cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential Targeting of Signaling Pathways to Selectively Expand Mouse Regulatory T Cells While Inhibiting Conventional T Cells.

Abstract Abstract 2158 Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are suppressive T cells with therapeutic potential for ameliorating T cell-mediated diseases. Thus, there has been great interest in revealing the mechanisms by which Tregs proliferate. Recently, we reported that TCR signaling is partially dispensable for Treg proliferation in vivo when exogenous IL-2 is administered. Based on this data, we hypothesized that when given in conjunction with IL-2, pharmacological inhibition of TCR signaling might allow Tregs to expand while simultaneously inhibiting conventional T cell (Tconv) proliferation. Using mutant mice with defective TCR-mediated PLCγ activation, we found that the activation of PLCγ is dispensable for IL-2-mediated Treg proliferation. In contrast, costimulation-derived mTOR signaling was required for IL-2-induced Treg proliferation. We next used Cyclosporine A (CSA; calcineurin inhibitor) and rapamycin (mTOR inhibitor) to differentially target these signaling pathways. Consistent with our hypothesis, while both CSA and rapamycin suppressed antigen-specific Tconv proliferation, only CSA permitted IL-2-induced Treg expansion in vitro and in vivo. Rapamycin, however, did increase the overall Treg:Tconv ratio due to its negative effects on Tconv survival. Given that CSA inhibited antigen-specific Tconv proliferation while maintaining IL-2-induced Treg expansion, we hypothesized that the combination of CSA and IL-2 would be beneficial for attenuating T cell-mediated disease. Indeed, CSA synergized with IL-2 in protection against experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. Surprisingly, however, the administration of CSA blocked whereas rapamycin augmented the beneficial effect of IL-2 in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). These differences potentially results from the overt TCR stimulation that Tregs would receive in the allogeneic (GVHD) vs. syngeneic (EAE) environment. Moreover, inducible Treg (iTreg) generation from allogeneic MHC-stimulated naive Tconvs contributes greatly to the Treg pool during GVHD. This was consistent with our data showing that rapamycin promotes iTreg generation and allows TCR-enhanced Treg proliferation, whereas CSA inhibited both of these processes. Thus, depending on the disease setting, the signaling pathways contributing to expansion of the Treg pool need to be carefully considered and specifically targeted to increase the Treg:Tconv ratio in treatment of T cell-mediated disorders. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
The Case of the Irretrievable Mandibular Condyle: My Experience with Utilization of an Extraoral Vertical Ramus Osteotomy in Managing Severely Medially Displaced or Dislocated Mandibular Condyle Fractures

Medially displaced condylar head fractures pose a challenge for oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Accessing, retrieving, and reducing a displaced fracture is seemingly impossible at times. Consideration of the risks must also be taken, including significant bleeding during exposure, injury to the facial nerve, and ability to fixate an unstable segment. Performing an extraoral vertical ramus osteotomy to safely access the condylar head fracture will provide a safer and more meaningful approach to managing severely medially displaced or dislocated mandibular condyle fractures in cases when the condyle is irretrievable.
Adjunctive Yield of Wide-Area Transepithelial Sampling for Dysplasia Detection After Advanced Imaging and Random Biopsies in Barrett's Esophagus.

Introduction Little is known about the additive yield of wide-area transepithelial sampling with computer-assisted three-dimensional analysis (WATS-3D) after a thorough examination with advanced imaging. The aim was to evaluate the adjunctive yield of WATS-3D after advanced imaging. Methods This is an observational cohort study from January 2017 to December 2018 for consecutive patients who underwent an examination that consists of high-definition white light endoscopy (HDWLE), narrow-band imaging (NBI), volumetric laser endomicroscopy (VLE), and Seattle protocol (SP) biopsies (collectively termed HDWLE-NBI-VLE-SP examination). Raised lesions were removed by endoscopic resection. Areas suspicious for dysplasia on NBI and VLE were biopsied. This was followed by random biopsies and WATS-3D brush biopsies. Results One hundred thirty-eight cases were included in this study. Thirty-five cases (25% of the total) were identified as some degree of dysplasia on the HDWLE-NBI-VLE-SP examination. Adjunctive use of WATS-3D yielded an additional 12 new cases of dysplasia (9 with crypt dysplasia and 3 with low-grade dysplasia [LGD]), for added yield of 34.3% (=12/35, 95% confidence interval 14.6%-62.2%). When restricting the analysis to LGD and higher, 21 dysplastic cases (15% of the total cases) were identified by HDWLE-NBI-VLE-SP, while WATS-3D found 4 additional new cases (3 with LGD and 1 with high-grade dysplasia) for an added yield of 19% (=4/21, 95% confidence interval 0.6%-45.7%). Discussion The addition of WATS-3D to an already thorough examination with HDWLE-NBI-VLE-SP may increase the yield of dysplasia detection.
13 Psychological Assessment in Medical Settings

