cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Representing Causation in Medicine: How Fuzzy "Sets as Points" Capture the Uniqueness of the Patient, Context, and Change in the Fuzzy Unit Hypercube

Fuzzy logic has found its application in medicine through technology and soft computing. Less studied are clinical implications for medical diagnosis and therapy. In order to lend itself scientifically as a method for "evidence-based medicine" fuzzy logic offers more than probability-based statistics because it can deal with causation and uncertainty. Decisions in certainty assume no role for unknown factors in the analysis. However, in the real patient unknown historical, physiological, environmental, other contextual factors and known but unmeasured variables are always present and affect the clinical course. We show how the fuzzy causation measure K derived from the fuzzy Subsethood theorem characterizes change in patient condition, disambiguates clinical decision and shows how representation of a patient by known variables is but a shadow of the reality of a multitude of unrepresented variables, some of which can be measured, others, which are totally unnamed.
Photodynamic therapy for unresectable cholangiocarcinoma: a comparative effectiveness systematic review and meta-analyses.

Summary Background Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with placement of a biliary stent may improve bile duct patency in patients with cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). We aimed to determine the effectiveness of biliary stenting with PDT compared to biliary stenting alone in the palliative treatment of CCA. Materials and methods Several databases were searched from inception to December 2011 for prospective studies comparing biliary stenting with PDT vs. biliary stenting only for CCA. Outcomes of interest included patient survival, quality of life (using Karnofsky score), and serum bilirubin levels. The relative risk (RR) for dichotomous outcomes and the weighted mean difference (WMD) for continuous outcomes were estimated using DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model. Inconsistency was quantified using I 2 statistics. The extent of publication bias was ascertained by visual inspection of funnel plots and Egger's test. Results There were six studies that met inclusion criteria. A total of 170 participants received PDT and 157 had biliary stenting only. Compared with biliary stenting, PDT was associated with a statistically significant increase in the length of survival (WMD 265 days; 95%CI: 154–376; p = 0.01; I 2 = 65%), improvement in Karnofsky scores (WMD 7.74; 95%CI: 3.73–11.76; p = 0.01; I 2 = 14%), and a trend for decline in serum bilirubin (WMD −2.92 mg/dL; 95%CI: −7.54 to 1.71; p = 0.22; I 2 = 94%). The pooled event rate for biliary sepsis was 15% and was similar between PDT and control groups. Conclusion Palliative treatment of CCA with PDT is associated with increased survival benefit, improved biliary drainage, and quality of life. However, the quality of this evidence is low.
An analysis of the plasma impurity influx from alkali-metal coatings for fusion reactor applications

Abstract Recently, it has been proposed that alkali-metal covered surfaces be applied to magnetic fusion devices as a means of controlling plasma impurity contamination and shielding the substrate from erosion. Monolayer films of alkali metals have been shown to sputter primarily as ions under particle bombardment. Thus, it is thought that a sheath potential and/or magnetic fields encountered by a sputtered ion will return the ion to the surface without entering the plasma. In this paper, we investigate the net wall impurity influx associated with coatings which exhibit substantial secondary ion emission compared with those which sputter only as neutral atoms. Included in the analysis are sputtered substrate atoms. These are sometimes found to be a significant fraction of the total sputtering yield for low- Z alkali monolayers and affect the overall performance of such coatings. Estimates of the impurity influx made in the neighborhood of a sheath potential show that secondary-ion emitting coatings are effective as a means of inhibiting plasma impurity contamination and wall erosion.
A phase I study of gefitinib with concurrent dose-escalated weekly docetaxel and conformal three-dimensional thoracic radiation followed by consolidative docetaxel and maintenance gefitinib for patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer.

Background Concurrent radiation and chemotherapy is the standard of care for good performance status patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer. Locoregional control remains a significant factor relating to poor outcome. Preclinical and early clinical data suggest that docetaxel and gefitinib have radiosensitizing activity. This study sought to define the maximum tolerated dose of weekly docetaxel that could be given with daily gefitinib and concurrent thoracic radiation therapy. Patients and Materials Patients with histologically confirmed, inoperable stage III non-small cell lung cancer and good performance status (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group 0–1) were eligible for this study. Patients received three-dimensional conformal thoracic radiation to a dose of 70 Gy concurrently with oral gefitinib at a dose of 250 mg daily and intravenous, weekly docetaxel at escalating doses from 15 to 30 mg/m 2 in cohorts of patients. Patients were given a 2-week rest period after the concurrent therapy, during which they received only gefitinib. After the 2-week rest period, patients received consolidation chemotherapy with docetaxel 75 mg/m 2 given every 21 days for two cycles. Maintenance gefitinib was continued until disease progression or study completion. Results Sixteen patients were enrolled on the study between December 2003 and April 2007 with the following characteristics: median age, 64 years (range 43–79 years); M/F: 9/7; and performance status 0/1, 1/15. Dose-limiting pulmonary toxicity and esophagitis were encountered at a weekly docetaxel dose of 25 mg/m 2 , resulting in a maximum tolerated dose of 20 mg/m 2 /wk. Overall, grade 3/4 hematologic toxicity was observed in 27% of patients. Grade 3/4 esophageal and pulmonary toxicities were reported in 27% and 20% of patients, respectively. The overall response rate was 46%, and the median survival for all patients was 21 months. Conclusions Concurrent thoracic radiation with weekly docetaxel and daily gefitinib is feasible but results in moderate toxicity. For further studies, the recommended weekly docetaxel dose for this chemoradiation regimen is 20 mg/m 2 .
Rapid and quantitative detection of the microbial spoilage in chicken meat by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (600-1100 nm).

