical Defense Against Predation by Heterotrophic Dinoflagellates

iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS v LIST OF TABLES viii LIST OF FIGURES ix INTRODUCTION 1 Factors Affecting Frustule Thickness 3 Ecological Benefits of the Diatom Frustule 4 Diatom Predation by Microzooplankton 6 METHODS 8 Culture Methods 8 Frustule Thickness Verification 9 Predation Experiment 1: G. spirale growth and ingestion on T. rotula 10 Predator Filtrate Experiment 12 Predation Experiment 2: N. scintillans ingestion of C. radiatus 13 Predation Experiment 3: N. scintillans digestion of C. radiatus 14 RESULTS 16 Cell Characterization 16 Predation Experiment 1: G. spirale growth and ingestion on T. rotula 20 Predator Filtrate Experiment 24 Predation Experiment 2: N. scintillans ingestion of C. radiatus 26 Predation Experiment 3: N. scintillans digestion of C. radiatus 28 DISCUSSION 31 Cell Characterization 31 Predation and Growth Rates 32 Evidence for Frustules as a Defense 34 Mechanism of Defense 35 Evolutionary Implications 39 Food Quality 40
Characterization of the human antiporcine immune response

Successful xenotransplantation necessitates solving problems of hyperacute rejection and understanding the cellular immune responses that occur. Considerable progress has been made in our understanding of the molecular genetic basis of the rapid hyperacute antibody-mediated rejection mechanisms that occur in xenogeneic organ rejection. In parallel, strategies involving the use of transgenic animals expressing complement inhibitors are beginning to offer encouraging evidence that hyperacute rejection can be overcome. A greater understanding of cell-mediated immune interactions is now required to achieve long-term xenograft survival. Current studies are focused on T cell receptor (TCR)/major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and costimulatory signals that activate human CD4 and CD8 T cells.
Plum-Eye, A Marker for the Third Linkage Group in Culex Pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae)

Plum-eye (Pl) , a fully penetrant, autosomal, recessive, spontaneous mutant in Culex pipiens , is described. It is inherited independently of y and is therefore thought to be in linkage group 3. A strain homozygous for pl and y was synthesized that has a marker for each of the 3 linkage groups (maleness is used as a marker for the 1st linkage group).
Fabrication of oriented silver-functionalized RPM3 films for the selective detection of olefins.

Oriented thin films of a flexible, luminescent, metal organic framework (MOF), [Zn2(bpdc)2(bpee)·2DMF] (bpdc = 4,4′-biphenyldicarboxylate; bpee = 1,2-bipyridylethylene), also known as RPM3, were prepared on glass via pulsed laser deposition (PLD) followed by a solvothermal treatment. RPM3 thin films were then functionalized with AgNO3 by forming a π complex with the bpee linker. The reversible binding of olefins such as propylene and 1-hexene to the Ag+ functionalized RPM3 thin film was monitored by fluorescence spectroscopy. Adsorption of the olefins resulted in a fluorescence enhancement, while the corresponding paraffins either did not change or partially quenched the fluorescence. The RPM3 thin films hold promise as olefin sensors or adsorbents for olefin/paraffin separations.
Role of glucocorticoids in the maturation of renal cortical Na+/H+ exchanger activity during fetal life in sheep.

We have studied the role of glucocorticoids in inducing the maturation in activity of the proximal tubule Na+/H+ exchanger that follows birth. Renal cortical microvillus membrane vesicles were prepared from 132-day gestation sheep fetuses (n = 8) that had received intraperitoneal cortisol (13 micrograms.kg-1.h-1) for the previous 48 h. Membrane vesicles were also obtained from sham-operated twin controls (n = 8). Amiloride-sensitive uptake of 22Na+ by these vesicles was measured, and Woolf-Augustinsson-Hofstee plots were used to determine the Michaelis constant (Km) and maximal velocity (Vmax). There was no significant difference in Km; however, the Vmax was 61% higher in cortisol-treated fetuses. Posttreatment circulating cortisol levels were significantly higher in the treated fetuses. Total RNA was collected from renal cortex of the eight pairs of twins when killed. Renal cortex Na+/H+ exchanger 3 (NHE3) mRNA levels were approximately fourfold higher in cortisol-treated than in control fetuses. Although proximal tubule Na+/H+ exchanger activity and renal cortex NHE3 mRNA levels increased significantly in cortisol-treated fetuses, cortisol infusion did not stimulate renal sodium reabsorption in the fetus but rather produced a natriuresis. These results demonstrate that glucocorticoids can induce an increase in both Na+/H+ exchanger activity and NHE3 mRNA levels during the last trimester of gestation in sheep. However, these changes are not associated with an increased ability of the fetal kidney to reabsorb sodium.
Polyamines and Hypusination Are Required for Ebolavirus Gene Expression and Replication

