cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Meropenem and Vaborbactam Room Temperature and Refrigerated Stability in Polyvinyl Chloride Bags and Elastomeric Devices

Abstract Purpose Meropenem and vaborbactam is an intravenous beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor combination antibiotic active against multidrug resistant gram-negative bacteria. It may be a suitable treatment for inpatient and outpatient management of infections, and the intravenous admixture stability is therefore important for optimal utilization. The purpose of this study was to determine the stability of meropenem and vaborbactam in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) infusion bags and elastomeric pumps at room and refrigerated temperatures. Methods Meropenem and vaborbactam vials were reconstituted according to manufacturer instructions and diluted in PVC infusion bags to final concentrations of 4, 8, and 16 mg/mL and in elastomeric pumps to 11.4 mg/mL (n = 5 replicates per concentration and per temperature). PVC bags and elastomeric pumps were stored at room temperature (~24 °C) or in the refrigerator (~4 °C) and sampled over 12 and 144 h, respectively. Stability was defined as the duration that meropenem and vaborbactam concentrations remained ≥90% of the original concentrations. Findings All room temperature replicates across the tested concentrations retained meropenem and vaborbactam stability over 12 h and displayed concentration-dependent degradation. Refrigerated studies resulted in meropenem and vaborbactam stability at all tested concentrations up to 120 h. Implications Meropenem and vaborbactam in PVC bags (4, 8, and 16 mg/mL) and elastomeric pumps (11.4 mg/mL) were stable for 12 h at room temperature and 120 h when refrigerated. These stability data allow for enhanced flexibility in the preparation, storage, wastage, and administration of meropenem and vaborbactam in the hospital and outpatient setting. (Clin Ther. 2020; 42:XXX–XXX) © 2020 Elsevier HS Journals, Inc.
Donor-Derived Cell-Free DNA is Associated with Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy

Purpose There is mounting evidence on the use of donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) as a non-invasive tool to detect acute antibody and cellular mediated rejection. However the role of dd-cfDNA in detecting and monitoring cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) in the absence of acute rejection remains unknown. We hypothesized that dd-cfDNA levels would correlate with the presence of CAV. Methods 65 clinically stable heart transplant recipients ≥ 2 years post-transplant, with no rejection episodes in the preceding 6 months were enrolled. CAV was assessed by routine coronary angiogram and intravascular ultrasound. Patients were stratified by time since transplant (2-5, 5-10 and ≥ 10 years post transplant) and high versus low levels of dd-cfDNA defined as above and below the median. Significant CAV was defined as Stanford III-IV or angiographic disease. A targeted amplification, next generation-sequencing assay (AlloSure®; CareDx, Inc.) was used to detect dd-cfDNA. Results Of 58 patients with known CAV status, 30 had high levels of ddcf-DNA (≥0.14%) and 28 had low levels ( Conclusion dd-cfDNA levels were associated with CAV in a cohort of stable transplant recipients >2 years post HT and thus might help to identify those in need for invasive assessment. Further studies should investigate if there is an association between dd-cfDNA levels and CAV severity and whether dd-cfDNA levels can predict CAV progression.
BIG IMPACT TEACHING MOMENTS IN THE BIG EASY

The Teaching Moments sessions at the 2019 Society for Marketing Advances Annual Conference offered 34 teaching solutions from marketing educators. The aim of the sessions was to quickly advance tea...
10 – Biological Behaviorism

Publisher Summary This chapter describes biological behaviorism. Man in all times and cultures has been fascinated with the behavior of both human and nonhuman animals. Human beings make observations and speculate on causation by inferring anthropomorphic entities such as goals, desires, and feelings. The goal of biological behaviorism is to combine the many forms of concern with behavior into an inclusive general approach that incorporates the strengths of traditional, manipulation-centered behaviorism and deals effectively with its limitations. The present version of biological behaviorism combines an animal centered approach with a causal system model of perceptual-motor organization and hierarchical motivational processes to produce a general behavior system framework for the study of behavior. The animal-centered approach differs from traditional anthropomorphism in its concern with the viewpoint of a specific functioning animal rather than the feelings and intuitions of a human observer. The causal system approach improves on the manipulation-centered focus of traditional behaviorism by developing a behavior system framework that summarizes what is known about the animal's specific characteristics and provides a more secure basis for relating and predicting experimental results. Biological behaviorism also seeks to clarify and incorporate the functional and structural information present in traditional laboratory apparatus and procedures into an inclusive model of an animal and its environment.
Astrocyte-secreted chordin-like 1 regulates spine density after ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke occurs when the brain is deprived of blood flow, preventing cells from receiving nutrients necessary to perform basic vital functions. In the peri-infarct area neurons undergo an acute loss of dendritic spines along with morphological alterations, which ultimately modify synaptic plasticity and determine neuronal survival. Astrocytes have been shown to play protective or detrimental roles in neuronal survival post-stroke, depending on the specific stage, yet we lack a clear understanding of the underlying mechanisms triggered at these different time points. Recently chordin-like 1 (Chrdl1) was identified as an astrocyte-secreted protein that promotes synaptic maturation and limits experience-dependent plasticity in the mouse visual cortex, leading us to ask if Chrdl1 regulates spine density and recovery from stroke. Using photothrombosis to model ischemic stroke, we studied Chrdl1 KO mice during the acute and subacute phases post-stroke (1 and 7 days after injury, respectively) to assess the potential of Chrdl1 to regulate spine density, glial reactivity and injury volume, characteristics that are involved in functional recovery after ischemia. We find that the absence of Chrdl1 prevents ischemia-induced spine loss in the peri-infarct area, a feature that indicates an important role of astrocytes in recovery from ischemic stroke.
Photon-tagged jet measurements in Pb+Pb collisions with the CMS detector

