cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rationale and Design of the EMPA-TROPISM Trial (ATRU-4): Are the "Cardiac Benefits" of Empagliflozin Independent of its Hypoglycemic Activity?

The SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin reduced cardiovascular mortality by 38% and heart failure (HF) hospitalizations by 35% in diabetic patients. We have recently demonstrated the efficacy of empagliflozin in ameliorating HF and improving cardiac function in a non-diabetic porcine model of HF mediated via a switch in myocardial metabolism that enhances cardiac energetics. Therefore, we hypothesized that the cardiac benefits of empagliflozin can also be extended to non-diabetic HF patients. The EMPA-TROPISM clinical trial is a randomized, double-blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled, trial comparing the efficacy of and safety of empagliflozin in non-diabetic HF patients. Eighty patients with stable HF for over 3 months, LVEF < 50%, and New York Heart Association functional class II to IV symptoms will be randomized to empagliflozin 10 mg for 6 months or placebo. All patients will undergo cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), 6-min walk test, and quality of life questionnaires. The primary outcome is the change in left ventricular end-diastolic volume measured by CMR. Secondary end-points include change in peak VO2 (CPET); change in LV mass, in LVEF, in myocardial mechanics (strains), in left atrium volumes, in RV function and volumes, in interstitial myocardial fibrosis, and in epicardial adipose tissue (CMR); change in the distance in the 6-min walk test; and changes in quality of life (Kansas Cardiomyopathy questionnaire [KCCQ-12] and the 36-Item Short Form Survey [SF-36]). Safety issues (e.g., hypoglycemia, urinary infections, ketoacidosis,…) will also be monitored. In summary, EMPA-TROPISM clinical trial will determine whether the SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin improves cardiac function and heart failure parameters in non-diabetic HF patients (EMPA-TROPISM [ATRU-4]: Are the “cardiac benefits” of Empagliflozin independent of its hypoglycemic activity; NCT 03485222).
Gender and Race Informed Pathways From Childhood Sexual Abuse to Sexually Transmitted Infections: A Moderated Mediation Analysis Using Nationally Representative Data.

Abstract Purpose Although data suggest child sexual abuse is linked with increased risk of contracting asexually transmitted infection (STI), the mechanisms through which these experiences are connected remain understudied. Moreover, there is a need to explore how race/ethnicity and gender influence these processes. Methods The present study examined the mediational pathways from child sexual abuse to risky sexual behavior to STIs and further evaluated the role of depressive symptomatology and nonmedical prescription drug use on the relationship between child sexual abuse and risky sexual behavior. In addition, race and gender were examined as moderators to account for potential different effects of these mechanisms on females and males and on different racial and ethnic groups. A nationally representative sample of 4,181 youth from the Add Health dataset was used. Results Results from a moderated mediation model indicated risky sexual behavior partially mediated the pathway from child sexual abuse to STI contraction and depressive symptomatology and nonmedical prescription drug use partially mediated pathway from child sexual abuse to risky sexual behavior. Race and gender moderated the relationship between risky sexual behavior and STI contraction. Conclusions Findings underscore the need for STI prevention efforts among adolescents to focus on risk factors beyond risky sexual behaviors, such as childhood sexual abuse and mental health screening that includes depressive symptomatology and nonmedical prescription drug use. In addition, findings emphasize the need to further examine the different effects on different racial/ethnic and gender subgroups, particularly black women.
Identifying Attrition Phases in Survey Data: Applicability and Assessment Study.

Background: Although Web-based questionnaires are an efficient, increasingly popular mode of data collection, their utility is often challenged by high participant dropout. Researchers can gain insight into potential causes of high participant dropout by analyzing the dropout patterns. Methods: First, we proposed the application of user-specified thresholds to identify abrupt differences in the dropout rate. Second, we proposed the application of 2 existing hypothesis testing methods to detect significant differences in participant dropout. We assessed these methods through a simulation study and through application to a case study, featuring a questionnaire addressing decision-making surrounding cancer screening. Results: The user-specified method set to a low threshold performed best at accurately detecting phases of high attrition in both the simulation study and test case application, although all proposed methods were too sensitive. Conclusions: The user-specified method set to a low threshold correctly identified the attrition phases. Hypothesis testing methods, although sensitive at times, were unable to accurately identify the attrition phases. These results strengthen the case for further development of and research surrounding the science of attrition.
Reproductive justice for incarcerated mothers and advocacy for their infants and young children

The United States has seen unprecedented growth in the number of incarcerated women, most of whom are mothers with minor children. Major public health concerns relate to the reproductive health of women in prisons and jails and the well-being of their infants and young children. In the current article, we use a reproductive justice framework to examine the intersection of incarceration and maternal and child health. We review (a) current research on the reproductive health of incarcerated women, (b) characteristics and experiences of pregnant incarcerated women, (c) outcomes of infants and young children with incarcerated parents, (d) implications of research findings for policy and practice, and (e) the need for increased research, public education, and advocacy. We strongly recommend that correctional policies and practices be updated to address the common misconceptions and biases as well as the unique vulnerabilities and health needs of incarcerated women and their young children.
HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY AND CARDIAC EVENTS IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN AGED 50 AND 60 YEARS

