cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
120: Progesterone receptor gene polymorphisms and pregnancy-related parameters in a racially diverse population

PARAMETERS IN A RACIALLY DIVERSE POPULATION DANIEL SKUPSKI, IARA LINHARES, NEIL NORMAND, DEVRIM SEZEN, OKSANA BABULA, SHARI GELBER, ANN MARIE BONGIOVANNI, STEVEN S. WITKIN, Cornell University, Flushing, New York, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York, New York, Cornell University Medical College, Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York, New York, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York OBJECTIVE: The progesterone receptor (PR) exists in two isoforms, PR-A and PR-B. Both are products of the same gene and have different promoter sites. Progesterone binding to PR-B activates progesterone-responsive genes while binding to PR-A is without agonist activity and inhibits progesterone functions. A single G A polymorphism at position 331 in the PR gene results in increased production of PR-B, a decrease in the PR-A/PR-B ratio and has been associated with abnormal endometrial development. Since progesterone has diverse functions during gestation, we hypothesized that possession of the G A polymorphism would influence pregnancy-related parameters. STUDY DESIGN: The borough of Queens has the most diverse racial/ethnic population in the United States. Buccal swabs were collected from 469 motherinfants pairs (2:1, term birth to preterm birth) and tested for the PR G A polymorphism by gene amplification. Clinical and demographic parameters were collected and analyzed after completion of all laboratory testing. RESULTS: Maternal carriage of the variant A allele was identified in 5/53 (9.4%) White women, 9/111 (8.1%) Hispanics, 1/69 (1.4%) Blacks, 2/168 (1.2%) Asians and 0/58 East Indians (O2 for trend .0001). Only in Hispanic women was maternal allele A carriage associated with a higher median pre-pregnancy weight (75.2 kg vs. 63.0 kg, P .048), as well as an elevated weight at delivery (95.9 kg vs. 79.7 kg, P .002). Evaluating the population as a whole, maternal A allele carriage occurred almost equally in women with a term (10/286, 3.5%) or preterm (8/183, 4.4%) birth. However, among women who delivered preterm, the A allele was associated with a prior history of spontaneous preterm birth [(4/21 preterm, (19.0%) vs. 4/156 at term, (2.5%) (P .007)]. CONCLUSION: The G A PR polymorphism varies in frequency among different ethnic groups. Allele A carriage may influence maternal weight gain in Hispanic women and susceptibility to a repeat spontaneous preterm birth. Analysis of Hispanic women for this polymorphism may have clinical utility.
NarL Dimerization? Suggestive Evidence from a New Crystal Form†,‡

The structure of the Escherichia coli response regulator NarL has been solved in a new, monoclinic space group, and compared with the earlier orthorhombic crystal structure. Because the monoclinic crystal has two independent NarL molecules per asymmetric unit, we now have three completely independent snapshots of the NarL molecule: two from the monoclinic form and one from the orthorhombic. Comparison of these three structures shows the following: (a) The pairing of N and C domains of the NarL molecule proposed from the earlier analysis is in fact correct, although the polypeptide chain connecting domains was, and remains, disordered and not completely visible. The new structure exhibits identical relative orientation of N and C domains, and supplies some of the missing residues, leaving a gap of only seven amino acids. (b) Examination of corresponding features in the three independent NarL molecules shows that deformations in structure produced by crystal packing are negligible. (c) The “telephone rece...
Broadleaf Weed Control in Field Corn with Postemergence Herbicides

A two-year study was conducted in 2002 and 2003 at the New Mexico State University Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM to evaluate postemergence herbicides for control of redroot and prostrate pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L. and Amaranthus blitoides S. Wats.), black nightshade (Solanum nigrum L.), common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album L.), and Russian thistle (Salsola iberica Sennen & Pau) and their effect on field corn (Zea mays) injury and yield. Herbicide treatments gave over 95% control of redroot and prostrate pigweed and common lambsquarters through August, in both years. Russian thistle control was 70% or less with DPX 79406, foramsulfuron, and nicosulfuron plus rimsulfuron when applied at 0.0115 plus 0.0115, 0.033, and 0.023 plus 0.012 lb a.i./acre, or in combination with mesotrione at 0.06 lb a.i./acre. Black nightshade control with foramsulfuron applied at 0.033 lb a.i./acre was 30 to 41% better than DPX 79406 or nicosulfuron plus rimsulfuron applied at 0.0115 plus 0.0115 and 0.023 plus 0.012 lb a.i./acre. This research indicates that when nicosulfuron plus rimsulfuron, DPX 79406, and foramsulfuron were applied in combination with diflufenzopyr plus dicamba, dicamba plus atrazine, mesotrione, or dicamba, broadleaf weed control increased significantly without field corn injury or yield reductions.
Incorporation of pseudouridine into mRNA enhances translation by diminishing PKR activation