The specialty of clinical psychology has deep historical roots in psychological assessment related to medical conditions, which most often began in collaborative practice with physicians within medical settings. In this chapter, we discuss and delineate general and specific issues that are important to current psychological assessment activities in medical settings. The realm of psychological assessment is considered to encompass all traditional (e.g., personality, intellectual, academic) and specialized testing (e.g., health illness coping styles, specific neuropsychological). Topics covered in this chapter include: unique aspects of practicing in a medical setting environment that create unique assessment issues; assessment within a biopsychosocial model and with specific medical populations; reimbursement issues that affect practice, as well as the emerging changes in health-care financing that may affect future practice; and the wide range of opportunities for psychologists who develop assessment practices in medical settings. Though practice methods have evolved in concert with changes in health care, psychological assessment is likely to remain a prominent fixture within medical settings. In fact, continued practice growth related to psychological assessment within medical settings seems assured. Keywords: medical setting; neuropsychological assessment; psychological assessment
Heterogeneous adaptation of cysteine reactivity to a covalent oncometabolite.

An important context in which metabolism influences tumorigenesis is the genetic cancer syndrome hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma (HLRCC), a disease in which mutation of the tricarboxylic acid cycle enzyme fumarate hydratase (FH) causes hyperaccumulation of fumarate. This electrophilic oncometabolite can alter gene activity at the level of transcription, via reversible inhibition of epigenetic dioxygenases, as well as posttranslationally, via covalent modification of cysteine residues. To better understand the potential for metabolites to influence posttranslational modifications important to tumorigenesis and cancer cell growth, here we report a chemoproteomic analysis of a kidney-derived HLRCC cell line. Using a general reactivity probe, we generated a data set of proteomic cysteine residues sensitive to the reduction in fumarate levels caused by genetic reintroduction of active FH into HLRCC cell lines. This revealed a broad up-regulation of cysteine reactivity upon FH rescue, which evidence suggests is caused by an approximately equal proportion of transcriptional and posttranslational modification–mediated regulation. Gene ontology analysis highlighted several new targets and pathways potentially modulated by FH mutation. Comparison of the new data set with prior studies highlights considerable heterogeneity in the adaptive response of cysteine-containing proteins in different models of HLRCC. This is consistent with emerging studies indicating the existence of cell- and tissue-specific cysteine-omes, further emphasizing the need for characterization of diverse models. Our analysis provides a resource for understanding the proteomic adaptation to fumarate accumulation and a foundation for future efforts to exploit this knowledge for cancer therapy.
Conducting an Institutional Diversity Audit in Higher Education: A Practitioner’s Guide to Systemic Diversity Transformation: Chun, E., & Evans, A. (2019). Conducting an institutional diversity audit in higher education: A practitioner’s guide to systemic diversity transformation. Sterling, VA: Stylus. 228 pp. ISBN: 978-1620368190 ($35.00, paperback).

In higher education, espoused commitments to equity, diversity, and inclusion far outpace the allocation of dedicated resources necessary to enact those commitments. Moving beyond the status quo in...
The Impact of Different Induction Immunosuppressive Therapy on Long-Term Kidney Transplant Function When Measured by Iothalamate Clearance.

Background: Improvement in short-term outcomes after kidney transplant has been achieved by using different induction and maintenance therapeutic approaches. Long-term outcomes have not matched the expectations of the transplant stakeholders. Our study aimed to address the early impact of induction agents on long-term outcome of kidney transplant when measured by iothalamate clearance. Methods: All adult kidney transplant recipients between January of 2012 and December of 2016 were reviewed. Six hundred forty-nine patients were divided into three groups based on the induction agent (basiliximab, alemtuzumab, and thymoglobulin). Protocoled 4 months and 48 months kidney allograft function evaluations with iothalamate clearance test were compared among the three groups. Results: Patients who received basiliximab were significantly older with no difference among African American and Caucasians. The 48 months assessment showed significant decline in median iothalamate clearance in basiliximab group at 49 mL/min vs. alemtuzumab group 64.8 mL/min and thymoglobulin 60 mL/min with P = 0.007. The basiliximab group developed a significant higher proteinuria measured by spot urine to creatinine ratio at 48 months. Conclusions: The use of basiliximab as an induction agent for kidney transplant is associated with significant decline in kidney function 4 years post transplantation when measured by iothalamate clearance. J Clin Med Res. 2020;12(12):787-793 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jocmr4369
Test Anxiety and Poor Sleep: A Vicious Cycle

Test anxiety may be better thought of as a biopsychosocial process affecting academic performance during the days leading up to an exam, rather than a static appraisal of attitudes related to test taking. This was a passive observational study following students 2 days before a midterm exam and was designed to test the Sleep Anxiety Performance Process (SAPP) model in the context of a psychology statistics exam. Undergraduates (N = 167) enrolled in a statistics class, January–November 2015. Participants completed an electronic battery of measures and Sleep Mood Study Diaries (SMS) during the mornings, 2 days before a statistics exam. Instructors confirmed exam scores. A path model showed a reciprocal bi-directional relationship between Sleep Quality and restfulness (Q&R) and test anxiety 2 days before a scheduled exam, with test anxiety measured in the morning, before the exam predicting exam performance. Prior exam performance, being a non-native English speaker (ESL), and class performance motivation also predicted exam performance. These data support the SAPP model’s premise that that sleep and anxiety feed one another, as a reciprocal process, that collectively impairs academic performance, with direct effects on academic performance, but with implications for overall student health.
COVID-19 and Suicides in the United States: An Early Empirical Assessment