ABSTRACT Ebolavirus (EBOV) is an RNA virus that is known to cause severe hemorrhagic fever in humans and other primates . EBOV successfully enters and replicates in many cell types. This replication is dependent on the virus successfully coopting a number of cellular factors. Many of these factors are currently unidentified but represent potential targets for antiviral therapeutics. Here we show that cellular polyamines are critical for EBOV replication. We found that small-molecule inhibitors of polyamine synthesis block gene expression driven by the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Short hairpin RNA (shRNA) knockdown of the polyamine pathway enzyme spermidine synthase also resulted in reduced EBOV replication. These findings led us to further investigate spermidine, a polyamine that is essential for the hypusination of eukaryotic initiation factor 5A (eIF5A). Blocking the hypusination of eIF5A (and thereby inhibiting its function) inhibited both EBOV gene expression and viral replication. The mechanism appears to be due to the importance of hypusinated eIF5A for the accumulation of VP30, an essential component of the viral polymerase. The same reduction in hypusinated eIF5A did not alter the accumulation of other viral polymerase components. This action makes eIF5A function an important gate for proper EBOV polymerase assembly and function through the control of a single virus protein. IMPORTANCE Ebolavirus (EBOV) is one of the most lethal human pathogens known. EBOV requires host factors for replication due to its small RNA genome. Here we show that the host protein eIF5A in its activated form is necessary for EBOV replication. We further show that the mechanism is through the accumulation of a single EBOV protein, VP30. To date, no other host proteins have been shown to interfere with the translation or stability of an EBOV protein. Activated eIF5A is the only protein in the cell known to contain the specific modification of hypusine; therefore, this pathway is a target for drug development. Further investigation into the mechanism of eIF5A interaction with VP30 could provide insight into therapeutics to combat EBOV.
193-nm generation by eighth harmonics of Er 3+ -doped fiber amplifier

Narrow-band, ultraviolet laser sources arc- essential for high-resolution measurement and testing.
Expanding Our Lens: Thinking Beyond Genomics

Kong, Dunn, and Parker (2017) canvas a critically important set of ethical issues related to research in genomics and psychiatry. The authors rightly note that genetic explanations of psychiatric i...
Defining the complex phenotype of severe systemic loxoscelism using a large electronic health record cohort.

Objective Systemic loxoscelism is a rare illness resulting from the bite of the recluse spider and, in its most severe form, can lead to widespread hemolysis, coagulopathy, and death. We aim to describe the clinical features and outcomes of the largest known cohort of individuals with moderate to severe loxoscelism. Methods We performed a retrospective, cross sectional study from January 1, 1995, to December 31, 2015, at a tertiary-care academic medical center, to determine individuals with clinical records consistent with moderate to severe loxoscelism. Age-, sex-, and race-matched controls were compared. Demographics, clinical characteristics, laboratory measures, and outcomes of individuals with loxoscelism are described. Case and control groups were compared with descriptive statistics and phenome-wide association study (PheWAS). Results During the time period, 57 individuals were identified as having moderate to severe loxoscelism. Of these, only 33% had an antecedent spider bite documented. Median age of individuals diagnosed with moderate to severe loxoscelism was 14 years old (IQR 9.0–24.0 years). PheWAS confirmed associations of systemic loxoscelism with 29 other phenotypes, e.g., rash, hemolytic anemia, and sepsis. Hemoglobin level dropped an average of 3.1 g/dL over an average of 2.0 days (IQR 2.0–6.0). Lactate dehydrogenase and total bilirubin levels were on average over two times their upper limit of normal values. Eighteen individuals of 32 tested had a positive direct antiglobulin (Coombs’) test. Mortality was 3.5% (2/57 individuals). Conclusion Systemic loxoscelism is a rare but devastating process with only a minority of patients recalling the toxic exposure; hemolysis reaches a peak at 2 days after admission, with some cases taking more than a week before recovery. In endemic areas, suspicion for systemic loxoscelism should be high in individuals, especially children and younger adults, presenting with a cutaneous ulcer and hemolysis or coagulopathy, even in the absence of a bite exposure history.
Analysis and reduction of the near magnetic field radiation from magnetic inductors

The near magnetic field radiations from power electronics systems are very important as they generate EMI and degrade EMI filter's performance. This paper discussed the near magnetic field radiation behavior of magnetic components including differential mode (DM) and common mode (CM) inductors. The sources and the main radiation mechanism are identified for different inductor structures with either CM or DM excitations. A novel CM inductor structure is proposed to greatly reduce near magnetic field radiation due to DM currents and increase its high frequency CM performance. It also greatly increases its DM inductance which is good to attenuate DM noise. 3D Finite Element Analysis (FEA) models were developed for inductors. Both simulations and experiments were conducted to validate the analysis and the developed theory and technique.
Strategic and Crisis Management in Agricultural Enterprises in the Czech Republic