Previous studies have shown that the translation level of in vitro transcribed messenger RNA (mRNA) is enhanced when its uridines are replaced with pseudouridines; however, the reason for this enhancement has not been identified. Here, we demonstrate that in vitro transcripts containing uridine activate RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR), which then phosphorylates translation initiation factor 2-alpha (eIF-2α), and inhibits translation. In contrast, in vitro transcribed mRNAs containing pseudouridine activate PKR to a lesser degree, and translation of pseudouridine-containing mRNAs is not repressed. RNA pull-down assays demonstrate that mRNA containing uridine is bound by PKR more efficiently than mRNA with pseudouridine. Finally, the role of PKR is validated by showing that pseudouridine- and uridine-containing RNAs were translated equally in PKR knockout cells. These results indicate that the enhanced translation of mRNAs containing pseudouridine, compared to those containing uridine, is mediated by decreased activation of PKR.
Scene text extraction and translation for handheld devices

We describe a scene text extraction system for handheld devices to provide enhanced information perception services to the user. It uses a color camera attached to a personal digital assistant as an input device to capture scene images from the real world and it employs image enhancement and segmentation methods to extract written information from the scene, convert them to text information and show them to the user so that he/she can see both the real world and information together. We implemented a prototype application: an automatic sign/text language translation for foreign travelers, where people can use the system whenever they want to see text or signs in their own language where they are originally written in a foreign language in the scene.
Spectrum Sharing in Cognitive Radio Networks

In this paper, we present a novel joint power/channel allocation scheme that uses a distributed pricing strategy to improve the network's performance. According to this scheme, the spectrum allocation problem is modeled as a non-cooperative game. A price-based iterative water-filling (PIWF) algorithm is proposed, which allows users to converge to the Nash Equilibrium (NE). This PIWF algorithm can be implemented distributively, with CRs repeatedly negotiating their best transmission powers and spectrum. We propose a protocol that implements our price- based resource allocation algorithm. The proposed MAC protocol allows multiple CR pairs to first contend through an admission phase, and then to iteratively negotiate their transmission powers and spectrum via control-packet exchanges. Subsequently, CRs proceed concurrently with their data transmissions. Simulations are used to study the performance of our protocol and demonstrate its effectiveness in improving the overall network throughput and reducing the average transmission power.
Certain group dynamical systems induced by Hecke algebras

In this paper, we study dynamical systems induced by a certain group \(\mathfrak{T}_{N}^{K}\) embedded in the Hecke algebra \(\mathcal{H}(G_{p})\) induced by the generalized linear group \(G_{p} = GL_{2}(\mathbb{Q}_{p})\) over the \(p\)-adic number fields \(\mathbb{Q}_{p}\) for a fixed prime \(p\). We study fundamental properties of such dynamical systems and the corresponding crossed product algebras in terms of free probability on the Hecke algebra \(\mathcal{H}(G_{p})\).
THE GEOGRAPHY OF MITOCHONDRIAL DNA VARIATION, POPULATION STRUCTURE, HYBRIDIZATION, AND SPECIES LIMITS IN THE FOX SPARROW (PASSERELLA ILIACA).

Geographic variation in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) restriction sites was studied in the fox sparrow (Passerella iliaca). Seventy-eight haplotypes were found. Haplotypes fall into four phylogeographic groups that correspond to groups defined by plumage characters. The geographic distribution of these four groups does not appear congruent with mtDNA patterns in other ver- tebrates. Within each group, there is little geographic variation in mtDNA restriction sites, although there is geographic variation in plumage coloration and body size. The evolution of mtDNA diversity in fox sparrows seems best explained by vicariant events rather than isolation by distance. The mtDNA evidence suggests that Passerella megarhyncha and Passerella schistacea, two nonsister taxa that occur in western North America, have independently undergone bottlenecks. Hybridiza- tion is limited between all pairs of taxa except P. megarhyncha and P. schistacea, where mtDNA evidence suggests a narrow contact zone along the interface of the Great Basin and Sierra Nevada/ Cascades. Morphometric characters intergrade over a broader area, suggesting that different pro- cesses are responsible for the two gradients. The occurrence of limited backcrossing among taxa suggests that cytoplasmic-nuclear incompatibility is lacking. The number ofbiological species would .ange from one to four, depending on the degree of hybridization tolerated. The mtDNA and plumage characters suggest four phylogenetic species: P. iliaca, P. megarhyncha, P. unalaschcensis, and P. schistacea.
Reversible deactivation of higher-order posterior parietal areas. I. Alterations of receptive field characteristics in early stages of neocortical processing.