Aims: To evaluate the feasibility of visible and short-wavelength near-infrared (SW-NIR) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (600–1100 nm) to quantify the microbial loads in chicken meat and to develop a rapid methodology for monitoring the onset of spoilage. Methods and Results: Twenty-four prepackaged fresh chicken breast muscle samples were prepared and stored at 21°C for 24 h. Visible and SW-NIR was used to detect and quantify the microbial loads in chicken breast muscle at time intervals of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 24 h. Spectra were collected in the diffuse reflectance mode (600–1100 nm). Total aerobic plate count (APC) of each sample was determined by the spread plate method at 32°C for 48 h. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS) based prediction models were developed. PCA analysis showed clear segregation of samples held 8 h or longer compared with 0-h control. An optimum PLS model required eight latent variables for chicken muscle (R = 0·91, SEP = 0·48 log CFU g−1). Conclusions: Visible and SW-NIR combined with PCA is capable of perceiving the change of the microbial loads in chicken muscle once the APC increases slightly above 1 log cycle. Accurate quantification of the bacterial loads in chicken muscle can be calculated from the PLS-based prediction method. Significance and the Impact of the Study: Visible and SW-NIR spectroscopy is a technique with a considerable potential for monitoring food safety and food spoilage. Visible and SW-NIR can acquire a metabolic snapshot and quantify the microbial loads of food samples rapidly, accurately, and noninvasively. This method would allow for more expeditious applications of quality control in food industries.
A High Performance Parallel Strassen Implementation

In this paper, we give what we believe to be the first high performance parallel implementation of Strassen''s algorithm for matrix multiplication. We show how under restricted conditions, this algorithm can be implemented plug compatible with standard parallel matrix multiplication algorithms. Results obtained on a large Intel Paragon system show a 10-20% reduction in execution time compared to what we believe to be the fastest standard parallel matrix multiplication implementation available at this time.
PCSK9 Inhibition to Lower LDL-Cholesterol and Reduce Cardiovascular Risk Great Expectations

New clinical trials with the proprotein convertase subtilisin–kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors evolocumab and alirocumab show that these drugs not only lower lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) profoundly, but also seem to reduce cardiovascular events, although the number of events and duration of follow-up are limited. Larger trials are underway to confirm these findings and to document safety. First identified as a causal gene for autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia, 1 PCSK9 promotes the degradation of LDL-C receptors, resulting in higher blood levels LDL-C. Monoclonal antibodies to PCSK9, evolocumab, alirocumab, and bococizumab, all reduce LDL-C profoundly, and phase 3 clinical trials of these agents are hurtling toward completion. Two recent reports of the effects of evolocumab and alirocumab have raised great expectations. 2,3 In the Open-Label Study of Long-Term Evaluation against LDL Cholesterol (OSLER) study, 2 4465 patients who had completed one of several short-term studies were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to receive either evolocumab 140 mg every 2 weeks or 420 mg monthly plus standard therapy or standard therapy alone. Median follow-up was 11.1 months. Evolocumab reduced LDL-C by 61% compared with standard therapy alone, from a median of 120 to 48 mg/dL, with the reduction remaining stable throughout follow-up. Cardiovascular events at 1 year were 2.18% in the standard therapy group and 0.95% in the evolocumab group (hazard ratio 0.47; 95% confidence interval 0.28–0.78; P=0.003). In the Long-term Safety and Tolerability of Alirocumab in High Cardiovascular Risk Patients with Hypercholesterolemia Not Adequately Controlled with Their Lipid Modifying Therapy (ODYSSEY LONG TERM) study, 3 2341 patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or established coronary heart disease or a coronary heart disease risk equivalent, receiving maximally tolerated doses of statins, with an LDL-C ≥70 mg/dL, were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to receive an alirocumab 150 mg or placebo subcutaneous injection every 2 weeks for 78 weeks. The primary efficacy end point, the percentage change in calculated LDL-C level from baseline to week 24, was reduced by 62% to a mean LDL-C of 48 mg/dL. In a post hoc analysis, the rate of major CV events was lower with alirocumab than with placebo (1.7% versus 3.3%; hazard ratio 0.52; 95% confidence interval 0.31–0.90; P =0.02).
A monolithic or hybrid broadband compensated balun

