cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transient c-fos gene expression in cerebellar development and functional stimulation

This study examined the temporal appearance of c-fos expression in rat cerebella from birth to postnatal day 21 (P21) and following systemic kainic acid administration in adults. During development, Fos positive granule cells appeared first at P3 in caudal lobules and extended to all folia by P9. These reactive cells occurred in clusters throughout the granular layer and reached their highest reactivity by P15. In addition, Fos positive basket and stellate cells were seen in the molecular layer at this time. A steep decline in Fos protein labeling of the cerebellum began by P18 and was barely detectable in adulthood. In adult rats, systemic injection of kainic acid induced c-fos expression in granule cells and stellate/basket interneurons within 1 h of treatment. Fos reactive granule cells appeared in clusters with some forming distinct parasagittal bands in caudal folia. One day after unilateral cerebellar lesioning, a limited number of reactive cells were found on the lesion margins. A combination of lesioning and systemic kainic acid produced a strong, c-fos expression throughout the ipsilateral granular layer as well as in Purkinje cell nuclei. Contralateral to the lesion, the pattern of granule cell reactivity appeared the same but slightly stronger than those with kainate alone. We conclude that c-fos gene expression occurs transiently in granule cells during postnatal development and can be rapidly re-induced in the adult following systemic injection of glutamate agonists. The c-fos expression patterns suggest that subpopulations of granule cells are clustered and related to the parasagittal compartments of Purkinje cells.
Development of c-Kit-positive cells and the onset of electrical rhythmicity in murine small intestine

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Little is known about the development of interstitial cells (ICs), yet these cells are important in electrical rhythmicity and neurotransmission in the gastrointestinal tract. This study characterized the development of ICs and the onset of electrical rhythmicity in the murine intestine. METHODS: Antibodies against c-Kit (e.g., the receptor for stem cell factor) were used to label ICs of the small intestines of embryos and neonatal mice. Labels for enteric neuroblasts and smooth muscle cells were used to study neighboring cells. Development was examined also with electron microscopy and electrophysiological techniques. RESULTS: c-Kit-like immunoreactivity (c-Kit-LI) was detected in gastrointestinal tissues at embryonic day 12.5. Labeled cells were distributed along the outer perimeter of the intestine and had morphological features of neither smooth muscle cells nor ICs. Cells with c-Kit-LI were nonneural and seemed to be common precursors for longitudinal muscle cells and ICs of the myenteric plexus region (IC-MY). Longitudinal muscle cells lost c-Kit by E18, whereas IC-MY continued c-Kit expression into adulthood. Electrical rhythmicity developed after IC-MY, and longitudinal muscle cells became separate entities. ICs in the deep muscular plexus region developed after birth. CONCLUSIONS: ICs have a nonneural origin. Common precursors yield IC-MY and longitudinal muscle cells. Development of IC- MY correlates with the initiation of electrical rhythmicity. (Gastroenterology 1997 Jan;112(1):144-55)
Sequential events in the induction of transformation in cell culture by specific nickel compounds.

Crystalline metal sulfides (i.e., Ni3S2, NiS, CoS, CuS) are potent inducers of transformation in Syrian Hamster Embryo cells while the respective amorphous compounds exhibit low transforming activity. Both crystalline and amorphous compounds are relatively water insoluble and when these particulate compounds (2–4 µm) are added to various types of cultured fibroblasts, they exhibit striking differences in their phagocytosis. These differences in uptake were directly related to their surface charge, since crystalline NiS had a negative surface charge (-27 mV, zeta potential) while amorphous NiS had a positively charged surface (+9 mV, zeta potential). Chemical reduction of amorphous NiS with LiA1H4 resulting in acquisition of a negative surface charge, enhanced phagocytosis and caused an incidence of transformation equalling that of crystalline NiS. Following phagocytosis of crystalline NiS, video time lapse microscopy and studies using63NiS show that the particles undergo cytoplasmic dissolution that appears to be mediated by lysosomal interaction. Later, the phagocytized NiS particles aggregate in the perinuclear region, their movement by saltation decreases and in some instances vacuoles form around the particles. Particle dissolution products then enter the nucleus and induce strand breaks in the DNA as determined by alkaline sucrose gradient and alkaline elution techniques. Cesium chloride gradient analysis also indicates that phagocytized NiS particles induce repair of DNA. Damage to DNA appears to be a very selective and sensitive action of all metal compounds with potential carcinogenic activity.
Expression of neurotrophins and their receptors in the mammalian ovary is developmentally regulated: changes at the time of folliculogenesis

