cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plasma exchange as treatment for osmotic demyelination syndrome: Case report and review of current literature.

Abstract Osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS) is characterized by widespread degeneration of myelin within the central nervous system and has no established treatment. A limited number of cases have reported positive outcomes with plasma exchange in the treatment of ODS associated with chronic alcohol abuse or liver transplantation. We report the case of a 23-year-old female presenting with ODS following rapid correction of hyponatremia, which was attributed to hypoalbuminemia, volume overload, and malnutrition secondary to ulcerative colitis. Our patient received four plasma exchange sessions over the course of five days for a total plasma exchange of 15,500 mL. Unfortunately, the patient did not achieve significant neurologic recovery following completion of the plasma exchange regimen. This is the first report of the failure of this novel approach in the management of a patient with ODS, suggesting benefit in a limited patient population. We describe the proposed mechanism of plasma exchange in the treatment of ODS and provide a review of existing literature.
DiaTrack: web-based application for assisted decision-making in treatment of diabetes

This paper describes work in progress investigating the feasibility of enhancing the treatment of diabetes through a web-based case-similarity retrieval system that permits physicians to pool their knowledge and optimize treatment of their patients. Diabetes mellitus type 2 is simple to diagnose but treatment is fraught with complications. Doctors often rely on their experiences with "similar" patients --- typically those having a combination of common factors. If doctors had a greater experience pool to draw from and could access the data in a manner that simulates their professional expertise, better treatment recommendations may result. The project involves developing a prototype consisting of a back-end database, a similarity and reasoning component, visualization techniques, professional interaction tools, and an end-user web interface. The system provides functionality for collecting and managing patient information while protecting patient privacy and for determining which cases in the database should be considered similar to a new case. The architecture is designed to permit future adaptation capabilities, such as considering the results most often selected or favored by doctors and self-adjusting after having determined which factors doctors actually pay most attention to. This paper includes an overview of the domain and specific problems addressed, a description of the research methodology and initial architecture, and initial outcomes that resulted from prototype development. It provides insights that may prove useful for others who are contemplating engaging in this type of project or who may be interested in contributing/benefiting from this specific effort. This research was conducted by undergraduates with a faculty mentor as part of the Collaborative Research Environment for Undergraduates in Computer Science and Engineering program sponsored by the Computing Research Associaion Committee on the Status of Women in Computing Research (CRA-W).
Percutaneous Transcatheter Particle Therapies

Given that only 20–30% of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal liver metastases present with resectable disease, there has been an increasing role for the use of percutaneous transcatheter particle therapies in the management of unresectable hepatic malignancies. These therapies involve infusing therapeutic and embolic agents into the hepatic artery, thereby directly targeting tumors while sparing the nontumoral surrounding liver parenchyma. Initially only used for palliation, these therapies are increasingly being used with curative intent. Conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE) has been associated with improved survival in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, and preoperative cTACE has been shown to decrease the risk of tumor progression for patients awaiting hepatic transplantation. Chemoembolization with drug-eluting beads (DEB-TACE) offers similar tumor response rates and survival rates as cTACE, while offering potential reduced liver toxicity. Bland transarterial embolization (TAE) also appears to offer improved survival, leading some groups to preferentially utilize TAE in an attempt to avoid chemotherapy-related complications. Radioembolization, or selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT), with Yttrium-90 has been associated with longer time to progression, better tolerability, and improved quality of life over TACE, and resection after SIRT has been shown to be safe and feasible. In this chapter, we provide an evidence-based approach to reviewing the existing data for each of these therapies. Given multiple options and the potential for combining transarterial therapies with other treatment modalities, discussion of treatment choices in multidisciplinary tumor boards and careful patient selection are critical.
A Cooperative Drone Assisted Mobile Access Network for Disaster Emergency Communications

Multiple drone-mounted base stations (DBSs) are used to be deployed over a disaster struck area to help mobile users (MUs) communicate with working BSs, which are located beyond the disaster-struck area. DBSs are considered as relay nodes between MUs and working BSs. In order to relax the bottleneck in wireless backhaul links, we propose a cooperative drone assisted mobile access network architecture by enabling DBSs (whose backhaul links are congested) to offload their traffic to other DBSs (whose backhaul links are not congested) via DBS-to-DBS communications. We formulate the DBS placement and channel allocation problem in the context of the cooperative drone assisted mobile access network architecture, and design a COoperative DBS plAcement and CHannel allocation (COACH) algorithm to solve the problem. The performance of COACH is demonstrated via extensive simulations.
Modern Family, Modern Colonial Childhoods: Representations of Childhood and the US Military in Colonial School Literature