Presented are the results of a detailed study for a complete simulation of the CMS detectors at the LHC in view of the expected modification of jet fragmentation functions in central Pb+Pb collisions at (s_NN)**0.5=5.5 TeV compared to the vacuum (p+p) case. The study is based on photon-jet events, using the correlation between isolated high-transverse energy (E_T>70 GeV) photons and fully reconstructed jets, based on the information provided by the CMS calorimeters and silicon tracker.
Follicle flushing does not improve live birth and increases procedure time: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Objective To determine whether follicle flushing during oocyte retrieval improves live birth or secondary outcomes in assisted reproductive technology (ART). Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Setting Not applicable. Patient(s) Women undergoing ART using autologous gametes. Intervention(s) A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Database, and Web of Science for randomized controlled trials comparing follicle flushing to direct aspiration during oocyte retrieval published in English between 1989 to 2020. Main Outcome Measure(s) Live birth as primary outcome, and clinical and ongoing pregnancy, total and mature metaphase II (MII) oocytes retrieved, and operating time as secondary outcomes. Result(s) Eleven studies were included totaling 1,178 cases. No difference in live birth was demonstrated between follicle flushing and direct aspiration. Clinical pregnancy and ongoing pregnancy were not improved with flushing. Total oocyte and MII yield were lower with flushing compared with direct aspiration. Procedure time was increased with flushing by 2 minutes in poor responders and 9 minutes in normal responders. Other sensitivity analyses did not demonstrate any changes, except the difference in MII yield was no longer statistically significant. Conclusion(s) Follicle flushing during oocyte retrieval increases procedure time and does not improve live birth or secondary ART outcomes. Randomized data do not support the use of follicle flushing as an intervention in ART.
Weigh Down and Sleep

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate if sleeping with a weighted blanket improves the quality of sleep for the user. Weighted blanket manufacturers claim that sleeping with a weighted blanket improves sleep quality by reducing anxiety, stress and insomnia. There is dearth research to support their claims besides user testimonies. Methods: Participation in this study included having individuals wear an out of center sleep testing device (OCST) for two nights. This device measured total sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep onset and snoring. After the participants slept the first night wearing the OCST without the weighted blanket, they were then asked to sleep with weighted blanket and repeat the study. An 8 question Epworth Scale was also used to evaluate participants predisposition to sleep disorders. Informed consent was obtained. Results: A total of 10 subjects participated in this study. Due to tight academic time constraints the total number of participants was limited. Comparison between sleeping with and without the weighted blanket yielded mixed results. An increase in total sleep time was found in 40% of the participants, a decrease in sleep onset in 60% of participants, a decrease in snoring episodes in 40%, and an increase in sleep efficiency in 50% of the participants. Conclusions: There is an expanding market for consumers searching for easy solutions to poor sleep quality as well as a huge emphasis on the need for sleep education today. Dearth amount of data is available to prove or disprove the claims that weighted blankets improve the user’s sleep quality. With the mixed results from this study, and the lack of available research, more research needs to be done to determine the effects of weighted blankets on sleep quality.
The Plough and the Stars: The Lost Workers’ Republic

This chapter focuses on O’Casey’s The Plough and the Stars (1926), drawing on O’Casey’s sense of Saint Joan and in-depth research of the Irish Citizen Army (ICA). While previous scholars have identified the thematic jabs at Connolly’s ICA leadership that tore families apart, this chapter reveals that the play also affirms Connolly’s theoretical socialism, namely in his argument that impoverished women suffer the most within capitalist societies. In an approach to intimacy, Jack Clitheroe asks Nora, “Mrs Clitheroe doesn’t want to be kissed, sure she doesn’t?”, Nora replies, “Oh, yes, your little, little red-lipped Nora’s a sweet little girl when th’ fit seizes you; but your little, little re-lipped Nora has to clean your boots every mornin’, all the same”. The chapter further identifies the play’s most poignant commentary on Connolly’s Rising through the protests during the play’s premier run. Objections centered on depicting the tricolour flag in a pub, Ireland’s national flag by 1926; there are no accounts of objections to the ICA’s Plough and the Stars flag being in the same pub, making it clear that the Workers’ Republic Connolly envisioned was nonexistent in 1926.
A forest health inventory assessment of red fir (Abies magnifica) in upper montane California

