cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development and evaluation of a comprehensive clinical decision support taxonomy: comparison of front-end tools in commercial and internally developed electronic health record systems

Background Clinical decision support (CDS) is a valuable tool for improving healthcare quality and lowering costs. However, there is no comprehensive taxonomy of types of CDS and there has been limited research on the availability of various CDS tools across current electronic health record (EHR) systems. Objective To develop and validate a taxonomy of front-end CDS tools and to assess support for these tools in major commercial and internally developed EHRs. Study design and methods We used a modified Delphi approach with a panel of 11 decision support experts to develop a taxonomy of 53 front-end CDS tools. Based on this taxonomy, a survey on CDS tools was sent to a purposive sample of commercial EHR vendors (n=9) and leading healthcare institutions with internally developed state-of-the-art EHRs (n=4). Results Responses were received from all healthcare institutions and 7 of 9 EHR vendors (response rate: 85%). All 53 types of CDS tools identified in the taxonomy were found in at least one surveyed EHR system, but only 8 functions were present in all EHRs. Medication dosing support and order facilitators were the most commonly available classes of decision support, while expert systems (eg, diagnostic decision support, ventilator management suggestions) were the least common. Conclusion We developed and validated a comprehensive taxonomy of front-end CDS tools. A subsequent survey of commercial EHR vendors and leading healthcare institutions revealed a small core set of common CDS tools, but identified significant variability in the remainder of clinical decision support content.
Prognostic pretoxemia test in pregnancy: Exaggerated pressor response to norepinephrine

Abstract Exaggerated pressor responses to intravenously infused l-norepinephrine (0.3 mcg. per kilogram per minute during 5 minutes); occurring after the thirtieth week of gestation, are probably due to abnormally increased mineralocorticoid activity. An average rise of the systolic blood pressure amounting to 50 mm. Hg or more is strongly suggestive of impending toxemia. Even in otherwise completely asymptomatic patients, it makes the immediate institution of drastic prophylactic measures, especially rigid sodium restriction, mandatory.
Theoretical analysis of sequential adaptive processing for fetal electrocardiograms

Fetal electrocardiograms (ECGs) are useful for monitoring fetal health during pregnancy. Previously published results demonstrated that a sequential combination of adaptive linear prediction (LPC), adaptive noise cancellation (ANC), and IIR comb filtering (CF) is an effective strategy to remove maternal interference from fetal ECGs. This paper presents a theory of how LPC-ANC sequential processing is capable to extract fetal signals from noninvasive abdominal measurements. Results are presented to demonstrate that multi-channel adaptive processing is more effective than signal channel processing. Finally, results illustrate that sequential processing followed by single stage of comb filtering is more effective than direct comb filtering.
Student Pharmacist Perceptions of a Behind-The-Counter Class of Medications.

Objectives:To report perceptions of PharmD candidates regarding a behind-the-counter (BTC) class of medications and to identify perceived barriers to its successful implementation.Methods:PharmD ca...
Effect of delaying surgery on radical prostatectomy outcomes: a contemporary analysis

UNLABELLED Study Type - Therapy (case series). Level of Evidence 4. What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? For patients electing surgical treatment, the question of the effect of surgical delay on clinical outcomes in prostate cancer is controversial. In this study we examined the effect of delay from diagnosis to surgery on outcomes in men with localized prostate cancer and found no association between time to surgery and risk of biochemical recurrence, even for patients with longer delays and high-risk disease. Men with localized prostate cancer can be reassured that reasonable delays in treatment will not influence disease outcomes. OBJECTIVE • To examine the effect of time from last positive biopsy to surgery on clinical outcomes in men with localized prostate cancer undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP). PATIENTS AND METHODS • We conducted a retrospective review of 2739 men who underwent RP between 1990 and 2009 at our institution. • Clinical and pathological features were compared between men undergoing RP ≤ 60, 61-90 and >90 days from the time of prostate biopsy. • A Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyse the association between clinical features and surgical delay with biochemical progression. Biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free rates were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS • Of the 1568 men meeting the inclusion criteria, 1098 (70%), 303 (19.3%) and 167 (10.7%) had a delay of ≤ 60, 61-90 and >90 days, respectively, between biopsy and RP. A delay of >60 days was not associated with adverse pathological findings at surgery. • The 5-year survival rate was similar among the three groups (78-85%, P= 0.11). • In a multivariate Cox model, men with higher PSA levels, clinical stages, Gleason sums, and those of African-American race were all at higher risk for developing BCR. • A delay to surgery of >60 days was not associated with worse biochemical outcomes in a univariate and multivariate model. CONCLUSIONS • A delay of >60 days is not associated with adverse pathological outcomes in men with localized prostate cancer, nor does it correlate with worse BCR-free survival. • Patients can be assured that delaying treatment while considering therapeutic options will not adversely affect their outcomes.
Chale, how much it cost to browse?: results from a mobile data price transparency trial in Ghana