A compact microstrip balun structure, capable of multioctave performance, has been devised for monolithic or hybrid circuit applications. The structure requires no suspended substrate techniques and can be designed to occupy only a small amount of circuit area, thus allowing it to be easily integrated with a variety of monolithic circuit designs such as mixers, multipliers, and class B push-pull amplifiers. If a matching network is incorporated with the balun structure, a 10:1 operational bandwidth can be achieved. >
Early Emission Reduction Programs: An Application to CO2 Policy

In the wake of the December 1997 Kyoto Protocol, which if implemented would oblige the United States and other industrialized countries to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) by 2008-2012, a number of proposals have been offered to increase the incentives for emissions reductions over the nearer term. The existence of an interim period between setting and implementing environmental goals is ubiquitous in environmental policymaking. The existence of this interim period gives rise to several potential rationales for early reductions. In this paper we use a series of simple models and numerical illustrations to analyze some aspects of the performance of early reduction programs in the case of GHGs. We show that there is a compelling economic case for allowing early GHG reduction credits if the Kyoto Protocol were to be amended to allow countries (not just individual firms) to bank early credits to offset future emissions. The annualized cost savings to the United States from spreading out abatement over time could easily amount to several billion dollars. But without the aggregate banking provision, early reduction credits could easily generate an excessive amount of abatement, and produce net economic losses. We analyze a number of other issues that affect the economic efficiency of early reduction credits, including asymmetric information, learning-by-doing, and fiscal impacts, and we compare their performance with that of an early cap-and-trade program. This latter approach, if properly scaled, can avoid many of the problems associated with early credits.
A functional agility short-term fatigue protocol changes lower extremity mechanics

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a functional agility fatigue protocol on lower extremity biomechanics between two unanticipated tasks (stop-jump and sidestep). The subjects consisted of fifteen female collegiate soccer athletes (19±0.7 years, 1.67±0.1 m, 61.7±8 kg) free of lower extremity injury. Participants performed five trials of stop-jump and sidestep tasks. A functional short-term agility protocol was performed, and immediately following participants repeated the unanticipated running tasks. Lower extremity kinematic and kinetic values were obtained pre and post fatigue. Repeated measures analyses of variance were conducted for each dependent variable with an alpha level set at 0.05. Knee position post-fatigue had increased knee internal rotation (11.4±7.5° vs. 7.9±6.5° pe0.011) than pre-fatigue, and a decreased knee flexion angle (-36.6±6.2° vs. −40.0±6.3°, p = 0.003), as well as hip position post-fatigue had decreased hip flexion angle (35.5±8.7° vs. 43.2±9.5°, p = 0.002). A quick functional fatigue protocol altered lower extremity mechanics of Division I collegiate soccer athletes during landing tasks. Proper mechanics should be emphasized from the beginning of practice/game to aid in potentially minimizing the effects of fatigue in lower extremity mechanics.
Ground Moving Target Indication via Multichannel Airborne SAR

We consider moving target detection and velocity estimation for multichannel synthetic-aperture-radar (SAR)-based ground moving target indication (GMTI). Via forming velocity versus cross-range images, we show that small moving targets can be detected even in the presence of strong stationary ground clutter. Furthermore, the velocities of the moving targets can be estimated, and the misplaced moving targets can be placed back to their original locations based on the estimated velocities. An iterative adaptive approach, which is robust and user parameter free, is used to form velocity versus cross-range images for each range bin of interest. Moreover, we discuss calibration techniques to estimate the relative antenna distances and antenna gains in practical systems. Furthermore, we present a simple algorithm for stationary clutter cancelation. We conclude by demonstrating the effectiveness of our approaches by using the Air Force Research Laboratory publicly released Gotcha airborne SAR-based GMTI data set.
A note on the top-down and bottom-up gradient functions over a forested site

The dimensionless bottom-up and top-down gradient functions in the convective boundary layer (CBL) are evaluated utilizing long-term well-calibrated carbon dioxide mixing ratio and flux measurements from multiple levels of a 447-m tall tower over a forested area in northern Wisconsin, USA. The estimated bottom- up and top-down functions are qualitatively consistent with those from large-eddy simulation (LES) results and theoretical expectations. Newly fitted gradient functions are proposed based on observations for this forested site. The integrated bottom-up function over the lowest 4% of the CBL depth estimated from the tower data is about five times larger than that from LES results for a 'with-canopy' case, and is smaller than that from LES results for a 'no-canopy' case by a factor of 0.7. We discuss the uncertainty in the evaluated gradient functions due to stability, wind direction, and uncertainty in the entrainment flux and show that while all of these have a significant impact on the gradient functions, none can explain the differences between the mod- elled and observed functions. The effects of canopy features and atmospheric stability may need to be considered in the gradient function relations.
Does size matter? Separations on guard columns for fast sample analysis applied to bioenergy research