2017-2020 data from Medical Examiner Offices of 19 large U.S. counties is collected to study how suicides evolved during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. I use these data to obtain three key findings. First, I document that the total number of suicides per month was increasing during the early months of the pandemic but was below previous years’ levels. Second, using a monthly event-study design to account for seasonal trends and county-level differences in suicides, I find that during April through August 2020, monthly suicides were between 11.2% and 20.5% lower than previous years. Third, I explore whether school closures during the start of the pandemic might be associated with suicides among school-age individuals, and I find that monthly suicides increased relative to previous years for this age group, with the highest increases during the summer.
The Triage of the Patient with the Mangled Extremity

An algorithmic-based approach to the initial triage and management of a patient with a mangled extremity is paramount. It is imperative to assess a patient with a mangled extremity in a systematic manner, proceeding through the ABCs of the primary survey and controlling any ongoing active hemorrhage as this is the acutely life-threatening concern for a mangled extremity. Extremity hemorrhage should be controlled via tourniquet, direct pressure, or packing. If unsuccessful, prompt surgical exploration and hemorrhage control are required. Persistent hemodynamic instability requires further evaluation to identify the source of hemorrhage, which may be external or intracavitary. Other etiologies can include cardiac, obstructive, or neurologic in etiology. The “life over limb” adage is key, and the mangled extremity should be addressed only after life-threatening problems have been stabilized. Further evaluations begin with a thorough physical exam followed by specific adjunct tests. Continued treatment of the extremity should begin with reduction of fractures followed by further specific evaluation of the vascular, neurologic, and soft tissue injuries to the extremity. Optimal care requires a multidisciplinary approach to the mangled extremity.
The involvement of mesolimbic dopamine system in cotinine self-administration in rats.

Abstract Cotinine is the major metabolite of nicotine and has recently been shown to be self-administered intravenously by rats. However, mechanisms underlying cotinine self-administration remained unknown. Mesolimbic dopamine system projecting from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to nucleus accumbens (NAC) is closely implicated in drug reinforcement, including nicotine. The objective of the current study was to determine potential involvement of mesolimbic dopamine system in cotinine self-administration. An intracranial self-administration experiment demonstrates that cotinine at 0.88 and 1.76 ng/100 nl/infusion was self-infused into the VTA by rats. Rats produced more infusions of cotinine than vehicle and responded more on active than inactive lever during acquisition, reduced responding when cotinine was replaced by vehicle, and resumed responding during re-exposure to cotinine. Microinjection of cotinine at 1.76 ng/100 nl/infusion into the VTA increased extracellular dopamine levels within the NAC. Subcutaneous injection of cotinine at 1 mg/kg also increased extracellular dopamine levels within the NAC. Administration of the D 1 -like receptor antagonist SCH 23390 attenuated intravenous cotinine self-administration. On the other hand, bupropion , a catecholamine uptake inhibitor, did not significantly alter intravenous cotinine self-administration. These results suggest that activation of mesolimbic dopamine system may represent one cellular mechanism underlying cotinine self-administration. This shared mechanism between cotinine and nicotine suggests that cotinine may play a role in nicotine reinforcement.
Remarks on Macrocrack - Microcrack Interaction and Related Problems

An analytical solution representing the interaction of a macrocrack with a collinear microcrack is re-examined. The purpose of the analysis is to separate the singular term and to represent the remaining part of the solution as a bounded function in the form of a uniformly convergent power series. Some aspects of the solution in application to fracture development in composites are discussed.
Cyclometalated Z-Selective Ruthenium Metathesis Catalysts with Modified N-Chelating Groups

In order to design improved ruthenium catalysts for Z-selective olefin metathesis reactions, four cyclometalated catalysts with new chelated architectures were synthesized, structurally characterized, and tested in metathesis assays. The mechanism of formation of each was explored using DFT calculations. Of note, two complexes are derived from activation of a tertiary C–H bond, and one features a four-membered chelating architecture. In addition, two dipivalate complexes that did not undergo further C–H activation were isolated and studied to elucidate information about the factors affecting cyclometalation.
Differences in the morphology of spinal V2a neurons reflect their recruitment order during swimming in larval zebrafish.

Networks of neurons in spinal cord generate locomotion. However, little is known about potential differences in network architecture that underlie the production of varying speeds of movement. In larval zebrafish, as swimming speed increases, Chx10-positive V2a excitatory premotor interneurons are activated from ventral to dorsal in a topographic pattern that parallels axial motoneuron recruitment. Here, we examined whether differences in the morphology and synaptic output of V2a neurons reflect their recruitment order during swimming. To do so, we used in vivo single-cell labeling approaches to quantify the dorsoventral distribution of V2a axonal projections and synapses. Two different classes of V2a neurons are described, cells with ascending and descending axons and cells that are only descending. Among the purely descending V2a cells, more dorsal cells project longer distances than ventral ones. Proximally, all V2a neurons have axonal distributions that suggest potential connections to cells at and below their own soma positions. At more distal locations, V2a axons project dorsally, which creates a cumulative intersegmental bias to dorsally located spinal neurons. Assessments of the synapse distribution of V2a cells, reported by synaptophysin expression, support the morphological observations and also demonstrate that dorsal V2a cells have higher synapse densities proximally. Our results suggest that V2a cells with more potential output to spinal neurons are systematically engaged during increases in swimming frequency. The findings help explain patterns of axial motoneuron recruitment and set up clear predictions for future physiological studies examining the nature of spinal excitatory network connectivity as it relates to movement intensity. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:1232–1248, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adaptive Solving of Equations over Rational Trees

