cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification and Characterization of Novel Compounds with Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Activity against Influenza A and B Viruses.

Influenza A (IAV) and influenza B (IBV) viruses are highly contagious pathogens that cause fatal respiratory disease every year, with high economic impact. In addition, IAV can cause pandemic infections with great consequences when new viruses are introduced into humans. In this study, we evaluated 10 previously described compounds with antiviral activity against mammarenaviruses for their ability to inhibit IAV infection using our recently described bireporter influenza A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (PR8) H1N1 (BIRFLU). Among the 10 tested compounds, eight (antimycin A [AmA], brequinar [BRQ], 6-azauridine, azaribine, pyrazofurin [PF], AVN-944, mycophenolate mofetil [MMF], and mycophenolic acid [MPA]), but not obatoclax or Osu-03012, showed potent anti-influenza virus activity under posttreatment conditions [median 50% effective concentration (EC50) = 3.80 nM to 1.73 μM; selective index SI for 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, >28.90 to 13,157.89]. AmA, 6-azauridine, azaribine, and PF also showed potent inhibitory effect in pretreatment (EC50 = 0.14 μM to 0.55 μM; SI-MTT = 70.12 to >357.14) or cotreatment (EC50 = 34.69 nM to 7.52 μM; SI-MTT = 5.24 to > 1,441.33) settings. All of the compounds tested inhibited viral genome replication and gene transcription, and none of them affected host cellular RNA polymerase II activities. The antiviral activity of the eight identified compounds against BIRFLU was further confirmed with seasonal IAVs (A/California/04/2009 H1N1 and A/Wyoming/3/2003 H3N2) and an IBV (B/Brisbane/60/2008, Victoria lineage), demonstrating their broad-spectrum prophylactic and therapeutic activity against currently circulating influenza viruses in humans. Together, our results identified a new set of antiviral compounds for the potential treatment of influenza viral infections.IMPORTANCE Influenza viruses are highly contagious pathogens and are a major threat to human health. Vaccination remains the most effective tool to protect humans against influenza infection. However, vaccination does not always guarantee complete protection against drifted or, more noticeably, shifted influenza viruses. Although U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drugs are approved for the treatment of influenza infections, influenza viruses resistant to current FDA antivirals have been reported and continue to emerge. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find novel antivirals for the treatment of influenza viral infections in humans, a search that could be expedited by repurposing currently approved drugs. In this study, we assessed the influenza antiviral activity of 10 compounds previously shown to inhibit mammarenavirus infection. Among them, eight drugs showed antiviral activities, providing a new battery of drugs that could be used for the treatment of influenza infections.
150 shades of green: Using the full spectrum of remote sensing reflectance to elucidate color shifts in the ocean

Abstract This article proposes a simple and intuitive classification system by which to define full spectral remote sensing reflectance (Rrs(λ)) data with a quantitative output that enables a more manageable handling of spectral information for aquatic science applications. The weighted harmonic mean of the Rrs(λ) wavelengths outputs an Apparent Visible Wavelength (in units of nanometers), representing a one-dimensional geophysical metric of color that is inherently correlated to spectral shape. This dimensionality reduction of spectral information combined with the output along a continuum of wavelength values offers a robust and user-friendly means to describe and analyze spectral Rrs(λ) in terms of spatial and temporal trends and variability. The uncertainty in the algorithm's estimation of spectral shape is demonstrated on a global scale, in addition to the utility of the algorithm to discern spectral-spatial-temporal trends in the ocean, on a per-pixel basis for the entire 22 year continuous ocean color (SeaWiFS and MODIS-Aqua) time-series. This technique can be applied to datasets of varying multi- and hyper-spectral resolutions, providing continuity between heritage and future satellite sensors, and further enabling an effective means of elucidating similarities or differences in complex spectral signatures within the constraints of two dimensions. This straightforward means of conceptualizing multi-dimensional variability can help maximize the potential of the spectral information embedded in remote sensing data.
An Analysis of Texas Capital Sentencing Procedure: Is Texas Denying its Capital Defendants Due Process by Keeping Jurors Uninformed of Parole Eligibility?

In 1998, the United States Supreme Court denied Arthur Brown, Jr.'s writ for stay of execution. Brown, who was sentenced to death for murdering four people in Houston, Texas in 1992, claimed his due process rights were violated because the jury requested, but was not allowed to discover the terms of his parole eligibility were he given a life sentence. At the time, Texas did not have a life without parole sentence; however, a life sentence for capital murder required a defendant to serve a minimum of 35 years in prison before becoming parole eligible. Texas law forbade jury instructions informing the jury of this minimum sentence requirement in death penalty cases. In contrast, parole eligibility instructions were available to jurors in non-capital cases. This comment explores the due process requirements that relate to death penalty law under the United States Constitution, Texas' capital sentencing procedure, Texas parole laws, other state's laws, the impact uncertainty has in jury decisions, and the issues in the Brown case as they relate to Supreme Court death penalty jurisprudence. The comment concludes by suggesting that Texas change the parole eligibility law so defendants in capital and non-capital cases alike can inform the jury about the defendant's parole eligibility.
Retinoid-Related Orphan Receptor RORγt in CD4 + T-Cell-Mediated Intestinal Homeostasis and Inflammation