Agricultural enterprises should constantly try to improve themselves. They need strategic management to manage their innovativeness in a focused manner, and to achieve growth and satisfy their strategic objectives in a way that minimizes the high-inherent risks or crises. The paper deals with a sub-research of the management of small and medium-sized enterprises in the Czech Republic. It is focused on the use of strategies in SMEs (especially for agriculture) management and the assessment of the significance of crises. Data were gathered as questionnaires and interviews from 183 (thereof 34 agricultural) enterprises operating in the Czech Republic. The research was done in 2015. Only about 15 % of the agricultural enterprises have formulated a strategy for the future direction of their enterprise. The crises did occur in all organizations, in varying degrees and intensity. The significance of this crises was assessed by an average mark of 3.5 (where 5 was the highest). Subsequently they analysed relationships among 17 major crises and compared the relations in other sectors.
A Machine with Chemical Intuition

Since the mid-1960s, a machine that can synthesize any molecule has been a hotly pursued but unsolved challenge. In this issue of Chem , a multinational team led by Grzybowski, Mrksich, and Trice reports the first experimental execution of chemical syntheses planned by the software Chematica.
Assessment of shallow subsea hydrocarbons as a proxy for leakage at offshore geologic CO2 storage sites

Abstract This study is part of a multi-phase effort to identify and characterize offshore geological carbon storage (GCS) potential along the Texas Gulf Coast. Previous efforts acquired a high-resolution 3D seismic dataset (P-cable™) and interpreted a seismically discontinuous zone as shallow gas pockets (
Analyzing Border to Border (B2B): Nationwide Campaign to Increase Seat Belt Use and Enforcement along State Borders

Each year, approximately 40,000 Americans die in traffic crashes and almost three million are injured. In 2016, with a 90 percent national seat belt use rate, seat belts prevented 14,668 fatalities. In 2010, the medical and work loss combined cost for occupant fatalities in motor vehicle crashes was over $12 billion. Sadly, many of these fatalities, injuries, and costs could have been prevented if the victims had been wearing seat belts or were properly restrained in child seats. In 2015, only 52% of those killed in motor vehicle crashes were restrained. Despite an overall increase in seat belt use over the past decade, traffic crashes are still the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death in the United States. Primary seat belt laws have proven to be effective in increasing state’s seat belt use rate. When States upgrade their laws from secondary to primary, significant increases in safety belt use are often observed. This report will look at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Border to Border initiative aimed at addressing seat belt non-use. Border to Border (B2B) is a one-day seat belt-awareness effort coordinated by participating State highway safety offices and their respective law enforcement liaisons. The goal is to reduce seat belt fatalities in their regions by implementing the "Click It or Ticket" (CIOT) campaign brand. The B2B program aims to increase law enforcement participation by coordinating highly visible seat belt enforcement and providing seat belt fact sheets for drivers at heavily traveled and highly visible areas along state borders. The B2B initiative encourages cross-jurisdiction collaboration, across State borders, which will help law enforcement officers enforce seat belt laws. Since its inception in 2014, Region 2 has spearheaded the B2B program. Due to its size and success this year, NHTSA national headquarters is organizing the effort for 2018, which will include a 4-hour enforcement crackdown on May 21. This report will outline the expansion of the B2B program to a nationwide level. It will discuss state participation; engagement of law enforcement agencies, citations issued, and earned media. In addition to the results, it will look at the overall strengths and challenges of the initiative to inform future programs that require cross state collaboration by law makers, law enforcement, and public health programs globally.
Differential vulnerability of snake species to MPTP: a behavioral and biochemical comparison in ratsnakes (Elaphe) and watersnakes (Nerodia).

The synthetic neurotoxicant 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) induces a Parkinsonian-like syndrome in humans and nonhuman primates, and also causes movement disorders in rodents, fish, amphibians and lizards. To date, the effects of MPTP have not been characterized in snakes. In this study, the behavioral and biochemical effects of MPTP were assessed in the black ratsnake Elaphe o. obsoleta and the banded watersnake Nerodia f. fasciata--species that display contrasting behavioral sensitivities to dopaminergic antagonists and to amphibian toxins. We report that MPTP induces depletion of norepinephrine and serotonin in fore, mid and hindbrain regions and depletion of dopamine in fore and midbrain regions in E.o. obsoleta. MPTP also induced a marked reduction in righting ability in E.o. obsoleta. In N.f. fasciata, norepinephrine and dopamine were depleted by MPTP in all three brain regions and serotonin was only significantly reduced in the forebrain. In contrast to E.o. obsoleta, N.f. fasciata demonstrated no behavioral disorders. This study demonstrates a behavioral and biochemical sensitivity to MPTP in E.o. obsoleta that differs from that in N.f. fasciata. The differential sensitivities to monoaminergic modulation may be related to the contrasting diets of these species.
Evaluation of Cloudiness in the Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project