We investigated the forest health of red fir (Abies magnifica) and how it compared with commonly-associated species Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi), lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) and white fir (Abies concolor) in the upper montane forests of California. We evaluated tree mortality rates, changes in the density of recently-dead trees and the amount of insect and disease damage on live trees from comprehensive forest inventories. The annual mortality rate for red fir was 1.8%, while the rates for Jeffrey pine, lodgepole pine and white fir were 1.9, 1.1 and 3.0%, respectively. The proportion of recently-dead red fir trees increased over time, suggesting an increase in mortality; however, stage-transition models suggested the current population structure of red fir is stable. Dwarf mistletoe and drought-stressed sites were significant predictors of red fir mortality. Trees with substantial damage had a higher probability of experiencing mortality in five years. Our results are consistent with others, but the timeframe is too short to make conclusions about long-term declines. Our results suggest that the most significant of multiple biotic factors involved in red fir mortality processes is dwarf mistletoe, while tree age and the proportion of forest in old-growth may also influence mortality rates.
Mechanistic Role of RANKL in Cancer-induced Bone Diseases and Development of a Targeted Therapy to Inhibit this Pathway

Publisher Summary This chapter summarizes preclinical data that demonstrated that receptor activator of the nuclear factor kB ligand (RANKL) is essential for osteoclast formation, function, and survival. Furthermore, there is substantial evidence that tumor cell-mediated osteolysis occurs predominantly via induction of RANKL within the bone stroma. The observations that inhibition of RANKL in animal models of bone metastasis blocks tumor-induced osteolysis and prevents the establishment and progression of bony tumors provides the basic rationale for the development of a RANKL inhibitor and application in clinical trials for the treatment and prevention of skeletal related events (SREs). Denosumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody with high affinity and specificity for RANKL, inhibits osteoclast function and bone resorption by binding and neutralizing RANKL. Currently, large clinical studies are ongoing to provide a more precise estimate of the effect of denosumab treatment on the risk of SREs in cancer patients.
Reducing the Energy Usage of Office Applications

In this paper, we demonstrate how component-based middleware can reduce the energy usage of closed-source applications. We first describe how the Puppeteer system exploits well-defined interfaces exported by applications to modify their behavior. We then present a detailed study of the energy usage of Microsoft's PowerPoint application and show that adaptive policies can reduce energy expenditure by 49% in some instances. In addition, we use the results of the study to provide general advice to developers of applications and middleware that will enable them to create more energy-efficient software.
Abstract 15597: Acute Venous Congestion Causes Angiotensin II formation via Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Activation in Compensated Ambulatory Patients with Systolic Heart Failure

Background: Plasma levels of angiotensin II (AII) are increased in congestive states such as heart failure (HF). The current study examined i) whether venous congestion (VC) itself promotes AII formation, and ii) the contributions of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) vs. other enzymes such as chymases to AII generation in patients with systolic HF. Methods: 42 ambulatory patients with NYHA functional class II or III, an LVEF Results: The age of the study cohort was 53±12 years, 29% were female, 31% had an ischemic etiology and the LVEF was 22±8%. Baseline AII levels were 3-times lower in the ACEI vs. non-ACEI group (24±10 vs. 76±40 pg/mL, P Conclusions: Our study provides the first direct evidence that VC is sufficient to cause AII formation in compensated ambulatory HF patients on non-ACEI based therapy. ACEI treatment completely abolished this increase suggesting activation of ACE, rather than other enzymes such as chymases, to be the cause of volume-dependent AII formation in response to peripheral VC.
Large Scale Structure and Galaxies

These notes sketch the motivation for and ingredients of the Halo Model of nonlinear and biased structures in the Universe. A key part of this approach is the relation between halo abundances and their large scale clustering. These come from the excursion set approach, so I have taken the opportunity to collect together all the formulae associated with this approach into one place. These include expressions for: the unconditional mass function, the conditional mass function, the environmental dependence of the mass function, halo bias, merger rates, creation and destruction rates, the distribution of half‐mass assembly times, masses and mass at fixed assembly time. In addition, I discuss how the approach can be used to describe voids, filaments and sheets, as well as the nonlinear counts in cells distribution, and provide analytic formulae for a number of these statistics.Together these formulae show that, in hierarchical models: massive halos assemble their mass later than low mass halos; halos which ass...
Optic neuropathy in late-onset neurodegenerative Chédiak–Higashi syndrome

