cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Teriparatide, Alendronate, or Both in Women with Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

Context: Teriparatide increases both bone formation and bone resorption. Objective: We sought to determine whether combining teriparatide with an antiresorptive agent would alter its anabolic action. Design and Setting: This was a randomized controlled trial conducted in a single university hospital. Patients and Intervention: We randomized 93 postmenopausal women with low bone mineral density (BMD) to alendronate 10 mg daily (group 1), teriparatide 40 μg sc daily (group 2), or both (group 3) for 30 months. Teriparatide was begun at month 6. Main Outcome Measures: BMD of the lumbar spine, proximal femur, proximal radius, and total body was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) every 6 months. Lumbar spine trabecular BMD was measured at baseline and month 30 by quantitative computed tomography. Serum osteocalcin, N-terminal propeptide of type 1 collagen, and N-telopeptide levels were assessed frequently. Women who had at least one repeat DXA scan on therapy were included in the analyses (n = 69). Results: DXA spine BMD increased more in women treated with teriparatide alone than with alendronate alone (18 ± 11 vs. 7 ± 4%; P < 0.001) or both (18±11 vs. 12 ± 9%; P = 0.045). Similarly, femoral neck BMD increased more in women treated with teriparatide alone than with alendronate alone (11 ± 5 vs. 4 ± 4%; P < 0.001) or both (11 ± 5 vs. 3 ± 5%; P < 0.001). Quantitative computed tomography spine BMD increased 1 ± 7, 61 ± 31, and 24 ± 24% in groups 1, 2, and 3 (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). Serum osteocalcin, N-terminal propeptide of type 1 collagen, and cross-linked N-telopeptides of type I collagen increased more with teriparatide alone than with both (P < 0.001 for each marker). Conclusion: Alendronate reduces the ability of teriparatide to increase BMD and bone turnover in women.
Two-injection workflow for a liquid chromatography/LTQ-Orbitrap system to complete in vivo biotransformation characterization: demonstration with buspirone metabolite identification

The relatively high background matrix in in vivo samples typically poses difficulties in drug metabolite identification, and causes repeated analytical runs on unit resolution liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) systems before the completion of biotransformation characterization. Ballpark parameter settings for the LTQ-Orbitrap are reported herein that enable complete in vivo metabolite identification within two HPLC/MS injections on the hybrid LTQ-Orbitrap data collection system. By setting the FT survey full scan at 60K resolution to trigger five dependent LTQ MS(2) scans, and proper parameters of Repeat Duration, Exclusion Duration and Repeat Count for the first run (exploratory), the Orbitrap achieved the optimal parallel data acquisition capability and collected maximum number of product ion scans. Biotransformation knowledge based prediction played the key role in exact mass ion extraction and multiple mass defect filtration when the initial data was processed. Meanwhile, product ion extraction and neutral loss extraction of the initial dependent data provided additional bonus in identifying metabolites. With updated parent mass list and the data-dependent setting to let only the ions on the parent mass list trigger dependent scans, the second run (confirmatory) ensures that all precursor ions of identified metabolites trigger not only dependent product ion scans, but also at or close to the highest concentration of the eluted metabolite peaks. This workflow has been developed for metabolite identification of in vivo or ADME studies, of which the samples typically contain a high level of complex matrix. However, due to the proprietary nature of the in vivo studies, this workflow is presented herein with in vitro buspirone sample incubated with human liver microsomes (HLM). The major HLM-mediated biotransformation on buspirone was identified as oxidation or hydroxylation since five mono- (+16 Da), seven di- (+32 Da) and at least three tri-oxygenated (+48 Da) metabolites were identified. Besides the metabolites 1-pyrimidinylpiperazine (1-PP) and hydroxylated 1-PP that formed by N-dealkylation, a new metabolite M308 was identified as the result of a second N-dealkylation of the pyrimidine unit. Two new metabolites containing the 8-butyl-8-azaspiro[4,5]decane-7,9-dione partial structure, M240 and M254, were also identified that were formed apparently due to the first N-dealkylation of the 1-PP moiety.
D-erythroascorbic acid in Bakers' yeast and effects on wheat dough

Extraction of hydrated and freeze-dried bakers' yeast yielded approximately 50 micrograms erythroascorbic acid (EAA) and 5 micrograms ascorbic acid (AA)/g dry yeast as determined by HPLC with electrochemical detection. D-EAA (82 ppm based on flour) slightly increased the flow of dough as rest time increased. Gluten isolated from a flour-water dough containing 82 ppm D-EAA or 100 ppm L-cysteine stretched at a faster rate than control gluten. EAA like AA did not change dough development time. Unlike AA, EAA showed neither oxidizing effect on dough and gluten nor improving effects on bread.
Outcomes of social work intervention in the context of evidence-based practice