Del Moral explores the children’s literature assigned to Puerto Rico’s colonial classrooms in the early twentieth century, with a focus on three short stories written by Elizabeth Kneipple. Del Moral examines Kneipple’s positive characterizations of the US military, representations of Puerto Rican childhoods, and revision of island history. Kneipple’s short stories address the particularities of US empire in the late 1920s Caribbean, the value of colonial schools, the responsibility of US citizens in overseas territories, and the promise of English-language instruction. The stories proposed that the new generation of Puerto Rican children—literate, bilingual, modern, Americanized, and educated in colonial schools—was especially prepared to assume leadership on the island and the region.
Molybdenum Benzylidyne Complexes for Olefin Metathesis Reactions

The molybdenum benzylidynes [ArC≡Mo(OC(CF3)2CH3)3(1,2-dimethoxyethane)], where Ar = Ph (2a), p-(OCH3)C6H4 (2b), p-(CF3)C6H4 (2c), p-(NO2)C6H4 (2d), or 4-(NO2)-3-(CF3)C6H3 (2e), and [p-(NO2)C6H4C≡Mo...
Haunting Feelings: Shirley Jackson and the Politics of Affect

Insecure, uncontrolled, I wrote of neuroses and fear and I think all my books laid end to end would be one long documentation of anxiety. – Shirley Jackson “I am frightened by a word,” Shirley Jack...
Lensing Optical Depths for Substructure and Isolated Dark Matter Halos

Multiply imaged quasar lenses can be used to constrain the substructure mass fraction in galaxy-sized dark matter halos via anomalous flux ratios in lensed images. The flux ratios, however, can be affected both by the substructure in the lens halo and by isolated small-mass halos along the entire line of sight to the lensed source. While lensing by dark matter clumps near the lens galaxy is more efficient than elsewhere, the cumulative effect of all objects along the line of sight could be significant. Here we estimate the potential contribution of isolated clumps to the substructure lensing signal using a simple model motivated by cosmological simulations. We find that the contribution of isolated clumps to the total lensing optical depth ranges from a few percent to tens of percent, depending on assumptions and the particular configuration of the lens. Therefore, although the contribution of isolated clumps to the lensing signal is not dominant, it should not be neglected in detailed analyses of substructure lensing. For the currently favored ?CDM model, the total calculated optical depth for lensing is high, ? ~ 0.2-20, and could, therefore, naturally explain the high frequency of anomalous flux ratios in observed lenses. The prediction, however, is highly sensitive to the spatial distribution of substructure halos in the innermost regions of the lens halo, which is still very uncertain. Therefore, constraints on the properties of the substructure population or accurate cosmological constraints, such as the mass of the warm dark matter particle, are difficult?if not impossible?to derive at this point.
Working together to survive and thrive: The struggle for Black lives past and present:

This article examines Black leadership through the generations as a multifaceted struggle for Black lives led by ordinary Black people working together to end anti-Black violence and systemic racis...
In Search of Anonymity in Supply Chains

Enforcing compliance standards in supply chains using inspection and other traditional mechanisms may exacerbate the non-compliance effort by those who see these mechanisms as evidence of power imbalance in the relationship. The easier it is for anonymity to exist in supply chain relationships, the greater the incentive for non-compliance, thus creating value for anonymity. We argue that total chain performance can be enhanced by designing and operating supply chains in ways that provided enduring positive signals from the environment to minimize adverse perceptions of powerlessness, coercion and unfairness and increase members' perception of their identity with the organisation. We also explore the interaction between these perception factors and the human factors of opportunism, bounded rationality and risk aversion on the one hand and the environmental factors on the other.
Study on Package Strength of uMCP (Multichip Package) for Mobile Application through Three-Point Bending Test and Simulation

Package strength becomes challenging and issue for thin package used in mobile application. Package with low strength may result in package failure such as inside die cracking or package cracking through epoxy mold compound (EMC) when package is subjected to external loading from assembly process or field application. Package design and strength assessment methodology are essential for robust package used in mobile application. In this study, uMCP package is selected to demonstrate package strength investigation and improvement. Three-point bend (3PB) testing approach and finite element analysis (FEA) method are adopted for package strength study. A strain-controlled methodology is developed for package strength assessment. FEA simulation results show that mold cap thickness and mold clearance are 2 key factors for package strength. Die strength is another key factor for robust package strength design. In addition, effect of EMC material on package strength is also investigated.
Work, stress, and well-being of healthcare and human service professionals during outbreak of COVID-19