Somatosensory processing in the anesthetized macaque monkey was examined by reversibly deactivating posterior parietal areas 5L and 7b and motor/premotor cortex (M1/PM) with microfluidic thermal re...
A Simultaneous-Solution Space-Time Continuous Galerkin Method for Membrane Dynamics

Membrane transient responses were simulated using a time-continuous Galerkin (TCG) method. Hamilton’s Law of Varying Action was employed to derive a mixed formulation, enabling simple trilinear isoparameteric elements to discretize the resulting form of the two-dimensional wave equation. Rather than marching in time, the entire space-time domain was solved simultaneously as one large linear system. Test cases included a simple harmonic oscillator, static validation, and dynamic responses of rectangular and circular membranes. Performance of the time integration was compared to well-known direct integration methods using numerical experiments. The simultaneous TCG method accurately predicted the natural frequencies of the modes below a threshold determined by the time increment. The time increment limitations were comparable to those of other methods. Spurious high frequency oscillations were present and more significant with discontinuous impulses but the algorithm remained stable for all observed cases. Savitzky-Golay filtering of the spurious oscillations during post-processing was demonstrated as one alternative solution.
Alpha-Fetoprotein Localization in Pure Ovarian Teratoma: An Immunohistochemical Study of 12 Cases

Twelve cases of pure ovarian teratoma were studied by immunohistochemical methods to determine the incidence and localization of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) production. There were six mature teratomas (grade 0) and six immature ones (grades 1-3). Three tumors (grades 1, 3, and 3 and stages III, I, and III, respectively) had isolated foci of AFP immunoreactivity in yolk-sac-like vesicles, intestinal-type epithelium, or tissue resembling liver, whereas the other nine tumors had no AFP-positive components. The former three patients had preoperative serum AFP determinations; the values were elevated in two of them, and in both instances the oncofetoantigen became undetectable one month after oophorectomy. Both patients are alive and well 15 and 25 months later; the third patient with a normal serum AFP before surgery and a positively stained tumor died of recurrent disease. The authors' findings indicate that the production of AFP in pure ovarian teratomas recapitulates its pattern of synthesis during ontogeny. Furthermore, it is suggested that a preoperative elevation of serum AFP in a pure ovarian teratoma does not seem to correlate with stage or grade, beyond minimizing the possibility that the tumor is grade 0, or mature.
Bimetallic Organometallic Compounds of σ-gem-Diethynylethene (gem-DEE) Ligands: trans-Ru2(DMBA)4(gem-DEE)2

Reported herein are the preparation and characterization of trans-Ru2(DMBA)4(gem-DEE)2 compounds 1a/1b (gem-DEE = σ-geminal-diethynylethene), the first examples of redox active metal complexes containing gem-DEE ligands. DFT calculations revealed a significant mixing between the π(DEE) and π*/π(Ru2) orbitals in both the HOMO and HOMO-1 of the model compound 1′.
Synthesis of N-Heterocyclic Stannylene (Sn(II)) and Germylene (Ge(II)) and a Sn(II) Amidinate and Their Application as Precursors for Atomic Layer Deposition

Thin films containing germanium or tin have a great variety of current and potential applications, particularly their oxides or chalcogenides. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and atomic layer deposition (ALD) are popular ways to make these thin films conformally even on challenging nanostructured substrates. The success of these processes depends on having precursors that are sufficiently stable, volatile, and reactive. In this paper we optimize the syntheses of the following three precursors: 1 and 2 are racemic Ge(II) or Sn(II) cyclic amides made from N2,N3-di-tert-butylbutane-2,3-diamine, and 3 is bis(N,N′-diisopropylacetamidinato)tin(II). All three compounds are demonstrated to be effective precursors for ALD of their monosulfides, GeS or SnS, by reaction with H2S. 2 has also been reported previously to make polycrystalline SnO2 by ALD with oxidizing agents such as H2O2. The cyclic amides 1 and 2 are more volatile than the amidinate 3, vaporizing sufficiently for ALD even at precursor temperatures bel...
Persistent effects of Libby amphibole and amosite asbestos following subchronic inhalation in rats

Human exposure to Libby amphibole (LA) asbestos increases risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma, and non-malignant respiratory disease. This study evaluated potency and time-course effects of LA and positive control amosite (AM) asbestos fibers in male F344 rats following nose-only inhalation exposure. Rats were exposed to air, LA (0.5, 3.5, or 25.0 mg/m3 targets), or AM (3.5 mg/m3 target) for 10 days and assessed for markers of lung inflammation, injury, and cell proliferation. Short-term results guided concentration levels for a stop-exposure study in which rats were exposed to air, LA (1.0, 3.3, or 10.0 mg/m3), or AM (3.3 mg/m3) 6 h/day, 5 days/week for 13 weeks, and assessed 1 day, 1, 3, and 18 months post-exposure. Fibers were relatively short; for 10 mg/m3 LA, mean length of all structures was 3.7 μm and 1 % were longer than 20 μm. Ten days exposure to 25.0 mg/m3 LA resulted in significantly increased lung inflammation, fibrosis, bronchiolar epithelial cell proliferation and hyperplasia, and inflammatory cytokine gene expression compared to air. Exposure to 3.5 mg/m3 LA resulted in modestly higher markers of acute lung injury and inflammation compared to AM. Following 13 weeks exposure, lung fiber burdens correlated with exposure mass concentrations, declining gradually over 18 months. LA (3.3 and 10.0 mg/m3) and AM produced significantly higher bronchoalveolar lavage markers of inflammation and lung tissue cytokines, Akt, and MAPK/ERK pathway components compared to air control from 1 day to 3 months post-exposure. Histopathology showed alveolar inflammation and interstitial fibrosis in all fiber-exposed groups up to 18 months post-exposure. Positive dose trends for incidence of alveolar epithelial hyperplasia and bronchiolar/alveolar adenoma or carcinoma were observed among LA groups. Inhalation of relatively short LA fibers produced inflammatory, fibrogenic, and tumorigenic effects in rats which replicate essential attributes of asbestos-related disease in exposed humans. Fiber burden, inflammation, and activation of growth factor pathways may persist and contribute to lung tumorigenesis long after initial LA exposure. Fiber burden data are being used to develop a dosimetry model for LA fibers, which may provide insights on mode of action for hazard assessment.
When Equal Is Not Always Fair: Senate Malapportionment and its Effect on Enacting Legislation