An emerging body of evidence suggests that neurotrophins not only promote neuronal survival and differentiation, but can also target nonneuronal cells for their actions. Neurotrophins initiate their biological effects by binding to cell membrane tyrosine kinase receptors of the trk protooncogene family. In addition, all neurotrophins recognize with similar affinity a different receptor molecule known as p75 nerve growth factor receptor (p75 NGFR) or low affinity NGFR, which appears to interact with the trk receptors to potentiate their response to neurotrophins. The mature mammalian ovary has been shown to synthesize several neurotrophins, including nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin 3 (NT-3), and neurotrophin 4/5 (NT-4/5). The ovary also expresses some of the neurotrophin receptors, including p75 NGFR, trkB [the receptor for NT-4/5 and brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF)], and trkA (the NGF receptor). The present experiments were undertaken to determine whether neurotrophins and their receptors are expressed at the time of definitive ovarian histogenesis, and whether any of them exhibit a developmental pattern of expression related to the completion of folliculogenesis. Immunohistochemical identification of p75 NGFR in rat embryonic ovaries revealed that the receptor is predominantly expressed in mesenchymal cells. By gestational day 18, these cells have formed pockets that enclose presumptive pregranulosa cells and groups of oocytes into ovigerous cords. Immediately after birth, the ovigerous cords are subdivided, resulting in the abrupt formation of primordial follicles between 24-48 h after birth. Consistent with these observations, the p75 NGFR messenger RNA (mRNA) content increased after birth and remained elevated at the time of follicular assembly. The NGF and trkA genes showed a different pattern of expression, as the ovarian content of both NGF and trkA mRNA decreased at the time of folliculogenesis. In contrast to the drop in NGF and trkA mRNA expression, NT-4 mRNA levels increased at the time of follicular assembly, coinciding with the abrupt appearance of trkB mRNA. In situ hybridization showed that the increase in NT-4 mRNA expression occurred in a subpopulation of oocytes between 24-48 h after birth, and that the trkB gene became predominantly expressed at this time in epithelial pregranulosa cells. Substantial, but unchanging, levels of NT-3 mRNA and the mRNA encoding trkC, the preferred NT-3 receptor, were detected throughout the perinatal period examined. Very low and invariable levels of BDNF were also detected.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Correlation between trainee candidate selection criteria and subsequent performance

Background The objective of trainee recruitment is to identify candidates likely to perform well as trainees and subsequent faculty. The effectiveness of this process has not been established. The goal of this study was to identify trainee selection criteria predictive of excellent performance. Study Design Twenty-nine microsurgery fellows were enrolled from 2008 to 2012. Each candidate was interviewed and rated based on presentation, plastic surgery (PS) training experience, academic potential, personality, social skills, communication skills, and ability to be a team player. An unadjusted rank list was generated based on weighted averages, and an adjusted rank list was then generated at a faculty meeting. At the conclusion of fellowship, each fellow was rated based on the ACGME core competencies. Spearman correlation coefficients (r) were used to measure the correlations between fellow selection criteria and fellow performance. Results Plastic surgery training and academic potential had, by far, the strongest correlation to overall performance (r: 0.678, p Conclusions Plastic surgery training experience and academic potential were better predictors of performance than any subjective information ascertained during the interview. Adjustments to the rank list based on faculty discussion resulted in lower performance candidates moving up in ranking. Ranking criteria and interview techniques must be refined to improve predictive power. It may be beneficial for semi-objective criteria to carry more weight than subjective criteria and raw scores to remain unadjusted by extraneous information.
Theories of Fertility Decline: A Reappraisal

Demographic transition theory and its implicit assumptions are reexamined and questions are raised concerning its pertinence for fertility decline in the West. It is hypothesized that subsets of objective development change considerably smaller than those that characterized the West can provide motivations for lower fertility at this time; and that under modern conditions ideas and aspirations for a different way of life transcending what is actually available are also important in motivating lower fertility. Once motivation is present the concept and means of family limitations have an additional independent effect. Country examples are presented for the countries of Sri Lanka Kerala and the Peoples Republic of China in order to illustrate the idea that there are multiple pathways to fertility decline and that fertility decline is taking place in situations not envisaged in the classical demographic transition theory. In terms of what is necessary to change both the demand for children and the adoption of the concept and means for family limitation social systems that involve the masses of the population are essential in order to provide the actual minimum changes in life conditions to change aspirations and perceptions that the future can be different and to distribute the means of fertility limitation in acceptable ways.
Mechanism of action and fate of the fungicide chlorothalonil (2,4,5,6-tetrachloroisophthalonitrile) in biological systems 3. Interaction with mammalian DNA, histones, and isolated rat liver nuclei

Abstract The reactions of chlorothalonil with calf thymus histones, DNA, and isolated rat liver nuclei were studied utilizing labeled fungicide, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and nucleohistone thermal denaturation. The reaction was dependent on pH, type of histones, and the histone and fungicide concentrations. In addition, two types of fungicide-histone binding patterns were observed. These patterns were characterized by the amount of label bound to protein after dialysis or after dialysis and acid precipitation. There was little binding of chlorothalonil to DNA. Polyacrylamide gel patterns of treated lysine-rich calf thymus histones were characterized by a loss of up to 80% of the stained protein without a change in the migration of the bands. Gel patterns of treated calf thymus whole histones were characterized by small variations in band density and minor loss of stained protein. The results of thermal denaturation experiments using chlorothalonil-treated lysine-rich histones and nontreated calf thymus DNA were not different from those using nontreated histones. Almost all of the radioactivity from [ 14 C]chlorothalonil was bound by isolated rat liver nuclei. The binding patterns observed with rat liver nuclei were very similar to those using purified histones. Fractionation of proteins from treated nuclei revealed that the label was unequally distributed between the nuclear sap protein, ribonucleoprotein, and deoxyribonucleoprotein.
Believe it or not: Credibility of blogs in tourism