Estimates of cloudiness in up to twenty-five models participating in the Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project are compared with the ISCCP C2, Nimbus 7, Meteor and Warren et al. (WH) observations. The root mean square differences between the annual means of the model calculations and the C2 observations, after global means are removed, are all greater than 14%, whereas the difference between the C2 and Meteor observations is less than 8%. Calculations of smoothed seasonal cycles show that many models simulate a seasonal cycle which leads that of the observations by about two months. Other models appear to simulate the proper phase of the seasonal cycle, but have spatial patterns which are in large disagreement with the observations. The global means of model high cloudiness are about 2-6 times greater than that of either of the satellite observations. The large differences with observations and between models is probably primarily related to the lack of a standard definition for what constitutes thin high cloud. The mean low cloud as observed from below in most models is comparable to WH. There is usually good qualitative agreement in the annual mean meridional structure of high and low cloud.
Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma (UPS; Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma: MFH) and Myxofibrosarcoma

The most common term for a generic high-grade sarcoma has evolved over the years from fibrosarcoma to malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) and now to high-grade undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS). The new nomenclature is utilized to differentiate this tumor from tumors that are truly histiocytic, i.e., histiocytic sarcoma, recognizing that the microscopic morphology of such tumors was not specific for sarcomas. Specific varieties of what was called MFH in the past have proved to be unique entities. For example, myxofibrosarcoma is now a clearly defined sarcoma subtype that was formerly termed myxoid MFH. Myxofibrosarcoma occurs more frequently in the subcutaneous tissue and has infiltrating pattern (Fig. 7.1). Angiomatoid MFH is reclassified as angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma, having mostly a benign clinical course and occurring in children and young adults. The situation is further complicated since the term MFH is still employed in the bone (and treated most commonly as osteogenic sarcoma in children).
Impact of Dynamically Downscaling Two CMIP5 Models on the Historical and Future Changes in Winter Extratropical Cyclones along the East Coast of North America

AbstractThis study investigates the impact of dynamical downscaling on historical and future projections of winter extratropical cyclones over eastern North America and the western Atlantic Ocean. ...
Diogenes the Cynic on Law and World Citizenship

Against the traditional reading of Cynic cosmopolitanism, this essay advances the thesis that Diogenes’ world citizenship is a positive claim supported by philosophical argument and philosophical example. Evidence in favor of this thesis is a new interpretation of Diogenes’ syllogistic argument concerning law ( nomos ) (D.L. 6.72). Important to the argument are an understanding of Diogenes’ philanthropic character and his moral imperative to ‘re-stamp the currency’. Whereas Socrates understands his care as attached specially to Athens, Diogenes’ philosophical mission and form of care attach not to his native Sinope but to all humanity. An important result is that Diogenes’ Cynicism provides an ancient example of cosmopolitanism that is philanthropic, minimalistic, experimental, and utopian.
Goal-directed resuscitation following cardiac surgery reduces acute kidney injury: A quality initiative pre-post analysis.

Abstract Objective Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs in 20% of patients following cardiac surgery. To reduce AKI in our institution, we instituted a quality improvement (QI) initiative using a goal-directed volume resuscitation protocol. Our protocol was designed to achieve quantifiable physiologic goals (eg, cardiac index > 2.5 L/min/m2, mean arterial pressure > 65 mm Hg) using fluid and vasoactive agents. The objective of this study was to evaluate AKI in the pre- and post-QI eras, hypothesizing that AKI incidence would decrease in the post-QI era. Methods In this observational retrospective cohort study, we identified patients who underwent cardiac operations from July 2011 to July 2015 with a risk score available. Kidney injury was determined using the lowest postoperative GFR within 7 days of surgery and standard Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss of Kidney Function, and End-Stage Kidney Disease (RIFLE) classification criteria. The primary outcome was the rate of AKI, as defined by glomerular filtration rate-based RIFLE classification criteria injury, in the post- versus pre-QI eras. Results A total of 1979 patients were included, of whom 725 were in the pre-QI cohort, and 1254 in the post-QI cohort. Overall, rates of RIFLE classification criteria risk, injury and failure were 27.5%, 5.9%, and 3.6%, respectively. RIFLE classification criteria injury saw the largest decrease in the post-QI cohort (8.1% vs 4.6%; P = .001). Multivariable analysis demonstrated a 37% reduction in the odds of AKI in the post-QI cohort (adjusted odds ratio, 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.43-0.90). Conclusions A goal-directed volume resuscitation protocol centered on patient fluid responsiveness is associated with significantly reduced risk for AKI after cardiac surgery. Protocol-driven approaches should be employed in intensive care units to improve outcomes.
Seizing a violent history: kairos, class, and resistance in Appalachia's coalfields

ABSTRACTThis essay examines how contemporary environmental activists identify with violent historical labor disputes in West Virginia. As activists tap into the region's violent past, they are face...
When Heritage Meets Creativity: A Tale of Two Urban Development Strategies in Kampong Glam, Singapore

In recent years, cities around the world have increasingly relied on culture–based development strategies for the revitalization of urban areas, such as urban heritage and the development of a crea...
Super-Resolution: Limits and Beyond