• Summary: This article explores the general outcomes of social work interventions as reported in journal review articles that have examined that question since 1990.• Findings: There is now a larg...
Role of Pressure in Angiotensin II-Induced Renal Injury: Chronic Servo-Control of Renal Perfusion Pressure in Rats

Renal perfusion pressure was servo-controlled chronically in rats to quantify the relative contribution of elevated arterial pressure versus angiotensin II (Ang II) on the induction of renal injury in Ang II-induced hypertension. Sprague-Dawley rats fed a 4% salt diet were administered Ang II for 14 days (25 ng/kg per minute IV; saline only for sham rats), and the renal perfusion pressure to the left kidney was continuously servo-controlled to maintain a normal pressure in that kidney throughout the period of hypertension. An aortic occluder was implanted around the aorta between the two renal arteries and carotid and femoral arterial pressure were measured continuously throughout the experiment to determine uncontrolled and controlled renal perfusion pressure, respectively. Renal perfusion pressure of uncontrolled, controlled, and sham kidneys over the period of Ang II or saline infusion averaged 152.6±7.0, 117.4±3.5, and 110.7±2.2 mm Hg, respectively. The high-pressure uncontrolled kidneys exhibited tubular necrosis and interstitial fibrosis, especially prominent in the outer medullary region. Regional glomerular sclerosis and interlobular artery injury were also pronounced. Controlled kidneys were significantly protected from interlobular artery injury, juxtamedullary glomeruli injury, tubular necrosis, and interstitial fibrosis as determined by comparing the level of injury. Glomerular injury was not prevented in the outer cortex. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and active NF-κB proteins determined by immunohistochemistry were colocalized in the uncontrolled kidney in regions of interstitial fibrosis. We conclude that the preferential juxtamedullary injury found in Ang II hypertension is largely induced by pressure and is probably mediated through the TGF-β and NF-κB pathway.
SDS-sulfite increases enzymatic hydrolysis of native sorghum starches

The sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) starch isolation procedure is often used to remove efficiently the surrounding and surface protein of starch granules in order to obtain a pure starch sample. In this study the changes in enzymatic hydrolysis of sorghum starch granules due to o SDS-sulfite solution treatment were investigated. As SDS-sulfite solution soak time increased, enzymatic hydrolysis rate increased and the Michaelis-Menten pattern of enzymatic reaction did not change. The degree of this effect differed among starches from three sorghum cultivars. The effect of SDS-sulfite solution treatment on enzymatic hydrolysis became negligible after the treated starch samples were partially hydrolyzed. The adsorption of α-amylase onto the starch granules also 5 increased with SDS-sulfite solution treatment and was highly correlated with hydrolysis rate. The different effects of SDS-sulfite solution on enzymatic hydrolysis of the three sorghum starches ere related to the properties of the amorphous regions in starch granules.
SUBACUTE METHOTREXATE NEUROTOXICITY AND CEREBRAL VENOUS SINUS THROMBOSIS IN A 12-YEAR OLD WITH ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA AND METHYLENETETRAHYDROFOLATE REDUCTASE (MTHFR) C677T POLYMORPHISM: Homocysteine-Mediated Methotrexate Neurotoxicity via Direct Endothelial Injury

From as early as the 1970s methotrexate has been associated with disseminated necrotizing leukoencephalopathy and other neurotoxic sequelae. Yet, a clear mechanism for methotrexate-induced neurotoxicity has not been established. The authors describe the case of a 12-year-old male with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and a homozygous methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T mutation, who developed subacute methotrexate-induced toxicity and cerebral venous thrombosis after receiving intrathecal methotrexate. The role of homocysteine as a possible mediator in methotrexate-induced neurotoxicity via direct endothelial injury is discussed.
A method for characterizing and improving the damage resistance of the outer metallic coatings on Inertial Fusion Energy targets