Objective: This study explored the level of occupational stress experienced by healthcare and human service professionals during COVID-19 pandemic and assessed if their personal characteristics, occupational stressors, job satisfaction, and their satisfaction with diversity of staff composition, salary, and compensation influenced their perceived stress, and their physical and psychological well-being. Methods: A total of 227 healthcare and human service professionals participated in an online survey from March to August 2020. Participants provided background and job-related information and completed several measures to explore their perceived stress, job experiences, occupational stressors, as well as their physical and psychological problems. Bivariate analyses were used to assess the relationships between perceived stress, occupational stressors, satisfaction with job salary and compensation, satisfaction with diversity of staff composition, overall job satisfaction, and physical and psychological problems. Stepwise multiple regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of perceived stress and physical and psychological problems. Results: The study found a significant correlation between level of job satisfaction, satisfaction with diversity of staff composition, and satisfaction with job salary and compensation. Perceived stress was related positively with occupational stressors and physical and psychological problems, but negatively with overall job satisfaction, satisfaction with diversity of staff composition, and satisfaction with job salary and compensation. The findings found occupational stressors and being younger as significant predicators of perceived stress. Occupational stressors and female gender were significant predicators of experience of physical and psychological problems. Conclusions: This study provides understanding on critical factors that have impacted healthcare and human service professionals’ stress and wellbeing during outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. These factors should be further investigated to inform public policy and interventions that mitigate health and mental health problems among these professionals during this and future outbreaks.
Comparison of coronary artery measurements between echocardiograms and cardiac CT in Kawasaki disease patients with aneurysms

Abstract Background American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for management of Kawasaki disease (KD) rely on coronary artery (CA) z-scores from echocardiograms. Compared with echocardiography, cardiac CT (CCT) offers better visualization of distal segments and evaluation for thrombosis and stenosis. Despite increasing use of CCT in KD, CA z-scores for CCT are not available and measurement concordance between imaging modalities is a critical knowledge gap. Methods We retrospectively reviewed KD patients with CA aneurysms who had concurrent echocardiography and CCT between 2016 and 2020. Patients were included if they had history of CA z-scores of ≥3 on echocardiography during their clinical course. Agreement between CCT and echocardiography was assessed using Bland-Altman analysis. Results Paired CCT and echocardiography studies were available in 18 patients (21 studies). The largest CA aneurysms were large/giant (z-score ≥10) in 14 studies, medium (z-score ≥5, Conclusion CCT and echocardiography have high agreement for absolute measurements of proximal CA segments, but more measurement discrepancy exists for distal CA segments with bias toward lower dimensions on CCT.
Evaluating the effectiveness of bioethics education through quality standards and indicators

Bioethics education has remarkably grown across the globe in the last few decades. The data of the UNESCO Global Ethics Observatory proves that bioethics education is a global phenomenon with various bioethics institutions, teaching programs, and academicians. However, this situation does not mean that bioethics education has reached a stable and flawless level. Especially, the effectiveness of bioethics programs or their quality assessment is a major area that should be analyzed through more academic works. For filling that gap, this article aims to formulate a general framework to address the quality standards and indicators in bioethics education. The article adapts Donabedian’s three approaches—structure, process, and outcome— as three levels to measure quality in bioethics education. The proposed model considers the indicators the ultimate quantifiable points by creating a sequential classification as the three levels, main categories, standards, and indicators, which means that it applies an inductive approach following a path from the indicators to the standards, from the standards to the main categories, and from the main categories to the levels in order to reach a conclusion about the effectiveness of each level.
Corruption, institutional trust and political engagement in Peru

Abstract Widespread corruption and lack of trust in political institutions are common development problems that are likely deeply interconnected. We contribute to the existing understanding of their relationship using survey experimental methods and by investigating how different dimensions of corruption affect trust. Does grand versus petty corruption affect citizen trust in political institutions? What about corruption with positive versus negative consequences? After presenting respondents in Peru with randomly assigned information about these specific aspects of political corruption, we measure 1) attitudes about trust in government institutions and 2) behavioral engagement in anti-corruption efforts through donations to a well-known Peruvian NGO. We find that petty corruption, but not grand corruption, decreased institutional trust compared to a control. Additionally, in contrast to previous findings showing that “beneficial” corruption reduces electoral punishments for individual politicians, both positive and negative consequences decreased institutional trust. Corruption information did not alter donations to an NGO. Going beyond the correlations found in prior observational studies, this paper demonstrates a causal relationship between corruption information and institutional trust. Our results signal the importance of addressing petty corruption to improve public trust. They also emphasize important difficulties in motivating citizen action against corruption because anti-corruption messaging can decrease trust, while failing to motivate even low-cost political action.
Effects of repeated cue exposure on cannabis craving