Mobile data usage is on the rise globally. In emerging regions, mobile data is particularly expensive and suffers from the lack of price and data usage transparency needed to make informed decisions about Internet use. To measure and address this problem, we designed SmartBrowse, an Internet proxy system that shows mobile data usage information and provides controls to avoid overspending. In this paper, we discuss the results of a 10-week study with SmartBrowse, involving 299 participants in Ghana. Half the users were given SmartBrowse, and the other half was given a regular Internet experience. Our findings suggest that, compared with the control group, using SmartBrowse led to a significant reduction in Internet credit spend and increased online activity among SmartBrowse users, while providing the same or better mobile Internet user experience. Additionally, SmartBrowse users who were prior mobile data non-users increased their webpage views while spending less money than control users. Our discussion contributes to the understanding of how forward-looking ICTD research in the wild can empower mobile data users, in this case, through increased price transparency.
THE ENTOMOLOGY OF PRINCE ALBERT NATIONAL PARK, SASKATCHEWAN

Last September, my wife and I visited the Prince Albert National Park, particularly to see Grey Owl and Anahareo and the beavers at Ajawaan Lake. The country was entirely new to me, and I found very much of interest. Saskatchewan is divided into two very different parts. The southern half has some large lakes, but is essentially a prairie region, where vast quantities of wheat are grown. As we crossed a portion of it travelling from Calgary to Saskatoon, the landscape was monotonous and not very interesting. But the northern half of the province is in complete ccntrast. It is a land of dense forests, with innumerable lakes, large and small. These lakes are warm enough in summer to be the delight of innumerable bathers, but covered with thick ice all winter. This region is in the Canadian zone, whereas the prairie region belongs to the Transition. In the northern (especially north eastern) part of the province is a large area in the Hudsonian zone, sufficiently distinct in aspect to be easily recognised from an aeroplane, I was informed.
Light and electron microscopic studies of the ventricular wall

Electron microscopic data confirm the results gained with rapid Golgi preparations of adult rodent brains that tanycytes occur in clusters along the lateral wall of the third ventricle. The cytoplasmic matrix of these cells is considerably denser than that of typical ependymal cells. They have filaments and microtubules throughout their cytoplasm along with mitochondria and polysomes. At the surface is a compact group of microvilli which suggest that tanycytes might selectively absorb material from the ventricle.
Mitigating dark-silicon problems using superlattice-based thermoelectric coolers

Dark silicon is an emerging problem in multi-core processors, where it is not possible to enable all cores simultaneously because of either insufficient parallelism in software applications or because of high-spatial power densities that generate hot-spot constraints. Superlattice-based thermoelectric cooling (TEC) is a promising technology that offers large heat pumping capability and the ability to target hot spots of each core independently. In this paper, we devise novel system-level methods that address the two main sources of dark silicon using superlattice TECs. Our methods leverage the TECs in conjunction with dynamic voltage and frequency scaling and number of threads to maximize the performance of multi-core processor under thermal and power constraints. Using an experimental setup based on a quad-core processor, we provide an evaluation of the trade-offs among performance, temperature and power consumption arising from the use of superlattice-based TECs. Our results demonstrate the potential of this emerging cooling technology in mitigating dark silicon problems and in improving the performance of multi-core processors.
Metrology Mount Development And Verification For A Large Spaceborne Mirror

This paper describes the development of a metrology mount system for large spaceborne optical elements operating at diffraction limit. Verification tests of the mount, together with confirmation of the finite element model of the mount and mirror system, demonstrate that it is capable of simulating a zero-g environment within an uncertainty band of λ/300 rms for a mirror whose characteristic gravity deformation is 12λ. Using a highly detailed finite element model of the sandwich mirror, the effects of stiffness and mass nonuniformity due to faceplate thickness variations and calibration uncertainties in each of the support points on gravity-release errors were assessed and/or compensated for. The mathematics of optimizing these forces to yield a minimum rms figure error and the method and results of the faceplate thickness mapping to determine the spatial weight and stiff-ness variations are also described. Finally, verification of the finite element model is discussed where predicted, and full aperture interferometrically measured figure changes due to discrete changes in the applied force field are compared.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Non-linear response of a mixed land use watershed to nitrogen loading

Abstract Nonpoint source pollution comprises a significant portion of the nutrient loads that adversely affect the water quality of freshwater and marine ecosystems. Current research indicates that reductions in nonpoint source loading of nitrogen to a basin should be considered in management decisions if significant nitrogen export reduction is to be achieved. Managers need to know the percent reduction in nitrogen loading necessary to achieve a desired reduction in the export. What makes this task difficult to achieve is that watersheds respond non-linearly because of the nature of hydrogeochemical processes that operate in a spatially variable land use, soils, geology and vegetation environment. The non-linear response of a watershed to nitrogen loading has been addressed through field monitoring and mathematical modelling. This study included the monitoring of a small, multiland use watershed for two years, the development of a mathematical model that can simulate the movement of nitrogen and the evaluation of the non-linear response of the watershed to nitrogen loadings. The site was the Muddy Brook watershed located in north-central Connecticut, U.S.A. The drainage area is 360 ha. The watershed land use consists of 54% unmanaged forest, 23% residential areas, 12% grass and hay lands and 11% maize fields. The Nutrient Transport and Transformation (NTT) model was used to assess the fate and transport of nitrogen in the watershed. The model is a distributed code that can simulate both the hydrology and chemistry of watersheds. Two management scenarios were simulated to assess the non-linear response of the Muddy Brook watershed. The first scenario simulated the possibility of reducing the nitrogen loading generated from a residential area by eliminating the septic tank input. The results indicated that there is going to be a 25% reduction in nitrogen export from the watershed if that scenario was followed. This dramatic reduction in export primarily results from the residential development being very close to the stream and there is a preferential flow that short-circuits the groundwater to the stream. On the other hand, an 100% reduction in fertilizer and manure input to the agricultural land will only result in less than 1.5% reduction in nitrogen export after a three year of simulation period. These simulations illustrate the non-linear nature of the Muddy Brook watershed response to nitrogen loadings and can be used to guide managers in selecting appropriate best management practices to improve the water quality of the stream.
Navajo economic behavior