Increasing sample throughput is needed when large numbers of samples have to be processed. In chromatography, one strategy is to reduce column length for decreased analysis time. Therefore, the feasibility of analyzing samples simply on a guard column was explored using refractive index and ultraviolet detection. Results from the guard columns were compared to the analyses using the standard 300 mm Aminex HPX-87H column which is widely applied to the analysis of samples from many biotechnology- and bioenergy-related experiments such as biomass conversions or fermentations. The 50 mm Rezex RFQ Fast Acid H+ guard column was able to separate the most common fermentation products (ethanol, acetone, iso- and n-butanol) and promising precursors (furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural) of biofuels and value-added chemicals. Compound profiles in fermentation samples were analyzed with similar accuracy compared to results using the 300 mm column. However, separation of glucose and xylose was not achieved. Nevertheless, it was possible to monitor the consumption of one of the two sugars during fermentation if the other one was absent or remained constant over the course of the experiment. If correct peak integration and interference subtraction was applied, concentration profiles from enzymatic digestibility experiments and even more complex samples (e.g. acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentation) were reliably obtained. With the 50 mm guard column, samples were analyzed up to ten-times faster compared to the 300 mm column. A further decrease in analysis time was achieved by using the 30 mm Micro Guard Cation H guard column. This column is especially suitable for the rapid analysis of compounds with long elution times on the standard 300 mm column, such as biofuel-related alcohols (e.g., n-butanol, n-hexanol) and furan- and tetrahydrofuran-type molecules. Applied to a suitable set of samples, separations on a guard column can give rapid and sufficiently accurate information on compound changes over the course of an experiment. Therefore, it is an inexpensive and ideal tool for processing a large amount of samples, such as in screening or discovery experiments, where detecting relative changes is often sufficient to identify promising candidates for further analysis.
Temporal expression of Mycobacterium smegmatis respiratory terminal oxidases.

Terminal oxidases provide the final step in aerobic respiration by reducing oxygen. The mycobacteria possess two terminal oxidases: a cytochrome c aa3 type and a quinol bd type. We previously isola...
Epigenetics: the fine-tuner in inflammatory bowel disease?

Purpose of review Epigenetic studies are transforming our understanding of a variety of complex pathological conditions including cancer, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases. A selection of the major recent advances in this area will be reviewed, focusing on the important emerging themes that are relevant to these diseases including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Recent findings The main current themes that will be addressed on the role of epigenetics in disease pathogenesis include current understanding of the nature and function of histone modifications and DNA methylation; the connection between epigenetics and metabolic pathways; new studies on the mechanism of heritability of epigenetic changes; the role of stochastic noise and the expanding research on chromatin readers and their potential as selective therapeutic targets. The recent contribution of epigenetic modifications in defining the molecular basis of IBD and how such changes may act as fine-tuners of gene expression in these intestinal disorders are also discussed. Summary Published evidence over the last 12-18 months indicates that targeting epigenetic factors can be efficacious in cancer and inflammatory disease. All the indications are that future research will continue to reveal new epigenetic targets and mechanisms that will advance the prospects for selective epigenetic therapy for IBD and other complex diseases.
Generations, Political Status, and Collective Memories in the Chinese Countryside

Interviews with a probability sample of villagers and with local cadres in four counties are used to explore their collective memories based on self-reports about the most important events over the past half century. As expected, public events dominate these memories, with the cadres citing party and state-related occurrences relatively more often than do the villagers. Generational effects reflecting the impact of events occurring during one's formative years are especially pronounced among the villagers. The absence of marked generational differences with respect to memories about the reform era is due to the prolonged experiencing of the long era by virtually all extant birth cohorts. Specific memories are associated with relevant political attitudes, especially among the cadres. Comparisons with reports based on other countries illustrate both the commonalties and the singularities of the Chinese results.
Dynamic Shadowing Growth and Its Energy Applications

The unique features of dynamic shadowing growth (DSG) in structural and compositional design of nanomaterials are discussed. Their recent applications in energy storage, fuel cell, and solar energy conversion have been reviewed briefly. Future directions for applying DSG nanostructures in renewable energy applications are presented.
Erratum: "An experimental implementation of interferometric techniques for sea level variation measurements and reflection coefficient phase determination"

A remote interferometric method to measure sea level variations in coastal regions is discussed and results of numerous experimental tests are summarized. A bistatic scheme of measurements is employed with horizontal separation of transmitter-receiver terminals ranging from 400 m to 2700 m. To account for the impact of sea surface roughness, the method incorporates a reflection coefficient phase measuring procedure. The phase of the coherent reflection coefficient measured in the experiments is presented as a function of sea state. The experiments were performed with electronic distance measuring equipment operating at 10-cm wavelength. Preliminary estimates of the measurement accuracy show that errors in sea level variation determination were approximately between 3 cm and 9 cm. These observed errors exceed the theoretical predictions because of various causes, such as technical limitations of the instrumentation, effect of sea surface roughness, etc. More work needs to be done, especially in the area of signal processing, in order to sort out these various effects and reduce their impact on measurement accuracy.
Nonlinear guiding center theory of perpendicular diffusion: General properties and comparison with observation