OF THESIS EFFECTS OF REPEATED CUE EXPOSURE ON CANNBIS CRAVING Craving is a key element of the cannabis withdrawal syndrome that has been associated with continued use and relapse. Although cue-induced cannabis craving has been established in single laboratory sessions, procedures to sustain craving over multiple sessions are needed. The purpose of the present study was to determine if cue-induced craving responses could be elicited in the same subjects across multiple sessions. It was hypothesized that exposure to cannabis cues would produce more robust craving responses than exposure to neutral cues and that elicited craving responses will be sustained across multiple cue exposures. Five experimental cue exposure sessions (1 neutral and 4 cannabis) were conducted. Craving was assessed with the Marijuana Craving Questionnaire (MCQ) Short Form, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Subject-Rated Physiological Questionnaire, blood pressure, and heart rate. Results revealed significant effects of initial cannabis cue exposure on VAS craving responses and Subject-Rated Physiological measures relative to the neutral cue exposure condition. No significant differences were found on MCQ composite scores or physiological measures. Craving responses following initial cannabis cue exposure were not maintained across sessions. There is a need for a better understanding of the factors that contribute to continued drug use despite quit attempts.
The best of both worlds: automated CMP polishing of channel-cut monochromators

The use of a channel-cut monochromator is the most straightforward method to ensure that the two reflection surfaces maintain alignment between crystallographic planes without the need for complicated alignment mechanisms. Three basic characteristics that affect monochromator performance are: subsurface damage which contaminates spectral purity; surface roughness which reduces efficiency due to scattering; and surface figure error which imparts intensity structure and coherence distortion in the beam. Standard chemical-mechanical polishing processes and equipment are used when the diffracting surface is easily accessible, such as for single-bounce monochromators. Due to the inaccessibly of the surfaces inside a channel-cut monochromator for polishing, these optics are generally wet-etched for their final processing. This results in minimal subsurface damage, but very poor roughness and figure error. A new CMP channel polishing instrument design is presented which allows the internal diffracting surface quality of channel-cut crystals to approach that of conventional single-bounce monochromators.
On the Aminoethylation of Proteins

The reaction of peptide and protein sulfhydryl groups with ethylenimine to give quantitative yields of S-β-aminoethylcysteinyl residues has been studied. Optimal conditions for tryptic hydrolysis of peptide bonds at the carboxyl terminus of such residues are described for the case of insulin B chain. Separation and identification of peptides obtained in this manner illustrate the applicability of the method to cleavage of polypeptide chains.
Structure-preserving binary relations for program abstraction

An abstraction is a property-preserving contraction of a program's model into a smaller one that is suitable for automated analysis. An abstraction must be sound, and ideally, complete. Soundness and completeness arguments are intimately connected to the abstraction process, and approaches based on homomorphisms and Galois connections are commonly employed to define abstractions and prove their soundness and completeness.This paper develops Mycroft and Jones's proposal that an abstraction should be stated as a form of structure-preserving binary relation. Mycroft-Jones-style relations are defined, developed, and employed in characterizations of the homomorphism and Galois-connection approaches to abstraction.
System Dynamic modelling approach for resolving the thermo- chemistry of wood gasification

For Multiphysics problems that require a thorough understanding of multiple, influential, highly transient process parameters, a System Dynamic model can constitute either an alternative option, or a compact prelude to a more expensive 3-D Finite Element or Finite Volume model. As a rather uncommon example for the application of such a modelling method, this work presents a System Dynamic modelling concept, devised for resolving the thermo-chemistry within a wood gasification reactor. It compares the modelling concept as well as its results to a classic, thermo-chemical solution algorithm based on the minimization of LaGrangian Multipliers for resolving the gasification equilibrium equations. In contrast to the latter, the System Dynamic solver can consider the impact of reaction kinetics as well as molecular mass transfer effects on the gasification equilibrium. Thus the transient production rates of methane, hydrogen, carbon (di-) oxide and water, as well as the residual amounts of pyrolysis gas and oxygen, which occur during the gasification of a wood particle, can be predicted.
Multi-locus real-time PCR for quantitation of bacteria in the environment reveals Exiguobacterium to be prevalent in permafrost.

We developed a multi-locus quantitative PCR approach to minimize problems of precision, sensitivity and primer specificity for quantifying a targeted microbial group in nature. This approach also avoids a systematic error in population quantitation when 16S rRNA genes are used because of copy number heterogeneity. Specific primers were designed to assess the abundance of psychrotrophic and mesophilic Exiguobacterium spp. that excluded the thermophilic members of the genus. The chosen primers targeted genes for DNA gyrase B (gyrB), the beta subunit of the RNA polymerase gene (rpoB) and a hypothetical gene so far found only in this group. The results demonstrate that the multiple primer approach provides a more reliable estimate of population density; that the targeted Exiguobacterium group is found at a median density of 50 000 gene copies per μg of total community DNA in 27 of 29 permafrost soils but was found in only one of the four temperate and tropical soils tested.
ASIAN AMERICANS IN THE COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

A study of Asian American patients receiving care in community mental health facilities suggests that rates of psychopathology among Asain Americans have been underestimated and that treatment facilities are not responding to the needs of this group.
Estimation of Creep Deformation in Components From Short-Term Proof Test Data

Modele mathematique pour le calcul du fluage d'une tubulure a deux branches soudee en acier inoxydable 316 a 500-565 C en definissant une contrainte equivalente
Relationship of purpose in life to grief experiences in response to the death of a signifcant other

Abstract This study examined the relationship of purpose in life to grief experiences in response to the death of a significant other. Forty undergraduates who had sustained the death of a loved one completed an information sheet, the Purpose in Life Test, and the Grief Experience Inventory. Bereaved persons who reported low purpose in life appeared to experience more anger than individuals with high purpose. This preliminary finding is linked to literature demonstrating an association between low purpose in life and emotion-focused coping; the finding is discussed in terms of working with bereaved clients.
Structure and characterization of a putative drought-inducible H1 histone gene.