This study examines the use of blogs as a means of tourism marketing communication. Using a scenario-based approach, an online experiment was conducted to test whether consumers perceive corporate and personal blogs to be credible sources of information and to compare the perceived credibility of blogs to that of traditional word-of-mouth. The findings suggest that while consumers do not generally equate the overall credibility of blogs with that of traditional word-of-mouth, some consumers do appear to attribute similar levels of authoritativeness, a dimension of credibility, to them.
Photoelectron Diffraction Imaging for C 2 H 2 and C 2 H 4 Chemisorbed on Si(100) Reveals a New Bonding Configuration

A new adsorption site for adsorbed acetylene on Si(100) is observed by photoelectron imaging based on the holographic principle. The diffraction effects in the carbon $1s$ angle-resolved photoemission are inverted (including the small-cone method) to obtain an image of the atom's neighboring carbon. The chemisorbed acetylene molecule is bonded to four silicon surface atoms. In contrast to the ${\mathrm{C}}_{2}{\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ case, the image for adsorbed ${\mathrm{C}}_{2}{\mathrm{H}}_{4}$ shows it bonded to two Si surface atoms.
Progressive disease in patients with cancer presenting to an emergency room with acute symptoms predicts short-term mortality

Patients with symptomatic, advanced cancer continue to be referred late or not at all for hospice or palliative care. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to determine whether evidence of cancer progression is an independent predictor of short-term mortality in acutely symptomatic cancer patients. We reviewed the records of 396 patients who visited the emergency center at a comprehensive cancer center in January 2000. Records were reviewed for clinical characteristics, including symptoms, type and extent of cancer, and whether the patient’s cancer was stable or progressing (uncontrolled) at the time of the emergency center visit. Cox regression analysis was used to assess survival at 90 and 180 days, after controlling for patient characteristics. Patients who died within 14, 90, or 180 days were more likely to have disease progression than those who did not. Dyspnea on emergency center presentation and disease progression were independent predictors of death within 90 or 180 days, after controlling for patient age, symptoms, signs, and the presence of metastases. The odds ratios for death within 90 and 180 days were 3.97 and 4.34, respectively (95% confidence intervals: 1.44, 10.94 and 1.87, 10.09). Cancer disease progression is a clinical measure of increased risk of short-term mortality in acutely symptomatic cancer patients. Future studies should examine whether the use of this characteristic enhances identification of patients who could benefit from timely referral to hospice or palliative care. Symptomatic cancer patients presenting to a cancer center emergency room were more likely to die within 14, 90, or 180 days if they had evidence of recent progression of their cancer. Among patients with disease progression, 47% died within 90 days and 61% within 180 days.
Growth, survival, proliferation and pathogenesis of Listeria monocytogenes under low oxygen or anaerobic conditions: a review

Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram positive facultative anaerobe that causes listeriosis, a disease that mainly affects the immune-compromised, the elderly, infants and pregnant women. In the susceptible immune challenged population, listeriosis is very severe and has a fatality rate of up to 30%. Control of L. monocytogenes is difficult due to its: 1) widespread presence in the environment, 2) intrinsic physiological resistance, 3) ability to adapt to external stresses and 4) ability to grow at a wide range of temperatures. L. monocytogenes encounters anaerobic conditions in the external environment as well as during pathogenesis. Although L. monocytogenes is a facultative anaerobe, the differential effects of O(2) and oxidation-reduction potential on the multiplication of L. monocytogenes have not been established. In addition, most laboratory studies to determine the growth, survival and persistence of this pathogen in foods as well as in the environment have emphasized the response of this pathogen under aerobic conditions. Consequently, this has led to a limited understanding of the metabolic and physiological responses of L. monocytogenes in low oxygen environments. Therefore, the objective of our review was to highlight the progress that has been made in L. monocytogenes research with emphasis on the role of low oxygen and/or anaerobiosis in the growth, survival and proliferation of this pathogen in the environment as well as during pathogenesis.
A review of chlorinated biphenyl contamination in natural waters

Abstract A review of the present state of knowledge concerning environmental contamination by organochlorine compounds indicates that the chlorinated biphenyls may be one of the more widespread contaminants. The significance of this contamination has not yet been evaluated due, in part, to the lack of systematic analytical procedures for the quantitative and qualitative determinations of the components of chlorinated biphenyl mixtures. The possibility of the chlorinated biphenyls producing serious errors in chlorinated pesticide analyses is emphasized.
Leiomyosarcoma of the anterior maxillary alveolar ridge