A very smooth, highly-reflective coating on IFE (Inertial Fusion Energy) targets is essential for direct-drive ignition. An Au/Pd (gold-palladium alloy) is sputter coated onto the surface of an IFE target to improve the energy release from the target compression and thermonuclear reaction. It is also necessary to reflect the black body infrared radiation experienced while traveling into the chamber and preserve the delicate frozen deuterium and tritium ice inside. The coating must remain intact, without any ?pinhole? defects, which requires it be very durable and any handling techniques, such as transfer from the layering system to the injector, be gentle. The coatings were initially tested by physically impacting two targets together to simulate motion in a fluidized bed where most of the damage is estimated to occur. The coatings were also tested in tension to better understand the adhesion of the coating. Variations in the coating parameters were explored and optimized to produce a low-stress, smooth coating of Au/Pd, which was found to have better resistance to damage than the current coatings. Additionally, several novel methods for improving the coating's resistance to damage were investigated. One example is coating a sub-layer between the plastic shell and the Au/Pd coating using titanium as the bond enhancer. The initial results of the multi- layered coating performed more than twice as well as the best standard Au/Pd coating previously tested. This shows promise for the use of an interlayer to promote better bonding of the outer metallic reflective coating to the plastic shell.
Neutrophil function in bone marrow transplant recipients.

The neutrophil function of seven patients receiving allogeneic bone marrow transplantation was studied. Five of the patients had been transplanted for aplastic anaemia and two for acute leukaemia. Determinations were made of neutrophil phagocytosis, chemotaxis, random migration, and microbicidal activity for Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus. One patient showed a decreased ability to kill C. albicans at a time when she had active pneumonia due to Pneumocystis carinii. The remainder of the studies showed normal neutrophil functions. No differences were observed in the patients who had graft versus host disease (GvH) from those without GvH. These studies suggest that defects in phagocytic neutrophil function do not contribute significantly to the impaired host defenses in recipients of bone marrow transplantation.
Ritz, Einstein, and the Emission Hypothesis

Just as Albert Einstein’s special theory of relativity was gaining acceptance around 1908, the young Swiss physicist Walter Ritz advanced a competing though preliminary emission theory that sought to explain the phenomena of electrodynamics on the assumption that the speed of light depends on the motion of its source. I survey Ritz’s unfinished work in this area and review the reasons why Einstein and other physicists rejected Ritz’s and other emission theories. Since Ritz’s emission theory attracted renewed attention in the 1960s, I discuss how the earlier observational evidence was misconstrued as telling against it more conclusively than actually was the case. Finally, I contrast the role played by evidence against Ritz’s theory with other factors that led to the early rejection of his approach.
Choosing Wisely: You get what you pay for

Choosing Wisely is an initiative of the American Board of Internal Medicine Foundation in partnership with Consumer Reports and other consumer-oriented organizations to encourage “physicians, patients and other health care stakeholders to think and talk about medical tests and procedures that may be unnecessary, and in some instances cause harm.”1 The initiative's broader goal is to ensure that the right care is delivered at the right time and in the right place. As part of the initiative, 9 professional societies in 2012 each released “Five things physicians and patients should question.” In this issue of Neurology ® , Langer-Gould et al.2 present the American Academy of Neurology's list, which joined those of 16 other specialty societies released in February 2013.
Theoretical investigation of the electronic coupling element in bis-ruthenium porphyrin dimers

The electronic coupling element for electron transfer is studied in three ruthenium-porphyrin dimers. The dimers are models for compounds that have been previously studied experimentally and allow investigation of orientation effects and linkage effects and comparison of axial ligand effects on the electronic coupling. The geometries used in this study were obtained from B3LYP geometry optimizations in a DZ basis, and the coupling element was calculated as half the energy splitting between pairs of symmetry-related orbitals using Hartree–Fock, B3LYP Kohn–Sham, or INDO orbitals. The results suggest that all three methods give qualitatively similar values of the coupling at a given geometry and that the coupling involving the highest occupied molecular orbital can be changed markedly by changes in orientation or by changes in ligation external to the main pathways for coupling. Following discussion of the results we suggest directions in which future methodological developments will be critical in furtherin...
Spectral factorization of non-classical information structures under feedback

We consider linear systems under feedback. We restrict our attention to non-classical information structures for which the optimal control policies can be found via a convex optimization problem. The first step to analytically solving such control problems is performing a spectral factorization to solve the optimality condition. In this paper we discuss two classes of information structures, for which such spectral factorizations can be found. In the first structure, the only constraint is that the controller can remember previous inputs that it has received. In the second structure, we consider a controller which is allowed to forget previous observations.
Copepod food-quality threshold as a mechanism influencing phytoplankton succession and accumulation of biomass, and secondary productivity: a modeling study with management implications