The ‘Timing Hypothesis’ states that the benefits and harms of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are related to the proximity with which it is begun following the onset of menopause. The objective of this study is to compare the risk of cardiac and thromboembolic events among women who are
Linear porokeratosis presenting in adulthood: A diagnostic challenge: A case report:

Linear porokeratosis is a rare variant of porokeratosis that most often presents in newborns and children; development of this porokeratosis variant in adulthood is far less common. We report the case of a 25-year-old female who presented with a progressive eruption on the proximal upper extremity of 6-year duration, which was ultimately diagnosed as adult-onset linear porokeratosis and safely treated with oral isotretinoin. We propose that a sporadic mutation resulting in mosaicism after birth may explain the development of linear porokeratosis in adulthood, although the exact trigger of such a somatic mutation is not known. This case also describes a unique clinical presentation, with linear porokeratosis lesions originating on the proximal extremity rather than on the more common distal extremity. This demonstrates a distinctive clinical presentation not seen in the pediatric forms of disease.
Scientific production of Nursing on bone fractures in elderly people: an integrative review

Objetivo: Conhecer a producao cientifica da enfermagem acerca de fraturas osseas em pessoas idosas. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma revisao integrativa de literatura. A coleta de dados foi realizada em junho de 2019, em sete bases de dados. Resultados: Apos a aplicacao dos criterios de inclusao e exclusao, restaram dez estudos na integra para analise, realizados no Brasil, Espanha, Estados Unidos da America, Suecia e Turquia. Emergiram tres categorias: “Perfil das pessoas idosas que sofreram fraturas ossea”; “Processos pos-fratura ossea na pessoa idosa”; e “Atuacao do Enfermeiro na Assistencia a pessoa idosa com fratura ossea”. Consideracoes Finais: Este estudo possibilitou conhecer a producao cientifica da enfermagem acerca das fraturas osseas nas pessoas idosas. Verificou-se que as publicacoes dos enfermeiros abordando essa tematica e bastante escassa e com baixo nivel de evidencia, no entanto, a abordagem da mesma pelos profissionais enfermeiros, se da de uma maneira muito particular, diversificada e construtiva, o que ratifica se tratar de uma area ampla a ser explorada, difundida e incentivada no meio academico e profissional da Enfermagem.
A Case of COVID-19 Infection With Delayed Thromboembolic Complication on Warfarin

Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has posed an unprecedented threat to humanity with more than eight million infections and 450,000 deaths reported worldwide so far. The spectrum of the disease varies from mild asymptomatic infection to severe disease with rapid progression to acute respiratory distress syndrome and multiorgan failure. It is associated with a prothrombotic state and hence there is a risk of thromboembolic complications in critically ill patients, even after recovery. However, the duration of prothrombotic risk after recovery is yet to be determined. We present the case of a 78-year-old man with a history of atrial fibrillation on warfarin who had been recently discharged to a nursing home after recovering from COVID-19 pneumonia and presented to the emergency department a month later with worsening shortness of breath and cough. He was found to have worsening respiratory failure with multiple segmental pulmonary emboli, despite being on warfarin, and supratherapeutic international normalized ratio (INR). He required mechanical ventilation and was started on steroids and therapeutic enoxaparin anticoagulation. This case highlights the risk of delayed thromboembolic complications in patients with COVID-19 infection and the need to identify the subgroup of patients with a higher risk of thromboembolism, such as discharges to nursing homes and those in need of oxygen requirement; and those with underlying comorbid conditions that may require anticoagulation for a longer duration. The role of heparin is being increasingly investigated in patients with COVID-19 infection; however, the role of other anticoagulants such as warfarin is yet to be defined.
Second- and third-harmonic operation of a gyrotron backward wave oscillator

First measurements are presented of electrical tuning and output power characteristics for a TE 01 -mode gyro-BWO operating at the second and third cyclotron harmonics.
Anatomical Survey Versus Fetal Echocardiograms for Diagnosis of Cardiac Defects with a Single Umbilical Artery Cases: A Retrospective Cohort Study and Diagnostic Meta-analysis.