Retinoic acid-related orphan receptor (ROR)-γt, the master transcription factor of the Th17 subset of CD4+ Th cells, is a promising target for treating a host of autoimmune diseases. RORγt plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases-Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis-caused by untoward reactivity of the immune system to the components of the intestinal microbiome. The mammalian intestinal tract is a highly complex and compartmentalized organ with specialized functions, and is a privileged site for the generation of both peripherally induced regulatory CD4+ T cells (Tregs) and effector Th17 cells. As Th17 cells can be proinflammatory in nature, the equilibrium between effector Th17 and Treg cells is crucial for balancing intestinal homeostasis and inflammation. Recent findings suggest that RORγt, in addition to Th17 cells, is also expressed in peripherally induced, colonic regulatory CD4+ T cells. Therefore, RORγt is expressed in both effector and regulatory subsets of CD4+ T cells in the intestine. The present review discusses the role of RORγt in cellular and molecular differentiation of Th17 and Treg, and examines how targeting RORγt in inflammatory bowel disease therapy could influence the development of these two diverse subsets of immune cells with opposing functions.
An evidence-based review of the scope and potential ethical concerns of teleorthodontics.

Purpose The aim was to evaluate the scope and potential ethical concerns related to the use of teledentistry in clinical orthodontics. Methods Indexed databases were searched up to and including October 2020. The eligibility criteria were as follows: (a) original clinical studies, and (b) case reports/series. Historic reviews, commentaries, experimental studies, and letters to the editor, were excluded. The pattern of the present review was customized to summarize the relevant information. Results A total of 4 clinical studies (out of 1016) were included in the present evidence-based review. Three studies reported that teledentistry is useful in clinical orthodontics. In 1 study, a clear conclusion could not be derived regarding the benefits of teledentistry in clinical orthodontics. Two out of 4 studies did not obtain prior approval from an Institutional Review Board or Ethical Committee. Three studies did not report any measures that were undertaken to safeguard the electronic transfer of patient-related health information. Conclusions Teleorthodontics facilitates treatment planning/monitoring by sharing orthodontics-based patient records among oral healthcare providers; however, the importance of direct patient supervision and routine follow-ups during orthodontic therapy cannot be overlooked. Further studies are needed to establish ethical guidelines and a standard of care in this emerging field.
Language, Stapp, and the Mind/Body/World Problem

Sweeney’s lament here was that words could not express the full complexity of his feelings and thoughts. The contested usage of technical terms is also endemic in discussions of two of the most profound scientific mysteries: the mind/body problem and the ultimate nature of physical reality. There are still scientific communities that deny the existence/importance of these (and any) scientific mysteries; this will be discussed below. Henry Stapp’s research is exceptional in contemporary science in trying to encompass and combine both mysteries.
Longitudinal studies support the safety and ethics of virtual reality suicide as a research method.

Many have expressed concerns about the safety and ethics of conducting suicide research, especially intense suicide research methods that expose participants to graphic depictions of suicidality. We conducted two studies to evaluate the effects of one such method called virtual reality (VR) suicide. Study 1 tested the effects of VR suicide exposure over the course of one month in participants with (n = 56) and without a history of suicidality (n = 50). Study 2 exposed some participants to VR suicide scenarios (n = 79) and others to control scenarios (n = 80). Participants were invited to complete a follow-up assessment after an average of 2 years. For both studies, the presence of suicidality post exposure was the primary outcome, with closely related constructs (e.g., capability for suicide, agitation) as secondary outcomes. Study 1 found no pre-post increases in suicidality or related variables, but revealed several significant decreases associated with small to medium effect sizes in suicide-related constructs. In Study 2, VR suicide exposure did not cause any significant increases in suicidality or related variables. Together with prior research, these findings suggest that methods involving intense suicide stimuli appear safe and consistent with utilitarian ethics.
Effect of Skull Porous Trabecular Structure on Transcranial Ultrasound Imaging in the Presence of Elastic Wave Mode Conversion at Varying Incidence Angle.

Abstract With the advancement of aberration correction techniques, transcranial ultrasound imaging has exhibited great potential in applications such as imaging neurological function and guiding therapeutic ultrasound. However, the feasibility of transcranial imaging varies among individuals because of the differences in skull acoustic properties. To better understand the fundamental mechanisms underlying the variation in imaging performance, the effect of the structure of the porous trabecular bone on transcranial imaging performance (i.e., target localization errors and resolution) was investigated for the first time through the use of elastic wave simulations and experiments. Simulation studies using high-resolution computed tomography data from ex vivo skull samples revealed that imaging at large incidence angles reduced the target localization error for skulls having low porosity; however, as skull porosity increased, large angles of incidence resulted in degradation of resolution and increased target localization errors. Experimental results indicate that imaging at normal incidence introduced a localization error of 1.85 ± 0.10 mm, while imaging at a large incidence angle (40°) resulted in an increased localization error of 6.54 ± 1.33 mm and caused a single point target to no longer appear as a single, coherent target in the resulting image, which is consistent with simulation results. This first investigation of the effects of skull microstructure on transcranial ultrasound imaging indicates that imaging performance is highly dependent on the porosity of the skull, particularly at non-normal angles of incidence.
Blacks, Cops, and the State of Nature