A case of leiomyosarcoma of the anterior maxillary alveolar ridge, including ultrastructural examination findings, in a 39-year-old woman is reported. The patient was clinically free of tumor 34 months later. The twenty-three previously reported cases of oral leiomyosarcoma are reviewed briefly.
Thermodynamics of formation of intermediate phases in the yttrium-iron and yttrium-cobalt systems

Solid electrolyte electromotive force cells have been used to de­ termine the Gibhs free energies, enthalpies and entropies of phase for­ mation for YgFe^,, YgFegg, YFe^, and YFeg over the temperature range 893 K to 1271 K. Solid CaFj was employed as the electrolyte. The enthal­ pies of formation of the V-Fe phases lie between -6 to -9 kJ/gm-atom. Comparison of the experimental values for the Sibbs energies of forma­ tion of the V-Fe phases at 973 K with those of the Th-Fe, Th-Co» Th-Mi, La-Co and La-Ni systems show an empirical correlation with the total number of bonding electrons in these alloy systems.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place—The Socioeconomic Status of Former TANF Recipients in West Virginia

West Virginia is a rural Appalachian state with a long history of economic disadvantage and poverty. Consequently, state leaders chose to endorse aggressive case closure policies in response to the new demands placed on them by the Personal Responsibility and Work Reconciliation Act of 1996. Clearing the rolls was way to contain state costs has serious short-term and long-term financial implications for low income adults and their children in the state. Using data from a 1999 state-wide survey of former West Virginia WORKS recipients, this research examines the socioeconomic well-being of needy parents approximately one year after leaving the system. It is clear from these analyses that former welfare recipients are not all equally likely to improve their financial status and move toward self-sufficiency.
Effect of topical 16, 16-dimethyl prostaglandin E2 on intragastric pH in acutely III patients

Abstract Recent information identifies characteristics of various prostaglandin analogs which make them potentially effective in preventing stress ulcer formation in ill patients. This study evaluates the effect of one such analog on intragastric pH in severely ill patients in an intensive care environment comparing topical 16, 16-dimethyl prostaglandin E 2 (16, 16-dmPGE 2 ) to antacids and cimetidine. Nasogastric suction was used as the control therapy and was associated with intragastric pH values of approximately 2.0. 16, 16-dmPGE 2 (1 μg/kg every 2 hr), antacids (60 ml every 2 hr), and cimetidine (300 mg iv every 6 hr) produced pH values of approximately 4.0. 16, 16-dmPGE 2 increased intragastric pH to approximately 7.0. Seventy-two hours of 16, 16-dmPGE 2 administration (1 μg/kg every 2 hr) demonstrated no development of drug tolerance. The prostaglandin analog was capable of maintaining a high intragastric pH in ill patients, comparable to that produced by the effective prophylactic agents antacids and cimetidine.
Cloning, Sequencing, and Mapping of the Human Chromosome 14 Heat Shock Protein Gene (HSPA2)

A genomic clone for the human heat shock protein (HSP) 70 gene located on chromosome 14 was isolated and sequenced. The gene, designated HSPA2, has a single open reading frame of 1917 bp that encodes a 639-amino acid protein with a predicted molecular weight of 70,030 Da. Analysis of the sequence indicates that HSPA2 is the human homologue of the murine Hsp70-2 gene with 91.7% identity in the nucleotide coding sequence and 98.2% in the corresponding amino acid sequence. HSPA2 has less amino acid homology to other members of the human HSP70 gene family, 83.3% to the heat-inducible HSP70-1 gene and 86.1% with the human heat shock cognate gene HSC70. HSPA2 is constitutively expressed in most tissues, with very high levels in testis and skeletal muscle. Significant but lower levels are also expressed in ovary, small intestine, colon, brain, placenta, and kidney. A yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) clone containing HSPA2 (YAC741H4) that also contained the polymorphic marker D14S63 was identified. This 670-kb YAC was mapped to 14q24.1 by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Subsequent two-color FISH and genetic mapping placed HSPA2/D14S63 proximal to the markers D14S57 and D14S77.
Visual evoked potentials following abrupt contrast changes

The timing of visual evoked potential (VEP) amplitude and phase changes following abrupt increases or decreases in contrast was examined. Gratings (1 c/deg) were presented at a low contrast for 8 sec, increased to a higher contrast for 8 sec, and then decreased to the initial lower contrast for another 8 sec. Second harmonic VEP amplitude and phase were recorded continuously and averaged in 1 sec epochs. Both amplitude and phase exhibited delays in reaching a stable level following the contrast change. For amplitude, the length of the delay was dependent on the magnitude and direction of the contrast step and on the spatial frequency of the stimulus. Time constants for the change in amplitude following step increases in contrast ranged from 0.2 sec for a 12% contrast step to 1.34 sec for a 37% contrast step. The timing of phase changes, however, was independent of the size of the contrast increases (tau = 0.7 sec). For step decreases in contrast, both amplitude and phase were relatively independent of the size of the change (tau = approx. 0.9 sec for amplitude and tau = 0.15 sec for phase). Amplitude time constants also increased with increasing spatial frequency (tau = 1.2 sec for 1 c/deg, tau = 1.6 sec for 4 c/deg and tau = 2.3 sec for 8 c/deg); phase time constants, however, did not change as a function of spatial frequency (tau = 0.7 for all spatial frequencies). These findings demonstrate that a unitary process may not always be tapped by signal averaging techniques. Additionally, swept stimulus VEP techniques may produce considerable errors in threshold estimation depending on the stimulus spatial frequency and on the slope and direction of the contrast change.
Development of recommendations for dosing of commonly prescribed medications in critically ill obese children.