Objective To determine the utility of fetal echocardiography in diagnosing cardiac defects in fetuses with a single umbilical artery (SUA). Methods A retrospective cohort study of prenatally diagnosed SUA was conducted over a 10-year period at a single institution. Cardiac anatomy on detailed anatomical survey was compared with fetal echocardiogram for fetuses with prenatally diagnosed SUA. A diagnostic meta-analysis of studies comparing fetal anatomical survey to fetal echocardiogram in fetuses with SUA between 2010 to 2019 was also performed. Results Three hundred and twenty fetuses with SUA were identified, 113 of which had completed both ultrasound and echocardiography. There were 36 cases of cardiac defects on prenatal echocardiogram and all had abnormal anatomical ultrasounds. There were zero cases of abnormal cardiac exams (0%) when the cardiac views on anatomical survey were normal. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of ultrasound were 100%, 77%, 73% and 100%, respectively. A summary ROC curve demonstrated a high predictive value of routine anatomic survey for cardiac defects (AUC: 0.99). Conclusion Anatomic survey is highly predictive in the detection of cardiac defects in fetuses with SUA. Fetal echocardiogram is unnecessary in SUA when cardiac views are normal on ultrasound.
Playing House with LEGO Friends

This chapter draws upon theories of gender performativity and the history of dolls, dollhouses, and toy theaters to explore dramatic play—the performative bricolage of playing out narratives with LEGO toys—from early thematic playsets to the ‘for girls’ LEGO Friends product line. Beyond gendering individual play themes, the ideology that emerges in this chapter also genders the toy medium itself, masculinizing construction play and feminizing dramatic play. This ideology thereby bifurcates both the LEGO medium and its play.
System-level prognosis and health monitoring modeling framework and software implementation for gas pipeline system integrity management

Abstract Over the past few decades, recurrent pipeline failures have caused a major impact on human lives and property damage. Studies have shown the lack of a comprehensive, integrated, and accessible set of risk-informed integrity management models and tools for pipeline operators are the main reason behind those damages. To address this gap, this paper presents a system-level Prognosis and Health Monitoring (PHM) modeling framework for gas pipeline system integrity management to prevent or reduce the likelihood of failures. PHM modeling is a comprehensive approach that takes into consideration all possible failure modes of the pipeline under study. It leverages the advancement of sensor technology to stream field data in real-time to perform a dynamic system-level failure analysis based on Hybrid Causal Logic (HCL) and Dynamic Bayesian Networks (DBNs) predictive models to provide cost-effective and optimal mitigation actions such as sensor placement and maintenance schedule optimizations. The developed models are implemented into a software platform where the pipeline operators can observe the real-time and projected health state of the pipeline and the set of suggested actions to enhance the structural integrity of the pipeline system. The platform includes three main modules: Real-Time Monitoring, System-Level Reliability, and Optimal Mitigation Actions. From a safety perspective, the proposed comprehensive and dynamic pipeline health assessment framework either prevents the pipeline failures or reduces their likelihood by supporting pipeline operators in optimal decision-making and planning activities. To verify the performance of the proposed framework and its software implementation, it is applied to a case study of a corroded gas transmission pipeline and the results are discussed.
Obesity and Postoperative Complications Following Ankle Arthrodesis: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis

ABSTRACT Obese patients undergoing orthopedic procedure have been reported to have higher rates of postoperative complications, but the published associations have numerous confounders. This study aims to evaluate the independent effect of obesity on postoperative complications and hospital utilization following ankle arthrodesis. A database review of a Medicare database was performed on patients less than 85 years old who underwent ankle arthrodesis between 2005 and 2014. Patient cohorts were defined using International Classification of Diseases-9 coding for body mass index (BMI)—obese (30-40 kg/m2), and morbidly obese (>40 kg/m2). Normal BMI patients were defined as those without the respect codes for obesity (30-40 kg/m2), morbidly obese (>40 kg/m2), or underweight ( .05). While morbid obesity was associated with an increase in the postoperative complications, obesity was not associated with any increase in postoperative complications following ankle arthrodesis.
Contamination Assessment for Cancer Next-Generation Sequencing: Method Development and Clinical Implementation.

Context.— The presence of allogeneic contamination impacts clinical reporting in cancer next-generation sequencing specimens. Although consensus guidelines recommend the identification of contaminating DNA as a part of quality control, implementation of contamination assessment methods in clinical molecular diagnostic laboratories has not been reported in the literature. Objective.— To develop and implement a method to assess allogeneic contamination in clinical cancer next-generation sequencing specimens. Design.— We describe a method to detect contamination based on the evaluation of single-nucleotide polymorphic sites from tumor-only specimens. We validate this method and apply it to a large cohort of cancer sequencing specimens. Results.— Identification of specimen contamination is validated via in silico and in vitro mixtures, and reference range and reproducibility are established in a panel of normal specimens. The algorithm accurately detects an episode of systemic contamination due to reagent impurity. We prospectively apply this algorithm across 7571 clinical cancer specimens from a targeted next-generation sequencing panel, in which 262 specimens (3.5%) are predicted to be affected by greater than 5% contamination. Conclusions.— Allogeneic contamination can be inferred from intrinsic cancer next-generation sequencing data without paired normal sequencing. The adoption of this approach can be useful as a quality control measure for laboratories performing clinical next-generation sequencing.
Minimally Invasive Techniques in Plastic Surgery