[1] A nonlinear guiding center (NLGC) theory for diffusion of charged particles perpendicular to the mean magnetic field was recently proposed. Here, we draw attention to a number of attractive features of this theory: (1) The theory provides a natural mechanism to connect the perpendicular mean free path with the parallel mean free path. In fact, the parallel mean free path is the only particle property required to determine uniquely the perpendicular mean free path. (2) Under a broad range of conditions, the theory predicts that the perpendicular mean free path will be of order one percent or a few percent of the parallel mean free path, in agreement with numerical simulations of particle transport. (3) For conditions representative of the inner heliosphere, the theory predicts values of the perpendicular mean free path in agreement with observational determinations from Jovian electrons and from modeling Ulysses observations of Galactic protons.
A new approach to the fabrication of “smart” near-surface nanostructure composites

A new method for the formation of smart near-surface nanoscale composites has been developed. In this approach, small precipitates of active phases are embedded in the near-surface region of the material that is to be modified by a combination of ion implantation and thermal processing. The dispersion, concentration, and microstructure of the nanocrystals formed in the substrate material can be tailored through a careful choice of processing parameters - making this approach well suited to high value added, high technology applications. The applicability of this approach to forming smart surfaces on otherwise inactive materials was established in the case of VO{sup 2} precipitates which were embedded in Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} single crystals to create a medium suitable for optical applications--including optical data storage. Most recently, this concept has been extended to the fabrication of magnetic field sensitive nanostructured surfaces by forming magnetostrictive precipitates of materials such as Ni or RFe{sub 2} (with R = Tm, Tb, Sm) that are embedded in various single crystal oxide hosts. These nanostructured, active surface composites have been characterized using XRD, RBS, TEM, and magneto-optical techniques.
Changes of Membrane Currents and Calcium-Dependent Phosphorylation during Associative Learning

Much of what we learn concerns temporal relationships between stimuli or groups of stimuli. How does a system of neurons learn the temporal relationship between distinct sensory stimuli, as occurs, for instance, with Pavlovian conditioning? What are the biophysical and biochemical transformations that actually store the learned temporal relationship?
Research: An Analysis of Sun-Spot Destination Resort Market Segments: All-Inclusive Package Versus Independent Travel Arrangements

The sun-spot-destination resort market is one of the most important and growing segments of the contemporary tourism market. The objective of this study was to determine, through a telephone interview survey of 702 American travel parties, if there were significant differences between travel parties who preferred an all-inclusive travel package and those who preferred independent travel arrangements. The variables of interest in these comparisons were: socio-demographic characteristics, travel-related characteristics, determinant attributes and lifestyle characteristics. Results indicate that there are significant differences in terms of age distributions, employment status, preferred destinations, length of stay, several lifestyle characteristics and preferences for physical and psychological aspects (determinant attributes) of the resort.
Female Sexual Side Effects Associated with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors: A Descriptive Clinical Study of 33 Patients

Objective:After the advent of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on the U.S. market in 1988, American psychiatrists have been faced with more choices of antidepressants for the treatment of depression. The prescribing of SSRIs has been increasing in popularity because they are easily titrated by the physicians and tolerated by patients. However, the SSRI use is frequently associated with female sexual dysfunction. The aim of this study was to describe these SSRI-associated female sexual side effects.Methods:In a retrospective series, clinic records of 110 female SSRI-treated outpatients were reviewed for loss of or decreased libido, orgasmic disturbances (anorgasmia or delayed orgasm), as well as clinical management patterns to alleviate sexual side effects.Results:Twenty-one fluoxetine-, nine paroxetine-, and five sertraline-treated cases with female sexual inhibition were identified. The fates of SSRI-associated sexual adverse effects and clinical managements of restoring these side effects were de...
Compatibility of cisplatin and fluorouracil in 0.9% sodium chloride injection.

The effect of drug concentration and light on the compatibility and stability of cisplatin and fluorouracil in i.v. admixtures was studied. Two sets of admixtures were prepared in 0.9% sodium chloride injection in polyvinyl chloride bags--(1) cisplatin 200 micrograms/mL and fluorouracil 1,000 micrograms/mL and (2) cisplatin 500 micrograms/mL and fluorouracil 10,000 micrograms/mL. Half of the admixtures were protected from light. All admixtures were stored at room temperature (24-26 degrees C), and those admixtures not protected from light were stored under room fluorescent light. After visual inspection, the pH of each admixture was determined, and an aliquot was assayed for drug concentration using a stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatographic assay. Over a four-hour period, no visual changes were observed and the pH changes observed were negligible. In admixtures containing the lower concentrations of cisplatin and fluorouracil, it took approximately 1.5 hours for the concentration of cisplatin to reach 90% of the initial concentration. By four hours (lower concentration range) and three hours (higher concentration range) after the admixtures were prepared, less than 75% of the initial cisplatin concentration remained. There was less than a 5% decrease measured in the fluorouracil concentrations over the observation time. Admixtures of cisplatin and fluorouracil in 0.9% sodium chloride injection at the concentrations evaluated in this study must be used within one hour of preparation, whether or not they are protected from light. Intravenous administration of fluorouracil and cisplatin by continuous infusion will require alternative approaches to mixing the two drugs in the same container.
Should There Be Sex-Specific Criteria for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Heart Failure?