Abstract Development of proactive management schemes may be necessary to combat the apparent worldwide increase in harmful algal blooms. Design of such schemes will require a thorough understanding of bloom-initiating processes in an ecosystem context. To further explore potential synergistic effects between abiotic and biotic processes impacting plankton community dynamics a detailed numerical model was developed and tested. The model featured multiple growth limiting resources (nitrogen, phosphorus, silica, light), multiple phytoplankton groups (P-specialist, N-specialist, intermediate group), aspects of the microbial loop (labile dissolved organic nitrogen, bacteria, microflagellates, ciliates), and a capstone predator (copepods). Model simulations illuminated the potential role of food-quality threshold as it effected initiation of an algal bloom. The mechanism controlling whether a bloom would occur and secondary productivity cease was the timing of the onset of bottom–up control (nutrient limitation) relative to top–down control (high grazing pressure). Simulations where top–down control occurred before bottom–up control were characteristic of Lotka–Volterra type behavior. However, during simulations where top–down control began after bottom–up control an algal bloom resulted and secondary productivity ceased. This occurred because at the time of maximum grazing activity the N-content of one of the phytoplankton groups was below the food-quality threshold for copepods. Consequently, copepod growth was not great enough to offset losses. As a result, the copepod population was eliminated and an algal bloom ensued. The timing of the onset of bottom–up and top–down control was sensitive to some abiotic conditions that included magnitude, mode, and ratio of nutrient loading. Through manipulation of these abiotic processes, it was possible to maintain phytoplankton species diversity, enhance secondary productivity, and prevent an algal bloom.
Evaluation of thermocapillary driving forces in the development of striations during the spin coating process

The evolution of a temperature gradient at the free surface of a coating solution during the spin coating process is examined. Solvent evaporation causes localized cooling at the top that can result in thermocapillary instability within the coating solution, and thereby driving convective flows that may result in non-uniform coatings. We examine the evolution of these temperature gradients by using a one dimensional finite difference model that simultaneously describes the thinning behavior (both by flow and by evaporation) and the temperature evolution within the solution. The entire system is initially isothermal but is subject to evaporation-driven cooling at the free surface of the gradually thinning fluid. The model is then used to determine the magnitude of the thermocapillary effects during the spin coating process. As test systems we simulate the spin coating of several pure alcohol solutions having different volatilities and therefore different evaporative-cooling powers. As the fluid thins, we calculate the instantaneous Marangoni (Mn) number, which signifies the magnitude of thermocapillary-driven convection. We compare these Mn values against their relevant threshold values, determined from prior reports in the literature, in order to deduce the magnitude of the instabilities they represent. If the Mn value is super-critical, then the instability that it represents will be sufficient for the onset of convection cells within a stagnant fluid layer of corresponding thickness. Because the radial outflow is fully laminar under normal conditions, super-critical Mn values imply that similar instabilities would arise within a spinning solution. Super-critical Mn values were observed under numerous conditions suggesting that thermocapillary instability may be responsible for striation features that develop in coatings made by spin coating. Trends related to spin-speed, solvent volatility, and initial solution thickness are discussed with the goal of improving the flatness of coatings that are made by this process.
The second "time-out": a surgical safety checklist for lengthy robotic surgeries

Robotic surgeries of long duration are associated with both increased risks to patients as well as distinct challenges for care providers. We propose a surgical checklist, to be completed during a second “time-out”, aimed at reducing peri-operative complications and addressing obstacles presented by lengthy robotic surgeries. A review of the literature was performed to identify the most common complications of robotic surgeries with extended operative times. A surgical checklist was developed with the goal of addressing these issues and maximizing patient safety. Extended operative times during robotic surgery increase patient risk for position-related complications and other adverse events. These cases also raise concerns for surgical, anesthesia, and nursing staff which are less common in shorter, non-robotic operations. Key elements of the checklist were designed to coordinate operative staff in verifying patient safety while addressing the unique concerns within each specialty. As robotic surgery is increasingly utilized, operations with long surgical times may become more common due to increased case complexity and surgeons overcoming the learning curve. A standardized surgical checklist, conducted three to four hours after the start of surgery, may enhance perioperative patient safety and quality of care.
SvPablo: A multi-language architecture-independent performance analysis system