Background The classic form of Chediak–Higashi syndrome (CHS), an autosomal recessive disorder of lysosomal trafficking with childhood onset caused by mutations in LYST , is typified ophthalmologically by ocular albinism with vision loss attributed to foveal hypoplasia or nystagmus. Optic nerve involvement and ophthalmological manifestations of the late-onset neurodegenerative form of CHS are rarely reported and poorly detailed. Methods Case series detailing ophthalmological and neurological findings in three adult siblings with the late-onset form of CHS. Results All three affected siblings lacked features of ocular albinism and demonstrated significant optic nerve involvement as evidenced by loss of colour and contrast vision, central visual field loss, optic nerve pallor, retinal nerve fibre layer thinning by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and abnormal visual evoked potential, with severity corresponding linearly to age of the sibling and severity of neurological disease. Further, unusual prominence of a ‘third line’ on macular OCT that may be due to abnormal melanosomes was seen in all three siblings and in their father. Neurological involvement included parkinsonism, cerebellar ataxia and spastic paraparesis. Conclusions This report expands the ophthalmological phenotype of the late-onset neurodegenerative form of CHS to include optic neuropathy with progressive vision loss, even in the absence of ocular albinism, and abnormal prominence of the interdigitation zone between cone outer segment tips and apical processes of retinal pigment epithelium cells on macular OCT.
INDUCTION OF MITOTIC CROSSING OVER IN SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE BY BREAKDOWN PRODUCTS OF DIMETHYLNITROSAMINE, DIETHYLNITROSAMINE, 1-NAPHTHYLAMINE AND 2-NAPHTHYLAMINE FORMED BY AN IN VITRO HYDROXYLATION SYSTEM

Dimethylnitrosamine and diethylnitrosamine, two potent carcinogens, are nonmutagenic when tested directly in microorganisms. Likewise 1-naphthylamine and 2-naphthylamine are also nonmutagenic but the N-hydroxy derivatives are mutagenic in microorganisms. Apparently these compounds require metabolism to breakdown products which are then the proximately active agents, and microorganisms lack the enzymes necessary to effect this conversion. These compounds are mutagenic in Saccharomyces after conversion to breakdown products in an in vitro hydroxylation medium. The induction of mitotic crossing over in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by breakdown products of dimethylnitrosamine, diethylnitrosamine, 1-naphthylamine and 2-naphthylamine formed in the Udenfriend hydroxylation medium is reported in this communication. Mitotic crossing over was detected as red sectored colonies resulting from induced homozygosity of the ade2 marker. Dimethylamine and diethylamine, which lack the nitroso group of the nitrosamines, did not induce mitotic crossing over under any of the test conditions. To further confirm that the induced sectored colonies were the result of mitotic crossing over they were tested for the presence of reciprocal products. The expected reciprocal products were found in over 67% of the isolates tested. The significance and practicality of using mitotic recombination as an indicator of genetic damage potential of chemicals is discussed.
Lichen Sclerosus Comorbidities and Complications from a National Sample of Patients Treated with Urethroplasty

AbstractIntroduction: We characterize comorbidities and inpatient complications of patients with lichen sclerosus who underwent urethroplasty from a large national patient data source.Methods: We queried the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for patients who underwent urethroplasty between 2000 and 2010. We compared demographics, comorbidities, complications, length of hospital stay and hospital charges for patients with and without the diagnosis of lichen sclerosus.Results: An estimated 13,700 urethroplasties were performed in the United States during the study period. Patients with lichen sclerosus comprised an estimated 3.8% of the urethroplasty population. The majority of patients with urethral stricture with lichen sclerosus were Caucasian (84%) and older, with 63% age 45 or older. Chronic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis/collagen vascular disease and obesity were associated with increased odds of having a lichen sclerosus diagnosis. The central East Coast (7.2%) and the Pacific Northw...
Gubernatorial Influence in Presidential Elections: Fact or Myth

“It is no accident that the president's travels this year have followed the map of states that top the Bush target list for winning in 2004, particularly Florida and Pennsylvania. That also helps explain why his advisers sometimes seem more focused on electing Republican governors rather than members of Congress in states like Florida, Illinois, and Michigan: they could help him immensely in 2004.”Richard L. Berke, “Is What's Good for Bush Also Good for the G.O.P.?” New York Times, February 10, 2002 , section 4, p. 5.
Parallel Programming Tools

The sections in this article are 1 Debugging Parallel Programs 2 Performance Tuning Parallel Programs
Circulation and effective demand: a comment on Nell

In a recent paper in this Journal, Ed Nell presented a theory of circulation intended to unify 'the theories of money, production, and effective demand'. The current comment uses a very simple leakage and injection approach to arrive at some of Nell's results. In doing so, we are able to correct a small slip in Nell's original paper. More importantly, with the slip corrected, the money supply and multiplier processes are seen to be one and the same.
Effects of unequal pump intensity in resonantly enhanced degenerate four-wave mixing

Experiments performed in SF 6 using a CO 2 laser show the effect of unequal pump intensity in resonantly enhanced degenerate four-wave mixing (DFWM). A two-level saturable absorber model was extended to include the effects of unequal pump intensity and the results show significant departure from typical nonsaturating behavior. The experimental results and theory show qualitative agreement.
Response to the comment by M. Lustrino on “High-pressure melting experiments on garnet clinopyroxenite and the alkalic–tholeiitic transition in ocean-island basalts” by Keshav et al. [Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 223, 365–379 (2004)]