Purpose The development and use of a decision support tool to help formulate recommendations for dosing of commonly prescribed medications in critically ill obese children are described. Methods Medications prescribed in 2010 to critically ill infants and children (younger than 18 years) were identified from the Pediatric Health Information System. The most commonly prescribed and therapeutically monitored medications were extracted. Supportive evidence for obesity dosing was identified through a standardized computerized search involving medical subject heading terminology and age filters using PubMed and Ovid. A usefulness scoring system was developed to rate the strength and applicability of the literature to critically ill obese children. A decision supporttool was then created to aid in the formulation of a dosing weight for each medication based on the usefulness score, published pharmacokinetic properties, clinical studies available in the primary literature, and consideration of clinical consequences of underdosing or overdosing. Results A total of 113 medications were evaluated, and 122 discrete citations, supporting 66 medications, were reviewed. Seventy-two percent of citations had general obesity dosing information, and 13% had pediatric-specific information. The overall mean usefulness score was 5.1 ± 4.7 (median, 7). The decision support tool was incorporated to make final dosing weight recommendations for obese children. Ultimately, total body weight was recommended for 52 medications, adjusted weight for 43 medications, and ideal body weight for 18 medications. Conclusion The inadequacy of obesity dosing information for most medications commonly ordered for children admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit led to the development of a decision support tool to aid in formulating dosing recommendations.
Design of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composite Piles Under Vertical and Lateral Loads

Conventional pile materials, such as steel, concrete, and wood, can encounter serious corrosion problems in industrial and marine environments. Deterioration of steel, concrete, and wood piling systems has cost the military and civilian marine and waterfront civil engineering communities billions of dollars to repair and replace. Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have desirable properties for extreme environments because they are noncorrosive, nonconductive, and lightweight. Different types of FRP composite piles are currently under research investigation, and some have been introduced to the marketplace. FRP composites have been used as internal reinforcement in concrete piles; as external shells for steel, concrete, and timber piles; and as structural piles such as FRP pipe piles, reinforced plastic piles, and plastic fender piles. The different ways of constituting FRP composite piles result in different behavioral effects. Because FRP structural piles have anisotropic properties, low section stiffness, and high ratios of elastic to shear modulus, they have different behavior in load-displacement relations under vertical and lateral loads. Current design methods for conventional piles were examined to determine the validity for FRP composite piles, and some new design methods specific to FRP structural piles were developed from research work conducted by the authors.
Boundary element methods: an overview

Variational methods for boundary integral equations deal with the weak formulations of boundary integral equations. Their numerical discretizations are known as the boundary element methods. This paper gives an overview of the method from both theoretical and numerical point of view. It summarizes the main results obtained by the author and his collaborators over the last 30 years. Fundamental theory and various applications will be illustrated through simple examples. Some numerical experiments in elasticity as well as in fluid mechanics will be included to demonstrate the efficiency of the methods.
Calcium requirements and metabolism in Chinese-American boys and girls.

Calcium requirements of North American adolescents were set at 1300 mg/day based on data from white girls. Calcium requirements for Asian-American adolescents have not been studied. Using metabolic balance protocols and a range in calcium intakes, skeletal calcium retention was determined in Chinese-American adolescents. A sample of 29 adolescents, 15 boys aged 12 to 15 years and 14 girls aged 11 to 15 years, was studied twice on paired calcium intakes ranging between 629 to 1835 mg/day using a randomized-order crossover design. Calcium absorption and bone turnover rates using double-stable calcium isotope kinetic analysis on two calcium intakes per subject were measured and compared in boys and girls. Girls and boys had low habitual mean calcium intakes of 648 and 666 mg/day, respectively, and low mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations of 19.1 and 22.2 ng/mL, respectively. True fractional calcium absorption varied inversely with calcium load. Boys had significantly higher bone turnover rate than girls at the same calcium intake. Calcium retention increased with calcium intake; calcium intakes to achieve maximal calcium retention were 1100 mg/day in boys and 970 mg/day in girls. Recommendations for calcium requirements should be lowered for Chinese-American adolescents. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Assessing Civic Knowledge and Engagement.