This essay offers a new way to conceptualize the “police violence against Blacks” phenomenon. I argue that we should see the situation as an instance of what Thomas Hobbes called the state of nature, that is, a state without effective law. This understanding of the phenomenon stands in sharp contrast to that offered by Professor Michelle Alexander in her book The New Jim Crow. Alexander sees the phenomenon as a continuation of centuries-old patterns of state-backed anti-Black racism. My account is that police are not under control of the state in their interactions with Blacks.
Venous disease—What we still do not know

Abstract Venous disease is common in women. We know, for instance, that women more often present with complaints of venous symptoms than men, that pregnancy predisposes women to deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and venous thrombotic events (VTEs), and that women are more likely to have syndromes that are secondary to venous compression. Knowledge of venous disease and associated therapies in women has certainly improved over the past few decades. Yet there still remains a lot that we do not know. This chapter aims to discuss some of the common venous disease pathologies in women, shed some light on these unanswered questions, and highlight potential areas for future study.
The quality of social determinants data in the electronic health record: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to collect and synthesize evidence regarding data quality problems encountered when working with variables related to social determinants of health (SDoH). MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a systematic review of the literature on social determinants research and data quality and then iteratively identified themes in the literature using a content analysis process. RESULTS The most commonly represented quality issue associated with SDoH data is plausibility (n = 31, 41%). Factors related to race and ethnicity have the largest body of literature (n = 40, 53%). The first theme, noted in 62% (n = 47) of articles, is that bias or validity issues often result from data quality problems. The most frequently identified validity issue is misclassification bias (n = 23, 30%). The second theme is that many of the articles suggest methods for mitigating the issues resulting from poor social determinants data quality. We grouped these into 5 suggestions: avoid complete case analysis, impute data, rely on multiple sources, use validated software tools, and select addresses thoughtfully. DISCUSSION The type of data quality problem varies depending on the variable, and each problem is associated with particular forms of analytical error. Problems encountered with the quality of SDoH data are rarely distributed randomly. Data from Hispanic patients are more prone to issues with plausibility and misclassification than data from other racial/ethnic groups. CONCLUSION Consideration of data quality and evidence-based quality improvement methods may help prevent bias and improve the validity of research conducted with SDoH data.
Coping Strategies in the Hospital

So far, we have highlighted how mothers’ appraisals of the newborn intensive care crisis can influence their well-being and predict their child’s development. But appraisals that may help parents in their pursuit of meaning and mastery are not the same as their deliberate efforts to cope with the stresses of this event—in other words, their coping strategies. Our analysis would be incomplete if we ignore the many ways in which these parents consciously try to mitigate the stresses of their child’s hospitalization. In this chapter, we summarize what we learned about the nature, determinants, and the short and longer term effects of mothers’ initial coping strategies.
Oral Contraceptive Use and Diseases of the Circulatory System in Taiwan: An Analysis of Mortality Statistics

Whether or not increased prevalence of oral contraceptive use in developing countries is associated with increased morbidity and mortality from circulatory system diseases is a serious concern for health and family planning administrators. An analysis of Taiwan's mortality statistics to determine whether such an association existed was undertaken, taking advantage of the excellent vital statistics and medical care systems existing there. The analysis failed to demonstrate that death rates from circulatory system diseases among Taiwanese women of childbearing age have increased since the promotion of oral contraceptive use began in 1967. In fact, mortality from all forms of circulatory system diseases has generally declined since 1967 and the slopes of declines for females of childbearing age who were exposed to oral contraceptives were somewhat greater than those of males of the corresponding age groups.
Household response to a money rain: Real and portfolio balance effects reconsidered

Abstract In order for changes in the stock of money to lead to changes in economic activity, production and spending units such as households and firms must respond to changes in the money supply. With respect to wealth effects on households, the real balance effect on consumption is thought to be empirically small. This puts the burden on portfolio balance and labor supply effects. Labor supply is shown to decrease in response to an increase in the money supply, and depending on the extent of markets, portfolio balance effects may be nonexistent.
A Decomposition Approach for the Large Scale Synthesis Design Optimization of Highly Coupled, Highly Dynamic Energy Systems