Abstract We welcome the comments made by Lustrino [M. Lustrino, Pyroxenites everywhere, Earth Planet. Sci. Lett., this issue.] on the high-pressure experimental melting phase relations of anhydrous garnet pyroxenite reported by Keshav et al. [S. Keshav, G.H. Gudfinnsson, G. Sen, Y. Fei, High-pressure melting experiments on garnet clinopyroxenite and the alkalic-to-tholeiitic transition in ocean-island basalts, Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 223 (2004) 365–379.]. Such healthy debates, in our view, are needed to promote our understanding on the origin of oceanic-island basalts (OIB).
Nucleonic Binding States in Nonspherical Nuclei: Asymptotic Representation

An alternative description is given for Nilsson's analysis of nucleonic motion in a strongly deformed nuclear field. The aim is to obtain the single-particle states for the region of strong deformation in terms of a representation which is especially suited for that region in contrast to the spherical representation used by Nilsson.The eigenvectors of a 3-dimensional anisotropic harmonic oscillator (H.O.) are used as a basic set to calculate the single-particle wave functions and energy eigenvalues. Two immediate advantages of choosing this basic set are: first, the matrix elements between single-particle states are expressible in terms of the rather simple analytic expressions obtained for these matrix elements in the H.O. representation and second, the expansion of the particle wave functions generally is rather pure, so that in many instances the leading term in the expansion is sufficient for calculations. Thus, good approximate calculations are easily obtainable. The high degree of purity of state has been taken advantage of previously by several authors to classify states in the strong-deformation region using the "almost good" quantum numbers of the basic set (asymptotic quantum numbers).Separate level spectra are given for protons and neutrons similar to the Mottleson and Nilsson scheme but more extensive (including some $N=7$ shell neutron levels). A large gap at neutron number 152 offers a partial explanation of the closing of a subshell there previously interpreted by Ghiorso et al. from $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-decay curves.New approximate transition selection rules are given for allowed and first-forbidden $\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay. For allowed transitions the relative speed varies approximately as ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}|\ensuremath{\Delta}{N}_{z}|}$. For first forbidden transitions, relative speeds are tabulated as functions of $\ensuremath{\Delta}{N}_{r}$. The latter transitions are generally cut down by a factor (${10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$-${10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$) for $|\ensuremath{\Delta}{N}_{r}|\ensuremath{\ge}2$.
Photoperiod in Relation to Diapause in Hypera postica from California

Treatment of larvae of the alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal), from the Western United States with short (9 hours of light) photoperiod tended to result in fewer diapausing adults. Diapause was broken sooner when the adults were kept under a short photoperiod. Long (16 hours of light) photoperiod treatment of the parents resulted in fewer diapausing progeny.
The Role of the State on Cross-National Homicide Rates

Although previous research has established important links between economic factors (e.g., economic inequality), social support variables, ethnic fractionalization, and cross-national homicides, on...
Recent Measurement Results of Energy Doubler Magnets

The methods and results of measurement of more than 100 Energy Doubler magnets are described. Training, quenchbehavior, ac loss, integral field, longitudinal homogeneity DC and AC multipole content, and vertical-plane angle measurements are described.
Pharmacogenetic Trial of a Cannabinoid Agonist Shows Reduced Fasting Colonic Motility in Patients With Nonconstipated Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Background & Aims Cannabinoid receptors are located on cholinergic neurons. Genetic variants that affect endocannabinoid metabolism are associated with colonic transit in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with diarrhea. We compared the effects of dronabinol, a nonselective agonist of the cannabinoid receptor, with those of placebo on colonic motility and sensation in patients with IBS, and examined the effects of IBS subtype and specific genetic variants in cannabinoid mechanisms. Methods Seventy-five individuals with IBS (35 with IBS with constipation, 35 with IBS with diarrhea, and with 5 IBS alternating) were randomly assigned to groups that were given 1 dose of placebo or 2.5 mg or 5.0 mg dronabinol. We assessed left colonic compliance, motility index (MI), tone, and sensation during fasting and after a meal. We analyzed the single nucleotide polymorphisms CNR1 rs806378 , fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) rs324420 , and MGLL rs4881 . Results In all patients, dronabinol decreased fasting proximal left colonic MI compared with placebo (overall P = .05; for 5 mg dronabinol, P = .046), decreased fasting distal left colonic MI (overall P = .08; for 5 mg, P = .13), and increased colonic compliance ( P = .058). The effects of dronabinol were greatest in patients with IBS with diarrhea or IBS alternating (proximal colonic MI, overall P = .022; compliance, overall P = .03). Dronabinol did not alter sensation or tone. CNR1 rs806378 (CC vs CT/TT) appeared to affect fasting proximal MI in all patients with IBS ( P = .075). Dronabinol affected fasting distal MI in patients, regardless of FAAH rs324420 variant (CA/AA vs CC) ( P = .046); the greatest effects were observed among IBS with constipation patients with the FAAH CC variant ( P = .045). Dronabinol affected fasting proximal MI in patients with IBS with diarrhea or alternating with the variant FAAH CA/AA ( P = .013). Conclusions In patients with IBS with diarrhea or alternating, dronabinol reduces fasting colonic motility; FAAH and CNR1 variants could influence the effects of this drug on colonic motility.
Emissions from the N2 Lyman-Birge-Hopfield bands in the earth's atmosphere