In this paper we present the design of SvPablo, a language independent performance analysis and visualization system that can be easily extended to new contexts with minimal changes to the software infrastructure. At present, SvPablo supports analysis of applications written in C, Fortran 77, Fortran 90, and HPF on a variety of sequential and parallel systems. In addition to capturing application data via software instrumentation, SvPablo also exploits hardware performance counters to capture the interaction of software and hardware. Both hardware and software performance data are summarized during program execution, enabling measurement of programs that execute for hours or days on hundreds of processors. This performance data is stored in a format designed to be language transparent and portable. We demonstrate the usefulness of SvPablo for tuning application programs with a case study running on an SGI Origin 2000.
Task and technology fit: a comparison of two technologies for synchronous and asynchronous group communication

With the increasing use of emerging communication technologies for collaborative work and group communication, organizations must recognize the benefits as well as the limitations of these technologies for communication effectiveness. An experiment was conducted to examine the interaction between task structure and technology to support synchronous and asynchronous group communication. Two communication technologies, e-mail and a group support system (GSS), and two levels of task structure (less structured and more structured) were used. Group outcomes were measured as total number of unique ideas generated, which were further decomposed into basic and inferential idea categories. Results indicate that GSS-supported groups generated more total and basic ideas. However, groups using e-mail performed a deeper problem analysis as indicated by a higher proportion of inferential ideas generated by these groups. The number and proportion of inferential ideas were also significantly higher in the less structured task than those in the more structured one.
VENEREAL WORMS: SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED NEMATODES IN THE DECORATED CRICKET

The nematode, Mehdinema alii, occurs in the alimentary canal of the decorated cricket Gryllodes sigillatus. Adult nematodes occur primarily in the hindgut of mature male crickets, whereas juvenile nematodes are found in the genital chambers of mature male and female crickets. Here, we present experimental evidence for the venereal transmission of M. alii in G. sigillatus. Infectivity experiments were conducted to test for transmission via oral-fecal contamination, same-sex contact, and copulation. The infective dauers of the nematode are transferred from male to female crickets during copulation. Adult female crickets harboring infective dauers subsequently transfer the nematode to their next mates. Thus, M. alii is transmitted sexually during copulation.
Caloric restriction responses can maintain immune responses during aging (47.14)

Age-related defects accumulate in both the innate and adaptive arms of immunity to generate a state of immune deficiency. Our laboratory has previously shown a decrease in immune responses in aged mice compared to younger mice in the context of OX40 costimulation. This loss of immunity during aging underscores the need for simple approaches to boost immunity in older individuals. We hypothesize that immune responses in the context of OX40 activation or blockade of CTLA-4 in older mice can be restored and/or maintained through caloric restriction (CR) or dietary supplementation with a CR mimetic. Two CR dietary regimens were used to determine if immunity in old immune-compromised mice could be restored and if immunity could be maintained during aging. In addition mice were fed diets that were formulated with resveratrol (100 ppm), a CR mimetic. Tumor immune responses and Ag-specific T cell responses in these mice were then assessed and compared to young mice and the appropriate dietary controls. Our results demonstrate that caloric restriction cannot restore immune function in old mice. However, CR or resveratrol dietary supplementation initiated at a young age can maintain both OX40-mediated anti-tumor immunity and T cell responses as these mice age. Thus, the induction of a caloric restriction response (via traditional CR or by a CR mimetic) appears to maintain immunological fitness and may increase the effectiveness of immune-based cancer therapies in older subjects.
Criopreservação prolongada da microfilária de Mansonella ozzardi em concentrado de sangue periférico humano

Microfilaria de Mansonella ozzardi, concentrada em sangue humano, congelado com um crioprotetor quimico, e estocada a temperaturas de nitrogenio liquido ou liquido na fase vapor eram moveis quando descongeladas apos 2½ anos de conservacao.
Abstract 3267: Persistence of Hyperdense Middle Cerebral Artery Sign on Follow-up CT Scan is Associated with Poor Outcome in Ischemic Stroke Patients Treated with Intravenous Thrombolysis

Background- Early identification of reliable predictors of functional outcomes is important for planning rehabilitation strategies in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Hyperdense middle ce...
Hyper-hydration with a Carbohydrate-Electrolyte Solution Does Not Improve Orthostatic Tolerance in Healthy Young Individuals