A general methodology for the decomposed optimization of highly coupled, highly dynamic energy systems is presented. The approach is based on the physical division of the system into units (sub-systems, components or disciplines) subject to functions describing the energy, cost and other couplings between them. Two versions of the approach are proposed. The first approach is called the Local-Global Optimization (LGO) Approach. LGO requires unit optimizations to be carried out with respect to purely local decision variables for various combinations of the functions that connect the units. The results are used to create an Optimum Response Surface (ORS) for the entire problem. The ORS is then searched by a system-level optimizer to find the values of the coupling functions that lead to an optimum system-level solution. The second approach proposed is an iterative version of LGO (ILGO). In this case, the ORS is closely approximated using a linear Taylor series expansion. The partial derivatives resulting from such an approximation are seen to correspond to the shadow prices (or marginal costs) typically used in the thermoeconomic literature. ILGO effectively and significantly reduces the number of unit optimizations required. The properties used to describe the coupling functions play a critical role in the convergence of ILGO to a global system-level optimum. A discussion of this and its implication for the choice of First or Second-Law based quantities for the optimization of systems is given.
Structural determination of the interface via X-ray diffraction

Abstract An X-ray diffraction study was performed to determine the nature of the C 60 Ge (111) interface formed by depositing C60 on a Ge(111)−c(2 × 8) surface at room temperature. In-plane k-scans show a (1 × 1) periodicity at the C 60 Ge (111) interface with no trace of the c(2 × 8) reconstruction, indicating that the Ge adatoms on the clean c(2 × 8)-reconstructed surface are displaced. Scans along the (10) rod indicate that these adatoms are transferred from the T4 bonding site to the H3 site after C60 deposition. A model consisting of three relaxed bilayers of Ge and randomly distributed adatoms in the H3 site explains our results.
How well do we know northern land cover? Comparison of four global vegetation and wetland products with a new ground‐truth database for West Siberia

[1] An unprecedented collection of 2161 geolocated, irregularly spaced field observations of land cover spanning ∼106 km2 throughout West Siberia suggests that currently available land cover classification products are remarkably poor indicators of vegetation type and water body extent in this northern wetland environment. The ground-truth data are compared with (1) the Global Land Cover Characteristics database derived from Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer data (GLCC.AVHRR), (2) the Global Land Cover Classification derived from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer data (GLCC.MODIS), (3) the Global Lakes and Wetlands Database (GLWD), and (4) the West Siberian Lowland Peatland Database (WSLPD) using: (1) all land cover categories and (2) permanent wetland and water body categories only. Overall agreement with ground observations of land cover is only 21% for the GLCC.AVHRR database and 11% for the GLCC.MODIS database. However, at a much broader scale (one degree of latitude) there is improved qualitative agreement between vegetation classes, with some notable exceptions: (1) at low latitudes (∼54°N–58°N), both the GLCC.AVHRR and GLCC.MODIS databases underestimate woody savannas in favor of croplands; (2) at midlatitudes (∼58°N–64°N), the GLCC.AVHRR database underestimates evergreen needleleaf forest in favor of mixed forest; and (3) at high latitudes (∼64°N–68°N), both the GLCC.AVHRR and GLCC.MODIS databases underestimate deciduous needleleaf forest in favor of woody savannas or open shrublands, respectively. It is clear that all four data databases significantly underestimate permanent wetlands and water bodies, although those specifically developed for this purpose (GLWD and WSPLD) perform better than the more widely used, multiclass land cover products. For permanent wetlands, agreement with our ground data is only 2% for GLCC.MODIS, 23% for GLCC.AVHRR, 45% for GLWD and 56% for WSLPD. Agreement with open water bodies is even poorer (0–5%). These results raise into question the efficacy of incorporating currently available land cover products into terrestrial ecosystem models in northern wetland environments.
Chevron Has Only One Step

Chevron, U.S.A. v. Natural Resources Defense Council lays out a two-step process that courts must follow when they review a federal agency's construction of a federal statute. We argue that Chevron, rightly understood, has only one step. The single question is whether the agency's construction is permissible as a matter of statutory interpretation. The two Chevron steps both ask this question, just in different ways, and are thus mutually convertible: any opinion written in terms of one step can be written, without loss of content, in terms of the other step. Chevron's artificial division of a unitary inquiry causes material confusion among commentators and courts, and has no benefits; administrative law should jettison the two-step framework.
Regulation of Exocytosis by Protein Kinases and Ca2+ in Pancreatic Duct Epithelial Cells

We asked if the mechanisms of exocytosis and its regulation in epithelial cells share features with those in excitable cells. Cultured dog pancreatic duct epithelial cells were loaded with an oxidizable neurotransmitter, dopamine or serotonin, and the subsequent release of these exogenous molecules during exocytosis was detected by carbon-fiber amperometry. Loaded cells displayed spontaneous exocytosis that may represent constitutive membrane transport. The quantal amperometric events induced by fusion of single vesicles had a rapid onset and decay, resembling those in adrenal chromaffin cells and serotonin-secreting leech neurons. Quantal events were frequently preceded by a “foot,” assumed to be leak of transmitters through a transient fusion pore, suggesting that those cell types share a common fusion mechanism. As in neurons and endocrine cells, exocytosis in the epithelial cells could be evoked by elevating cytoplasmic Ca2+ using ionomycin. Unlike in neurons, hyperosmotic solutions decreased exocytosis in the epithelial cells, and giant amperometric events composed of many concurrent quantal events were observed occasionally. Agents known to increase intracellular cAMP in the cells, such as forskolin, epinephrine, vasoactive intestinal peptide, or 8-Br-cAMP, increased the rate of exocytosis. The forskolin effect was inhibited by the Rp-isomer of cAMPS, a specific antagonist of protein kinase A, whereas the Sp-isomer, a specific agonist of PKA, evoked exocytosis. Thus, PKA is a downstream effector of cAMP. Finally, activation of protein kinase C by phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate also increased exocytosis. The PMA effect was not mimicked by the inactive analogue, 4α-phorbol-12,13-didecanoate, and it was blocked by the PKC antagonist, bisindolylmaleimide I. Elevation of intracellular Ca2+ was not needed for the actions of forskolin or PMA. In summary, exocytosis in epithelial cells can be stimulated directly by Ca2+, PKA, or PKC, and is mediated by physical mechanisms similar to those in neurons and endocrine cells.
Intratympanic Gentamicin Therapy for Persistent Vertigo after Endolymphatic Sac Surgery