The solution of Dynamic Constraint Satisfaction Problems (DCSPs) in Constraint Logic Programming (CLP) basically requires a solution of dynamically changing systems of syntactical equations over the rational trees
Extensibility in the Starburst Experimental Database System

The Starburst experimental database system is a research tool for experimenting with advanced database implementation techniques. As such, it is important to be able to extend the system in a variety of ways to facilitate the evaluation of the design and implementation of various advanced database management functions. In addition, many applications that use (or wish to use) database systems to store their persistent state can benefit from specialized constructs or facilities, either for better performance, or to model more closely the application domain. The conflicting goals of application-specific facilities and integration of information across application boundaries are (perhaps) best addressed by a database system supporting domain-specific extensions in the context of a common data model. A common data model, mentation of large portions of the system. Many others, including Walter Chang, Bill Cody, Sheldon Finkelstein, Christoph Freytag, Toby Lehman, C. Mohan, Hanh Nguyen, Kiyoshi Ono, and Peter Schwarz have also contributed to the design and implementation of the Starburst system.
ICELL: an interactive web resource for simulation-based teaching and learning in electrophysiology training

An interactive cell modeling resource, iCell, was developed for computational modeling of cellular bioelectric activity. Electrophysiology research projects were integrated into education and training at the iCell web site (http://ssdl.bme.nieniphis.edu/icell). iCell is used as a simulation-based teaching and learning tool for electrophysiology. The site consists of JAVA applets representing models of various cardiac cells and neurons, and provides simulation data of their bioelectric activities at single cell level. Each JAVA-based model allows the user to go through menu options to change model parameters or conditions, run and view simulation results. iCell has been used as a teaching and learning tool for four graduate courses at the Joint Biomedical Engineering Program of University of Memphis and University of Tennessee. Scientists from the fields of biosciences, engineering, life sciences and medicine in 13 different countries have also tested and utilized iCell as a simulation-based teaching, learning and collaboration environment.
Race, economy and punishment: inequity and racial disparity in imprisonment, 1972–2002

Guided by the Rusche and Kirchheimer thesis, this study examines variation in incarceration rates across states. Time-series regression analysis is applied to 30 years of state-level data to examine how economic factors interact with aggregate measures of race/ethnicity in predicting rates of incarceration. The analysis indicates that income inequality, not unemployment, is the most salient predictor of incarceration rates. That is, state-level measures of income inequality exert a strong, positive effect on state-level incarceration rates, and this effect is particularly salient in the presence of higher percentages of African-Americans.
A CloudSat cloud object partitioning technique and assessment and integration of deep convective anvil sensitivities to sea surface temperature

A cloud object partitioning algorithm is developed to provide a widely useful database of deep convective clouds. It takes contiguous CloudSat cloudy regions and identifies various length scales of clouds from a tropical, oceanic subset of data. The methodology identifies a level above which anvil characteristics become important by analyzing the cloud object shape. Below this level in what is termed the pedestal region, convective cores are identified based on reflectivity maxima. Identifying these regions allows for the assessment of length scales of the anvil and pedestal of deep convective clouds. Cloud objects are also appended with certain environmental quantities from European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. Simple geospatial and temporal assessments show that the cloud object technique agrees with standard observations of local frequency of deep convective cloudiness. Deep convective clouds over tropical oceans play important roles in Earth's climate system. The newly developed data set is used to evaluate the response of tropical, deep convective clouds to sea surface temperature (SST). Several previously proposed responses are examined: the Fixed Anvil Temperature Hypothesis, the Iris Hypothesis, and the Thermostat Hypothesis. When the data are analyzed per cloud object, increasing SST is found to be associated with increased anvil thickness, decreased anvil width, and cooler cloud top temperatures. Implications for the corresponding hypotheses are discussed. A new response suggesting that the base temperature of deep convective anvils remains approximately constant with increasing SSTs is introduced. These cloud dependencies on SST are integrated to form a more comprehensive theory for deep convective anvil responses to SST.
Construction and analysis of viable deletion mutants of simian virus 40.