All-cause mortality from cardiovascular disease is declining in the USA. However, there remains a significant difference in risk factors for disease and in mortality between men and women. For example, prevalence and outcomes for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction differ between men and women. The reasons for these differences are multifactorial, but reflect, in part, an incomplete understanding of sex differences in the etiology of cardiovascular diseases and a failure to account for sex differences in pre-clinical studies including those designed to develop new diagnostic and treatment modalities. This review focuses on the underlying physiology of these sex differences and provides evidence that inclusion of female animals in pre-clinical studies of heart failure and in development of imaging modalities to assess cardiac function might provide new information from which one could develop sex-specific diagnostic criteria and approaches to treatment.
Regulation of a Phage Endolysin by Disulfide Caging

In contrast to canonical phage endolysins, which require holin-mediated disruption of the membrane to gain access to attack the cell wall, signal anchor release (SAR) endolysins are secreted by the host sec system, where they accumulate in an inactive form tethered to the membrane by their N-terminal SAR domains. SAR endolysins become activated by various mechanisms upon release from the membrane. In its inactive form, the prototype SAR endolysin, Lyz(P1), of coliphage P1, has an active-site Cys covalently blocked by a disulfide bond; activation involves a disulfide bond isomerization driven by a thiol in the newly released SAR domain, unblocking the active-site Cys. Here, we report that Lyz(103), the endolysin of Erwinia phage ERA103, is also a SAR endolysin. Although Lyz(103) does not have a catalytic Cys, genetic evidence suggests that it also is activated by a thiol-disulfide isomerization triggered by a thiol in the SAR domain. In this case, the inhibitory disulfide in nascent Lyz(103) is formed between cysteine residues flanking a catalytic glutamate, caging the active site. Thus, Lyz(P1) and Lyz(103) define subclasses of SAR endolysins that differ in the nature of their inhibitory disulfide, and Lyz(103) is the first enzyme found to be regulated by disulfide bond caging of its active site.
Atypical features of medulloblastoma on magnetic resonance imaging: case report and review of the literature.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the radiologic modality of choice used to evaluate suspected lesions in the posterior fossa, given its greater sensitivity compared with other neuroimaging techniques. The case of a 9-year-old girl with progressive ataxia is presented. MRI of the brain demonstrated nonspecific T 2 -weighted abnormalities involving the cerebellar vermis with minimal mass effect suggested by asymmetric enlargement of the left superior cerebellar peduncle. Postgadolinium studies showed only minimal enhancement of the left superior cerebellar peduncle. After an MRI of the spine demonstrated drop metastases, a cerebellar biopsy was performed, which revealed an infiltrating medulloblastoma confined to the granular layer and leptomeninges. Hence, MRI is an important ancillary tool in the diagnosis of medulloblastoma, but caution needs to be taken when interpreting imaging studies. (J Child Neurol 2003; 18: 64—67).
In situ Macrophage Proliferation Changes Wound Healing Process

METHODS: Forty rabbits were used. One ear was rendered ischemic, and 4 wounds were created on each ear. Two were treated with ATP-vesicles and the other 2 were treated with Regranex or normal saline. Among the rabbits, 24 were used for healing comparison (15 saline, and 9 Regranex), and the others were sacrificed at different days for histologic and immunohistologic studies. RESULTS: ATP-vesicle treated wounds healed significantly faster (p<0.01) than the control wounds. Strikingly, granulation tissue started to appear within 24 hours postoperatively in ATP-vesicles-treated wounds while no such growth in wounds treated by Regranex or saline. ATP-vesicle treated wound tissue immunohistochemical analysis of CD61, CD34, Anti-MAC387, PCNA, Anti-Brdu, CD68, CD163, and IL-13R revealed massive macrophage accumulation in the wound wall and cavity with active proliferation along with enhanced collagen synthesis. The activation of IL-13R by ATP-vesicles shows direct collagen production by macrophages via an alternative pathway. Primary human monocyte/ macrophage culture confirmed their direct collagen production in the presence of ATP-vesicles. Collagen secretion was increased significantly (p<0.05) with dose and time of ATP- vesicle treatment.
Der neue 130kW-VR6-Motor von Volkswagen in der USA-Version des Golf/Jetta

Mit dem Einsatz der neuen Golf-Generation in den USA kommt ein fur amerikanische Anforderungen modifizierter VR6-Ottomotor zum Einsatz. Der neue Motor unterscheidet sich vom Vorganger unter anderem durch ein Kunststoff-Schaltsaugrohr, eine Verfahrensoptimierung, die bereits am VR5-Motor angewendet wird, eine E-Gas-Motorsteuerung Bosch ME7.1 sowie zusatzliche Masnahmen zur Abgasreinigung.
Image fusion based on region and directional variance weighted entropy