Abstract Objectives: To evaluate the role of intratympanic gentamycin therapy (ITGM) in controlling vertigo in patients with refractory Meniere's who have recurrent or persistent vertigo after endolymphatic sac surgery. Study Design and Setting: A retrospective review of 491 patients seen in a university balance clinic between July 1999 and July 2000. Of these, 68 patients had Meniere's disease; 4 patients had recurrent vertigo after endolymphatic sac surgery and were followed for at least 1 year. These 4 patients received a series of ITGM injections. Outcome measures included control of vertigo and audiometric results. Results: Three of 4 (75%) patients had control of their vertigo with ITGM therapy. The 1 patient who failed ITGM therapy underwent a successful vestibular neurectomy with ultimate control of his vertigo. No patients had progression of their sensorineural hearing loss. Conclusion: ITGM therapy can be used to control vertigo in selected patients with Meniere's disease who have persistent vertigo after unsuccessful endolymphatic sac surgery. Significance: ITGM therapy may reduce the need for vestibular neurectomy in patients with refractory Meniere's disease after endolymphatic sac surgery. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2002;126: 31-3.)
Migraine and Anisocoria

A 42-year-old woman presents with headache and anisocoria. Gonioscopy suggested narrow angles. Ultrasound biomicroscopy confirmed the diagnosis. The patient underwent bilateral peripheral iridotomies with resolution of her symptoms. The differential diagnosis of headache and anisocoria are reviewed. Plateau iris syndrome and subacute angle closure are discussed.
Tiagabine reduces ethanol reward in C57BL/6 mice under acute and chronic administration regimens.

Three experiments conducted on male C57BL/6 (B6) mice examined the effects of subcutaneous injections of the GABA uptake inhibitor, tiagabine, on appetitive (lever responding) and consummatory behavior (fountain contacts) of food restricted B6 mice for 12% ethanol and water rewards (Exp-1), and for food reward (Exp-2) delivered on a fixed ratio 4 schedule of reinforcement. Effects of acute injections (1,3,6,9 mgkg) and chronic administration (6,9 mg/kg) was examined. Exp-3 examined tiagabine effects on the voluntary consumption of continuously available 12% ethanol, and on the interactive effects of tiagabine and ethanol on motor activity of non-food restricted B6 mice. Results of Exp-1 and Exp-2 indicated that tiagabine can reduce appetitive behavior for ethanol reward with no evidence of tolerance upon chronic exposure. Tiagabine doses that reduced ethanol reward had less effect on behavior maintained by either water or food, and had no effect on motor activity. In contrast to the absence of tolerance to its effect on appetitive behavior for ethanol, mice rapidly developed tolerance to tiagabine's initial reduction of the consummatory response for ethanol (Exp-1), and the intake of freely available ethanol exceeded pre-tiagabine levels after several daily injections (Exp-3). Importantly, mice developed tolerance to tiagabine's sedative effect after three daily injections and its sedation was not enhanced when combined with ethanol, an effect consistent with the lack of a tiagabine + ethanol interaction previously reported for humans. The results of the experiments suggest that in addition to reducing alcohol withdrawal symptoms, tiagabine might also reduce the potency of ethanol-conditioned cues that drive appetitive behavior for ethanol. Synapse 56:135–146, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Martensitic embryo formation at dislocations near surfaces

Abstract A two-dimensional continuum model for heterogeneous nucleation of martensite is studied. This nonlinear, nonlocal Landau-type model incorporates slip dislocations into the continuum picture. The elastic strain field of the dislocations occurs in the context of a strongly nonlinear host matrix which models a structural phase transformation. This matrix has more than one stress-free strain. Martensitic embryo structures are observed at temperatures which are much higher than the equilibrium temperature between the parent and product phases. The structure of the embryo as a function of temperature, and the interaction with a nearby free surface which allows for the abrupt appearance of surface relief, are examined.
Dysgerminoma associated with hypercalcemia: A case report.