Abstract “Navajo Economic Behavior” is an attempt to explain why development schemes on the Navajo Reservation have thus far failed. The main hypothesis is that these failures are the result of reliance on orthodox economic development theories of questionable relevance when applied to the Navajo. The reason such theories might not be appropriate is that they are based on assumptions regarding human behavior (maximation, and so forth) that do not apply to the Navajo with their unique cultural evolution. To illustrate the point, a brief review of the neoclassical economic model is offered and then compared to a model of Navajo economic behavior. The Navajo are shown to behave in a fashion somewhat different from the utility maximizing Anglo. The overlay of orthodox economic policy onto a unique Navajo economic system is shown to be the cause of confrontation and policy failure rather than stimulation of economic growth. The conclusion is that in an energy and resource scarce world, the Navajo with their ownership of such resources will be pushed further into the Anglo economic arena, despite cultural differences that may not make them comfortable there. Hence there exists the possibility of further failures of even the most well-intentioned economic growth schemes.
How well do male latex condoms work? Pregnancy outcome during one menstrual cycle of use.

Abstract To evaluate the contraceptive effectiveness of male latex condoms, we assembled a cohort of 300 women relying on male latex condoms for contraception and followed them prospectively for one menstrual cycle. None of the 234 women who completed the study and reported at least one act of intercourse conceived (one cycle pregnancy rate 0%; 95% CI 0%–2%). Given the pattern of intercourse during the cycle and 3 different sets of conception probabilities for different days of the cycle, we would have expected between 32 and 36 pregnancies if no condoms had been used. Thus, the prevented fraction due to condom use (effectiveness) is 100% and the lower bounds of the 95% CI are between 89% and 90%. For this cohort, male latex condoms were an effective method of contraception. This cost-efficient approach of evaluating contraceptive effectiveness shows promise for post-marketing studies.
Wounds of the thoracic viscera

Abstract In summarizing this brief consideration of thoracic injuries the following points may be recapitulated: 1. 1. In wounds of the lungs and pleurae open operation is indicated to remove foreign bodies, to close gaping wounds, and to stop hemorrhage from an intercostal or internal mammary artery, but only rarely from the lung itself. 2. 2. An hemothorax should be aspirated and the blood replaced by air. 3. 3. The presence of a tension pneumothorax must be anticipated and relieved at once. 4. 4. Otherwise, treatment should be conservative and supportive. 5. 5. Wounds of the heart and pericardium, on the other hand, require immediate surgical intervention followed by transfusion.
Empathic Concern and the Muscular Dystrophy Telethon Empathy as a Multidimensional Construct

A study was conducted to explore the effects of empathic predispositions on viewing and contributing to the annual muscular dystrophy telethon. A multidimensional measure of empathy (the Interpersonal Reactivity Index) was used to assess empathic predisposition, and respondents answered questions concerning their past viewing of the telethon and contributions to it. As predicted, only one facet of empathy-a tendency to experience sympathy and concern for others-was associated with more viewing of and contributing to the telethon. Other aspects of empathy, such as role-taking, fantasizing ability, and feelings of personal distress, were unrelated to either viewing or contributing.
Friction of ice on ice

[1] New measurements have been made of the friction coefficient of freshwater polycrystalline ice sliding slowly (5 × 10−8 to 1 × 10−3 m s−1) upon itself at temperatures from 98 to 263 K under low normal stresses (≤98 kPa). Sliding obeys Coulomb’s law: the shear stress is directly proportional to the normal stress across the interface, while cohesion offers little contribution to frictional resistance. The coefficient of kinetic friction of smooth surfaces varies from μk = 0.15 to 0.76 and, at elevated temperatures (≥223 K), exhibits both velocity strengthening at lower velocities (<10−5 to 10−4 m s−1) and velocity weakening at higher velocities. Strengthening and weakening are attributed to creep deformation of asperities and localized melting, respectively. At intermediate temperatures of 173 and 133 K, the kinetic coefficient appears to not exhibit significant dependence upon velocity. However, at the low temperature of 98 K the coefficient of kinetic friction exhibits moderate velocity strengthening at both the lowest and the highest velocities but velocity independence over the range of intermediate velocities. No effect was detected of either grain size or texture. Over the range of roughness 0.4 × 10−6 m ≤ Ra ≤ 12 × 10−6 m, a moderate effect was detected, where μk ∝ Ra0.08. Slide-hold-slide experiments revealed that the coefficient of static friction increases by an amount that scales logarithmically with holding time. Implications of the results are discussed in relation to shearing across “tiger stripe” faults within the icy crust of Saturn's Enceladus, sliding of the arctic sea ice cover and brittle compressive failure of cold ice.
Influence of vertical trabeculae on the compressive strength of the human vertebra.