A variety of super-resolution algorithms have been described in this book. Most of them are based on the same source of information however; that the super-resolution image should generate the lower resolution input images when appropriately warped and down-sampled to model image formation. (This information is usually incorporated into super-resolution algorithms in the form of reconstruction constraints which are frequently combined with a smoothness prior to regularize their solution.) In this final chapter, we first investigate how much extra information is actually added by having more than one image for super-resolution. In particular, we derive a sequence of analytical results which show that the reconstruction constraints provide far less useful information as the decimation ratio increases. We validate these results empirically and show that for large enough decimation ratios any smoothness prior leads to overly smooth results with very little high-frequency content however many (noiseless) low resolution input images are used. In the second half of this chapter, we propose a super-resolution algorithm which uses a completely different source of information, in addition to the reconstruction constraints. The algorithm recognizes local “features” in the low resolution images and then enhances their resolution in an appropriate manner, based on a collection of high and low-resolution training samples. We call such an algorithm a hallucination algorithm.
Being together in place: indigenous coexistence in a more than human world

Being Together in Place is, first and foremost, a book about the agency of place, and the decolonizing power of story – specifically the storyscapes of Indigenous Peoples in their own voices, conti...
Complete primary repair of bladder exstrophy: a systematic review.

Summary Objectives Complete primary repair of exstrophy (CPRE) was established as a method to reduce numbers of procedures for the reconstruction of bladder exstrophy (BE). Performed since 1989, some suggest it as a replacement for the staged reconstructive procedure, the gold standard. Does CPRE reduce the numbers of procedures for reconstruction of BE? Methods Literature was reviewed from 1989 to 2016, and articles evaluating outcomes of patients undergoing CPRE, extracted. Effort was made to obtain final data from each reporting institution/group. Eleven articles meeting criteria were evaluated for qualitative systematic review. Age at initial closure, complications, additional procedures, and outcomes were evaluated to provide an overview of CPRE. Results Ten groups reported BE management using the CPRE technique. 236 patients (153 boys; 72 girls; 11 unknown sex) had primary closure ranging from birth to 5.6 years. Osteotomy was favored by most in infants closed beyond the first 72 h of life along with spica cast immobilization. Three groups recommended concomitant augmentation for infants with small bladder capacities. Ureteral reimplantation was required in 58 patients with recurrent urinary tract infections resistant to prophylaxis. Hypospadias repair was required for most boys having complete penile disassembly, and most children eventually required bladder neck reconstruction (BNR) for continence. Overall, voiding without BNR was noted in 16–37% of children in the reported series. Conclusions Complete primary repair of exstrophy has been suggested as a single procedure for the management of BE. Literature review suggests most patients require multiple procedures to complete reconstruction and attain continence.
Mining reported adverse events induced by potential opioid-drug interactions.

Objective Opioid-based analgesia is routinely used in clinical practice for the management of pain and alleviation of suffering at the end of life. It is well-known that opioid-based medications can be highly addictive, promoting not only abuse but also life-threatening overdoses. The scope of opioid-related adverse events (AEs) beyond these well-known effects remains poorly described. This exploratory analysis investigates potential AEs from drug-drug interactions between opioid and nonopioid medications (ODIs). Materials and methods In this study, we conduct an initial exploration of the association between ODIs and severe AEs using millions of AE reports available in FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). The odds ratio (OR)-based analysis and visualization are proposed for single drugs and pairwise ODIs to identify associations between AEs and ODIs of interest. Moreover, the multilabel (multi-AE) learning models are employed to evaluate the feasibility of AE prediction of polypharmacy. Results The top 12 most prescribed opioids in the FAERS are identified. The OR-based analysis identifies a diverse set of AEs associated with individual opioids. Moreover, the results indicate many ODIs can increase the risk of severe AEs dramatically. The area under the curve values of multilabel learning models of ODIs for oxycodone varied between 0.81 and 0.88 for 5 severe AEs. Conclusions The proposed data analysis and visualization are useful for mining FAERS data to identify novel polypharmacy associated AEs, as shown for ODIs. This approach was successful in recapitulating known drug interactions and also identified new opioid-specific AEs that could impact prescribing practices.
Perceptions of black men who have sex with men about accessing and taking PrEP: A qualitative study

Black men who have sex with men (MSM) have a 1 in 2 lifetime risk of acquiring HIV infection; yet are underrepresented in biomedical HIV prevention behaviors. In-depth interviews were conducted wit...
Genomic Space of MGMT in Human Glioma Revisited: Novel Motifs, Regulatory RNAs, NRF1, 2, and CTCF Involvement in Gene Expression