Abstract Hypercalcemia is an extremely rare paraneoplastic manifestation of malignancy in children. The authors report a case of dysgerminoma in a 14-year-old girl associated with severe hypercalcemia that only resolved after excision of the tumor. There are only 6 previously reported cases of dysgerminoma associated with hypercalcemia. Serum calcium levels should be checked in all children with solid ovarian tumors. Hypercalcemia in such circumstances may be resistant to medical management, and surgical resection of the tumor results in the normalization of calcium levels. J Pediatr Surg 36:E10. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.
Snakebite: an Australian perspective

The causative snake species, their venoms and envenoming apparatus, and the epidemiology, clinical profile, and management of envenomed humans is discussed. Australian snakes dangerous to man are elapids, in five groups corresponding to available monovalent antivenoms. The principle systemic effects of their venoms comprise neurotoxicity (N), defibrination type coagulopathy (C), myotoxicity (M), and renal damage (R), the latter possibly secondary in many cases. Major local effects of bites are not usually seen, but some groups commonly cause local edema (E). The groups are: (1) Brown snakes ( Pseudonaja ) = C,R,N; (2) Tiger snakes ( Notechis, Tropidechis, Austrelaps ) = N,C,M,R,E; (3) Mulga snakes ( Pseudechis ) = M,R,E; (4) Death adders ( Acanthophis ) = N; Taipans ( Oxyuranus ) = N,C,M,R,E. Dry bites are common; Australian deaths from snakebites are approximately 1–2 per year. Bites with significant envenomation need rapid expert care and appreciation of common venom pathology profiles. Antivenom, preferably monovalent, is the mainstay of treatment in such cases. Venom detection kits allow identification of the causative snake and appropriate antivenom. Subcutaneous pretesting for antivenom allergy is an unacceptable practice in Australia.
Bowman's layer structure and function: critical or dispensable to corneal function? A hypothesis.

Purpose.The purpose of this article is to review available information regarding development, structure, and function of Bowman's layer in the cornea. Disease-related abnormalities of Bowman's layer are described. A hypothesis is advanced to explain the development and maintenance of Bowman's layer.
Introduction of a plasmid-encoded phoA gene for constitutive overproduction of alkaline phosphatase in three subsurface Pseudomonas isolates

Three bacterial isolates, Pseudomonas fluorescens F1, Pseudomonas rhodesiae R1 and Pseudomonas veronii V1 were genetically modified by introduction of a plasmid, pJH123, with a phoA hybrid gene that directed constitutive overproduction of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase. The presence of the plasmid in the bacterial hosts elevated extracytoplasmic alkaline phosphatase production from 100- to 820-fold. The growth and survival of the plasmid-bearing hosts in sterilized soil slurries was comparable to parental control strains. In the absence of antibiotic selection, pJH123 was maintained in two of the three hosts (P. fluorescens F1 and P. veronii V1) during incubation in minimal medium. The effects of the genetically enhanced pseudomonads on the liberation of inorganic phosphate (PO43−) were determined in sterilized soil slurries following the addition of an organophosphorus compound, glycerol-3-phosphate. A significant accumulation of PO43− was measured in soil slurries amended with 10 mM glycerol-3-phosphate and any of the three phosphatase-enhanced pseudomonad isolates. In contrast, soil slurries containing unmodified parental strains did not exhibit significant PO43− accumulation. Two of the three enhanced phosphate-liberating strains released sufficient PO43− that cell-free supernatants from sterilized soil slurry incubations removed significant amounts of uranium (as much as 69%) from solution.
Bile acid excretion and malabsorption in intrahepatic cholestasis of infancy ("neonatal hepatitis").

Summary Bile acid excretion has been studied in four patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of infancy neonatal hepatitis) after intramuscular administration of cholic acid-24-14.C Bile acid secretion to the intestines was found to be highly impaired and the main route of excretion was via the urine. Practically all of the administered labeled cholic acid was conjugated prior to excretion. The main conjugates were glycocholic and taurocholic acid. At least three additional conjugates of cholic acid were isolated from the urine. Analysis of bile obtained from three of the patients in connection with operative cholangiography showed a very low concentration of bile acids, phospholipids and cholesterol. The bile was of normal colour owing to the presence of bilirubin. Severe steatorrhea and markedly impaired absorption of vitamin A was demonstrated when the patients were jaundiced. The impairment of bile acid excretion to the gut and the degree of steatorrhea were well correlated. In some of the patients steatorrhea persisted after the disappearance of jaundice. In those instances, the impairment of bile acid excretion to the gut was found to persist.
Validation of the absolute extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometer for strain measurements

This report presents the results of experiments performed to verify the performance of the fiber-optic absolute extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometer (AEFPI) for strain measurements. In these experiments, AEFPI sensors are surface mounted and embedded in various materials and subjected to mechanical and thermal strains. Strains measured by the AEFPI are compared to analytical predictions and to metallic foil strain gage measurements where possible. The AEFPI sensors and demodulation equipment were purchased from Fiber and Sensor Technologies (FS however, they have a resolution of 100 (mu) (epsilon) , which limits their potential applications. A brief explanation of the theory behind the operation of the AEFPI sensor is presented along with the manufacturer's specifications for the particular model used in thee experiments. The details of the experiments are then described, and a summary of the results presented. Finally, conclusions regarding the accuracy, resolution, linearity, and repeatability of the AEFPI are extracted from the data.
Alternate annotation checkers using fractional permissions