Abstract Recent work on the N 2 Lyman-Birge-Hopfield (LBH) band ( a 1 Π g − X 1 Σ g + ) emissions from the Earth's aurora and daytime airglow has shown that models can give good agreement with observations by including cascading between the singlet ( a 1 Π g , w 1 Δ u and a ′ 1 Σ u − ) states. Both radiative and collision induced transitions contribute to the cascading. The collision induced transitions involve a process — sometimes referred to as collision-induced electronic transitions (CIET) — which has not been included in most models of the LBH bands from the Earth's atmosphere. Cascading not only improves the fit to the relative vibrational populations observed, it also increases the emission from the LBH bands, by a factor of ∼1.6 in the daytime airglow. Such an increase is consistent with recent work by Budzien et al. [1994] and Link et al. [1994]. In the aurora some calculations have included radiative cascading but not CIET, which is expected to be more important in typical auroras. However, the calculations involving CIET are based on extrapolation from laboratory measurements. These extrapolations are a source of significant uncertainty in the calculations.
A Technique for Intercostal Nerve Block After Thoracotomy

Abstract Small Teflon catheters placed adjacent to the intercostal nerves through the operative incision may be used for intermittent injection of lidocaine following lateral thoracotomy. The method is especially useful for relief of pain in those patients for whom large doses of narcotic analgesics are potentially harmful.
THE DUAL ASPECT OF LANGUAGE

ADDRESSING Language Teachers on the subject of Language may appear superfluous, as inept as "carrying coal to Newcastle." Yet, since Language as such is kinetic, in flux, it is ever new and interesting and offers peculiar problems. From the fact that we study it as an object, although it is not an object in itself, it must not be assumed that we know it in its entirety, we know it only in certain phases and functions. It is a truism that the most common objects are least understood by those who daily use them, since they are taken for granted. Among the instruments used by man, Language is the most common and probably the least understood. Its real nature is as little inquired into even by those who give language instruction as some recondite subject beyond the sphere of our interests. Goethe once remarked: The public is more interested in the subject of a work of Art than in the mode of its production. The statement applies as much to the topic of Language which in itself is a work of individual creation, as to a work of Art.
Acute pyelonephritis as a cause of late transplant dysfunction

Abstract In a renal transplant recipient, acute pyelonephritis of the allograft developed In association with acute deterioration of renal function. No other cause of renal dysfunction was delineated, and the serum creatinine level promptly returned to baseline with antimicrobial therapy. Acute pyelonephritis is an important cause of late transplant dysfunction, and prompt diagnosis and treatment result in complete recovery of renal function.
Adaptation in stochastic tunneling global optimization of complex potential energy landscapes

Global optimization remains one of the great challenges in scientific computing. One particular successful approach is the usage of tunneling functions to cross barriers and transition states more easily thus allowing for a fast scan of the potential energy surface under investigation. In this paper we develop for the first time a performance measurement procedure for stochastic tunneling approaches and derive an adaptive algorithm that is steered by this performance measure. The proposed algorithm is based on a scale-free measure and thus applicable to general stochastic optimization schemes. We found for a very hard optimization problem the computational effort to be some order of magnitude lower while at the same time increasing the accuracy by a factor of three.
Induction of ovalbumin synthesis in immature chicks by actinomycin D and thioacetamide

Actinomycin D and thioacetamide induced ovalbumin synthesis and increased serum progesterone concentrations in immature chicks. The increase in progesterone induced by the carcinogens actinomycin D and thioacetamide may account for the induction of ovalbumin synthesis.
New use of atypical antipsychotics was linked to acute kidney injury and all-cause mortality at 90 days

Source Citation Hwang YJ, Dixon SN, Reiss JP, et al. Atypical antipsychotic drugs and the risk for acute kidney injury and other adverse outcomes in older adults: a population-based cohort study. A...
The annual impact of seasonal influenza in the US: Measuring disease burden and costs

Abstract Background Despite preventive efforts, influenza epidemics are responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality every year in the United States (US). Vaccination strategies to reduce disease burden have been implemented. However, no previous studies have systematically estimated the annual economic burden of influenza epidemics, an estimate necessary to guide policy makers effectively. Objective We estimate age- and risk-specific disease burden, and medical and indirect costs attributable to annual influenza epidemics in the United States. Methods Using a probabilistic model and publicly available epidemiological data we estimated the number of influenza-attributable cases leading to outpatient visits, hospitalization, and mortality, as well as time lost from work absenteeism or premature death. With data from health insurance claims and projections of either earnings or statistical life values, we then estimated healthcare resource utilization associated with influenza cases as were their medical and productivity (indirect) costs in $2003. Results Based on 2003 US population, we estimated that annual influenza epidemics resulted in an average of 610,660 life-years lost (undiscounted), 3.1 million hospitalized days, and 31.4 million outpatient visits. Direct medical costs averaged $10.4 billion (95% confidence interval [C.I.], $4.1, $22.2) annually. Projected lost earnings due to illness and loss of life amounted to $16.3 billion (C.I., $8.7, $31.0) annually. The total economic burden of annual influenza epidemics using projected statistical life values amounted to $87.1 billion (C.I., $47.2, $149.5). Conclusions These results highlight the enormous annual burden of influenza in the US. While hospitalization costs are important contributors, lost productivity from missed work days and lost lives comprise the bulk of the economic burden of influenza.
Immigration and weight gain: Mexican-American women's perspectives.