Background: The molecular regulation of increased MGMT expression in human brain tumors, the associated regulatory elements, and linkages of these to its epigenetic silencing are not understood. Because the heightened expression or non-expression of MGMT plays a pivotal role in glioma therapeutics, we applied bioinformatics and experimental tools to identify the regulatory elements in the MGMT and neighboring EBF3 gene loci. Results: Extensive genome database analyses showed that the MGMT genomic space was rich in and harbored many undescribed RNA regulatory sequences and recognition motifs. We extended the MGMT’s exon-1 promoter to 2019 bp to include five overlapping alternate promoters. Consensus sequences in the revised promoter for (a) the transcriptional factors CTCF, NRF1/NRF2, GAF, (b) the genetic switch MYC/MAX/MAD, and (c) two well-defined p53 response elements in MGMT intron-1, were identified. A putative protein-coding or non-coding RNA sequence was located in the extended 3′ UTR of the MGMT transcript. Eleven non-coding RNA loci coding for miRNAs, antisense RNA, and lncRNAs were identified in the MGMT-EBF3 region and six of these showed validated potential for curtailing the expression of both MGMT and EBF3 genes. ChIP analysis verified the binding site in MGMT promoter for CTCF which regulates the genomic methylation and chromatin looping. CTCF depletion by a pool of specific siRNA and shRNAs led to a significant attenuation of MGMT expression in human GBM cell lines. Computational analysis of the ChIP sequence data in ENCODE showed the presence of NRF1 in the MGMT promoter and this occurred only in MGMT-proficient cell lines. Further, an enforced NRF2 expression markedly augmented the MGMT mRNA and protein levels in glioma cells. Conclusions: We provide the first evidence for several new regulatory components in the MGMT gene locus which predict complex transcriptional and posttranscriptional controls with potential for new therapeutic avenues.
Predicting Readmission After Anterior, Posterior, and Posterior Interbody Lumbar Spinal Fusion: A Neural Network Machine Learning Approach.

Background Readmission after spine surgery is costly and a relatively common occurrence. Previous research identified several risk factors for readmission; however, the conclusions remain equivocal. Machine learning algorithms offer a unique perspective in analysis of risk factors for readmission and can help predict the likelihood of this occurrence. This study evaluated a neural network (NN), a supervised machine learning technique, to determine whether it could predict readmission after 3 lumbar fusion procedures. Methods The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried between 2009 and 2018. Patients who had undergone anterior, lateral, and/or posterior lumbar fusion were included in the study. The Python scikit Learn package was used to run the NN algorithm. A multivariate regression was performed to determine risk factors for readmission. Results There were 63,533 patients analyzed (12,915 anterior lumbar interbody fusion, 27,212 posterior lumbar interbody fusion, and 23,406 posterior spinal fusion cases). The NN algorithm was able to successfully predict 30-day readmission for 94.6% of anterior lumbar interbody fusion, 94.0% of posterior lumbar interbody fusion, and 92.6% of posterior spinal fusion cases with area under the curve values of 0.64–0.65. Multivariate regression indicated that age >65 years and American Society of Anesthesiologists class >II were linked to increased risk for readmission for all 3 procedures. Conclusions The accurate metrics presented indicate the capability for NN algorithms to predict readmission after lumbar arthrodesis. Moreover, the results of this study serve as a catalyst for further research into the utility of machine learning in spine surgery.
Reconciliation: An Ethic for Responding to Evil in Global Politics

This book chapter outlines an ethic of reconciliation, explains its component practices, and distinguishes it from other leading international relations theories.
Blindness and Inwit: James Joyce and the Sirens a Reading of Chapter 11 of "Ulysses"

". . . LES PREMIERS DISCOURS furent les premi?res chansons," writes Jean-Jacques Rousseau in his "Essai Sur l'Origine des Langues." For Rousseau (as for Wagner, a hundred years later) the original language was a song of immediacy, passion made voice just as need was made gesture. A hundred years after Wagner, we are still a hundred years after Wagner and still think of music as some unhindered discourse of the unconscious. It
The 3-arylpyrrolidine alkaloid synthon

Abstract A formal total synthesis of the hasubanonine alkaloid cepharamine (3b) from 7,8-dimethoxy-2- tetralone has been accomplished. A key intermediate in the synthesis was 3-methyl-1.2.4.5-tetrahydrobenz[e]indole 4a which was prepared by a one step ring expansion reaction of cyclopropyl ketone 8b effected by methylamine. The annelation of 4a with methyl vinyl ketone yielded aminoketone 5a which possesses the tetracyclic skeleton characteristic of the hasubanonine alkaloid group. The oxidation of 5a to 5e. which was reported to have been converted to cepharamine, completed the formal total synthesis of that alkaloid. The foregoing transformations and others related to than have also been carried out in the analogous desmethoxy series of compounds beginning with β-tetralone, 8d.
The Significance of the Babinski Sign in the Newborn—A Reappraisal

A study of the clinical significance and the stimulus methods used to elicit the Babinski sign in normal newborns has been carried out. Although the most frequent response to cutaneous nociceptive stimulation of the lateral sole in neonates was extension of the great toe, a small but significant number of flexor responses were obtained. Consequently, the Babinski sign has limited clinical usefulness as a reflex indicating the presence or absence of neurological disease in the newborn. In reviewing previous studies in the literature, it was apparent that the widely differing percentages of extensor plantars reported in newborns was related directly to differences in the technique of examination.
Factorization and approximation problems for matrix functions