A fusion algorithm for infrared and visible images based on nonsubsampled Contourlet transform(NSCT) is proposed.Firstly,the infrared image is segmented to target region and background region,which is also mapped to the visible image.Secondly,the NSCT is performed on the infrared and visible image at different scales and different directions.In the target region,the low-frequency coefficients of the fusion image are selected with those of infrared image,and in the background region the low-frequency coefficients of the fusion image are selected with those of visible image.The high-frequency coefficients are fused with a rule of the maximum directional variance weighted entropy.Finally,the fused coefficients are reconstructed to obtain the fused image.The experimental results show that the proposed image fusion algorithm gets more image detail in the information,the amount of information increases significantly,and the target detection in the fused image becomes simpler.
Development of Polymerase Chain Reaction for Barley Genome Analysis

The use of well-characterised, mapped DNA sequences was explored to prime polymerase chain reaction sequence amplification. Many of the markers that are been developed for use in genetic research are informative enough to be potentially useful in an industrial setting. Estimates of setup costs were also provided to utilise this technology and the throughput that could be expected of a laboratory facility managed by one worker
Higher torsion in p-groups, Casimir operators and the classifying spectral sequence of a Lie algebra

We study exceptional torsion in the integral cohomology of a family of p-groups associated to p-adic Lie algebras. A spectral sequence E r [g] is defined for any Lie algebra g which models the Bockstein spectral sequence of the corresponding group in characteristic p. This spectral sequence is then studied for complex semisimple Lie algebras like sln(C), and the results there are transferred to the corresponding p-group via the intermediary arithmetic Lie algebra defined over Z. Over C, it is shown that E 1 [g] = H (g, U(g)) = H(ΛBG) where U(g) is the dual of the universal enveloping algebra of g and ΛBG is the free loop space of the classifying space of a Lie group G associated to g. In characteristic p, a phase transition is observed. For example, it is shown that the algebra E 1 [sl2[Fp]] requires at least 17 generators unlike its characteristic zero counterpart which only requires two.
Predictors of mortality in acute mesenteric vascular ischemia with bowel gangrene

Background: Acute mesenteric vascular event can be thrombotic, embolic, vasospatic, or venous thrombosis. These patients present with nonspecific signs disproportionate to symptoms making early diagnosis difficult. Mortality remains high (30-100%). This prompted us to undertake this study to find predictors of mortality in these patients. Methods: This was prospective non-study carried out at our tertiary referral hospital over defined period of 22 months during which all patients operated for acute mesenteric ischemic bowel gangrene were included. Variable data regarding demographics, clinical and biochemical parameters, operative findings and their association with mortality was recorded in predesigned case sheets. Chi-square test was applied to determine significance. Results: Advanced age, presence of co-morbid conditions, delayed (>24 hours) presentation, hypotension, tachypnea, hypoxia, more than two system failures, more than three feet length of resected gangrenous bowel, < 100 cms of remnant viable bowel, need for second look surgery, complications of surgery and more than one mesenteric arterial involvement are negative predictors of mortality. Whereas laboratory parameters like haemoglobin, leucocyte count, serum creatinine and metabolic acidosis have no statistically significant correlation to mortality. Similarly presence of perforation of gangrenous intestine, ileocaecal resection, amount of contamination have no effect on morality rate. Conclusions: One of the reasons for persistant high mortality of this disease is it’s occurance in higher age group and frequent association with comorbidities. Difficulties in diagnosis leads to delayed treatments; adding to mortality burden. Mesenteric angiography is underutilised diagnostic tool. Endovascular revascularisation procedures are not widely available and many patients are unsuitable due to clinical condition and risk of reperfusion injury. In presence of peritoneal signs and suspicion of disease urgent exploratory laparotomy is the gold standard.
Improvements in hepatitis B virus screening before rituximab therapy: A community-based, safety-net hospital experience.

BACKGROUND Individuals with chronic hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) or previously resolved HBV are at increased risk of HBV exacerbation or reactivation when they receive treatment with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (against B-lymphocyte antigen cluster of differentiation 20 [CD20], an activated-glycosylated phosphoprotein) like rituximab (RTX). The objective of the current study was to evaluate the rates of appropriate HBV screening before patients started receiving RTX, at the initiation of HBV treatment, and during HBV flares among an underserved safety-net population. METHODS In total, 244 consecutive adults who received treatment with RTX from 2006 to 2015 at an urban safety-net hospital were evaluated to determine appropriate HBV screening (HBV surface antigen [HBsAg] and HBV total core antibody [HBcAb]) before starting RTX. The initiation of prophylactic antiviral therapy and the development of HBV flares after starting RTX were evaluated. Predictors of appropriate HBV screening were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS Most patients were women (52.7%; n = 128) and of Hispanic ethnicity (30.7%; n = 74). Before starting RTX, 60.5% (n = 147) of patients received appropriate HBV screening. The HBV screening rates before RTX improved from 14.7% (2006-2009) to 74.7% (2010-2012), and to 87.1% (2013-2015; P < .01. Two of 7 (28.6%) HBsAg-positive patients who did not receive antiviral therapy experienced HBV flares and 1 died, and 2 of 27 patients (7.4%) HBcAb-positive/HBsAg-negative patients who did not receive antiviral therapy experienced HBV reactivation. No patient-specific or disease-specific predictors of receiving HBV screening before RTX therapy were identified. CONCLUSIONS Among adults receiving RTX therapy in a single community-based hospital system, HBV screening rates were suboptimal, and 28.6% of HBsAg-positive patients and 7.4% of HBsAg-negative/HBcAb-positive patients who did not receive antiviral treatment experienced HBV reactivation or flare. Cancer 2016. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Severe anaphylaxis requiring intensive care during oral food challenge-It is not always peanuts.