Is minimally invasive surgery a myth or is it based on reality? Can you achieve results of the quality similar to that of traditional open procedures while minimizing surgical scars, pain, decreasing recovery time, and decreasing morbidity? Or do minimally invasive techniques yield minimal results? Although the demand for these procedures increases, plastic surgeons may need to adapt and change their approaches to commonly performed procedures. In addition, training programs may need to take into account the latest trends in plastic surgery to appropriately prepare the young plastic surgeons for successful careers. Although it is impossible to account for all the available minimally invasive techniques, this chapter attempts to review the most commonly performed techniques.
Microbiome: The puzzle in a bee's gut

By analysing bacteria that live in the digestive tracts of bees, researchers hope to learn about the role of microbes in insect health.
Melanosis and hydrocephalus Report of four cases

Four cases are presented in which hydrocephalus and extensive pigmented lesions of the body coexisted. A related developmental defect is suggested.
Intrathecal baclofen therapy slows progressive disability in multiple system atrophy

Objectives: Evaluate the benefit of intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy on function, quality of life, and progression in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA). Methods: We report on three MSA patients at different stages treated with ITB therapy. MSA patients were staged using Watanabe et al. ADL milestones for disease progression and by scales for tone (modified Ashworth scale) ambulation (Hauser ambulation index) and disability (expanded disability status scale) Results: All three patients had an improvement in the modified Ashworth scale and none had progression in their disability or ambulatory outcomes and did not progress as predicted by Watanabe et al. Conclusions: Our results suggest that ITB can maintain (or improve function) and maintain quality of life in patients with MSA. ITB is currently not indicated for patients with MSA but should be studied further for the quality of life benefits and delay in disease progression it potentially provides.
Congenital anomalies of the incudostapedial joint

Abstract Objective To describe congenital anomalies of the incudostapedial joint (ISJ) and to discuss the possible unique embryogenesis of the ISJ based on the two anomalies that were encountered. Setting Tertiary care medical center. Subjects and methods Retrospective review of the medical records of all patients with ISJ anomalies. Results Four patients presented with congenital hearing loss. Upon further workup, we observed a preserved incudostapedial joint (ISJ) with deficiencies of the incus and stapes in three cases. Our fourth case demonstrated the inverse pattern of the congenital anomalies in which the ISJ was missing with an intact proximal incus and stapes crura. Three patients opted for surgical intervention with improvement in hearing. One case preferred hearing amplification over surgery. Conclusion Isolated ISJ malformations are uncommon potential causes of congenital conductive hearing loss. Although numerous patterns of ossicular anomalies have been reported in the literature, our case series is the first to demonstrate both the absence of the ISJ in one patient and the presence of the ISJ in the presence of missing stapes crura and incus body in other patients. Though limited by the small number of cases, the inverse relationship of the single case compared to the three other cases, suggests a possible independent embryological development pathway for the ISJ. Therefore, an embryological explanation of the defects should be considered. Additionally, surgical intervention can improve hearing outcomes for patients with isolated ISJ anomalies.
SYSTEMIC LEVELS OF PLASMA PROGESTERONE DURING PREGNANCY IN WOMEN AND MONKEYS1

SEVERAL attempts have been made to measure the progestin contentof blood samples obtained during pregnancy. In 1933, Clauberg, Thiel, and Ziecker failed to detect by bio-assay any corpus luteum hormone in ether extracts of 12–50 cc. of serum and of 300 cc. of blood from pregnant women. Similarly, Bloch (1936), employing the Corner-Allen test, found no activity in up to 500 cc. of blood from pregnant women or 70 cc. of blood from pregnant rabbits; even 8 to 12 liters of sow pregnancy blood yielded the equivalent of less than one rabbit unit. More recently, Hoff-mann and von Lam (1941, 1942, 1948) and Haskins (1941) conducted bio-assays based on the reaction of the endometrium of the rabbit to the intrauterine injection of blood extracts; these investigators found progestin in human pregnancy blood, but the assay results were variable.
Re-occurrence of site-specific response in former Yugoslavia—part II: Friuli, Banja Luka and Kopaonik

This paper (Part II) continues with the description of the period and amplitude variations and the re-occurrence of local peaks during different earthquakes in the Fourier amplitude spectra of strong ground motion, recorded at seven stations, in three seismically active areas in the former Yugoslavia, in the Inner Part of the Balkan Peninsula.
Assembly of high-resolution restriction maps based on multiple complete digests of a redundant set of overlapping clones

An approach to restriction-site mapping and contig building that uses fragment-size data from multiple complete digests of a set of clones that oversample a genomic region is presented. Maps containing both fragment-length data and clone-end data are maintained for each restriction enzyme. Synchronization between the maps for the different enzymes is achieved by requiring the clone-end maps for all enzymes to be compatible. Basic concepts that underlie multiple-complete-digest mapping - including the match/merge approach to map incorporation, extension vs. assimilation, ambiguity, and clone-end compatibility - are presented. An initial application of multiple-complete-digest mapping to real data on a set of cosmid clones suggests that this mapping method has exceptional power to produce accurate maps that are well suited to the needs of large-scale DNA-sequencing projects. 31 refs., 7 figs., 2 tabs.
EFFECTS OF PH ON RHODOPSIN PHOTOINTERMEDIATES FROM LUMIRHODOPSIN TO METARHODOPSIN II