Abstract Viable mutants of simian virus 40 (SV40), with deletions ranging in size from 15 to 200 base pairs, have been obtained by infecting CV-1P cells with circularly permuted linear SV40 DNA. The linear DNA was produced by cleavage of closed circular DNA with DNase I in the presence of Mn2+, followed, in some cases, by mild digestion with lambda 5'-exonuclease. The SV40 map location and the size of each deletion were determined by using the S1 nuclease mapping procedure (Shenk et al., 1975) and the change in size of fragments produced by Hind II + III endonuclease cleavage. Deletions in at least three regions of the SV40 chromosome have slight or no effect on the rate or yield of viral multiplication and on vira-induced cellular transformation. These regions are located at the following coordinates on the SV40 physical map: 0.17 to 0.18; 0.54 to 0.59; and 0.68 to 0.74.
Food and Culture among Bolivian Aymara: Symbolic Expressions of Social Relations

Food and Culture among Bolivian Aymara: Symbolic Expressions of Social Relations. Mick Johnsson. Acta Unlversitatls Upsallensis, Upssala Studies in Cultural Anthropology 7. Uppsala, Sweden: Uppsala University, 1986. 188 pp., map, notes, bibliography, appendices. N.p (paper). ISBN 91-554-1962-3.
COLOR CENTERS PRODUCED IN KCl AND KBr BY PROLONGED X IRRADIATIONS AT LOW TEMPERATURES

The principal purposes of this study were to observe the effect of an x irradiation of extended duration on the production of color centers in KCl and KBr at low temperatures and to examine the implications with regard to possible color-center models. Growth curves were determined at 5\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K for the $F$, $K$, $M$, and $H$ bands in KCl and KBr and for a new band at 245 m\ensuremath{\mu} in KCl and at 278 m\ensuremath{\mu} in KBr, called the ${H}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ band. Growth curves were determined at 80\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K for the $F$, $K$, and $M$ bands in KCl and KBr. The growth of the ${V}_{4}$ band in KBr and of a band having its absorption maximum at 240 m\ensuremath{\mu} in KCl, designated as the $V(240)$ band, was also followed at 80\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The ratio of the absorptions at the peak of the $F$ and $K$ bands was found to remain constant indicating that both of these bands arise from transitions in the same center. The concentration of $M$ centers was found to depend quadratically on the $F$-center concentration. This result gives conclusive support to the model proposed by van Doorn and Haven that the $M$ center consists of a pair of associated $F$ centers. The $F\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{t}\mathrm{o}\ensuremath{-}H$ ratio was observed to be constant for short x-ray exposures, supporting the viewpoint that the two centers are produced as complementary defects; however, for prolonged exposures, this ratio is no longer constant. The number of $F$ centers is in constant ratio to the combined concentrations of $H$ and ${H}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ centers provided that the oscillator strength of the ${H}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ band is suitably chosen. The linear dependence of the generation of both ${V}_{4}$ centers in KBr and $V(240)$ centers in KCl on $F$-center concentration suggests that the ${V}_{4}$ and $V(240)$ centers, rather than ${V}_{1}$ centers, are fundamentally related to the mechanism of formation of $F$ centers near liquid-nitrogen temperature for a prolonged irradiation.
Macrocyclic Poly Arylamines for Rigid Connection of Poly Radical Cation Spins

The synthesis of macrocyclic arylamines 3 and 4 is reported. These structures yield conformationally rigid polyradical cations for investigation of their electron spin properties. Dication 32+ has dual N and N‘ connection of its p-phenylenediamine radical cation units via 2,7-naphthalene bridges. By ESR and NMR analysis, 32+ is found to possess a populated, low-lying triplet excited state. Macrocycle 4 undergoes multielectron oxidation as observed by cyclic voltammetry to yield polycations with more limited kinetic stability.
Pharmacokinetics of Ibuprofen in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis

Study Objectives. To determine the pharmacokinetic disposition of high doses of ibuprofen in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), and to evaluate the reliability of intrapatient dosage adjustments to achieve recommended peak ibuprofen plasma concentrations. Design. First-order absorption, one-compartment model was fit to serial ibuprofen concentration-time data obtained from patients with CF and receiving high doses of ibuprofen 20–30 mg/kg. Setting. Medical school-affiliated teaching hospital. Patients. Ninety-eight patients with CF (53 males, 45 females; mean age 12.5 yrs). Measurements and Main Results. The time to achieve apparent maximum ibuprofen concentration (Tmax) ranged from 1–3 hours, with maximum concentrations ranging from 21–150 μg/ml (mean 83 μg/ml). Apparent ibuprofen clearance (Cl/F) was significantly correlated with age (r2 = 0.43, p<0.0001) and measures of body size (body surface area [BSA] r2 = 0.50, p<0.0001). The Cl/F ranged from 21.1–114.7 ml/min/m2 (mean 45.5 ml/min/m2), a 5-fold difference. The Cl/F normalized to body weight decreased with increasing age (p=0.0009), but when normalized to BSA, there was no age-related change (p=0.65). Apparent volume of distribution was significantly correlated with age (r2 = 0.69, p<0.0001) and measures of body size (BSA r2 = 0.79, p<0.0001). Fourteen patients had ibuprofen dosage adjustments. The Cl/F was not different among doses; however, Tmax differed by an average of 1.25 hours (range 0–2 hrs). Conclusion. The substantial variability in ibuprofen disposition and clearance we report is greater than previously described. Individualized dosages and therapeutic drug monitoring may be required to ensure plasma concentrations considered necessary to prevent pulmonary deterioration in patients with CF.
Exploration of Fractal Characteristics in Crash Data