Civic engagement of college students is readily endorsed as an aspiration in higher education; however, defining and assessing civic learning outcomes is challenging. This chapter brings clarity to the knowledge, skills, and dispositions of civic-minded graduates and offers advice on program development and assessment strategies to reach civic outcomes.
Influence of Kidney Function on Risk of Supratherapeutic International Normalized Ratio–Related Hemorrhage in Warfarin Users: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background Anticoagulation management is difficult in chronic kidney disease, with frequent supratherapeutic international normalized ratios (INRs≥4) increasing hemorrhagic risk. We evaluated whether the interaction of INR and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) increases hemorrhage risk and whether patients with lower eGFRs experience slower anticoagulation reversal. Study Design Prospective cohort study. Setting & Participants Warfarin pharmacogenetics cohort (1,273 long-term warfarin users); warfarin reversal cohort (74 warfarin users admitted with INRs≥4). Predictor eGFR, INR as time-dependent covariate, and their interaction in the pharmacogenetics cohort; eGFR in the reversal cohort. Outcomes & Measurements In the pharmacogenetics cohort, hemorrhagic (serious, life-threatening, and fatal bleeding) risk was assessed using proportional hazards regression. In the reversal cohort, anticoagulation reversal was assessed from changes in INR, warfarin and metabolite concentrations, clotting factors (II, VII, IX, and X), and PIVKA-II (protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist II) levels at presentation and after reversal, using linear regression and path analysis. Results In the pharmacogenetics cohort, 454 (35.7%) had eGFRs 2 . There were 137 hemorrhages in 119 patients over 1,802 person-years of follow-up (incidence rate, 7.6 [95% CI, 6.4-8.9]/100 person-years). Patients with lower eGFRs had a higher frequency of INR≥4 ( P P ≥0.4). At INR≥4, patients with eGFRs of 30 to 44 and 2 had 2.2-fold (95% CI, 0.8-6.1; P =0.1) and 5.8-fold (95% CI, 2.9-11.4; P 2 . In the reversal cohort, 35 (47%) had eGFRs 2 . Patients with eGFRs 2 experienced slower anticoagulation reversal as assessed by INR ( P =0.04) and PIVKA-II level ( P =0.008) than those with eGFRs≥45mL/min/1.73m 2 . Limitations Limited sample size in the reversal cohort, unavailability of antibiotic use and urine albumin data. Conclusions Patients with lower eGFRs have differentially higher hemorrhage risk at INR≥4. Moreover, because the INR reversal rate is slower, hemorrhage risk is prolonged.
The road not often taken: understanding the need for a technical track for professional and technical communicators

At least within some organizations, it is possible to create career paths for technical and professional communicators that allow them to continue developing their technical expertise without taking the management track. This paper outlines the kinds of knowledge required for professional and technical communicators who wish to pursue technical alternatives rather than careers in management.
Inhibition of enzyme activity of and cell-mediated substrate cleavage by membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase by newly developed mercaptosulphide inhibitors

MT1-MMP (membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase, or MMP-14) is a key enzyme in molecular carcinogenesis, tumour-cell growth, invasion and angiogenesis. Novel and potent MMP inhibitors with a mercaptosulphide zinc-binding functionality have been designed and synthesized, and tested against human MT1-MMP and other MMPs. Binding to the MT1-MMP active site was verified by the competitive-inhibition mechanism and stereochemical requirements. MT1-MMP preferred deep P1' substituents, such as homophenylalanine instead of phenylalanine. Novel inhibitors with a non-prime phthalimido substituent had K(i) values in the low-nanomolar range; the most potent of these inhibitors was tested and found to be stable against air-oxidation in calf serum for at least 2 days. To illustrate the molecular interactions of the inhibitor-enzyme complex, theoretical docking of the inhibitors into the active site of MT1-MMP and molecular minimization of the complex were performed. In addition to maintaining the substrate-specificity pocket (S1' site) van der Waals interactions, the P1' position side chain may be critical for the peptide-backbone hydrogen-bonding network. To test the inhibition of cell-mediated substrate cleavage, two human cancer-cell culture models were used. Two of the most potent inhibitors tested reached the target enzyme and effectively inhibited activation of proMMP-2 by endogenous MT1-MMP produced by HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cells, and blocked fibronectin degradation by prostate cancer LNCaP cells stably transfected with MT1-MMP. These results provide a model for mercaptosulphide inhibitor binding to MT1-MMP that may aid in the design of more potent and selective inhibitors for MT1-MMP.
Developing an ontological FAQ system with FAQ processing and ranking techniques for ubiquitous services

This paper proposed an ontological FAQ system on the personal computer domain, which employs ontology as the key technique to pre-process FAQs and process user query in ubiquitous information environments. It is also equipped with an enhanced ranking technique to present retrieved, query-relevant results. Basically, the system bases on the wrapper technique to help clean, retrieve, and transform FAQ information collected from a heterogeneous environment and stores it in an ontological database. Our experiments show the system does improve precision rate and produces better ranking results.
Fostering Green Communities Through Civic Engagement: Community-Based Environmental Stewardship in the Portland Area