The gold standard in the diagnostics of food allergy is oral food challenges (OFCs) - best performed in a double-blind, placebo-controlled manner (DBPCFC) [1]. Great efforts have been made to standardize oral food challenges [2]. As recommended, in our clinic oral food challenges are performed with semi-log dose increments every 30 minutes [3]. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
The Collaborative Process in Educators’ Self-Study of Practice

Our intention of connecting professional development with self-study of practice reflects the idea that educators benefit from various forms of knowledge, including formal and practical, which relate to the what and how of teaching (LaBoskey, 2004). Since self-study of practice is intended to improve upon one’s immediate practice (LaBoskey) and to align theory to practice (Loughran, 2007), the use of self-study seemed like an effective way to connect the educators’ professional development work with their change in practice.
Fundamentals of LC-MS/MS for Regulated Bioanalysis

The development of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry technologies in the 1970s and 1980s had fundamentally changed the development of new drugs and the pharmacokinetic data quality generated during bioanalysis. A brief review of these historical developments of the interfacing of liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry transitions into the best use practices for those new to the field of bioanalysis. The chapter highlights the benefits of implementing ultra high-pressure liquid chromatography to provide improved sensitivity, selectivity, and analysis speed combined with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry . The use of appropriate solvents and solvent modifiers combined with the stationary phase appropriate for the analyte’s structure is discussed and provided in an easy to read and understand manner. The introduction of the eluate to the mass spectrometer ion source is described for the two most commonly used atmospheric pressure ionization techniques in use today. The process of electrospray ionization and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization are used to create charged molecules which are directed into the vacuum region of the mass spectrometer. A step-by-step guide is provided on the optimization of the mass spectrometer settings which provides selective and sensitive selected reaction monitoring signals that can be used to quantify compounds. Best practices are discussed for system maintenance, calibration, and tuning and appropriate documentation needed to support regulatory requirements.
Remarks on Gaussian Sums and Tauberian Theorems

Kronecker's derivation of the reciprocity formula for certain Gaussian sums from the modular relation 1/2 + Σ e -πn 2 /x = x 1/2 {1/2+Σ e -πn 2 x} (I) is fundamentally an Abelian-Tauberian argument (see the (not very rigorous) discussion in [I , p. 1781]), and we will reproduce his argument in a general set-up, although we have no specific instances to offer other than those well known.
Plasmonic cell nanocoating: a new concept for rapid microbial screening

Nanocoating of single microbial cells with gold nanostructures can confer optical, electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties to microorganisms, thus enabling new avenues for their control, study, application, and detection. Cell nanocoating is often performed using layer-by-layer (LbL) deposition. LbL is time-consuming and relies on nonspecific electrostatic interactions, which limit potential applications for microbial diagnostics. Here, we show that, by taking advantage of surface molecules densely present in the microbial outer layers, cell nanocoating with gold nanoparticles can be achieved within seconds using surface molecules, including disulfide- bond-containing (Dsbc) proteins and chitin. A simple activation of these markers and their subsequent interaction with gold nanoparticles allow specific microbial screening and quantification of bacteria and fungi within 5 and 30 min, respectively. The use of plasmonics and fluorescence as transduction methods offers a limit of detection below 35 cfu mL–1 for E. coli bacteria and 1500 cfu mL–1 for M. circinelloides fungi using a hand-held fluorescent reader.
Manuals for Practitioners

The application of randomized clinical trial (RCT) research to psychotherapy, involving head-to-head comparisons of treatments for specified conditions, led to a proliferation of published and empirically supported treatment manuals. The large-scale NIMH Treatment of Depression Collaborative Treatment Program (TCRCP; Elkin et al., 1989) introduced the methodological innovation of treatment manuals as a way to make treatment comparisons (Beutler, Clarkin, & Bongar, 2000; Beutler et al., 2004; Lambert & Ogles, 2004). Manualized treatments are tools that investigators may utilize to aid in the identification of the signal or active ingredients within treatments and separate these specific treatment elements from the general therapeutic qualities of the therapists delivering the treatment. Unfortunately, the relatively small cadre of therapists used in the TCRCP did not allow investigators to confidently disentangle therapist effects from treatment effects.