Fractals are irregular geometric objects that exhibit finite details at all scales, and when magnified, their basic structures remain the same regardless of the scale of magnification. The main strength of fractal analysis is in its ability to find patterns in large and complex datasets. To benefit from fractal theory, a dataset must exhibit fractal characteristics. This paper investigates the existence of fractal characteristics in crash data from Florida using the fractal dimension and the Hurst exponent techniques. Using crash data from 1991-2011, it was found that the annual crash rate trend at signalized intersections exhibited fractal characteristics. Results of the annual crash rate analysis could be applied in the identification of high-crash intersections. For example, fractal analysis using the Hurst exponent technique could be used to predict crash trend and whether a high-crash intersection would continue to be on future high-crash location lists.
Performance Evaluation of Low Cost GPS and WAAS- Corrected Swathing Systems on Agricultural Aircraft Using Precise Position Triggering

A Satloc GPS-based aircraft guidance system and two stand-alone GPS units were tested for position updating accuracy. The Satloc had been tested for a proposed variable-rate aerial application system and provided baseline information for assessing the stand-alone units. To run the accuracy test, a ground-based mirror system reflected sunlight to the belly of the aircraft, triggering a position event in the Satloc output file to 1/100-s accuracy when a ground-referenced point was passed. The stand-alone units were evaluated for use in georeferencing remote sensing images and a proposed automatic still-digital camera triggering system. For the stand-alone units, the number of output sentences and method of acquiring data were changed to see the effect on position updating. Tests showed the Satloc to be within 6-m of geographically referenced ground position. The Lowrance Airmap stand-alone unit updated position 1.2- to 2.25-s ahead of the Satloc, but differences seen between different runs did not appear to be related to different output sentence configurations. Position updating was about 0.3-s faster when a video mapping system (VMS) was used as the data acquisition system rather than one using a custom-programmed Palmtop. Updating speed for the Lowrance unit was inconsistent over two days of testing, but recorded position was not appreciably affected by changes in ground speed. A Garmin 76S stand-alone unit was found to update 0.5-s slower than the Lowrance during one day of testing. For the Garmin unit, output position changed linearly with increasing ground speed. Over ground speeds ranging from 38 to 69 m/s, output position changed by 27-m. This 27-m difference was equivalent to about a 0.5-s difference in position updating. The Lowrance Airmap appeared to be a more suitable choice for use as a parallel GPS, and it is also designed for use in an airplane. More tests on different days should be conducted to determine reasons for position updating inconsistencies in the stand-alone units. This will be necessary if either of them is to be used successfully for image georeferencing or automatic camera triggering.
On exchange-rate stabilization

Abstract This paper extends Calvo's (1986) and Obstfeld's (1985) analyses of stabilization policies through predetermined exchange rates in a few directions. The graphic and analytical techniques used here make it possible to perform a variety of policy experiments under a general utility function and in the presence of a consumer durable good (or under time-nonseparable preferences). It also shows that the dynamic process of exchange-rate stabilization exhibits hysteresis effects. That is, the steady-state behavior of the economy depends on the initial condition and a temporary stabilization policy has a permanent effect on the economy.
Submarine mass-wasting of sediments on the continental slope and upper rise south of Baltimore Canyon

Detailed bathymetric and high-resolution 3.5-kHz surveys as well as submersible-based visual observations carried out on the U.S. continental margin off Delaware Bay have delineated a complex pattern of incised valleys with a 50-m-thick layer of acoustically laminated sediments draping the ridges. Sediment slides have moved much of this unit along acoustically well-defined glide planes and deposited it in the valleys of the upper continental rise. These deposits are acoustically unlayered and can be mapped as a sheet deposit over an area of more than 2000 km2 and to a water depth of 2900 m. Sediment cores and submersible observations have shown no evidence for recent slope failures at the locations the observations were made.
One night, everything disappeared: Toward a model of coping effectiveness after organizational disasters

Abstract The explosion of TWA Flight 800 was the second-worst aviation disaster in U.S. history. This theoretical article suggests that as long as the cause of the plane crash remains a mystery, bereaved family members and friends will remain in a relatively weak position to make sense of the tragedy. The meta-construct of “coping effectiveness” is explained in its dimensionality, and then a general model of coping effectiveness is developed. Individual and situational variables are proposed as antecedents of survivors' effectiveness in coping with the loss of significant others. The individual variables are demographic, intrapsychic, and behavioral-contextual. The situational variables are suddenness, scope, and cause of organizational disaster. Story telling is the mediator between independent and dependent variables.
Compressive viscoelasticity of freshly excised mouse skin is dependent on specimen thickness, strain level and rate.