A potential risk factor for astronauts is post-spaceflight orthostatic intolerance, which may be due to losses of plasma volume during spaceflight. One way to offset and minimize plasma volume loss is through a proper hydration strategy. The effects of hyper-hydration with Gatorade on orthostatic intolerance are unknown. Twenty-two individuals (12 men, 10 women) underwent a tilt table test [70⁰ head up tilt (HUT)] during two conditions: euhydrated and hyper-hydrated. Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (systolic, SBP; diastolic, DBP) were measured at baseline (BL), HUT, and recovery (REC). SBP did not change with HUT and was similar between groups. DBP was higher during HUT compared to BL (men: 63±7 to 80±10 mmHg, women: 72±7 to 80±7 mmHg, P=0.039) and overall higher in women (69±10 vs. 74±10 mmHg, for men vs. women, respectively, P=0.003). HR was higher during HUT and higher in women (men: 61±8 to 88±15, women: 71±11 to 104±16, for BL to HUT, respectively, P<0.001). Men had longer tilt times (33±15 vs. 18±12 min, euhydrated for men vs. women, respectively, P<0.001). Tilt times were similar between the two hydration conditions (men: 33±15 and 31±18, women: 19±12 and 16±7 min, for euhydration and hyper-hydration, respectively, P=0.442). In summary, men were more orthostatically tolerant than women. Gatorade did not improve orthostatic intolerance.
Patients' views can improve clinical trials for participants.

Participation in clinical trials is more likely, and the evidence gleaned more useful, when researchers take patients’ views into account, writes the patient Cynthia Chauhan
Room-temperature magnetoresistance of one-dimensional magnetite (Fe3O4) nanostructures

In this paper, we present our recent studies on the synthesis and magnetoresistance of single crystalline Fe3O4 core-shell nanowires and nanotubes. Homogeneous Fe3O4 nanowires/tubes with controllable length, diameter and wall thickness were synthesized. The as-prepared material composition and stoichoimetry have been carefully examined and confirmed with a variety of characterization techniques including XRD, EDS, XPS, and TEM. Magnetoresistance under different temperatures was systemically studied. Up to 1.2% room temperature magnetoresistance was observed in the as synthesized nanowires/tubes under a magnetic field of B = 1.8 T.
An Experimental Study of Flow and Stress Fields in a Pressurized Mooney Viscometer

Abstract The boundary conditions of rubber compounds on solid surfaces during extrusion has long been a subject of question. The concerns of Mooney on this topic date back 60 years. He continued to return to this question throughout his career. In more recent years Vinogradov and his coworkers have called attention to slip phenomena occurring in the extrusion of elastomers through dies. This is associated with fluctuating pressure losses which occur at the onset of extrudate distortion. Such behavior has also been observed with rubber-carbon-black compounds. More recently, Turner and Moore have developed a pressurized rotational rheometer to characterize this type of behavior in rubber compounds. We have recognized the importance of this problem in our own laboratories. Marker experiments have been used in extrusion of rubber compounds to detect slippage. In the present paper, we describe an experimental study of the response of gum elastomers and their carbon black compounds in a pressurized Mooney visco...
The continuing evolution of the nation's blood supply system

The nation's blood supply system has undergone major change during the last decade. As a result, the blood supply is extremely safe. To accomplish this, the centers that supply most of nation's blood have made extensive changes in their regulatory affairs and quality assurance programs, personnel, or organizational structure, process control systems, computer and data management systems, and overall philosophy. The emphasis on a medical and patient focused organizational culture has been replaced by a more manufacturing and business culture. Research in transfusion medicine and related fields is bringing potential new transfusion therapies and blood components closer to reality. The blood system and the organizations and people who compose it must continue to evolve in ways to implement these new therapies.
CCK receptor phosphorylation exposes regulatory domains affecting phosphorylation and receptor trafficking.

Agonist-stimulated phosphorylation of guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G protein)-coupled receptors has been recognized as an important mechanism for desensitization by interfering with coupling...
Antibiotic metabolite of a fungus cultivated by gardening ants.

(1979). Antibiotic Metabolite of A Fungus Cultivated by Gardening Ants. Mycologia: Vol. 71, No. 5, pp. 1064-1066.
Armaignac's 1906 paper on the recording of visual acuity and the progression of letter sizes on visual acuity charts

Background Henry Armaignac, a French ophthalmologist in the early twentieth century, criticized the Monoyer optometric scale, which was used to measure visual acuity. Methods This article discusses the "optometric scale" for visual acuity letter sizes proposed by Armaignac in a 1906 publication. Conclusion Armaignac pointed out the flaws of the Monoyer visual acuity chart commonly used in France at the time and suggested an improvement in the progression of letter sizes on the chart.
Muscle Mass Measured by D3-Creatine Dilution Method Correlates with Assessments by Bio-Impendance Spectroscopy and 24-hour Urinary Creatinine