A brief and concise analysis on the current apportionment rules in the Senate and whether or not those rules affect enacted legislation. This was done to monitor whether the malapportioned Senate votes in accordance with the House. It is acknowledged in empirical literature that due to population variance some states are under-represented while others are over-represented. However, it has not been determined what effect, if any, this has on policy. The study was conducted by comparing pass rates of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate on enacted legislation over the last decade. I conclude that, on average, the median gap in pass rate between the two chambers is minimal. Furthermore, it is shown that while the Senate does, at some points, have drastically different pass rates from the House, there are a large number of instances where the chambers have nearly identical pass rates. This article is available in Res Publica Journal of Undergraduate Research: http://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/respublica/vol21/iss1/7
Shaking table test study on seismic responses of pile foundations embedded in liquefiable ground with the frozen crust

The seismic responses of a single steel-pipe pile built in the frozen crust and the liquefiable sand soil were studied by shaking table tests. A flexible soil container was designed and used to construct the soil profile in order to minimize the boundary effect. The frozen crust was simulated through the mortar which was made of cement,sand and water by the mixture ratio. Liquefaction can occur in the saturated sand soil beneath the frozen crust. A lumped mass was exerted at the top of the pile to satisfy the inertia conditions. During the tests,several amplitude-scaled ground motions were chosen as input seismic waves. The liquefying levels of the saturated sand soil and the dynamic responses of the pile can be analyzed via the measured real-time data including strains of the pile,displacements between the pile and the frozen crust and pore water pressures in the sand. Experimental results show that before liquefaction occurs,the frozen crust can provide a lateral constraint,and thus improve the load bearing capacity of the pile and suppress its lateral deformation. It is also found that once liquefaction occurs,the frozen crust may further strengthen this tendency and deteriorate the performance of the pile.
Methods of Modifying Compliance Behavior in Hypertensive Patients

The cardinal features of patient compliance, as conceptualized in this article, are that medication-taking is a behavior, the decision to comply is a dynamic process, and compliance is a highly individualistic phenomenon. This individualization may be determined in part by specific health-related factors and inherent individual traits influencing the decision to comply. Thus, the practitioner who wishes to respond to compliance must offer strategies that are behaviorally oriented, tailored to the individual patient, and continuously applied. It is evident that compliance behavior is very complex and multifaceted. It is unlikely that any single compliance-improving strategy will adequately address the problem in all patients. Instead, combinations of techniques offered continuously over the span of the therapy are more likely to be successful. Finally, the common element that appears to run through all of the compliance studies is the attention given study patients by health workers. It may be that regardless of the specific techniques used, increasing attention to the compliance issue will help keep it in the forefront during decision-making and improve compliance behavior.
Recovery of phenytoin from an enteral nutrient formula

The recovery of phenytoin from phenytoin oral suspension dispersed in an enteral nutrient formula was determined. The study was conducted in two phases. In phase 1, diluted phenytoin oral suspension was added to 10 1-mL samples of full-strength Osmolite and 10 1-mL samples of a distilled water control solution to produce a theoretical concentration of 10 micrograms/mL. The samples were filtered through an ultrafiltration membrane and assayed for phenytoin concentration by a homogeneous enzyme-multiplied immunoassay technique. In phase 2, varying amounts of diluted phenytoin oral suspension were added to 30-mL quantities of half-strength Osmolite or control solution to determine the effect of phenytoin concentration on recovery of phenytoin; also, a constant amount of diluted phenytoin oral suspension was added to 30-, 60-, and 90-mL quantities of half-strength Osmolite or control solution to determine the effect of solvent volume on recovery of phenytoin. Duplicate samples of each phase 2 mixture were filtered and assayed in the same manner as phase 1 samples. The mean concentration of phenytoin in phase 1 samples was 3.70 +/- 0.28 microgram/mL for Osmolite and 9.87 +/- 0.27 microgram/mL for control solution; this difference was significant. The percentage of phenytoin recovered from phase 2 samples of Osmolite increased with increasing phenytoin concentration and decreased with increasing volumes of Osmolite. The decreased recovery of phenytoin from the enteral nutrient formula used in this study has potential clinical importance, but further research in humans is needed to substantiate these in vitro observations.
Brownian Dynamics Simulation of Macromolecule Diffusion in a Protocell