Although the skin’s mechanical properties are well characterized in tension, little work has been done in compression. Here, the viscoelastic properties of a population of mouse skin specimens (139 samples from 36 mice, aged 5 to 34 weeks) were characterized upon varying specimen thickness, as well as strain level and rate. Over the population, we observed the skin’s viscoelasticity to be quite variable, yet found systematic correlation of residual stress ratio with skin thickness and strain, and of relaxation time constants with strain rates. In particular, as specimen thickness ranged from 211 to 671 μm, we observed significant variation in both quasi-linear viscoelasticity (QLV) parameters, the relaxation time constant (τ1 = 0.19 ± 0.10 s) and steady-state residual stress ratio (G∞ = 0.28 ± 0.13). Moreover, when τ1 was decoupled and fixed, we observed that G∞ positively correlated with skin thickness. Second, as steady-state stretch was increased (λ∞ from 0.22 to 0.81), we observed significant variation in both QLV parameters (τ1 = 0.26 ± 0.14 s, G∞ = 0.47 ± 0.17), and when τ1 was fixed, G∞ positively correlated with stretch level. Third, as strain rate was increased from 0.06 to 22.88 s−1, the median time constant τ1 varied from 1.90 to 0.31 s, and thereby negatively correlated with strain rate. These findings indicate that the natural range of specimen thickness, as well as experimental controls of compression level and rate, significantly influence measurements of skin viscoelasticity.
Exhaust pressure estimation and its application to variable geometry turbine and wastegate diagnostics

Exhaust pressure is a critical engine parameter used to calculate engine volumetric efficiency and EGR flow rate. In this paper, exhaust pressure is estimated for an internal combustion engine equipped with a variable geometry turbocharger. A coordinate transformation is applied to generate a turbine map for estimation of the exhaust pressure. This estimation can be used to replace an expensive pressure sensor for cost saving. On the other hand, for internal combustion engines that have already installed exhaust pressure sensors, this estimation can be used to generate residual signals for model-based diagnostics. Based on the residual signals, two diagnostic methods are proposed: one based on cumulative sum algorithms and the other based on pattern recognition and neural networks. The algorithms are able to detect and isolate different failure modes for a turbocharger system.
Relationship between the isoelectric point (pHpzc) and the potential of zero charge (Epzc) for passive metals

Abstract The potential of zero charge of oxide-covered metals (Epzc) is shown to be linear function of the isoelectric point of the oxide film (pHpzc). The linearity is displayed for 14 different metals having n-type semiconductor oxide films and for three metals having p-type semiconductor oxide films. Using experimental values from the literature, the slope of the linear plot of Epzc vs. pHpzc is observed to be −0.142 V for n-type oxides and −0.115 V for p-type oxides. The theoretical slope is −0.120 V, which is derived in this communication.
Percutaneous closure of a large iatrogenic fistula between the inferior vena cava and the pulmonary vein in a child

We hereby describe a complex late postoperative veno-venous fistula in a child, successfully treated by an interventional percutaneous procedure. It is a unique complication of diaphragmatic hernia surgery that has never been reported before: a late postoperative iatrogenic fistula, between the inferior vena cava and the right lower pulmonary vein, discovered in a 6-year-old boy operated at the age of 4 months for a right diaphragmatic hernia. The right to left shunt was completely and uneventfully suppressed by a percutaneous procedure separating the systemic venous return from the pulmonary venous return with an Amplatzer Vascular Plug II.
Does Gender Matter: The Role of Gender in Legal Decision-Making by Croatian Mixed Tribunals

Le but de cet article est d'examiner l'influence du genre dans les interactions entre juges professionnels et non professionnels au sein des tribunaux mixtes en Croatie. Cette influence est mesuree a travers l'opinion sur la frequence et l'importance de la participation des juges non professionnels, l'opinion sur leur competence, et la force de l'influence exercee entre eux par les membres du tribunal. Il apparait que la variable genre n'a que peu d'influence, tandis que les differences de statut entre juges professionnels et non professionnels jouent un role important dans les interactions menant aux decisions
Participation in Farm Commodity Programs: A Stochastic Dominance Analysis: Comment

In a 1981 Journal article, Kramer and Pope (KP) examine benefits of participation in farm commodity programs using a normative risk model based on stochastic dominance theory. It will be shown here that the absolute risk aversion coefficients which they use are not applicable to their data set. KP state in their footnote to table 3 that "the rankings are for returns in thousands of dollars" (p. 125). They state (p. 124) the "values in table I were selected so as to cover the range of risk aversion coefficients reported in previous studies." They apparently scaled down their net returns (table 2, p. 124) by a factor of 1,000 before carrying out the stochastic dominance calculations, and this led to the use of inappropriate boundaries for their absolute risk aversion coefficients. They present absolute risk aversion coefficients ranging from -0.04 to 0.03 for 12 groups of decision makers. These risk aversion coefficients enclose a degree of risk aversion which is not likely to be applicable to decision makers considering distributions of possible returns for representative Kern County farms. The absolute risk aversion coefficients used
InsP3 Signaling Induces Pulse-Modulated Ca2+ Signals in the Nucleus of Airway Epithelial Ciliated Cells