Vertebral strength, a key etiologic factor of osteoporotic fracture, may be affected by the relative amount of vertically oriented trabeculae. To better understand this issue, we performed experimental compression testing, high-resolution micro-computed tomography (µCT), and micro-finite-element analysis on 16 elderly human thoracic ninth (T(9)) whole vertebral bodies (ages 77.5 ± 10.1 years). Individual trabeculae segmentation of the µCT images was used to classify the trabeculae by their orientation. We found that the bone volume fraction (BV/TV) of just the vertical trabeculae accounted for substantially more of the observed variation in measured vertebral strength than did the bone volume fraction of all trabeculae (r(2) = 0.83 versus 0.59, p < .005). The bone volume fraction of the oblique or horizontal trabeculae was not associated with vertebral strength. Finite-element analysis indicated that removal of the cortical shell did not appreciably alter these trends; it also revealed that the major load paths occur through parallel columns of vertically oriented bone. Taken together, these findings suggest that variation in vertebral strength across individuals is due primarily to variations in the bone volume fraction of vertical trabeculae. The vertical tissue fraction, a new bone quality parameter that we introduced to reflect these findings, was both a significant predictor of vertebral strength alone (r(2) = 0.81) and after accounting for variations in total bone volume fraction in multiple regression (total R(2) = 0.93). We conclude that the vertical tissue fraction is a potentially powerful microarchitectural determinant of vertebral strength.
Cushing's disease from an ectopic parasellar adenoma

Cushing's disease is a result of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-dependent hypercortisolism, whereby the majority of cases originate from the pituitary. In rare cases, the source of excess ACTH is from an ectopic pituitary adenoma, in which the clinical and biochemical picture can often be identical to intrasellar corticotroph adenomas.1 Ectopic pituitary adenomas are defined as an adenoma that lies outside the sella and is completely distinct from the normal intrasellar pituitary gland, they can be associated with normal pituitary and in some cases, an empty sella. A 34-year-old woman presented with a 12-month history of a labile mood, weight gain, easy bruising, irregular menses and hypertension. The patient appeared cushingoid. Biochemical investigations demonstrated hypercortisolism: 24 h urine-free cortisol 520.7 mcg (4–50), …
Prostaglandin F2α Stimulates Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate and Inositol 1,3,4,5-Tetrakisphosphate Formation in Bovine Luteal Cells*

The present studies were conducted to further evaluate inositol phosphate formation and metabolism in prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha)-stimulated bovine luteal cells. Corpora lutea were dispersed with collagenase, and luteal cells were prelabeled for 3 h with [3H]inositol. Inositol phosphates produced in response to PGF2 alpha were analyzed by ion exchange column chromatography and HPLC. Time-course experiments revealed that significant increases in inositol trisphosphate (InsP3) were apparent within 5 sec of incubation with PGF2 alpha. Increases in inositol bisphosphate (InsP2) were also apparent within 5 sec. InsP1 and InsP4 were observed after a short (5-sec) lag period. HPLC revealed that PGF2 alpha provoked rapid (5 sec) increases in inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins 1,4,5-P3), which was rapidly converted to inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate (Ins 1,3,4,5-P4) and inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate (Ins 1,3,4-P3). The primary inositol bisphosphate isomer present in PGF2 alpha-stimulated bovine luteal cells was inositol 1,4-bisphosphate (Ins 1,4-P2), with lesser amounts of Ins 1,3-P2. Inositol monophosphates were also increased. These findings were confirmed in studies in which the metabolism of purified [3H]Ins 1,4,5-P3 was followed temporally in saponin-permeabilized bovine luteal cells. Additional studies demonstrated the presence of an enzyme, InsP3-3-kinase, in the cytosolic fraction of bovine corpora lutea. InsP3-3-kinase phosphorylated Ins 1,4,5-P3 to form Ins 1,3,4,5-P4. The activity of InsP3-3-kinase was calcium dependent and was enhanced by calmodulin at low calcium concentrations. Calmidazolium, a calmodulin inhibitor, reduced InsP3-3-kinase activity in a concentration-dependent manner. These results demonstrate the presence of multiple polyphosphorylated inositol phosphates in PGF2 alpha-stimulated bovine luteal cells. The isomers were formed via the action of a specific calcium/calmodulin-regulated kinase (InsP3-3-kinase), which phosphorylated Ins 1,4,5-P3 during agonist-mediated hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate. These data suggest that the inositol tris/tetrakisphosphate pathway is an important sequelae to PGF2 alpha-stimulated inositol phospholipid hydrolysis, and that the pathway may be activated during agonist-mediated calcium mobilization.
Error calibration of geopotential harmonics in recent and past gravitational fields