There is an urgent need for effective and accessible culturally-sensitive weight-loss interventions for the Mexican-American population. It is imperative that cultural factors be taken into account when designing weight-loss interventions targeting this population. As a first step in this direction, this study examined the experiences, concerns, and beliefs regarding diet, weight and weight loss of Mexican-American immigrant women. Focus groups were conducted with Mexican-American women (n = 25) between the ages of 20 and 63, from the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area. Major themes identified in the discussions included important lifestyle changes brought about by immigration, the challenges of adopting “American ways,” lack of nutritional information, and the difficulties in making food choices given the complexities of the family context. Behavioral interventions must provide culturally-centered behavioral strategies addressing some of the difficulties identified in this study. Specific suggestions are provided for the development of weight-loss interventions for this population.
My Choice, Your Categories: The Denial of Multiracial Identities

Mixed-race individuals often encounter situations in which their identities are a source of tension, particularly when expressions of multiracial and biracial identity are not supported or allowed. Two studies examined the consequences of this identity denial. In Study 1, mixed-race participants reported that their biracial or multiracial identity caused tension in a variety of contexts. Study 2 focused on one often-mentioned situation: completing a demographic questionnaire in which only one racial background can be specified. Relative to mixed-race participants who were permitted to choose multiple races, those compelled to choose only one showed lower subsequent motivation and self-esteem. These studies demonstrate the negative consequences of constraining mixed-race individuals’ expression of their chosen racial identity. Policy implications for the collection of racial and ethnic demographic data are discussed.
State-centered vs. Class-centered perspectives on international politics: The case of U.S. and British participation in the 1953 coup against premier Mosaddeq in Iran

Two alternative perspectives—state-centered and class-centered—on state actions 01 are considered. The explanatory power of each of these perspectives is examined by analyzing the behavior of three major political actors in the Iranian oil disputes—the Iranian, the British, and the U.S. governments—using the existing historical evidence. The article supports a class-centered explanation by demonstrating the significance of the International Petroleum Cartel in determining U.S. and British policy towards Iran in this period and the failure of the Iranian bourgeoisie to continue their support of Mosaddeq in the face of economic difficulties resulting from the nationalization of the oil industry. Partial support for a state-centered explanation is also noted. For future research, the utility of considering the state and class as interdependent actors with the specification that the nature of this interdependence is asymmetrical is suggested.
Ecological inequality in assessing well-being: Some applications

Claims to the inadequacy of GDP growth as an indicator of well-being improvement are widespread. Yet the notion of well-being is very broad, hence difficult to quantify, so alternative indexes (e.g., ISEW, GPI) may also be deficient. This article approaches well-being from a multi-dimensional perspective which, unlike earlier attempts to incorporate inequality and environmental variables, focuses especially on “ecological inequality,” or inequality in the distribution of the social cost associated with resource depletion. A methodology for assessing well-being improvements is developed, one which includes an accounting for ecological inequality, and is applied to four countries: Brazil, Costa Rica, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The variability in the results strongly suggests that in addition to depending on the subjective perspective of the policymaker regarding the relative importance of the income growth realized by different population groups, well-being assessments depend critically on the existing ecological distribution. More research into quantifying ecological distribution is therefore warranted. Absent significant progress in this area, sensitivity analysis such as that conducted here may inform policy better than GDP or alternative well-being indexes or aggregates.
SPARING EFFECT OF X-RAYS FOR MICE INOCULATED INTRANASALLY WITH EGG-ADAPTED INFLUENZA VIRUS, CAM STRAIN.

SummaryPretreatment with X-rays by whole-body exposure to 350R delayed the time of death and reduced the number of deaths in mice resulting from intranasal inoculation of large doses of egg-passaged CAM strain influenza virus. The decreased mortality seemed to be due to a reduction in the frequency with which toxic pneumonitis developed after inoculation of virus since the radiation did not change the case fatality rate. The most likely explanation for the sparing effect is that pretreatment with X-rays prevented a severe inflammatory response to the injury caused by a toxic principle associated with the virus.
Size Effect of Ruthenium Nanoparticles in Catalytic Carbon Monoxide Oxidation

Carbon monoxide oxidation over ruthenium catalysts has shown an unusual catalytic behavior. Here we report a particle size effect on CO oxidation over Ru nanoparticle (NP) catalysts. Uniform Ru NPs with a tunable particle size from 2 to 6 nm were synthesized by a polyol reduction of Ru(acac)3 precursor in the presence of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) stabilizer. The measurement of catalytic activity of CO oxidation over two-dimensional Ru NPs arrays under oxidizing reaction conditions (40 Torr CO and 100 Torr O2) showed an activity dependence on the Ru NP size. The CO oxidation activity increases with NP size, and the 6 nm Ru NP catalyst shows 8-fold higher activity than the 2 nm catalysts. The results gained from this study will provide the scientific basis for future design of Ru-based oxidation catalysts.
Prostate-Specific Antigen Response and Systemic T Cell Activation After In Situ Gene Therapy in Prostate Cancer Patients Failing Radiotherapy