The phenomenology of nuclear Ca2+ dynamics has experienced important progress revealing the broad range of cellular processes that it regulates. Although several agonists can mobilize Ca2+ from storage in the nuclear envelope (NE) to the intranuclear compartment (INC), the mechanisms of Ca2+ signaling in the nucleus still remain uncertain. Here we report that the NE/INC complex can function as an inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3)-controlled Ca2+ oscillator. Thin optical sectioning combined with fluorescent labeling of Ca2+ probes show in cultured airway epithelial ciliated cells that ATP can trigger periodic oscillations of Ca2+ in the NE ([Ca2+]NE) and corresponding pulses of Ca2+ release to the INC. Identical results were obtained in InsP3-stimulated isolated nuclei of these cells. Our data show that [Ca2+]NE oscillations and Ca2+ release to the INC result from the interplay between the Ca2+/K+ ion-exchange properties of the intralumenal polyanionic matrix of the NE and two Ca2+-sensitive ion channels—an InsP3-receptor-Ca2+ channel and an apamin-sensitive K+ channel. A similar Ca2+ signaling system operating under the same functional protocol and molecular hardware controls Ca2+ oscillations and release in/to the endoplasmic reticulum/cytosol and in/to the granule/cytosol complexes in airway and mast cells. These observations suggest that these intracellular organelles share a remarkably conserved mechanism of InsP3-controlled frequency-encoded Ca2+ signaling.
Diffusion of surgical innovations, patient safety, and minimally invasive radical prostatectomy.

Importance Surgical innovations disseminate in the absence of coordinated systems to ensure their safe integration into clinical practice, potentially exposing patients to increased risk for medical error. Objective To investigate associations of patient safety with the diffusion of minimally invasive radical prostatectomy (MIRP) resulting from the development of the da Vinci robot. Design, Setting, and Participants A cohort study of 401 325 patients in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample who underwent radical prostatectomy during MIRP diffusion between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2009. Main Outcomes and Measures We used Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Patient Safety Indicators (PSIs), which measure processes of care and surgical provider performance. We estimated the prevalence of MIRP among all prostatectomies and compared PSI incidence between MIRP and open radical prostatectomy in each year during the study. We also collected estimates of MIRP incidence attributed to the manufacturer of the da Vinci robot. Results Patients who underwent MIRP were more likely to be white ( P = .004), have fewer comorbidities ( P = .02), and have undergone surgery in higher-income areas ( P = .005). The incidence of MIRP was substantially lower than da Vinci manufacturer estimates. Rapid diffusion onset occurred in 2006, when MIRP accounted for 10.4% (95% CI, 10.2-10.7) of all radical prostatectomies in the United States. In 2005, MIRP was associated with an increased adjusted risk for any PSI (adjusted odds ratio, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.1-3.7; P = .02) vs open radical prostatectomy. Stratification by hospital status demonstrated similar patterns: rapid diffusion onset among teaching hospitals occurred in 2006 (11.7%; 95% CI, 11.3-12.0), with an increased risk for PSI for MIRP in 2005 (adjusted odds ratio, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.4-5.3; P = .004), and onset among nonteaching hospitals occurred in 2008 (27.1%; 95% CI, 26.6-27.7), with an increased but nonsignificant risk for PSI in 2007 (adjusted odds ratio, 2.0; 95% CI, 0.8-5.2; P = .14). Conclusions and Relevance During its initial national diffusion, MIRP was associated with diminished perioperative patient safety. To promote safety and protect patients, the processes by which surgical innovations disseminate into clinical practice require refinement.
The geometric dependence of acidity: hexamethyldisilazide anion

Abstract Experimental data, and molecular orbital calculations at a variety of levels, provide support for the existence of hexamethyldisilazide anion with an sp-hybridized nitrogen when free of the counterion, but a more conventional sp 2 nitrogen when lithium is present. The cyclic compound 1,1,3,3-tetramethyl-1,3-disila-2-azacyclopentane is experimentally 10.5 kcal/mol weaker as an acid in the gas phase than the open chain equivalent, 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexamethyldisilazane, by ion cyclotron resonance spectrometry. The calculated energetics for each case agrees well with gas-phase and solution-phase experimental data.
Responses of striatal neurons to peripheral sensory stimulation in symptomatic MPTP-exposed cats.

Abstract Extracellular single unit activity was recorded in the dorsal lateral caudate nucleus of awake cats and the responses of these neurons to somatosensory, visual and auditory stimuli were assessed. Recordings were obtained when animals were normal and when they were symptomatic for a Parkinson-like syndrome as a result of exposure to the toxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). In normal animals, 22% of recorded neurons responded to tactile stimulation of the face, 7% had auditory responses, 6% had visual responses, and 6% were multimodal. The post-MPTP period was divided into an ‘early’ in which cats had received several MPTP injections but still remained asymptomatic, and a ‘late’ period, in which cats had severe motor and sensorimotor impairments. Unit responsiveness was essentially normal in the ‘early’ period but grossly abnormal in the ‘late’ period. When animals were symptomatic, only 6% of sampled neurons had responses to somatosensory stimulation, 0.8% had auditory responses and no cells were found with visual responses. Those cells that did respond to somatosensory stimulation did so in a non-specific fashion. Symptomatic animals had 93–96% depletion of dorsal striatal dopamine and extensive loss of substantia nigra pars compacta neurons. The results suggest that sensorimotor and motor abnormalities that accompany severe loss of striatal dopmaine are at least in part due to a dopamine-dependent loss of sensory processing abilities of striatal neurons.