The purpose of this paper is to develop a new approach to certain approximation and factorization problems for matrix-valued functions. The approach is based on studying properties of maximizing vectors of Hankel operators with matrix-valued symbols and on the solution of the so-called recovery problem for unitary-valued matrix functions. In the case of scalar functions such problems were studied in detail in [PK]. It turns out however, that the case of matrix functions is considerably more complicated than the scalar case. In this paper we solve the recovery problem with the help of Hankel operators. This solution also allows us to give a new approach to Wiener-Hopf factorization problems and obtain some new results. Another application we consider here is the problem of finding a superoptimal analytic approximation to a matrix function on the unit circle. We improve earlier results on hereditary properties of such approximations (see [PY1]) and on continuity properties of the operator of superoptimal approximation (see [PY3]). Recall that for a bounded m x n matrix-function b on the unit circle Tf the Hankel operator Hp is defined on the Hardy class H2 (Cn) of Cn-valued functions by HDf = PADf, f E H (Cn)
Characteristics of the Millimeter Arrays

The characteristics of millimeter wavelength arrays are discussed with a view to the general usefulness of the arrays for a wide variety of astronomical programs. Their most important capability is high angular resolution. In addition, their accurate pointing allows detailed comparison of images made at different wavelengths, and permits accurate astrometry. The existing and planned arrays have collecting areas of several hundred square meters and therefore sensitivities comparable to even the largest single reflector antennas. Because of their relative immunity to emission from the atmosphere, they are the instruments of choice for detection of weak signals from point sources. The current and planned systems have flexible correlation spectrometers with high resolution and wide spectral coverage. Their ability to accurately spatially locate emission from new spectral features is important in the identification of new molecular species. The improvement in millimeter arrays has enabled mapping with dynamic ranges of one hundred or more and good enough fidelity to permit quantitative comparison of features on different maps. Finally, large ratios of baseline length to antenna diameter yield maps with large ratios of map field size to map resolution.
Intermediate coupling in L2-L3 core excitons of MgO, Al2O3, and SiO2.

The ${\mathit{L}}_{23}$ reflection spectra for single-crystal MgO, \ensuremath{\alpha}-${\mathrm{Al}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$, and \ensuremath{\alpha}-${\mathrm{SiO}}_{2}$ are measured. These reflection spectra are used to generate absorption spectra that agree well with electron-total-yield and electron-energy-loss measurements. Exciton features are shown to exist in the band gap by comparing the valence-band maximum plus optical band gap to the observed transition energies. The energy splitting of the ${\mathit{L}}_{2\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$${\mathit{L}}_{3}$ excitons, as seen in reflection, is clearly resolved for ${\mathrm{Al}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ and ${\mathrm{SiO}}_{2}$, while in electron-total-yield measurements the doublets are not resolved for ${\mathrm{Al}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$. This resolution allows the calculation of the exchange energy using intermediate-coupling theory.
Direct and Indirect Exporting and Productivity: Evidence from Firm‐Level Data

This paper examines the separate productive impacts of direct and indirect exporting to further our understanding of the mechanisms underlying learning-by-exporting effects by utilizing a method that allows us to check the robustness of the results to the selection on unobservables. We found that the productivity effects of exporting are mainly associated with direct exporting, indicating that knowledge spillover, and thus, productive impact of exporting grows with increased interaction with international firms and consumers. Indirect exporters are unlikely to be able to efficiently exploit the productive capacity of foreign technology and knowledge. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Historical Perspective of Phytoplankton Blooms on Long Island and the Green Tides of the 1950’s

During the early 1950’s, Great South Bay and Moriches Bay, located on the South Shore of Long Island, NY (Fig 1), supported extremely dense blooms of phytoplankton, which characteristically appeared in the early spring and persisted throughout the summer and fall. At the peak of their growth, these microorganisms exceeded concentrations of 10 million cells ml−1, and the resulting turbidity turned the water a vivid green color and reduced Secchi disc transparency to a tenth of a meter or less in places.
Construction of a System for Regulated Alterations of Endogenous Cytokinins

Cytokinins are a class of phytohormones that are believed to regulate development at various times and places [6, 9, 17]. Specific aspects of development that are affected by cytokinins include shoot formation, release of axillary buds, partial floral evocation and inhibition of root elongation. However, there are some instances where cytokinins seemingly have little or no effect on these and other processes, thus producing puzzling discrepancies. These discrepancies are significant, because in order to understand how cytokinins function we need to know which processes are not effected by cytokinins as well as those that are effected.
Effect of Additives on Copper Outplating onto Silicon Surface from Dilute HF Solutions

The effects of additives such as acids and surfactants on copper outplating onto silicon surfaces from dilute HF solution were studied. It was found that some additives could significantly reduce copper outplating. Results from potentiommetry, total-reflectance X-ray fluorescence, time-of-flight-secondary ion mass spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and electron microscopy suggested that the anionic surfactant had strong interaction with cupric ions in solution, and their complex was adsorbed onto silicon surfaces, causing nonredox-type copper contamination. Dynamic light-scattering results also revealed strong interaction between the anionic surfactant and nickel ions. The roles of surfactants in copper outplating are discussed in this paper.
Factors that influence the decision of a radiology trainee to pursue vascular interventional radiology as a subspecialty