Accurate understanding of changes in muscle mass is useful for monitoring the effectiveness of interventions in healthy adults and children, ranging from wellness and lifestyle changes to the effic...
The Mind’s Body

By absolute consciousness Husserl did not mean to designate simply an epistemological function; absolute consciousness is a region of reality, albeit the proto-region, an ontic term, an existent, individualizing itself in its internal temporality as a singular ego. In addition it inheres in a body.1 Psychism is apperceived in the heart of nature. Conversely corporeity is apperceived within intentionality itself.
Understanding the Hybrid Stage I Approach for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

Hybrid stage I palliation combines cardiothoracic surgery and interventional transcatheter procedures for treatment of hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The approach is an alternative to the Norwood procedure, the traditional first stage of surgical palliation. Hybrid stage I palliation involves placing bilateral branch pulmonary artery bands and a patent ductus arteriosus stent through a median sternotomy, performed without cardiopulmonary bypass. The purpose of the bands is to control blood flow to the lungs and protect the pulmonary bed while the stent sustains systemic cardiac output. A balloon atrial septostomy is performed to create an atrial septal defect for unobstructed blood flow from the left atrium to the right atrium. The second stage of palliative surgery is the comprehensive stage II, which incorporates removal of the stent and pulmonary artery bands, atrial septectomy, anastomosis of the diminutive ascending aorta to the main pulmonary artery, aortic arch augmentation, and bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis. The traditional Fontan procedure completes the series of palliation.
Active Surveillance of Follow-on Biologics: A Prescription for Uptake

As lower-cost versions of original biologic drugs made by different manufacturers, follow-on biologics offer the promise of meaningful savings for the US health care system and improved patient health outcomes through greater medication adherence. Fulfillment of this promise, however, is predicated on the prescribing of such products. Under state drug product selection laws, pharmacists may substitute prescriptions for brand name, small-molecule drugs with their generic equivalents, but will be indefinitely prohibited from substituting prescriptions for original biologics with their follow-on biologic counterparts given a lack of product-specific guidance on demonstrating interchangeability. Even when interchangeable follow-on biologics become available, they will face heightened barriers to substitution following the enactment of so-called carve-outs in several states. Data collected to date suggest that a substantial proportion of US physicians remain skeptical of follow-on biologics despite their long record of safe and effective use in Europe. Active surveillance of follow-on biologics within the US market using insurance claims databases can help address this skepticism and help answer key questions concerning the safety of switching between original and follow-on products or between different follow-on products, and of extrapolating to broader indications. Funding is needed to support such surveillance activities and to disseminate the findings to key stakeholders.
Toward robots with cognitive abilities: keynote speaker

As robots become commonplace in a variety of domains including manufacturing, autonomous vehicles, and the military, there has been growing interest in the development of intelligent robots that can support humans not only as tools, but also as teammates. To be a competent teammate, a robot needs to have basic cognitive abilities including perceiving the semantics of its environment, reasoning about spatial relationships, and communicating with natural language. In this talk, I will use a few specific applications including semantic navigation to illustrate various technical challenges and the lessons learned in developing autonomous robots that can work with humans.
Preparing Early Interventionists to Implement Family-Centered Practices.

ABSTRACTThe reauthorization of IDEA in 1997 placed greater emphasis on providing early intervention services to the family unit versus solely focusing on children with disabilities or children who are at risk for disabilities. Due to the shift from child-focused services to family-focused services, the need to implement family-centered practices became apparent. This study explored the experiences of graduates of an early intervention/early childhood special education personnel preparation program to gain an understanding of the factors that facilitate implementation of family-centered practices. Results from an online survey and focus groups revealed that the graduates, in general, held positive beliefs about partnering with families, and there were several program components that facilitated the implementation of family-centered practices. Implications are described for advancing the knowledge base about preparing students to work in the field of early intervention.
The interactions between IC engine thermodynamics and knock

Abstract The development of high efficiency spark-ignition internal combustion engines is often constrained by the occurrence of knock. Knock may result in engine damage, lower performance, and lower efficiency. The options for preventing knock often involve lower compression ratios, lower boost, retarded spark timing, and other design choices that are detrimental to engine performance and efficiency. Since knock is largely a function of the thermodynamic state of the unburned zone, the occurrence of knock is expected to be a strong function of the engine thermodynamics. The purpose of the current work is to couple a simple knock model with a comprehensive engine cycle simulation to determine the interactions between the engine thermodynamics and knock. This work has explored the effects of engine parameters such as compression ratio (4–12), engine speed (500–2500 rpm), inlet pressure (50–100 kPa), exhaust gas recirculation (0–25%), combustion duration and heat transfer on knock. In each case, the occurrence of knock is connected to the cylinder pressures and the gas temperatures of the unburned zone. For example for a compression ratio of 12, to avoid knock the brake thermal efficiency decreased from 36.5% to 34% due to retarding the combustion.
Creating animated goal-driven interactive games in processing with mouse and keyboard input