The interiors of all living cells are highly crowded with macromolecules, which differs considerably the thermodynamics and kinetics of biological reactions between in vivo and in vitro. For example, the diffusion of green fluorescent protein (GFP) in E. coli is ~10-fold slower than in dilute conditions. In this study, we performed Brownian dynamics (BD) simulations of rigid macromolecules in a crowded environment mimicking the cytosol of E. coli to study the motions of macromolecules. The simulation systems contained 35 70S ribosomes, 750 glycolytic enzymes, 75 GFPs, and 392 tRNAs in a 100 nm × 100 nm × 100 nm simulation box, where the macromolecules were represented by rigid-objects of one bead per amino acid or four beads per nucleotide models. Diffusion tensors of these molecules in dilute solutions were estimated by using a hydrodynamic theory to take into account the diffusion anisotropy of arbitrary shaped objects in the BD simulations. BD simulations of the system where each macromolecule is represented by its Stokes radius were also performed for comparison. Excluded volume effects greatly reduce the mobility of molecules in crowded environments for both molecular-shaped and equivalent sphere systems. Additionally, there were no significant differences in the reduction of diffusivity over the entire range of molecular size between two systems. However, the reduction in diffusion of GFP in these systems was still 4-5 times larger than for the in vivo experiment. We will discuss other plausible factors that might cause the large reduction in diffusion in vivo.
Dispersion in deep polar firn driven by synoptic-scale surface pressure variability

Abstract. Commonly, three mechanisms of firn air transport are distinguished: molecular diffusion, advection, and near-surface convective mixing. Here we identify and describe a fourth mechanism, namely dispersion driven by synoptic-scale surface pressure variability (or barometric pumping). We use published gas chromatography experiments on firn samples to derive the along-flow dispersivity of firn, and combine this dispersivity with a dynamical air pressure propagation model forced by surface air pressure time series to estimate the magnitude of dispersive mixing in the firn. We show that dispersion dominates mixing within the firn lock-in zone. Trace gas concentrations measured in firn air samples from various polar sites confirm that dispersive mixing occurs. Including dispersive mixing in a firn air transport model suggests that our theoretical estimates have the correct order of magnitude, yet may overestimate the true dispersion. We further show that strong barometric pumping, such as at the Law Dome site, may reduce the gravitational enrichment of δ15N–N2 and other tracers below gravitational equilibrium, questioning the traditional definition of the lock-in depth as the depth where δ15N enrichment ceases. Last, we propose that 86Kr excess may act as a proxy for past synoptic activity (or paleo-storminess) at the site.
The Continuing Evolution of a Profession?…?and My Role in It.

In my half century as a technical communicator, I have seen many changes. The profession has evolved from one that supported the work of engineers and programers to one that stands on its own, prov...
The Soteriological Character of Post-Axial Religion

The phenomenology of religion is a vast jungle of proliferating diversity in which discordant facts have continually attacked and destroyed large-scale theories and in which few generalisations have been able to survive. Nevertheless, two broad interpretive concepts have emerged to very widespread acceptance, and both are important for the argument of this book.
Oxygen Availability and Stem Cells: Impact On Development and Disease

Abstract SCI-37 Stem and progenitor cells reside in specialized microenvironments that regulate their function. While some stem/progenitor cells are perivascular, others clearly occupy hypoxic niches and may be regulated by O 2 gradients. We are currently evaluating underlying mechanisms for the impact of O 2 levels on stem and progenitor cells within distinct microenvironments. We have previously shown that neural stem cells within the adult hippocampus are closely associated with low O 2 regions and that hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), a principle mediator of hypoxic adaptations, modulates Wnt-β catenin signaling to maintain stem cell proliferation, differentiation, and neuronal maturation. We have extended these findings to other stem cell populations, such as those of adult muscle and bone marrow. Our findings will be presented at this meeting. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Implementing Shared Decision Making in the Rapidly Evolving Field of Valvular Heart Disease

In shared decision making (SDM), healthcare providers engage patients in selecting the best treatment for their clinical and personal circumstances. SDM is an interactive process that combines the latest evidence with clinicians’ and patients’ relevant expertise (eg, how the disease is impacting their life, their goals, and preferences).1,2 Patient decision aids (PtDAs) are evidence-based tools designed to support SDM. More than 100 randomized controlled trials of PtDAs have demonstrated their efficacy in increasing patients’ knowledge, confidence in decision-making, and clarifying goals of treatment.3 See Article by Korteland et al The study by Korteland et al4 in this issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes is the first published randomized controlled trial of a PtDA for valvular heart disease. The PtDA addresses the choice of prosthetic valve (mechanical versus bioprosthetic) for patients who have decided to have elective surgical aortic or mitral valve replacement. The major benefit of mechanical prosthetic valves is increased durability and reduced need for reoperation, whereas the major benefit of bioprosthetic valves is the avoidance of the need for permanent anticoagulation. Earlier work by this group had uncovered gaps in patients’ understanding of these issues and evidence that patients were not involved in decision-making as much as they would like to be.5 Korteland et al6 also found that Dutch cardiothoracic surgeons were more willing to involve patients in selection of valve type compared with Dutch cardiologists. Further, Dutch surgeons tended to prefer bioprosthetic valves, whereas cardiologists preferred mechanical.6 In short, patients may not be well informed or engaged in decisions about the selection of the type of valve, and PtDAs may be needed to help clinicians involve patients in an unbiased manner. Although Korteland’s multicenter randomized controlled trial did not find any difference between groups in the primary outcome …
What Demographic and Clinical Characteristics Correlate With Expectations With Trapeziometacarpal Arthritis