Time-resolved absorption difference spectra of membrane suspensions of bovine rhodopsin at pH 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 were collected in the time range from 1 μs to 200 ms after laser photolysis with 7-ns pulses of 477-nm light. The data were analyzed using singular value decomposition (SVD) and global exponential fitting. At pH 7 the data agree well with previously obtained data (Thorgeirsson et al. (1993) Biochemistry 32, 13861−13872) with fits improved at all pH's by inclusion of a small component due to an absorbance change caused by rotational diffusion which is detectable even at magic angle polarization. A “square scheme” suggested to best explain the previous data, which involves two branches following decay of the lumi intermediate with pathways (1) lumi → MI480 ⇌ MII and (2) lumi ⇌ MI380 → MII, could be confirmed throughout the entire pH range. However, to account for the increased rate of the MII → MI480 reaction in path 1 for rising pH values, we propose that the MII in the square scheme consists...
Comparison of Isolation Ratios of the Scapular Retraction Muscles between Protracted Scapular and Asymptomatic Groups

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the isolation ratios of scapular retraction muscles between protracted scapular and asymptomatic groups. [Subjects] Seven males with protracted scapular and seven asymptomatic males aged 20–30 years were recruited. [Methods] We measeured the rhomboid, middle trapezius (MT), and lower trapezius (LT) muscles activities, and calculated the isolation ratio. [Results] The rhomboid and MT isolation ratio of the protracted scapular group was not significantly different from that of the asymptomatic group. The LT isolation ratio of the protracted scapular group was significantly lower than that of the asymptomatic group. [Conclusion] We suggest that a proper retraction exercise, for patients with protracted scapular posture is one that includes exercises for selectively strengthening the lower trapezius muscle.
Papulonecrotic tuberculid secondary to disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex.

Background. Papulonecrotic tuberculid is a rarely reported cutaneous reaction to the mycobacterium bacillus. It is most often encountered in association with tuberculosis. The clinical and histologic picture of the entity is a distinctive one, but the etiology of the disease process is uncertain. Therapy directed against the causative organism is dramatically successful. Methods. A 35–year-old white man with AIDS was referred to the Dermatology clinic for evaluation of a widespread skin eruption. The skin lesions were biopsied for histopathology and culture. From the cutaneous cultures Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) organisms were grown. Results. We report the first case of papulonecrotic tuberculid manifestation in an AIDS patient with disseminated MAC. Unusual features seen in this case include the predominance of pruritic eschars rather than asymptomatic papules and the confirmation by special stains of mycobacterium organisms within the skin biopsy. Papulonecrotic tuberculid has not been previously associated with either MAC or AIDS. Conclusions. Papulonecrotic tuberculid should be a diagnostic consideration in immunocompromised patients with MAC whose clinical and histologic features are compatible with this rare entity.
PET/CT-guided percutaneous liver mass biopsies and ablations: Targeting accuracy of a single 20 s breath-hold PET acquisition

Aim To determine whether a single 20 s breath-hold positron-emission tomography (PET) acquisition obtained during combined PET/computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous liver biopsy or ablation procedures has the potential to target 2-[ 18 F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG)-avid liver masses as accurately as up to 180 s breath-hold PET acquisitions. Materials and methods This retrospective study included 10 adult patients with 13 liver masses who underwent FDG PET/CT-guided percutaneous biopsies ( n = 5) or ablations ( n = 5). PET was acquired as nine sequential 20 s, monitored, same-level breath-hold frames and CT was acquired in one monitored breath-hold. Twenty, 40, 60, and 180 s PET datasets were reconstructed. Two blinded readers marked tumour centres on randomized PET and CT datasets. Three-dimensional spatial localization differences between PET datasets and either 180 s PET or CT were analysed using multiple regression analyses. Statistical tests were two-sided and p 0.05 was considered significant. Results Targeting differences between 20 s PET and 180 s PET ranged from 0.7–20.3 mm (mean 5.3 ± 4.4 mm; median 4.3) and were not statistically different from 40 or 60 s PET ( p = 0.74 and 0.91, respectively). Targeting differences between 20 s PET and CT ranged from 1.4–36 mm (mean 9.6 ± 7.1 mm; median 8.2 mm) and were not statistically different from 40, 60, or 180 s PET ( p = 0.84, 0.77, and 0.35, respectively). Conclusion Single 20 s breath-hold PET acquisitions from PET/CT-guided percutaneous liver procedures have the potential to target FDG-avid liver masses with equivalent accuracy to 180 s summed, breath-hold PET acquisitions and may facilitate strategies that improve image registration and shorten procedure times.
Relations made over tea: reflections on a meaningful life in a Central Asian mountain village