A drought- and abscisic acid (ABA)-inducible gene, His1, was isolated from Lycopersicon pennellii, a drought-resistant relative of cultivated tomato, and the gene structure was defined experimentally. The nucleotide sequence of His1 predicts a protein of 202 amino acid residues, with a significant sequence homology to plant H1 histones. Consensus sequences for both H1 histone-specific promoter elements as well as an ABA-responsive element were identified in the 5′-flanking region of His1. Transcripts of this gene accumulate in leaf tissue in response to drought in three tomato species including cultivated tomato (L. esculentum), L. pennellii, and L. chilense, as well as in tobacco. Transcripts for His1 are constitutively expressed in roots; transcript abundances in tomato root tips were equivalent to transcript abundances in more mature regions of the seedling root. The accumulation in leaves of transcripts for His1 preceded visible symptoms of drought stress in the plants. Transcript accumulation was detected in both drought-sensitive and drought-resistant species at similar leaf water potentials, 255-1 −1.3 to −1.4 MPa.
Stem/Progenitor Cell–Mediated De Novo Regeneration of Dental Pulp with Newly Deposited Continuous Layer of Dentin in an In Vivo Model

The ultimate goal of this study is to regenerate lost dental pulp and dentin via stem/progenitor cell–based approaches and tissue engineering technologies. In this study, we tested the possibility of regenerating vascularized human dental pulp in emptied root canal space and producing new dentin on existing dentinal walls using a stem/progenitor cell–mediated approach with a human root fragment and an immunocompromised mouse model. Stem/progenitor cells from apical papilla and dental pulp stem cells were isolated, characterized, seeded onto synthetic scaffolds consisting of poly-D,L-lactide/glycolide, inserted into the tooth fragments, and transplanted into mice. Our results showed that the root canal space was filled entirely by a pulp-like tissue with well-established vascularity. In addition, a continuous layer of dentin-like tissue was deposited onto the canal dentinal wall. This dentin-like structure appeared to be produced by a layer of newly formed odontoblast-like cells expressing dentin sialophos...
229 Diagnostic and Prognostic Role of Endothelial and Platelet-Derived Microparticles in Hemodialysis Access Stenosis and Thrombosis

DIAGNOSTIC AND PROGNOSTIC ROLE OF ENDOTHELIAL AND PLATELET-DERIVED MICROPARTICLES IN HEMODIALYSIS ACCESS STENOSIS AND THROMBOSIS Angie Nishio; John Hayes, Kambiz Kalantarinia, Uta Erdbruegger. University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA. Failure of the hemodialysis vascular access (HVA) is the most common cause of hospitalization and a main cause of morbidity among individuals with end stage renal disease (ESRD). The annual cost associated with HVA malfunction in the United States exceeds $1 billion. Neointimal hyperplasia associated with active recruitment and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells is detected in stenotic HVA lesions. Many factors, including inflammation and growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor appear to play a role in the development of access stenosis and thrombosis. At present, there is no efficient tool for identification of those at high risk for HVA complications. Microparticles (MP) are intact vesicles derived from eukaryotic cell membrane. They constitute markers of cell activation, injury and apoptosis. MPs have functional roles as mediators of inflammation, suggesting that they may play a role in thrombosis in several vascular disorders. In this context, we designed a study to compare the number and activity of endothelial and platelet-derived MP in two groups of hemodialysis patients; one without any HVA complications and the other with recurrent access stenosis or thrombosis. We hypothesize that endothelial and platelet derived MPs are increased in number and activated in the latter group and therefore, they can serve as biomarkers to better diagnose and treat HVA complications. We have established the method of measuring MP using flow cytometry. The above figure shows MP gate set according to annexinV binding and size; particle size was determined by 0.8 μm and 3.0 μm latex beads. In this pilot study we will enroll 15 patients in each group.
Adaptive semantic snaping—a technique for semantic feedback at the lexical level