Pretreatment variables have been shown to be associated with the fulfillment of patient expectations, yet in treating thumb trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis (OA) it remains unclear how patient expectations correlate with the effectiveness of treatment. An increased understanding of the variables that affect patient expectations enables tailored patient education and patient-provider communication. (1) Is there a correlation between patient demographics and clinical characteristics, and the expectations the patients have when seeking treatment for trapeziometacarpal OA? (2) What factors are independently associated with the total expectations score and frequency of expecting “back to normal” among patients treated for trapeziometacarpal OA? Between March 2011 and October 2013, 89 patients of all 96 eligible patients seeking treatment for trapeziometacarpal OA were approached and agreed to participate in this study. Participants completed a validated expectations survey measuring the number of expectations and the degree of improvement expected. Comparative analysis of demographic and clinical characteristics and multivariate regression analysis against patients’ expectations were performed to assess and identify factors that correlate with the number and degree of expectations. Sample size was determined with an a priori power analysis (with 80% power and statistical significance set at p < 0.05), which showed that 88 patients were needed to detect the minimal clinical difference of 12 points in the Michigan Hand Questionnaire; we then increased this by 10% to allow for potential dropouts. After controlling for potential confounding variables such as age, hand dominance, and work status, the following factors were associated with a higher expectations score: choice of surgery (β = 11.5; 95% CI, 0.7–23.8; p = 0.044), female gender (β = 19.0; 95% CI, 5.3–32.7; p = 0.007), and dominant side affected (β = −41.6; 95% CI, −63.7 to −19.5; p < 0.001). For the frequency of “back to normal” responses, surgical treatment (β = 7.4; 95% CI, 2.3–12.4; p = 0.005) and history of previous injury (β = 8.2; 95% CI, 0.1–16.3; p = 0.047) were independently associated factors after controlling for confounding variables. There were no independent associations with age, marital status, work status, depression or anxiety, or prior contralateral surgery. Patients whose dominant side was affected, were female, and chose surgical treatment, had higher total expectations. Patients who reported an antecedent injury and chose surgical treatment more frequently expected a return to normal. With identification of these factors, orthopaedic surgeons can recognize patients who are prone to higher expectations, and, thus, have the opportunity to implement efficient pretreatment education. In addition, identification of specific factors enables a focused measure of the effect of these factors on the fulfillment of expectations. Level II, prognostic study.
Integrated Fiber Optic Sensors For Nondestructive Characterization Of Concrete Structures

It is possible to monitor the initiation and progress of various mechanical or environmentally induced perturbations in concrete elements by way of fully integrated optical fiber sensors. Geometric adaptability and ease by which optical fibers can be embedded within concrete elements has led to the development of a number of innovative applications for concrete elements. This article is intended for a brief introduction into the theories, principles, and applications of fiber optic sensors as they pertain to applications in concrete.. However, due to the fact that the transduction mechanism in optical fibers is invariant of the materials employed, the principles introduced here also correspond to other structural materials. The only application related differences among various materials pertain to sensitivity and choice of optical fiber sensor types.
Core curriculum illustration: pulmonary laceration

This is the 44th installment of a series that will highlight one case per publication issue from the bank of cases available online as part of the American Society of Emergency Radiology (ASER) educational resources. Our goal is to generate more interest in and use of our online materials. To view more cases online, please visit the ASER Core Curriculum and Recommendations for Study online at: http://www.erad.org/page/CCIP_TOC.
Deterministic Simulation of Surfaces in Conformal-Contact Lubrication

Topography development is an important component of surface engineering. Surfaces with controlled micro geometry may help enhance the lubrication. The development and application of textured surfaces in bearing design requires deterministic analyses of the micro feature effect on lubrication. However, limited numerical tools are available on deterministic mixed lubrication solutions for conformal-contact systems with real engineering surfaces due to the difficulty that conformal geometry involves a much larger area of surface interaction as compared to point contact geometry. Generally, a huge amount of storage and computer time can be involved if a micro-scale fine mesh capable for asperity description is used for an overall conformal lubrication analysis. Although an absolute solution is difficult, the authors intend to try conditional solutions without losing generality. Reported in this presentation is a new deterministic model for the mixed lubrication of surfaces in conformal contact. Numerical schemes to accelerate computations are developed and tested, the model application to journal bearing lubrication is explored, and sample calculations are conducted.
ON THE RISK OF BAYES ESTIMATES