Narratives of hardship and suffering found in portrayals of life in Central Asia elicit policy responses that attempt to remedy the situation through humanitarian or development interventions intended to enhance local well-being. This framing obfuscates a network of relationships and interactions that are instrumental in the making of meaningful lives in Central Asia. I explore the comfort of family and friends, the hope of possibility (real and imagined), and the happiness (even if fleeting) in the sharing of stories. Furthermore, even in the most trying of times, the communal sense that emerges in sharing concerns helps mitigate the stresses and strains of many social situations. Seeing these relationships as moments of well-being is essential to understanding everyday life and contextualizing hardship and suffering, and thus to conveying a fuller sense of what is understood as ‘a meaningful life’ in Central Asia.
Postulational approach to schwarzschild’s exterior solution with application to a class of interior solutions

In order to clarify the physical ideas underlying Schwarzschild’s exterior solution, a postulational derivation is given that does not make use of the field equations. Basically this amounts to replacing two field equations by two postulates, one of which is a strong version of the principle of equivalence and the other, Newton’s inverse square law. These postulates are more general than the approach would indicate and there is actually a class of solutions for static systems with spherical symmetry which satisfy them. The energy-stress tensors producing these solutions have the important property that energy density equals radial stress. Two examples of interior solutions that fulfill these postulates are given: a solid sphere and a hollow shell. The basic properties of these solutions are described and compared with those of Schwarzschild’s interior solution. The solid sphere solution is used to complete a previous discussion of the clock paradox. In an Appendix, the field equations for static systems with spherical symmetry are written in a form that indicates the limitations of the postulates.
Development of Miltefosine for the Leishmaniases

The leishmaniases consist of visceral and cutaneous syndromes present in > 30 endemic regions of the world. Miltefosine (hexadecylephosphocholine) is the first oral agent that is effective and tolerated for both visceral and cutaneous disease in several endemic regions, and represents a major advance in the treatment of these diseases.
Miles Davis, The Complete On the Corner Sessions

Produced by Teo Macero. Expanded reissue comprising sessions for On the Corner (1972), Big Fun (1974), Get Up With It (1974), and previously unreleased material produced by Bob Belden. Boxed set of...
Primary Repair of Acute Ascending Aortic Dissection

Primary repair of acute ascending aortic dissection was performed in 14 patients. Repair included resection of the intimal tear where applicable, a circumferential suture line in the ascending aorta at the site of the tear, and wrapping of the intrapericardial ascending aorta with Teflon felt to contain the distal residual false channel. The aortic valve was resuspended in 6 patients. The single operative death was unrelated to the method of repair. Two late deaths at 4 and 6 years were due to preexisting multisystem disease. In 1 patient, new aortic insufficiency with an isolated aneurysm of the noncoronary sinus of Valsalva developed at 26 months, and was repaired successfully at another institution. These results compare favorably with those reported by others employing more extensive surgical procedures for repair of acute ascending aortic dissection.
A TWO-DIMENSIONAL BLAST WAVE IN RELATIVISTIC MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS

The blast wave produced by a star-like object in a magnetic field is studied numerically in the approximation of ideal, fully relativistic magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). Waves of this type are observed to evolve along three episodes. At early time an outgoing shock front and an ingoing rarefaction wave is established. The ingoing rarefaction wave steepens, and gives rise to dust formation in the core. The steep rarefaction wave front becomes an ingoing shock. An annular region of high magnetic pressure about the equatorial plane deforms this shock front radially, whereby it becomes prolate along the axis of symmetry. The core is subsequently refilled as this shock front converges. Subsequent collapse in the center gives rise to high pressures, familiar from the well-known converging shock problem in nonrelativistic hydrodynamics, and high densities unique to the relativistic description. The results are compared with spherical blast waves in relativistic hydrodynamics, where a similar three episodes can be found and where collapse of the interior shock at the center constitutes a fluid singularity. It remains an open question whether such fluid singularity persists in the full MHD problem. The computations employ the covariant equations of constraint-free MHD in divergence form introduced in earlier work. The magnetic field is kept divergence free to within machine round-off error.
Altering the Expression of Cell Surface β1,4-Galactosyltransferase Modulates Cell Growth

Abstract β1,4-Galactosyltransferase (GalTase) is unusual among the glycosyltransferases in that it is localized both in the Golgi complex and on the cell surface. Most studies of surface GalTase function have focused on its role in cellular interactions; however, surface GalTase has also been suggested to function during cellular proliferation. Consistent with this hypothesis, a variety of GalTase-specific perturbants inhibit cell growth in vitro and in vivo . However, all of these studies have been limited to the use of exogenous reagents to perturb GalTase function. Furthermore, all of these perturbants inhibit cell growth, irrespective of whether they stimulate or inhibit GalTase enzyme activity. Therefore, it remains unclear whether surface GalTase delivers a growth inhibitory or growth stimulatory signal. In this study, we took a more direct approach to defining surface GalTase function during growth by examining its expression during the cell cycle and by molecularly altering its expression in stably transfected cell lines. The expression of GalTase was shown to be cell cycle specific, with the cell surface and intracellular GalTase pools displaying independent expression patterns. Furthermore, multiple, independent, stably transfected cell lines with reduced levels of cytoskeletally associated surface GalTase grew faster than control cells, whereas cell lines that overexpressed surface GalTase grew slower than controls. These observations directly support the concept that surface GalTase delivers a growth inhibitory signal. Evidence is presented suggesting that surface GalTase interacts with the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor, as suggested by others. The activity of the EGF receptor was shown to be directly proportional to the growth rate of the various GalTase-transfected cell lines. Thus, the expression of surface GalTase directly affects cell proliferation rate and may do so by modulating the ability of the EGF receptor to transduce EGF-dependent signals.
Sustainability, Feminist Visions, and the Utopian Tradition