This paper describes the implementation of semantic snapping — an interaction technique that provides semantic feedback at the lexical level while dragging a graphical object on the screen. Like conventional snapping, or gravity fields, semantic snapping includes a geometric component where objects in close proximity are drawn together or “snap” into position. However, semantic snapping goes further by allowing non-geometric (semantic) properties of objects to place additional constraints on snapping. Semantic snapping also provides more complex lexical feedback which reflects potential semantic consequences of a snap. This paper motivates the use of semantic snapping and describes how this technique has been implemented in a window-based toolkit. This implementation works in an adaptive manner to provide the best interactive response in situations where semantic tests are very time consuming and strain the limits of acceptable performance.
Cosmic ray produced 10Be and 26Al in Antarctic rocks: exposure and erosion history

Cosmic-ray produced Be-10 and Al-26 were measured in purified quartz fractions of selected rock samples from Antarctic mountains. From these data, mean erosion rates were calculated for the limiting case of steady-state surface exposure to cosmic rays, and minimum exposure ages, for the limiting case of no erosion. Calculated mean erosion rates are very low, on the order of a few times 0.00001 cm/yr; the sampling is believed to be sufficient to generalize this result to exposed bedrock in Antarctica. In favorable cases it is possible to distinguish between the limiting cases; steady-state erosion seems a better description in such cases. Most samaples, including some taken a few meters above the present ice level, seem to have been exposed for millions of years, without major episodes of burial or abrasion by ice.
High sensitivity multianalyte immunoassay using covalent DNA-labeled antibodies and polymerase chain reaction

A multianalyte immunoassay for simultaneous detection of three analytes (hTSH, hCG and beta-Gal) has been demonstrated using DNA-labeled antibodies and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for amplification of assay response. The labeled antibodies were prepared by covalently coupling uniquely designed DNA oligonucleotides to each of the analyte-specific monoclonal antibodies. Each of the DNA oligonucleotide labels contained the same primer sequences to facilitate co-amplification by a single primer pair. Assays were performed using a two-antibody sandwich assay format and a mixture of the three DNA-labeled antibodies. Dose-response relationships for each analyte were demonstrated. Analytes were detected at sensitivities exceeding those of conventional enzyme immunoassays by approximately three orders of magnitude. Detection limits for hTSH, beta-Gal and hCG were respectively 1 x 10(-19), 1 x 10(-17) and 1 x 10(-17) mol. Given the enormous amplification afforded by PCR and the existing capability to differentiate DNA based on size or sequence differences, the use of DNA-labeled antibodies could provide the basis for the simultaneous detection of many analytes at sensitivities greater than those of existing antigen detection systems. These findings in concert with previous reports suggest this hybrid technology could provide a new generation of ultra-sensitive multianalyte immunoassays.
Cost efficiency, determinants, and risk preferences in banking: A case of stochastic frontier analysis in the Philippines

Abstract This paper examines the cost efficiency of Philippine commercial banks using stochastic frontier analysis and specifically incorporating risk and asset quality measures in the estimation. Consistent with earlier findings, the results show substantial inefficiencies among domestic banks and that risk and asset quality affect the efficiency of banks. The substantial increase in the cost inefficiency could be attributed to the adverse effects of the 1997 Asian financial crisis and the subsequent costs of banking reforms and regulatory changes which were enacted to stabilize and strengthen the sector. Macroeconomic instabilities, particularly banking crisis, could have distorted the incentive structure for banks, making resource allocation to achieve efficiency a more difficult task. From a policy perspective, this study highlights the economic importance of encouraging increased efficiency in the banking sector by tapping the potential for significant improvements in the banks’ cost efficiency.
Amino acid composition protein quality and water-soluble vitamin content of germinated cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata)

Amino acid composition, protein digestibility, calculated protein efficiency ratio (C-PER and DC-PER), chemical scores and water-soluble vitamin content of cowpea seeds germinated at 25°C or 30°C for 24h were determined. Also, the effect of processing steps (heated-air drying, decortication and cooking) on these parameters were examined. Germination had little effect on amino acid profile of cowpeas. In vitro protein digestibility was not improved significantly by germination nor by decortication but was improved by cooking. C-PER and DC-PER ranged from 1.95 to 2.21 and from 1.63 to 1.82, respectively. DC-PER compared well withreported rat PER of cowpea products and seemed more sensitive than C-PER. Based on whole egg values, chemical scores ranged from 37.7 to 45.8% (mean±SD; 42.2±2.4%). Germination increased the contents of niacin, thiamin and riboflavin significantly. Decortication resulted in up to 30% loss in niacin while thiamin content was reduced 41% by cooking.
On Rayleigh-Schrödinger and green's-function calculations of ionization potentials and electron affinities

Abstract Connections between first-quantized Rayleigh-Schrodinger perturbation-theory and one-particle Green's-function calculations of the ionization potentials and electron affinities of atoms and molecules are reported.
In situ measurements and modeling of aerosol extinction in remote and polluted atmospheres

The NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory's aerosol research program is focused on the impact of atmospheric particulates on climate and air quality. Our approach is to characterize relevant aerosol chemical, physical, and optical properties using a combination of in situ and remote instrumentation and optical models. The resulting data base includes long term measurements from northern hemisphere aerosol monitoring stations operated by NOAA and short term measurements from international intensive aerosol experiments. The data provide information on spatial and temporal means and variability in aerosol properties and on aerosol formation and transformation processes in the boundary layer. To demonstrate our in situ measurement and modeling capabilities, results are presented here from ACE Asia, an experiment we participated in during the spring of 2001.
Multiple peripheral pulmonic stenosis in pregnancy

Multiple peripheral pulmonic stenosis is a rare congenital cardiac disorder. The clinical course of this disease in pregnancy is not established. We report the benign obstetric course of a patient whose pregnancy was complicated by peripheral pulmonic stenosis and pulmonary hypertension.
Population Dynamics of the Citrus Leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), and Its Natural Enemies in Texas and Mexico

The citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), was unreported in the western hemisphere until May 1993 when it was discovered in citrus nurseries in Florida. In Mexico, P. citrella was reported in 1994 in the state of Tamaulipas. Because of the potential threat to the citrus industries in both countries, a binational collaborative research project was initiated in 1997 to define and compare the status of P. citrella and levels of biological control between the two countries. In general, P. citrella populations increased in Mexico over the 3-year period from 1997 to 1999. In 1997, P. citrella peaked at ≈0.4 immatures/leaf in mid-October. In 1999, the pest began to increase in April, reaching peaks of ≈1.0 larva/leaf in early July. In both years, overall parasitism averaged ≈20%. The dominant parasitoid in Mexico was Zagrammosoma multilineatum (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), which constituted >30% of the parasitoid complex. Predators recovered were Chrysoperla spp. (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), Orius insidiosus (Say) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), and Hippodamia convergens Guerin-Meneville (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). In contrast, P. citrella generally declined in Texas over the same period. In 1997, the pest peaked at 0.8 immatures/leaf in August and did not exceed 0.4 immatures/leaf in 1998. The decline of P. citrella in south Texas is more evident when compared to a 1995 survey when pest densities exceeded 6.0 immatures/leaf. The monthly percentage parasitism of P. citrella in Texas increased from <1% in May to ≈10% in November 1997. In contrast, parasitism in 1998 fluctuated from 0 to 20%. Numbers of parasites were always <0.05 individuals/leaf and often zero. Similar to Mexico, the dominant parasitoid was Z. multilineatum, which constituted 46.2% (128 of 277) of the parasitoids sampled. Differences in P. citrella populations and those of its parasitoid complexes may be partially attributed to a hotter, drier climate in Texas than in Mexico.
The Rare Fluke Urotrematulum attenuatum (Trematoda: Digenea) in Virginia

Abstract The digestive tracts of 6 silver-haired bats, Lasionycteris noctivagans, from Virginia were examined. Four of the 6 contained the digenetic trematode Urotrematulum attenuatum. Additional collections of this fluke from Ohio and Minnesota are reported. This is the third report of U. attenuatum and the first record of this species from Virginia.
Cost and Carbon Savings from Innovative Conversion of Agricultural Residues

Abstract High prices of energy and environmental damages from fossil fuels are some motivations for research into cleaner bio-based alternate fuels. Ethanol from agricultural and forestry residues, energy crops, and other forms of lignocellulosic biomass could address these issues and result in net CO2 reductions. Arkansas, with its well-established agricultural base, can reap significant economic benefits from a biofuel revolution. Higher agriculture values and the associated multiplier effects will boost state GDP, while individual producers will benefit from better price realizations and market stability. Furthermore, biofuel emissions contain far lower levels of the toxic contaminants typically associated with fossil fuels. Simulations in this article highlight the economic and environmental benefits of ethanol from agriculture. Economic modeling is necessary to formally ascertain the scope, the environmentally sustainable scale of production, and the optimum size of operation.
Comparison of endodontic measurement controls using a paralleling technique with a grid and a conventional measurement

Pretreatment radiographs were taken using a paralleling device and measurement grid. The measurement controls obtained in that manner in 60 teeth were compared to measurements obtained from conventional radiographs taken during endodontic treatment. This study was undertaken to test the proposal that pretreatment radiographs taken with a paralleling device and measurement grid would make further radiographs for that purpose unnecessary, thus reducing patients' exposure to ionizing radiation.
Infection After Intracerebral Hemorrhage Risk Factors and Association With Outcomes in the Ethnic/Racial Variations of Intracerebral Hemorrhage Study

Background and Purpose—Risk factors for infections after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and their association with outcomes are unknown. We hypothesized there are predictors of poststroke infection and infections drive worse outcomes. Methods—We determined prevalence of infections in a multicenter, triethnic study of ICH. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses to determine the association of infection with admission characteristics and hospital complications. We performed logistic regression on association of infection with outcomes after controlling for known determinants of prognosis after ICH (volume, age, infratentorial location, intraventricular hemorrhage, and Glasgow Coma Scale). Results—Among 800 patients, infections occurred in 245 (31%). Admission characteristics associated with infection in multivariable models were ICH volume (odds ratio [OR], 1.02/mL; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01–1.03), lower Glasgow Coma Scale (OR, 0.91 per point; 95% CI, 0.87–0.95), deep location (reference...
The integrated clinical year: a unique approach to training radiology residents at the University of New Mexico.