In an extended phase I/II study we evaluated 36 prostate cancer patients with local recurrence after radiotherapy who received single or repeated cycles of replication-deficient adenoviral vector (ADV)-mediated herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase (HSV-tk) plus ganciclovir (GCV) in situ gene therapy with respect to serum PSA levels, alterations in immune cells, and numbers of apoptotic cells in needle biopsies. An initial cycle of HSV-tk plus GCV gene therapy caused a significant prolongation of the mean serum PSA-doubling time (PSADT) from 15.9 to 42.5 months (p = 0.0271) and in 28 of the injected patients (77.8%) there was a mean PSA reduction (PSAR) of 28%. It took a mean of 8.5 months for the PSA to return to the initial PSA (TR-PSA) value. A repeated cycle of gene therapy failed to significantly extend PSADT but did result in significant increases in PSAR (29.4%) and TR-PSA (10.5 months). Moderately increased serum adenovirus antibody titers were generally observed 2 weeks after initial vector injection. Also at this time there was a statistically significant increase in the mean percent of CD8(+) T cells positive for the HLA-DR marker of activation in peripheral blood (p = 0.0088). Studies using prostate biopsies obtained at the same time point demonstrated that vector DNA was detectable by PCR in most samples yet all patients remained positive for prostate cancer in at least one biopsy core. Further analysis demonstrated a correlation between the level of CD8(+) cells and the number of apoptotic cells in biopsies containing cancer cells (p = 0.042). We conclude that repeated cycles of in situ HSV-tk plus GCV gene therapy can be administered to prostate cancer patients who failed radiotherapy and have a localized recurrence. Biological responses to this experimental therapy including increases in PSADT, PSAR, and TR-PSA, and activated CD8(+) T cells present in the peripheral blood, were demonstrated. Interestingly, the density of CD8(+) cells in posttreatment biopsies correlated with the number of apoptotic cells.
Experimental manipulations of winter snow and summer rain influence ecosystem carbon cycling in a mixed‐grass prairie, Wyoming, USA

Water-limited grasslands may be exceedingly vulnerable to changes in the timing or amount of precipitation which may result in shifts in the magnitudes and patterns of carbon cycling. Shifts in CO2 exchange may lead to alterations in carbon sequestration or net losses and could accentuate the rising CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere or ameliorate the increases. The objective of our project was to quantify how changes in winter, summer, and combined winter and summer precipitation may alter rates of ecosystem C cycling in the mixed-grass prairie of the United States. Three replicated 50 m snow fences were installed to increase winter snow while summer precipitation was manipulated by either increasing (C50%) or decreasing (� 50%) precipitation amounts. Measurements of net ecosystem exchange (NEE), gross ecosystem photosynthesis (GEP), and ecosystem respiration (ER) and plant biomass were conducted throughout the snow-free period. Deeper snow in winter increased summer ER by an average of 27%, GEP by 45%, NEE by 90% and plant biomass by 50% compared to ambient snow conditions. Average plant biomass increased 44% with the addition of summer rain and decreased by 18% where rainfall was excluded under ambient snow conditions. Average NEE was also lower where rain was excluded. Our findings indicate that seasonality changes of precipitation may be important in regulating the future extent of C sequestration and C cycling in one of the most extensive, intact grasslands of North America. Copyright  2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Luminescence During Intermittent Optical Excitation

The paper presents the results of a study of the build-up and decay of some 200 samples of silicate, tungstate, molybdate and sulphide phosphors, excited by Hg 2536A radiation. The normal silicates decay at first exponentially, with a time constant of the order of 10−2 sec. This initial rate is independent of the intensity and the duration of the excitation, and varies little among different samples of a given class (e.g., Zn2SiO4·Mn). The later decay is slower, and does vary markedly from sample to sample, and depends on the intensity and duration of the excitation. CaWO4 decays too rapidly to be measured with the apparatus used (<50 microseconds); the decay of MgWO4 lasts about 2×10−4 sec.; both these tungstates show a very faint long phosphorescence which can be enhanced slightly by addition of impurities. The red luminescence contributed by Sm in these and other “pure” phosphors decays exponentially with a time constant of about 7×10−4 sec. Sulphides have complicated decay characteristics, dependent on the intensity and duration of the excitation. Comparison is made with the results of a study of decay after electron bombardment, and with other published data.
Price linkages between wholesale and retail pork cuts

This article investigates the price transmissions of specific pork cuts between wholesale and retail markets. It examines retail price rigidity and symmetry in relation to changes in wholesale prices. Results indicate that different cuts possess different lag lengths. There is also some evidence that retailers react more quickly to increasing wholesale prices than decreasing wholesale prices; however, the cumulative effects are very similar.