Purpose To identify key factors by a physician in training to pursue a career in vascular interventional radiology (VIR). Materials and Methods A nine question multiple choice survey was created using the online program Survey Monkey®. This survey assessed the association between interest in VIR and several factors. These factors included timing of exposure to VIR as a trainee, participation in VIR meetings and research, and various job qualities that may influence the decision to pursue VIR as a specialty. The survey was electronically disseminated to residents of US accredited diagnostic radiology programs with residents or fellows that participate on the leadership councils of the Society of Interventional Radiology. All participant responses were kept anonymous using the online survey software. Nonparametric statistical tests of significance were performed using JMP, including the Wilcoxon Rank Sum test. Results Among 184 residents invited to participate, 101 (54%) respondents completed the survey. Thirty-four (34%) reported that they have applied for or intend to apply for a VIR fellowship and 38 reported that they had considered it at one point during their training. Patient contact (χ2 = 38, p Conclusion Trainee interest in patient contact, clinical responsibility, and procedures are all strongly predictive of a future career in VIR. When trainee participation in VIR meetings or research was compared with the decision to pursue a VIR fellowship, a positive association with a trend towards significance was demonstrated. Earlier exposure does not appear to foster greater interest.
Effect of Genistein on the Growth and Reproductive Function of Male and Female Yellow Perch Perca flavescens

. We studied the effect of genistein, a weak estrogenic compound found in soybean products, on the growth and reproductive development of yellow perch Perca flavescens. Four diets were prepared: control, estradiol-17β (E2) at 10 μg/g diet (E10), and genistein at 7.5 and 0.75 mg/g diet (G7.5 and G0.75). Fish (initial weight = 13–15.5 g and initial total length = 105–111 mm) were fed to excess for 63 d. The E10 diet promoted weight gain in yellow perch of both sexes, whereas the G7.5 diet decreased weight gain in females. The growth of the G0.75 group was not different from either the E10 group or the control group. Among females, fish fed the E10 diet had the lowest plasma concentration of E2 36 h after the last feeding of the study. The plasma concentration of E2 did not differ among the males from the four treatments. The E10-treated fish of both sexes had increased plasma concentration of alkali-labile phosphoprotein phosphorous (ALPP) in both sexes, indicating that vitellogenesis had been induced. Neither genistein diet increased plasma (ALPP) concentration. Male but not female yellow perch fed the E10 diet had significantly lower gonadosomatic indices compared to control and genistein groups. These results suggest that genistein may have a positive effect on growth in yellow perch, but no apparent estrogenic effects on reproductive function.
The Ameba Balamuthia mandrillaris Feeds by Entering into Mammalian Cells in Culture

Microscopic observations of live cultures of the pathogenic ameba Balamuthia mandrillaris and mammalian cells showed that amebic feeding involved the invasion of the pseudopodia, and/or the whole ameba into the cells. The ameba, recognized by their size and flow of organelles in the cytosol, was seen to extend the tip of a pseudopodium into the cytoplasm of a cell where it moved about leaving visible damage when retracted. In rounded cells, whole amebas were seen to enter into and move around before exiting a cell and then remain quiescent for hours. The invaded mammalian cells retained their turgidity and excluded vital dyes until only their denuded nuclei remained. The cytoplasm of the cells was consumed first, then the nuclei, but not their mitotic chromosomes. The feeding pattern of four isolates of B. mandrillaris, two from humans and two from soil samples, was by amebic invasion into the mammalian cells. The resulting ameba population included cysts, amebas on the surface, and free-floating amebas as individuals or in dense-packed clusters. There was no morphologic indication of a cytopathic change in the mammalian cells before their invasion by the amebas. Feeding by cell invasion is a distinctive feature of B. mandrillaris.
T and B lymphocyte populations of the spleen and thymus in normal and immunosuppressed BALB/c mice

Abstract The antituinor agent 1,3 bis (2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) has been studied in order to determine its effect on thymic and splenic T and B lymphocytes in normal and immunosuppressed BALB/c mice. Utilizing indirect immunofluorescence and lymphocyte proliferation studies we detected an initial reduction of splenic T and B cells as a result of the administration of an optimal dose, 30 mg/kg, of BCNU. The population dynamics of the thymic lymphocytes are totally different in their mitogenic reactivity than that of the splenic lymphocytes. An initial decline in the PHA and LPS-sensitive splenic lymphocytes of BCNU-treated mice was temporary. However, there was no return to normal levels detected for the Con A-sensitive splenic lymphocytes. On the other hand, the PHA-sensitive thymic lymphocytes of BCNU-treated mice not only failed to repopulate but were totally depleted by the tenth day.