Problem: Urban development can fragment natural habitats, alter hydrologic systems, and modify energy flows and nutrient cycles. The literature on mitigating ecological impacts of urban development contains extensive support for engineered infrastructure, but few studies have characterized the factors that foster effective involvement of community members in urban ecological restoration. Purpose: This article aims to explain why one community-initiated environmental stewardship program has been successful, and offers lessons on how to use community resources to establish similar programs elsewhere. We ask: (1) How can citizens become more involved in the stewardship of their local watershed? (2) What is the optimal mix of local technical expertise and community capacity? and (3) What innovations and accommodations must public agencies make to improve community involvement in environmental stewardship? Methods: We draw on data from surveys, interviews, and participant reports from 12 years of Portland's Co...
Can diet modifications play a preventative role in the onset of Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a growing public health concern with potentially devastating effects. At present, there are no methods of prevention or any known cures for the disease. While genetic factors are relevant in early-onset cases, they are less relevant in late-onset sporadic AD, which is the most common form [1]. Research seeking to find drugs to slow its progression may pay off – someday. However, as the disease typically strikes very late in life, delaying its symptoms could be a good cure for many people. For example, it is now widely accepted that delaying the onset of the disease by even 5 years can cut its incidence in half. Indeed, clinical and epidemiological evidence points to lifestyle factors, including nutrition, as being crucial in delaying the onset of AD. Mounting evidence suggests that brain cells are remarkably responsive to what somebody is doing or eating. Among other nongenetic factors influencing AD, recent studies strongly support the hypothesis that certain dietary factors, such as the Mediterranean diet, may play a beneficial role in the relative risk for AD clinical dementia. Indeed, the effect of diet in AD has been an area of research that has produced enlightening results. More importantly, the evidence supporting a direct link between nutrition and AD neuropathology and dementia continues to grow, as the mechanistic pathways are defined and their biochemical functions scrutinized. Most remarkably, there is also evidence that high caloric intake in the form of saturated fat promotes AD-type neuropathology and, conversely, caloric restriction via reduced carbohydrate intake can prevent it. This evidence is very exciting and is consistent, in part, with current epidemiological studies, which suggest that obesity and diabetes are associated with a more than fourfold increased risk for developing AD. Clarifying the mechanisms through which certain dietary lifestyle factors and caloric intake may ultimately influence AD neuropathology will provide new avenues for the design of ‘therapeutic lifestyle strategies’ to treat AD, and possibly other neurodegenerative disorders.
TMC and EVER genes belong to a larger novel family, the TMC gene family encoding transmembrane proteins

Mutations in the transmembrane cochlear expressed gene 1 (TMC1) cause deafness in human and mouse. Mutations in two homologous genes, EVER1 and EVER2 increase the susceptibility to infection with certain human papillomaviruses resulting in high risk of skin carcinoma. Here we report that TMC1, EVER1 and EVER2 (now TMC6 and TMC8) belong to a larger novel gene family, which is named TMC for trans membrane channel-like gene family. Using a combination of iterative database searches and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) experiments we assembled contigs for cDNA encoding human, murine, puffer fish, and invertebrate TMC proteins. TMC proteins of individual species can be grouped into three subfamilies A, B, and C. Vertebrates have eight TMC genes. The majority of murine TMC transcripts are expressed in most organs; some transcripts, however, in particular the three subfamily A members are rare and more restrictively expressed. The eight vertebrate TMC genes are evolutionary conserved and encode proteins that form three subfamilies. Invertebrate TMC proteins can also be categorized into these three subfamilies. All TMC genes encode transmembrane proteins with intracellular amino- and carboxyl-termini and at least eight membrane-spanning domains. We speculate that the TMC proteins constitute a novel group of ion channels, transporters, or modifiers of such.
Epizootiology and transmission of a newly discovered baculovirus from the mosquitoes Culex nigripalpus and C. quinquefasciatus

Reports of mosquito baculoviruses are extremely uncommon and epizootics in field populations are rarely observed. We describe a baculovirus that was responsible for repeated and extended epizootics in field populations of Culex nigripalpus and C. quinquefasciatus over a 2 year period. These mosquito species are important vectors of St Louis and Eastern equine encephalitis in the United States. Our initial attempts to transmit this baculovirus to mosquitoes in the laboratory were unsuccessful. A salt mixture similar to that found in water supporting infection in the field was used in laboratory bioassays and indicated that certain salts were crucial to transmission of the virus. Further investigations revealed conclusively that transmission is mediated by divalent cations: magnesium is essential, whereas calcium inhibits virus transmission. These findings represent a major advancement in our understanding of the transmission of baculoviruses in mosquitoes and will allow characterization of the virus in the laboratory. In addition, they can explain, in great part, conditions that support epizootics in natural populations of mosquitoes that vector life-threatening diseases of man and animals.
Ten years of tablet musical interfaces at CNMAT

We summarize a decade of musical projects and research employing Wacom digitizing tablets as musical controllers, discussing general implementation schemes using Max/MSP and OpenSoundControl, and specific implementations in musical improvisation, interactive sound installation, interactive multimedia performance, and as a compositional assistant. We examine two-handed sensing strategies and schemes for gestural mapping.
Implementation, investigation, and improvement of a novel cone-beam reconstruction method (SPECT)

A three-dimensional reconstruction method which uses cone-beam data was implemented. Issues concerning implementation are investigated and discussed in detail. Computer simulations were used to determine the amount of image degradation occurring in each of the three steps that comprise the reconstruction method. In addition, computer simulations were used to investigate issues concerning sampling. Improvements in the implementation were made. Additionally, suggestions for future efforts to improve the implementation are made. >
Neurosurgery certification in member societies of the WFNS: Africa and the Middle East.