The geopotential coefficients of a number of recent and past models have been examined with the aim of calibrating their formal (or published) errors, principally by direct comparison with the same coefficients of a precise and wholly independent satellite-only reference field determined (in 2010) predominantly from over 7 years of μ/s low–low GRACE inter-satellite range rate observations (ITG-GRACE2010S). In all of these comparisons the reference field used, over specified spectral ranges, has much smaller reported errors than the ones to be calibrated. In particular we find that a recently published field (in 2010) using gravity gradient and position data from ESA’s GOCE satellite, GO_CONS_GCF_2_TIM_R1, has formal errors which are significantly optimistic for the lowest degrees (n) but with increasing realism where the gradiometer gains influence over the position information (15 < n < 120). Other GOCE models do not afford an unbiased error calibration. Validating error calibration with the independent reference model, of two past comprehensive fields (containing both satellite and surface data), confirms that one of them (JGM3, published in 1994, complete to n = 70) reported generally realistic formal errors while another (EGM96, published in 1998, complete to n = 360, tested only for n < 150) had significantly optimistic ones for most n < 100 but with better realism when affected only by the surface information.
Radiometric error in GOES 8 Imager data due to sensor MTF

Understanding the sources of uncertainty in GOES Imager IR data is important to meteorologists and scientists who develop meteorological products. One component of radiometric uncertainty that is not well characterized, unlike noise and calibration errors, arises from the sensors's MTF. To understand this effect it is necessary to know the amount of power at high spatial frequencies in a typical scene. The sensor MTF, however, acts as a lower pass filter on the scene spatial frequency content, passing low frequencies and attenuating higher frequencies. To study the effect of the higher spatial frequencies in a scene, a model of both sensor MTF and scene spatial frequency content has been developed. The scene model is based on data from the Modis Airborne Simulator (MAS), a 50 channel radiometer- imager flown aboard a NASA ER-2. The MAS sensor has a 50 m IFOV at nadir, compared to the GOES channel radiometer- imaging flown aboard a NASA ER-2. The MAS sensor has a 50 m IFOV at nadir, compared to the GOES 4 km IFOV. The data sets from which the scene model was developed contain various combinations of land and clouds from several flights. Overlapping power spectral densities from the two sensors validate the use of MAS data for a GOES scene model at high spatial frequencies. The sensor MTF model is based both on measurements made during pre-launch testing and on theoretical calculations from sensor f-number, detector size and electronics filtering. The MTFs of Imager channels 2 and 4 are compared. Their difference is applied to the scene power spectra to evaluate the average radiometric error due to MTF differences.
Benefit and cost analysis and phosphorus efficiency of VA mycorrhizal fungi colonizations with sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) genotypes grown at varied phosphorus levels

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] was grown in a greenhouse in a low P (3.6 mg kg−1) soil (Typic Argiudolls) inoculated with the vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (VMAF) Glomus fasciculatum and P added at 0, 12.5, 25.0, and 37.5 mg kg−1 soil to determine the effects of VAMF-root associations on plant growth, benefit and cost analysis, and P efficiency (dry matter produced/unit P absorbed). Root colonization with V A M F and shoot growth enhancements decreased with increased soil P applications. Mycorrhizal plants were less P efficient than nonmycorrhizal plants. Shoot dry matter differences between mycorrhizal and nonmycorrhizal plants were considered the benefit derived by plants from VAMF-root associations. Shoot dry matter differences between mycorrhizal and nonmycorrhizal plants with similar P concentrations were considered the costs paid by plants for VAMF-root associations. Values of benefit and cost analysis for VAMF-root associations were highest when soil P was lowest and decreased with increasing P applications. Genotypic differences for calculated costs were pronounced, but not benefits. Benefit and cost analysis may be helpful to evaluate host plant genotypes and VAMF species to optimize efficiencies of VAMF symbiosis in different soil environments.
Life and the single gene

Steps Towards Life: A Perspective on Evolution. By Manfred Eigen. Oxford University Press: 1992. Pp. 173. £16.95, $29.95.
Predicting protein structure using only sequence information

This paper presents results of blind predictions submitted to the CASP3 protein structure prediction experiment. We made predictions using the SAM-T98 method, an iterative hidden Markov model-based method for constructing protein family profiles. The method is purely sequence-based, using no structural information, and yet was able to predict structures as well as all but five of the structure-based methods in CASP3.
A new chromogenic beta-galactosidase substrate based on the redox indicator dye ‘methyl purple’

Abstract ‘Methyl purple′-β-galactoside (4a + 4b) exhibits a 137 nm color shift (454 → 591 nm), a Km of 0.075 mM and fast enzymatic hydrolysis at pH 7.4. The β-galactoside of ‘methyl purple’ is a new chromogenic substrate that exhibits a 137 nm color shift upon hydrolysis at pH 7.4, a Km of 0.075 mM and a kc a t of 1.2 x 104 mole min−1/mole of enzyme active site.
Three-Dimensional In Silico Breast Phantoms for Multimodal Image Simulations