In 1994, the American Board of Radiology (ABR) decided to require a clinical year in addition to the 4 years of diagnostic radiology residency. Before this, applicants had the option of choosing a program with or without an internship. The stimulus for this decision was a mandate from the federal government stating that postgraduate training not required for board certification would not be funded. For federal funding to be continued, the internship year would have to be required. The requirement was controversial because there were no objective data proving that a year of nonradiology clinical training produced a better radiologist (1). The radiology Residency Review Committee requirements were subsequently changed to reflect the clinical year and to state that it “must consist of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or equivalent accredited training in internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery or surgical specialties, obstetrics and gynecology, neurology, family practice, emergency medicine, or any combination of these or an ACGME or equivalent accredited transitional year” (2). The requirement also indicates that “the clinical year should [italics added] be completed within the first 24 months of training.” The latter is not an absolute requirement; therefore, clinical training can be obtained in other years.
Neonatal capsaicin treatment prevents the development of the thermal hyperalgesia produced in a model of neuropathic pain in the rat.

Loose ligation of the sciatic nerve with 4-0 chromic gut sutures in rats produces behavioral evidence of neuropathic pain. In the present experiments we examined the involvement of capsaicin-sensitive afferents in mediating the thermal hyperalgesia produced by this model. Male Sprague-Dawley rats, treated as neonates (within 48 h of birth) with capsaicin (50 mg/kg, s.c.) or vehicle, were used at 16-18 weeks of age. Chromic gut sutures (4-0) were tied around the left sciatic nerve and withdrawal latencies of both hind paws to radiant heat were determined on postoperative days 3, 5, 10 and 20. Whereas there was a pronounced thermal hyperalgesia which lasted for up to 20 days in vehicle-treated rats, there was no evidence of thermal hyperalgesia in capsaicin-treated rats. There was no difference in baseline (pre-surgery) withdrawal latencies between the two groups. Radioimmunoassay revealed that there was a significant depletion of substance P (43.8%) and calcitonin-gene-related peptide (72.6%) in the lumbar spinal cord of neonatal capsaicin-treated rats compared to vehicle-treated rats. These results demonstrate that the chromic gut-induced thermal hyperalgesia is mediated by capsaicin-sensitive afferents and suggest that central mechanisms which process and control the reflex response to heat are different than mechanisms involved in thermal hyperalgesia.
A theory for the effects of diffusion-reaction coupling on the carrier-mediated ionic permeability in lipid bilayers

Abstract The zero-current membrane potential and the current-voltage relations are discussed theoretically for the case in which ionic transport is mediated by carriers that form complexes with ions in the aqueous phase (‘solution complexation’ mechanism). Interest for this topic originated partly from the finding that gradients of the neutral cyclic peptide PV, cyclo ( d Val- l Pro- l Val- d Pro)3, commonly thought to act as a carrier via ‘solution complexation’, generate Nernstian potentials across lipid bilayers separating solutions of identical ion composition. It is shown that the general expression for the potential in a gradient of carriers reduces to the Nernst equation under any of the following conditions: slow aqueous reaction; impermeability of the membrane to the neutral carriers; high concentration of the complexing ions in solution; finite permeability of the membrane to the neutral carrier, but faster rate of movement from the membrane surface into the torus than across the middle or out of the membrane. In symmetrical solutions, the conductance is most typically characterized by a quantity that we designate by δ*, which has the dimensions of a length and is generally a complex function of ion activity. Comparing the thory with previous data on dioleoylphosphatidylcholine membranes in the presence of PV and K+, the order of magnitude of the rates of the aqueous reaction and of the membrane permeability to the neutral carriers is tentatively estimated.
Electrical Breakdown of High-Temperature Gases and Its Implications in Post-Arc Phenomena in Circuit Breakers

The breakdown strength of a hot gas and the kind of breakdown, dielectric or thermal, is believed to depend upon the electrical conductivity of the gas. Two methods have been applied to measure conductivity, one using a low-voltage probe and the other a microwave beam. The results yielded by the two methods gave better than an order of magnitude agreement. It is found that breakdown depends upon electron concentration and, more specifically, that the type of breakdown is also determined by it. These results shed light on post-arc conditions in circuit breakers.