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the behavior of Bayes estimates for the case of independent observation that are not necessarily identically distributed. The parameter space Θ is metrized by a certain Hilbertian distance H obtainable from Hellinger distances on component spaces. It is assumed that (Θ, H) satisfies suitable dimensionality restrictions. It is shown that if a prior measure μ is sufficiently spread out, the corresponding Bayes estimates satisfy inequalities of the type E [H2 ( , where C (D, μ) is a number depending only on the dimension of the space Θ and on certain features of the measure μ. The chapter presents some recent results of L. Birge on tests between Hellinger balls and products of Hellinger balls. These tests and the inequalities are used to obtain bounds on the risk of Bayes procedures. It also contains a construction of prior measures with properties adapted to the present problem.
The Association between Serum Magnesium Levels and Depression in an Adult Primary Care Population

Depression is common, places a large burden on the patient, their family and community, and is often difficult to treat. Magnesium supplementation is associated with improved depressive symptoms, but because the mechanism is unknown, it is unclear whether serum magnesium levels act as a biological predictor of the treatment outcome. Therefore, we sought to describe the relationship between serum magnesium and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ, a measure of depression) scores. A cross-sectional analysis of medical records from 3604 adults (mean age 62 years; 42% men) seen in primary care clinics between 2015 and 2018, with at least one completed PHQ were included. The relationship between serum magnesium and depression using univariate analyses showed a significant effect when measured by the PHQ-2 (−0.19 points/mg/dL; 95% CI −0.31, −0.07; P = 0.001) and the PHQ-9 (−0.93 points/mg/dL; 95% CI −1.81, −0.06; P = 0.037). This relationship was strengthened after adjusting for covariates (age, gender, race, time between serum magnesium and PHQ tests, and presence of diabetes and chronic kidney disease) (PHQ-2: −0.25 points/mg/dL; 95% CI −3.33, −0.09; P < 0.001 and PHQ-9: −1.09 95% CI −1.96 −0.21; P = 0.015). For adults seen in primary care, lower serum magnesium levels are associated with depressive symptoms, supporting the use of supplemental magnesium as therapy. Serum magnesium may help identify the biological mechanism of depressive symptoms and identify patients likely to respond to magnesium supplementation.
Deconstructive Functionalization of Ketones via an LMCT-Promoted C–C Cleavage

In this issue of Chem, Zuo and coworkers report an exciting new strategy for the deconstructive functionalization of ketones. Through merging Lewis-acid-catalyzed nucleophilic 1,2-addition and ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT)-promoted C–C cleavage, common strained and unstrained ketones are transformed into synthetically valuable scaffolds with high efficiency under mild conditions.
A Non-Conserved p33 Protein of Citrus Tristeza Virus Interacts with Multiple Viral Partners

The RNA genome of citrus tristeza virus (CTV), one of the most damaging viral pathogens of citrus, contains 12 open reading frames resulting in production of at least 19 proteins. Previous studies on the intraviral interactome of CTV revealed self-interaction of the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, the major coat protein (CP), p20, p23, and p33 proteins, while heterologous interactions between the CTV proteins have not been characterized. In this work, we examined interactions between the p33 protein, a nonconserved protein of CTV, which performs multiple functions in the virus infection cycle and is needed for virus ability to infect the extended host range, with other CTV proteins shown to mediate virus interactions with its plant hosts. Using yeast two-hybrid, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, and coimmunoprecipitation assays, we demonstrated that p33 interacts with three viral proteins, i.e., CP, p20, and p23, in vivo and in planta. Coexpression of p33, which is an integral membrane protein, resulted in a shift in the localization of the p20 and p23 proteins toward the subcellular crude-membrane fraction. Upon CTV infection, the four proteins colocalized in the CTV replication factories. In addition, three of them, CP, p20, and p23, were found in the p33-formed membranous structures. Using bioinformatic analyses and mutagenesis, we found that the N-terminus of p33 is involved in the interactions with all three protein partners. A potential role of these interactions in virus ability to infect the extended host range is discussed.
The Left Parties’ Economic Policies and the Proletarization of the Populist Radical Right

In this article I trace the process of blue-collar respondents becoming the core support group of populist radical right parties. I argue that this process is associated with left parties’ shift on the economic policy dimension. The pro-market positions of the left parties created openings for PRR parties. The PRR subsequently incorporated a large proportion of the working class, formerly a core constituency of the left. I trace this process using data for 10 Eastern European countries from the 2004-16 European Social Survey and three case studies. I show that working-class electorates have increasingly shifted from the center left to the PRR in countries with pro-market left parties, but tended to stay with left parties in countries where left parties retained traditional economic policy stances. A survey experiment run in Hungary demonstrates that the propensity to support PRR parties is contingent on pro-market positions of the left party and more pronounced amongst blue-collar electorates as long as the PRR promises greater economic protection.
Correlation of Tumor Hypoxia Metrics Derived from 18F-Fluoromisonidazole Positron Emission Tomography and Pimonidazole Fluorescence Images of Optically Cleared Brain Tissue.