Anatomic simulators have provided researchers with the realistic objects needed to develop and evaluate medical imaging approaches. Today we have new insights into the cellular biology of breast tissues that is driving many new targeted diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, including molecular imaging. We report on our initial efforts to build a scalable framework for the construction of realistic 3-D in silico breast phantoms (ISBP) capable of leveraging existing knowledge and yet adaptable to fully integrate future discoveries. The ISBP frames are developed with scalable anatomical shapes and morphologic features as adapted from a rich literature on this topic. Frames are populated with tissue subtypes essential for imaging and object contrast functions are assigned. These data can be resampled to match the intrinsics scales of various imaging modalities; we explore mammography, sonography and computed tomography. Initial comparisons between simulated and clinical images demonstrate reasonable agreement and provides guidance for future development of a more realistic ISBP. An end-to-end simulation of breast images is described to demonstrate techniques for including stochastic variability and deterministic physical principles on which image formation is based.
T-F Emission: Experimental Measurement of the Average Electron Current Density from Tungsten

An experimental study of temperature-and-field emission is described in which the average electron current density from the tungsten monocrystal was measured at several fields and temperatures in the ranges $2.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{7}lFl7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{7}$ v/cm and $300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}lTl2000\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$K, respectively. The observed agreement between measured and calculated values supports the wave mechanical theory over larger combined ranges of the variables than previously reported, and further confirms that a high cathode temperature is an arc-initiating factor.
Estimated Insulin Sensitivity and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Adolescents with and without Type 1 Diabetes

Objective To test the hypothesis that cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors are similar in nondiabetic (non-DM) adolescents compared with those with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in the most insulin-sensitive (IS) tertile, and that CVD risk factors are more atherogenic with decreasing IS in adolescents with T1D. Study design IS for adolescents with T1D (n = 292; age = 15.4 ± 2.1 years; duration = 8.8 ± 3.0 years, hemoglobin A1c = 8.9% ± 1.6%) and non-DM controls (n = 89; age = 15.4 ± 2.1 years) was estimated using the model: logeIS = .64725 − 0.02032 (waist [cm]) − 0.09779 (hemoglobin A1c [%]) − 0.00235 (triglycerides [mg/dL]). CVD risk factors (blood pressure, fasting total and low- and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c), high sensitivity C-reactive protein, and body mass index z score) were compared between all non-DM adolescents and those with T1D in the most IS tertile, and then examined for a linear trend by IS tertile in adolescents with T1D, adjusted for sex, race/ethnicity, and Tanner stage. Results Estimated IS was significantly lower in adolescents with T1D compared with those without (T1D = 7.8 ± 2.4, non-DM = 11.5 ± 2.9; P Conclusion Adolescents with T1D who are the most IS have similar CVD risk factors compared with non-DM adolescents. CVD risk factors are inversely associated with IS in adolescents with T1D. IS may be an important therapeutic target for reducing CVD risk factors in adolescents with T1D.
The Influence of Fumaric Anhydride on Bioadhesive Polymer Compositions

Bioadhesive polymers are useful as drug delivery systems designed to adhere to the gastrointestinal lumen. The interaction between polymer and mucosal tissue influences residence time of the polymeric device and greatly affects the bioavailability of encapsulated drug. Poly(fumaric-co-sebacic anhydride) [P(FA:SA)] demonstrated impressive results in a variety of in vitro and in vivo experiments designed to test bioadhesion of microspheres. Among different molar ratios of P(FA:SA), adhesive measurements increased with increasing fumaric acid (FA) content. Using a modified microbalance technique, P(FA:SA)10:90 yielded a tensile work measurement of 82.99±12.76 nJ (mean±SEM) while that for P(FA:SA)70:30 was 453.23±47.73 nJ. A low molecular weight substance, fumaric anhydride prepolymer (FAPP), the oligomer form of fumaric acid, was incorporated into the microspheres and greatly increased the bioadhesive properties of P(FA:SA) as well as those of the relatively non-bioadhesive polymer poly(caprolactone) (PCL). Tensile work of P(FA:SA)20:80 was 32.95±5.42 nJ, and P(FA:SA)20:80 with 25% FAPP yielded a tensile work measurement of 556.28±113.12 nJ. Adhesion testing with PCL yielded a tensile work measurement of 7.93±1.84 nJ, while that for PCL with 25% FAPP was 1629.54±307.55 nJ. The effect of FA on drug delivery was evaluated in vitro using the P(FA:SA):FAPP blend with the everted intestinal sac technique. A low molecular weight drug (sodium salicylate) encapsulated in P(FA:SA)20:80 passed through the everted intestinal lumen to the interior of the sac to yield a concentration of 11.17±0.93 mg/dL, and drug encapsulated in P(FA:SA)20:80 with 10% FAPP yielded a concentration of 16.25±1.68 mg/dL (P<0.05). Unencapsulated drug passed through the intestinal lumen to yield a concentration of 8.09±-0.36 mg/dL. These experiments demonstrate that fumaric anhydride could be a very important component in bioadhesive polymer systems.
Subcomplex Iλ Specifically Controls Integrated Mitochondrial Functions in Caenorhabditis elegans