Background This study sought to compare objectively the complexity and diversity of the certification process in neurological surgery in member societies of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) in the African and Middle Eastern regions. Methods This report centers on two geographic regions: Africa and the Middle East. We provide a subgroup analysis based on the responses provided to the 13-item survey sent in Part I of this study. The data received were analyzed, and three Regional Complexity Scores (RCS) were designed. To compare national board experience, eligibility requirements to access the certification process, and the obligatory nature of the examinations, a RCS-Organizational score was created (RCS-O, 20 points maximum). To analyze the complexity of the examination, a RCS-Components was designed (RCS-C, 20 points maximum). The sum of both is presented in a global RCS (RCS-G). In addition, a descriptive summary of the certification process per responding society is also provided. Results Based on the data provided by our RCS system, the highest RCS-G was obtained by South Africa (19 of 40 points), followed by Egypt (18 of 40 points), countries of the Gulf Neurosurgical Society (16 of 40 points), and the Neurosurgical Society of East and Central Africa (16 of 40 points). Conclusions This grading system allows societies to compare their process of certification within their continental region and worldwide, potentially identifying aspects for further improvement or development. Peer-Review Article
Isomorphisms and 1-L Reductions

All sets complete for NP under 1-L reductions are complete under length-increasing, invertible, and “almost one-one” ≤ m p reductions. All sets complete for PSPACE under 1-L reductions are p-isomorphic.
The Muhammadiyah’s 47th Congress and “Islam Berkemajuan”

The Muhammadiyah’s 47th congress or muktamar in Makassar, South Sulawesi, 18-22 Syawwal 1436 H or 3-7 August 2015, had its theme “Enlightenment Movement toward A Progressive Indonesia”. In the opening ceremony, the chairman of the central board, Din Syamsuddin, took the occasion to propose that three of the Muhammadiyah’s leaders, namely Kahar Mudzakir, Ki Bagus Hadikusumo, and Kasman Singodimejo, be recognized as national heroes. President Ir. Joko Widodo has yet to respond to the proposal, but expressed his high appreciation for the Muhammadiyah’s contributions as the enlightenment and progressive movement to the Muslim community and the nation through its schools and universities, hospitals, and others. Joko Widodo pointed to the challenge of the nation’s plurality, and invited participants to continue to give their enlightening contributions to the nation and to the world. DOI: 10.15408/sdi.v22i2.1978
Trustworthy alteration and improvement in adjuvant treatment of colon cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer both in men and women in the United States. Advances in adjuvant treatment of colon cancer have came to consist of a succession of small improvements by large-scale clinical trials. The National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) colon trials reflect the exciting history of progress in adjuvant treatment of colon cancer. Since 1977, the NSABP has successfully designed and conducted seven large-scale prospective randomized clinical trials for colon cancers that has altered and improved the standard of care for patients with this disease. More than 5,000 physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals at nearly 200 medical sites from across the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Australia and New Zealand assist the NSABP in its mission to eliminate colorectal and breast cancers. These medical sites include several university hospitals and many other local medical centers that treat patients from a variety of social, and economic backgrounds contributed to the trials. The NSABP clinical trials are distinctive because of the large number of patients and elimination of social, cultural and economic influences. The ongoing trials of the NSABP should continue to provide information used to determine principals of neoadjuvant treatment for colon cancer. In this article we review seven prospective randomized clinical trials with their published results and discuss the combined analysis of the first four trials.
Assessing the Professional Development Needs of Arts Instructors Working in Multi-Age Classrooms.

abstractThis article presents the results of a national survey conducted with 223 arts teachers working in public schools that feature mixed-age classrooms rather than traditional grade levels. The purpose of the survey was to identify the professional development needs of arts teachers working in these unique environments and to offer suggestions for policymakers who might provide appropriate training or foster the development of multi-age school sites. The results showed that most respondents (73.1%) were in favor of developing new multi-age training for arts teachers and revealed their preferences for workshop content related to organizational strategies, collaboration with colleagues, assessment, integrated curriculum, collaborative student work, research, and thematic instruction. The results also revealed respondents' preferences for venues, formats, and the scheduling of such professional development experiences. The implications of these findings provide a number of options for policymakers to wei...
Deformations of Plane Rectilinear Complexes

(1944). Deformations of Plane Rectilinear Complexes. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 51, No. 5, pp. 247-252.