This article examines the similarities between sustainable and feminist ideal communities as successors to the utopian tradition. Its purpose is to place feminism and sustainability in a historic c...
Aldolase Antibody Activation of Prodrugs of Potent Aldehyde‐Containing Cytotoxics for Selective Chemotherapy

Prodrugs of potent aldehyde analogues of the anticancer drug doxorubicin (Dox) were synthesized. These prodrugs were efficiently activated by antibody 93F3 and no drug formation was observed in the absence of 93F3 in either phosphate buffered saline or cell culture media. In the presence of antibody 93F3, these prodrugs were activated and decreased the proliferation of human cancer cells in in vitro proliferation assays.
Does the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Involve the Autonomic Nervous System

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the role of the autonomic nervous system in the symptoms of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and delineate the pathogenesis of the orthostatic intolerance and predisposition to neurally mediated syncope reported in this patient group. Patients and Methods: Twenty-three CFS patients and controls performed a battery of autonomic function tests. The CFS patients completed questionnaires pertaining to autonomic and CFS symptoms, their level of physical activity, and premorbid and coexisting psychiatric disorders. The relationship between autonomic test results, cardiovascular deconditioning, and psychiatric disorders was examined with multivariate statistics and the evidence that autonomic changes seen in CFS might be secondary to a postviral, idiopathic autonomic neuropathy was explored. Results: The CFS subjects had a significant increase in baseline ( P P P P P P P P P P Conclusion: Patients with CFS show alterations in measures of sympathetic and para-sympathetic nervous system function. These results, which provide the physiological basis for the orthostatic intolerance and other symptoms of autonomic function in this patient group, may be explained by cardiovascular deconditioning, a postviral idiopathic autonomic neuropathy, or both.
Randomized interdependent group contingencies: Group reinforcement with a twist

This investigation examined the effects of randomizing components of an interdependent group contingency procedure on the target behavior of 12 students in a second-grade classroom in a rural southeastern school district. Specifically, using a multiphase time-series design (i.e., A-B-A-C-B-C design) levels of disruptive behavior were compared across baseline, an intervention phase with only randomized reinforcers (the RR+ phase), and an intervention phase with all components randomized (R-ALL phase). Results suggest that both interventions were successful in decreasing levels of disruptive behavior, with the R-ALL phase resulting in lower mean, and more stable, percentages of disruptive behavior. The advantages to randomizing components within a group contingency procedure are discussed, because this procedure not only incorporates the strengths of an interdependent group contingency, but also addresses the limitations. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Tools for Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in Clinical Practice

Precise risk stratification of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease guides best management and therefore is a public health priority. In addition to risk estimation using traditional risk factors, tools such as coronary artery calcium, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, ankle-brachial index and carotid imaging, and clinical features such as family history of premature coronary heart disease may offer opportunities for a more personalized risk assessment. In this review, we discuss the strengths and limitations of each of these tools, focusing on the evidence provided by the latest studies relevant to the field. Among them, coronary artery calcium currently stands out as the most powerful tool for cardiovascular risk assessment, as recognized by the 2013 ACC/AHA Risk Assessment Guideline. Recent studies have expanded our knowledge regarding its value for improving the detection of both low and high absolute risk within clinically relevant subgroups, as well as for cost-effectively guiding preventive therapy allocation.
Properties of RNA polymerases of healthy and citrus exocortis viroid-infected Gynura aurantiaca DC.

Abstract The properties of the RNA polymerases from Gynura aurantiaca DC infected with the citrus exocortis viroid have been studied and compared to the RNA polymerases from healthy tissue. The optimal Mg 2+ and Mn 2+ concentrations for the polymerase activity have been determined. The incorporation of [ 3 H]UMP into acid-insoluble material in isolated nuclei was dependent upon the presence of all four ribonucleotides, and was inhibited by actinomycin D and deoxyribonuclease. The product was ribonuclease-sensitive. Addition of exogenous substrate in the form of purified CEV, ssRNA of bean-pod mottle virus (BPMV), and dsRNA of bacteriophage ∅ 6 to intact nuclei pretreated with deoxyribonuclease did not effect the [ 3 H]UMP incorporation level. The solubilized RNA polymerases were separated on DEAE-cellulose columns into three fractions: I, IIa, and IIb. I and IIa prefer native-DNA as template, IIb prefers denatured-DNA. The three enzyme fractions lack specificity: CEV-RNA, BPMV-RNA, and ∅ 6 dsRNA are accepted as substrates. The products of the reaction using CEV as a substrate and fractions I and IIa as enzyme source have been analyzed by polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis and are of low molecular weight (about 5S and smaller).
Cyclops Magnus from Amchitka, Alaska