Complex I dysfunction is a common, heterogeneous cause of human mitochondrial disease having poorly understood pathogenesis. The extensive conservation of complex I composition between humans and Caenorhabditis elegans permits analysis of individual subunit contribution to mitochondrial functions at both the whole animal and mitochondrial levels. We provide the first experimentally-verified compilation of complex I composition in C. elegans, demonstrating 84% conservation with human complex I. Individual subunit contribution to mitochondrial respiratory capacity, holocomplex I assembly, and animal anesthetic behavior was studied in C. elegans by RNA interference-generated knockdown of nuclear genes encoding 28 complex I structural subunits and 2 assembly factors. Not all complex I subunits directly impact respiratory capacity. Subcomplex Iλ subunits along the electron transfer pathway specifically control whole animal anesthetic sensitivity and complex II upregulation, proportionate to their relative impairment of complex I-dependent oxidative capacity. Translational analysis of complex I dysfunction facilitates mechanistic understanding of individual gene contribution to mitochondrial disease. We demonstrate that functional consequences of complex I deficiency vary with the particular subunit that is defective.
Interrelatedness of Proactive Coping, Reactive Coping, and Learned Resourcefulness

Research has identified that coping strategies used by individuals depend on temporal locations of stressors. Dispositional attributes are also identified as predictors of coping. The current study identified commonalities of proactive coping, reactive coping, and learned resourcefulness measures. The analysis yielded three factors reflective of the coping process.
A survey of mentor relationships in academe

The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency, characteristics, and importance of the mentor-protege relationship among 477 female nurse academicians. This descriptive study consisted of a self-administered questionnaire packet of a demographic data sheet and a modified format of five mentor scales developed by Gilbert (1985) and Pierce (1983). Findings indicated that a majority (60 per cent) of respondents had one or more mentors. This study profiled the mentor by addressing the following: mentor behaviors, characteristics of the mentor-protege relationships, power and achievement characteristics of the mentor, personal qualities of the mentor, and proteges' achievements. Mentor behaviors reported as occurring most frequently were: discussion of strategies to handle professional situations (49.1 per cent), observing the mentor in professional situations (44.9 per cent), and providing opportunities for participation in professional activities (40.9 per cent). Concerning characteristics of the mentor-protege relationship, it was important for mentors to value proteges as people (72.1 per cent), provide professional advice when needed (66.4 per cent), and believe in the potential of the protege (62.3 per cent). Power and achievement characteristics reported by the protege to be very important included mastery of concepts and ideas (55.2 per cent) and capacity to work hard (52.1 per cent). The personal qualities of the mentor of greatest importance to the proteges were integrity (81.3 per cent), professional values (72 per cent), and trustworthiness (74 per cent). The elements rated as very important in relation to the protege's achievement were gaining confidence (49.3 per cent), enjoying work (42.7 per cent), and resolving conflicts (37.5 per cent).
The fate of the patient with isoniazid-resistant tuberculosis.

Abstract This report is concerned with the fate of the patient who has chronic lung disease due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis that has become resistant to isoniazid. These patients for the most part have far-advanced, cavitary disease. Drug therapy often fails to achieve bacteriostasis. Combinations of two or three drugs are recommended, with special attention being paid to susceptibility studies. The use of four or more drugs simultaneously does not appear to produce greater improvement than does the use of two or three drugs. Surgery, when feasible, is of definite value in controlling the disease. There remains a need for new tuberculostatic drugs.
Calculating approximate curve arrangements using rounded arithmetic

We present here an algorithm for the curve arrangement problem: determine how a set of planar curves subdivides the plane. This algorithm uses rounded arithmetic and generates an approximate result. It can be applied to a broad class of planar curves, and it is based on a new definition of approximate curve arrangements. This result is an important step towards the creation of practical computer programs for reasoning about algebraic curves of high degree.
Prevalence and antimicrobial patterns of Acinetobacter baumannii on hands and nares of hospital personnel and patients: The iceberg phenomenon again

Abstract Objective: To determine the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Acinetobacter baumannii on the hands and nares of health care workers and patients from intensive care and rehabilitation units at two hospitals in northern Manhattan, New York. Design: Prevalence survey of Acinetobacter on the hands and anterior nares of staff (n = 184) and patients (n = 98) in rehabilitation and intensive care units of two hospitals. Results: Twenty subjects (7.1%) had positive test results for A baumannii (6 staff [3.3%] and 14 patients [14.3%]). Five patients had positive test results at both sites, four in the nares only, and 11 on hands only. Among patients, four significant predictors of A baumannii were days on unit (P =.003), location (hospital A or B) (P =.01), surgery (P =.04), and receiving an antifungal agent (P =.02; OR, 5.6; 95% CI, 1.25-24.52). Among staff, predictors were skin damage (P =.02) and employment in hospital B (P =.03). Nine of the 20 subjects (45%) had positive test results for multiresistant strains, one from a staff member and eight from patients. Conclusion: Patients whose conditions are not clinically symptomatic for A baumannii, as well as staff, are often colonized. Staff with damaged skin are more likely to be colonized. Control of this organism will only be possible when the principle of the iceberg phenomenon—all patients (and staff) treated with standard, Universal Precautions—is strictly followed. Further, the endemic prevalence of multiresistant strains may be higher than previously appreciated. (Heart Lung® 2002;31:382-90.)
Communicating during crisis: Use of blogs as a relationship management tool