18F-fluoromisonidazole (FMISO) positron emission tomography (PET) is a widely used noninvasive imaging modality for assessing hypoxia. We describe the first spatial comparison of FMISO PET with an ex vivo reference standard for hypoxia across whole tumor volumes. Eighteen rats were orthotopically implanted with C6 or 9L brain tumors and made to undergo FMISO PET scanning. Whole brains were excised, sliced into 1-mm-thick sections, optically cleared, and fluorescently imaged for pimonidazole using an in vivo imaging system. FMISO maximum tumor uptake, maximum tumor-to-cerebellar uptake (TCmax), and hypoxic fraction (extracted 110 minutes after FMISO injection) were correlated with analogous metrics derived from pimonidazole fluorescence images. FMISO SUVmax was not significantly different between C6 and 9L brain tumors (P = 0.70), whereas FMISO TCmax and hypoxic fraction were significantly greater for C6 tumors (P < 0.01). FMISO TCmax was significantly correlated with the maximum tumor pimonidazole intensity (ρ = 0.76, P < 0.01), whereas FMISO SUVmax was not. FMISO tumor hypoxic fraction was significantly correlated with the pimonidazole-derived hypoxic fraction (ρ = 0.78, P < 0.01). Given that FMISO TCmax and tumor hypoxic fraction had strong correlations with the pimonidazole reference standard, these metrics may offer more reliable measures of tumor hypoxia than conventional PET uptake metrics (SUVmax). The voxel-wise correlation between FMISO uptake and pimonidazole intensity for a given tumor was strongly dependent on the tumor’s TCmax (ρ = 0.81, P < 0.01) and hypoxic fraction (ρ = 0.85, P < 0.01), indicating PET measurements within individual voxels showed greater correlation with pimonidazole reference standard in tumors with greater hypoxia.
A comparison of stenting versus hemodialysis reliable outflow graft for hemodialysis patients with recurrent central venous obstructions.

Abstract Background Central venous occlusive disease is a common cause of upper extremity arteriovenous access dysfunction in hemodialysis patients. When refractory to balloon angioplasty, the treatment options include central venous stenting and hemodialysis reliable outflow (HeRO; Merit Medical, South Jordan, Utah) graft. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the outcomes of these options. Methods A retrospective review was performed of patients who had undergone central venous stenting or HeRO placement for central venous obstruction from December 2008 to March 2018. The primary outcomes were the reintervention rates, patency, and mortality. Results A total of 75 hemodialysis patients were identified after failed balloon angioplasty for central venous obstruction. Of the 75 patients, 44 underwent central venous stenting comprising coverage of the subclavian vein (n = 27), innominate vein (n = 18), and/or superior vena cava (n = 5). Six stent patients later underwent HeRO placement. The stents used were stent grafts in 65% (Viabahn, n = 9; Fluency/Flair, n = 19; iCast, n = 2; and other, n = 1) and bare metal stents in 35% (Wall-stent, n = 6; Protege, n = 1; Cobalt, n = 1; and other, n = 9). The remaining 31 patients underwent HeRO graft placement. The venous outflow component insertion sites were the internal jugular (n = 20), external jugular (n = 1), subclavian (n = 6), axillary (n = 2), and other (n = 2). The stent and HeRO groups were similar in the previous central venous intervention rates (median, 0.6 [interquartile range (IQR), 0-3.0]; vs median, 3.5 [IQR, 0-10.1] annually; P = .679). After the index procedure, no difference was found between the two groups in the frequency of dialysis circuit interventions annually (median, 2.0 [IQR, 0-6.0]; vs median, 2.0 [IQR, 0-7.0]; P = .291) nor central venous interventions (ie, angioplasty of the central veins or within the portion of the HeRO inside the central veins) annually (median, 2.0 [IQR, 0-4.1]; vs median, 0 [IQR, 0-2.4]; P = .419). The 1-year access circuit primary patency was 8.1% for stenting and 22.2% for HeRO (P = .109). The 2-year access circuit secondary patency was 40.0% for stenting and 52.4% for HeRO (P = .401). The all-cause mortality was similar at 1 year (3.7% vs 4.8%; P = .856) and 2 years (11.8% vs 23.5%; P = .368). Conclusions Central venous stenting and HeRO were shown to have similar rates of reintervention and patency. The results from the present study suggest that the multiple treatment options available for this problematic disease process can yield similar results when careful patient selection is applied.
The Effect of Parental Attachment on Risky Alcohol Use and Disordered Eating Behaviors in College Students

Alcohol use and disordered eating behaviors (DEB) are prevalent among college students. Despite the pervasive influence of a peer culture that promotes and supports drinking and consistent dieting, parents continue to be a primary source of influence for young adults. Young adult college student attachment to their parents may have an important influence on college student alcohol use behaviors and DEBs. The present study examined the effect of parental attachment relationships, DEBs, and alcohol use behaviors for college students. Findings indicate that parent attachment had a significant and negative effect on alcohol use behavior and DEBs. Clinical implications for the treatment of college student substance use and disordered eating are presented and discussed.
Survival outcomes, treatment toxicity, and healthcare utilization in older adults with aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

7557Background: Aggressive NHLs frequently affect older adults, and are often treated with intensive systemic therapy that is potentially curative but can cause substantial toxicities. Although bal...