About two dozen specimens of Cyclops magnus were taken from a tundra seepage pool on the island of Amchitka, Alaska. Measurements from these specimens are presented. These measurements contribute further evidence of the reliability of certain spine and setal ratios as a means for differentiating some members of the viridis-vernalis group.
BH3 Domain of BAD Is Required for Heterodimerization with BCL-XL and Pro-apoptotic Activity

BAD interacts with anti-apoptotic molecules BCL-2 and BCL-XL and promotes apoptosis. BAD is phosphorylated on serine residues in response to a survival factor, interleukin-3. Phosphorylated BAD cannot bind to BCL-XL or BCL-2 at membrane sites and is found in the cytosol bound to 14-3-3. We report here that deletion mapping and site-directed mutagenesis identified a BH3 domain within BAD that proved necessary for both its heterodimerization with BCL-XL and its death agonist activity. Substitution of the conserved Leu151 with Ala in the BH3 amphipathic α-helix abrogated both functions. The BAD Leu151 mutant was predominantly in the cytosol bound to 14-3-3. The BH3 domain of BCL-2 also proved important for BCL-2/BAD interaction. These results establish a critical role for a BH3 domain within BAD and provide evidence that BAD may function as a death ligand whose pro-apoptotic activity requires heterodimerization with BCL-XL.
The Effect of Fasting and Fructose and Glucose Infusion on Gluconeogenesis and Triose Phosphate Flux in Rats in Vivo

Gluconeogenesis was measured quantitatively by mass isotopomer distribution analysis in rats in vivo through determination of the isotopic enrichment of the pool of hepatic triose phosphates, the immediate precursors of glucose, using primarily [2-13C]glycerol infusion after fasting, and following fructose and glucose infusion. The results showed that the liver controls gluconeogenesis, the metabolic sources and disposal of triose phosphates, and the contribution of glucose from glycogen in response to alterations in substrate availability.
Hue Assisted Registration of 3D Point Clouds

This paper presents a variant of the Iterative Closest Point (ICP) algorithm for merging multiple color point clouds generated from a mobile 3D Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) System. This algorithm uses hue information generated from a camera along with the coordinates of the scan points and enables high accuracy registration of point clouds. A k-d tree based nearest neighbor search associates corresponding colored points in 4-D space between data and model point clouds. Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) method solves for the rigid rotation and translation. Experimental results illustrate that 3D color point clouds accelerate the 3D map registration if the hue data and model point clouds have sufficient hue distribution and the imaging sensor robustly captures the hue.© 2010 ASME
Mismatch repair polymorphisms and the risk of colorectal cancer.

Rare germline variants in mismatch repair genes have been linked to hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer; however, it is unknown whether common polymorphisms in these genes alter the risk of colorectal cancer. To examine the association between common variants in mismatch repair genes and colorectal cancer, we conducted a case-cohort study within the CLUE II cohort. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms in 3 mismatch repair genes (MSH3 R940Q, MSH3 T1036A, MSH6 G39E and MLH1 I219V) were genotyped in 237 colorectal cancer cases and a subcohort of 2,189 participants. Incidence rate ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for each polymorphism were estimated. The MSH3 1036A variant was found to be associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer (RR = 1.28, 95% CI: 0.94–1.74 and RR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.01–2.70 for the AT and TT genotypes, respectively, with ptrend = 0.02), particularly proximal colon cancer. Although the MSH3 940Q variant was only weakly associated with colorectal cancer overall (ptrend = 0.07), it was associated with a significant increased risk of proximal colon cancer (RR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.10–2.61 and RR = 2.68, 95% CI: 0.96–7.47 for the RQ and QQ genotypes, respectively with ptrend = 0.005). Processed meat intake appeared to modify the association between the MSH3 polymorphisms and colorectal cancer (pinteraction < 0.10 for both). No association was observed with the MSH6 and MLH1 polymorphisms overall. This study suggests that common polymorphisms in the mismatch repair gene, MSH3, may increase the risk of colorectal cancer, especially proximal colon cancer. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Etiology of prolapsed gastric mucosa; with an illustrative case report.

The sequence of benign peptic ulceration followed by gastritis which, on healing, produces hypertrophic gastric rugae and later a prolapse of gastric mucosa into the duodenal bulb has gained credence as the possible etiological mechanism in this presented case. It is possible that this mechanism plays a more general role in the causation of prolapse. An attempt is made to explain the findings of two other observers who have recently reported on prolapse of the gastric mucosa on the same basis.