Although existing annotation checker based on Fractional Permissions is powerful, it causes great space and runtime overhead. To address this issue, we propose to use a multi-layered approach for checking annotations. In addition to the heavyweight permission checker, we use two lightweight checkers: a conservative checker for those obviously correct cases, and a liberal checker for those obviously wrong cases. The type system for the conservative checker is more high-level, albeit less precise. To prove its soundness, we piggy-pack its proof to that of fractional permission, which is already proven sound. We also plan to implement both checkers on Fluid, an analysis framework for Java programs, and use various benchmarks to compare the performance of both approach.
Risk-averse dynamic programming for Markov decision processes

We introduce the concept of a Markov risk measure and we use it to formulate risk-averse control problems for two Markov decision models: a finite horizon model and a discounted infinite horizon model. For both models we derive risk-averse dynamic programming equations and a value iteration method. For the infinite horizon problem we develop a risk-averse policy iteration method and we prove its convergence. We also propose a version of the Newton method to solve a nonsmooth equation arising in the policy iteration method and we prove its global convergence. Finally, we discuss relations to min---max Markov decision models.
Location of feedback receptors: effects of intracranially implanted steroids on plasma LH and LRF response.

Experiments were performed to study the inhibitory effects on gonadotropin release of intrahypothalamic implants of gonadal steroids with particular reference to the possibility that their primary effect is at the pituitary level (via steroid transport through the hypophyseal portal vessels). Crystalline dihydrotestosterone propionate (DHTP, 200 µg, estradiol benzoate (EB, 10 µg), cortisol acetate (200 µg), progesterone (400 µg), and cholesterol were implanted in the medial basal hypothalamus of castrated male and female rats. At different times after implantation, basal plasma LH levels were determined, while changes in pituitary responsiveness were monitored by measuring the plasma LH response to iv injections of synthetic LRF. At the end of the experiment (1 week), plasma LH was suppressed by DHTP, EB and proges-terone, in that order of effectiveness. No significant change in basal plasma LH or LRF response was found at any time in animals implanted with cortisol. The LH-suppressing effect of DHTP impl...
Measurement of atmospheric ammonia

L'ammoniac est recupere apres filtration sur membrane dans l'eau puis on le fait reagir avec l'o-phtalaldehyde et on mesure l'emission de fluorescence
Pleomorphous cell lymphosarcoma of the thymus

Summary A case of pleomorphous cell lymphosarcoma of the thymus in a female infant, 2 1/2 months old, is presented with autopsy findings. Metastases were present in the lungs, the cervical, mediastinal and abdominal lymph nodes and in the spleen. I have not been able to find any previous report of a case in an infant as young as this. Bedford's case in a newborn infant presented a carcinoma of the thymus. The literature is reviewed, and suggestions for a less confusing terminology are discussed.
Effects of oral pH on cigarette smoking

Permeability of nicotine across the oral mucosa had been shown to be a direct linear function of alkalinity in the oral cavity. Here, oral pH in cigarette smokers was manipulated from pH 5 to 8 by rinses with Sorenson's and McIlvaine's buffers. As a alkalinity increased, cigarette taste was perceived as stronger, more bitter, and, in some cases, more upleasant; and heart-rate accelerated slightly. Nicotine self-administration and blood pressure were not influenced. Differential absorption of nicotine and cross-adaptation of sour to bitter taste are both discussed as explanations for the results.
Antibiotic prophylaxis in uncontaminated neck dissection.

Objectives/Hypothesis: To describe our institution's experience with antibiotic prophylaxis in uncontaminated neck dissection and to identify risk factors associated with postoperative wound infection. Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Methods: Between April 2006 and June 2010, 244 patients underwent 273 uncontaminated neck dissections at a single tertiary care center. Patient factors, operative details, and postoperative complications were recorded. Patients were separated into three groups: no prophylactic antibiotics, intraoperative antibiotics only, and intra- and postoperative antibiotics. Results: Wound infections occurred after nine of the 273 procedures (3.3%). All of the wound infections occurred in patients receiving intraoperative antibiotics only (4 of 157) or intra- and postoperative antibiotics (5 of 75) (P = .11). The development of a wound infection was not associated with age, sex, history of tobacco and alcohol use, history of head and neck surgery, or history of radiation or chemotherapy. Wound infection was independently associated with operative time (adjusted odds ratio, 1.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–1.71; P = .011, for each additional hour of surgery) and with radical or extended neck dissection (adjusted odds ratio, 14.61; 95% confidence interval, 2.37–90.01, P = .004). Conclusions: Our data did not support the use of antibiotic prophylaxis in routine uncontaminated neck dissection. Prophylactic antibiotics, however, may be indicated for more extensive lymphadenectomy procedures.
Mosaic Disability and Identity in Exodus 4:10; 6:12, 30