Using a post-test only experimental design with control group, this study investigated the impact of blogs on relationship management during a crisis. Participants (N = 109) were exposed to a personal blog (n = 45), organizational blog (n = 46), or control (n = 18). Results indicate blogs impact the perception of the level of crisis an organization experiences. Additionally, relationships created through blogs impact the perception of crisis. Use and credibility were also investigated.
Community Building and Political Power A Community Organizing Approach to Democratic Renewal

Rebuilding poor communities requires effective political power. This article examines the political strategy of the nation's most prominent, faith-based community organizing network, the Industrial...
Discovery and Preliminary Structure–Activity Relationship of Arylpiperazines as Novel, Brain-Penetrant Antiprion Compounds

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and kuru in humans, BSE in cattle, and scrapie in sheep are fatal neurodegenerative disorders. Such illnesses are caused by the conversion and accumulation of a misfolded pathogenic isoform (termed PrPSc) of a normally benign, host cellular protein, denoted PrPC. We employed high-throughput screening enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to evaluate compounds for their ability to reduce the level of PrPSc in Rocky Mountain Laboratory prion-infected mouse neuroblastoma cells (ScN2a-cl3). Arylpiperazines were among the active compounds identified, but the initial hits suffered from low potency and poor drug-likeness. The best of those hits, such as 1, 7, 13, and 19, displayed moderate antiprion activity with EC50 values in the micromolar range. Key analogues were designed and synthesized on the basis of the structure–activity relationship, with analogues 41, 44, 46, and 47 found to have submicromolar potency. Analogues 41 and 44 were able to penetrate the blood–brain barrier and achie...
Conditioning effects on two apparatuses

Nineteen 6 and 7 year old boys were conditioned on two apparatuses (marble box and gun). Social reinforcement was given by a 20 year old woman. Significant preference change (p = .05) was produced on both tasks; however, the correlation between the Ss’ conditioning scores on the task was −.09.
A Combinatorial Solution to the Reliability of Interwoven Redundant Logic Networks

A combinatorial procedure is given to calculate the reliability of an interwoven redundant logic network to any desired degree of accuracy. The procedure consists of enumerating combinations of gate failure which are tolerated by the redundant network, and is explained with reference to a quadded logic network. Since the exact reliability calculation might be too time consuming for large networks, a formula is given for a lower bound which can be used in conjunction with the exact method to give a very accurate reliability figure with a comparatively small computation time.
Effect of Laser Radiation on the Decay of U 2 3 5 m

Optical excitation of an atom containing an isomeric nucleus should affect its internal conversion coefficient through modification of its bound-state electronic wave functions as well as by interaction with the outgoing electron. The extreme case of $^{235m}\mathrm{U}$, which decays entirely by internal conversion and for which pronounced environmental effects on the half-life have been observed, is considered. Resonant (bound-state) effects on the lifetime and electron emission spectrum are predicted to occur with moderate-power cw laser irradiation.
Evaluating Effect of Two Allowable Permissive Left-Turn Indications

NCHRP Report 493 recommended that a flashing yellow arrow (FYA) permissive indication be included in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices as an alternative option to the circular green (CG...
Co-translational protein aggregation after transient cerebral ischemia.

Transient cerebral ischemia leads to irreversible translational inhibition which has been considered as a hallmark of delayed neuronal death after ischemia. This study utilized a rat transient cerebral ischemia model to investigate whether irreversible translational inhibition is due to abnormal aggregation of translational complex, i.e. the ribosomes and their associated nascent polypeptides, initiation factors, translational chaperones and degradation enzymes after ischemia. Translational complex aggregation was studied by electron microscopy, as well as by biochemical analyses. A duration of 15 or 20 min of cerebral ischemia induced severe translational complex aggregation starting from 30 min of reperfusion and lasting until the onset of delayed neuronal death at 48 h of reperfusion. Under electron microscopy, most rosette-shaped polyribosomes were relatively evenly distributed in the cytoplasm of sham-operated control neurons. After ischemia, most ribosomes were clumped into large abnormal aggregates in neurons destined to die. Translational complex components consisting of small ribosomal subunit protein 6, large subunit protein 28, eukaryotic initiation factor-3η, co-translational chaperone heat shock cognate protein 70 and co-chaperone HSP40-Hdj1, as well as co-translational ubiquitin ligase c-terminus of hsp70-interacting protein were all irreversibly clumped into large abnormal protein aggregates after ischemia. Translational components were also highly ubiquitinated. To our knowledge, irreversible aggregation of translational components has not been reported after brain ischemia. This study clearly indicates that ischemia damages co-translational chaperone and degradation machinery, resulting in irreversible destruction of protein synthesis machinery by protein aggregation after ischemia.