In the book of Exodus, Moses describes himself as having a speech difficulty at three different points (4:10; 6:12, 30). These descriptions occur at points in the narrative in which his complex relationship to the Egyptians or Hebrews is at issue. Informed by the burgeoning field of disability studies, this article explores the construction of Moses' identity in the book of Exodus in order to show that his references to his disability provide more than simply an excuse to avoid his divine commission. While his disability may function as an excuse, Moses' emphasis on his disability allows him to circumvent questions about his group identity.
Change in the properties of powdered aluminosilicate catalyst in operation in industrial cracking units

1. Catalyst particles of different sizes do not show an identical degree of calcination and metal poisoning. Small particles contain a greater amount of metals and have a smaller surface and pore volume, and this is due to their longer residence time in the system and more rigid operating conditions. 2. In the I-A unit, the catalyst removed from the system (losses) is of lower quality than the circulating catalyst.
The Effect of Ionic Liquid Uptake and Self-assembled Conductive Network Composite Layers on Nafion TM based Ionic Polymer Metal Composite Electromechanical Bending Actuators

Ionic liquid (IL) is used as the working electrolyte in ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) electromechanical bending actuators because of its high stability and conductivity, which are crucial for the consistency and speed of the actuation. Because the bending actuation is caused by the migration and accumulation of the cations and anions of the IL, it is clear that both the overall number of ions and the effectiveness of ion transport and accumulation play important roles in the actuation behavior. In this paper, the effect of enhancing the ion accumulation by the self-assembled conductive network composite (CNC) layers is investigated by comparing the bending behavior of actuators with and without CNC layers. In addition, IPMC actuators with various IL uptakes are also tested in order to study the dependence of the bending performance on the amount of the ions available. It is found that, with the CNC layers, the maximum bending curvature of the actuator increases with increased IL, which shows the crucial role played by the IL. However, under the same conditions, the performance improvement of actuators without CNC layers saturates when the IL uptake reaches around 10% wt. This demonstrates the role of the CNC layers to provide a porous electrode with increased capacitance that thus accommodates accumulation of more ions near the electrodes, which in turn boosts the overall bending curvature of the actuator.
Transdermal iontophoretic permeation of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone: Characterization of electric parameters

A single-compartment iontophoretic permeation cell incorporated with two polyacrylamide hydrogel reservoir devices was used to characterize the effect of several electrical parameters on transdermal iontophoretic permeation of LHRH through hairless rat skin. Receptor solutions and skin regions were selected before evaluating the effect of electrical parameters, which included different application patterns, various waveforms and on/off ratios. Iontophoretic permeation of LHRH was higher while current was applied continuously rather than in an intermediate pattern. The difference among various waveforms was not significant. However, triangular wave seems to have the least iontophoresis enhancing effect and different voltage profiles. The on/off ratios of pulsed direct current showed a significant effect on transdermal iontophoretic permeation of LHRH, and demonstrated that the higher the on/off ratio (duty cycle), the greater the skin permeation of LHRH. Duration of current application was more important than amplitude and intensity of current in terms of transdermal iontophoresis. The voltage profiles (including onset, apparent and offset voltage) for different on/off ratio with either same or different current amplitude demonstrated that the voltage reduction was very slow for the on/off ratio with a lower value. This implies that the skin resistance remained high during current application resulting in lower skin permeation of LHRH for lower on/off ratio.
TRAF family member-associated NF-kappa B activator (TANK) expression increases in injured sensory neurons and is transcriptionally regulated by Sox11

Abstract Peripheral nerve injury evokes rapid and complex changes in gene transcription and cellular signaling pathways. Understanding how these changes are functionally related is essential for developing new approaches that accelerate and improve nerve regeneration. Toward this goal we found that nerve injury induces a rapid and significant up-regulation of the transcription factor Sox11 in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. Gain and loss of function studies have shown this increase is essential for normal axon regeneration. To determine how Sox11 impacts neuronal gene expression, DRG neurons were treated with Sox11 siRNA to identify potential transcriptional targets. One gene significantly reduced by Sox11 knockdown was TRAF (tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor)-associated NF-κB activator (TANK). Here we show that TANK is expressed in DRG neurons, that TANK expression is increased in response to peripheral nerve injury and that Sox11 overexpression in vitro increases TANK expression. Injury and in vitro overexpression were also found to preferentially increase TANK transcript variant 3 and a larger TANK protein isoform. To determine if Sox11 regulates TANK transcription bioinformatic analysis was used to identify potential Sox-binding motifs within 5 kbp of the TANK 5′ untranslated region (UTR) across several mammalian genomes. Two sites in the mouse TANK gene were examined. Luciferase expression assays coupled with site-directed mutagenesis showed each site contributes to enhanced TANK promoter activity. In addition, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed direct Sox11 binding in regions containing the two identified Sox motifs in the mouse TANK 5′-UTR. These studies are the first to show that TANK is expressed in DRG neurons, that TANK is increased by peripheral nerve injury and that the regulation of TANK expression is, at least in part, controlled by the injury-associated transcription factor Sox11.