Gaming is an enormously popular recreational activity in recent decades. We leverage its popularity in an introductory programming class at UNC Asheville to encourage the student to explore the creation of interactive, goal-driven animations; they combine Processing's graphics package and mouse/keyboard interactive capabilities with careful use of variables and other imperative programming techniques. Knowledge demonstrated by a successful student includes: • Mastery of graphics primitives in Processing, including ellipses, rectangles, and other shapes. • Understanding of RGB and/or HSB color models, including alpha channel transparency. • Use of sequential, conditional, and iterative control flow. • Use of event driven programming to create animation. • Built-in and custom Processing variables to create timed events, and to store & update the progress of the user toward the game's goal. • Processing libraries for recognizing mouse clicks, mouse button releases, and moving/dragging the mouse. • Processing libraries for recognizing key presses (both ASCII and non-ASCII) as well as holding and releasing keyboard keys.
Are Donations to Charity an Effective Incentive for Public Officials

Incentivized experiments are frequently used to learn about individuals’ social, political, and economic behavior. However, public officials and other individuals are sometimes barred from accepting payment for anything related to their position, so money cannot be used in experiments (e.g., Butler and Kousser 2015). We assess whether donations to charity can be used to incentivize public officials, as an alternative to traditional monetary inducements.
Assessment of data transformations for model-based clustering of RNA-Seq data

Quality control, global biases, normalization, and analysis methods for RNA-Seq data are quite different than those for microarray-based studies. The assumption of normality is reasonable for microarray based gene expression data; however, RNA-Seq data tend to follow an over-dispersed Poisson or negative binomial distribution. Little research has been done to assess how data transformations impact Gaussian model-based clustering with respect to clustering performance and accuracy in estimating the correct number of clusters in RNA-Seq data. In this article, we investigate Gaussian model-based clustering performance and accuracy in estimating the correct number of clusters by applying four data transformations (i.e., naive, logarithmic, Blom, and variance stabilizing transformation) to simulated RNA-Seq data. To do so, an extensive simulation study was carried out in which the scenarios varied in terms of: how genes were selected to be included in the clustering analyses, size of the clusters, and number of clusters. Following the application of the different transformations to the simulated data, Gaussian model-based clustering was carried out. To assess clustering performance for each of the data transformations, the adjusted rand index, clustering error rate, and concordance index were utilized. As expected, our results showed that clustering performance was gained in scenarios where data transformations were applied to make the data appear "more" Gaussian in distribution.
Practice insights on patient care-management overview for chemoradiation toxic mucositis-guidelines, guideline-supported therapies and high potency polymerized cross-linked sucralfate (ProThelial).

AimTo offer a practice insight for the management of chemoradiation toxic mucositis.MethodReview chemoradiation toxic mucositis, its pathobiology and breadth of symptom presentation. Review mucosit...
Creep Cavitation Effects in Polycrystalline Alumina

Fine grained polycrystalline alumina has been deformed in creep at high temperatures, to examine the evolution of cavities at grain boundaries. Cavities with equilibrium and crack-like morphologies have been observed, distributed non-uniformly throughout the material. The role of these cavities during creep has been described. A transition from equilibrium to crack-like morphology has been observed and correlated with a model based on the influence of the surface to boundary diffusivity ratio and the local tensile stress. The contribution of cavitation to the creep rate and total creep strain has been analyzed and excluded as the principal cause of the observed non-linear creep rate.
Self-Help and Mutual Aid Organizations

In the early 1900s, there was little understanding of addiction as a disease. People who suffered addictive disorders were often considered mentally ill, criminals, or morally corrupt. Often they were institutionalized. There was no generally accepted treatment, the medical community did not recognize addiction as a disease, and persons with addictive disorders were treated in what we would now consider an inhumane manner (1). By the late 1930s, there were limited options for individuals with addictive disorders or for their families. A small group of alcoholics came together to offer each other support, encouragement, and hope for a life without addiction. This small group of visionaries formed a fellowship that became known as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), the best-known and most widely attended self-help or mutual aid program ever developed (2).
A 6-Year-Old Girl with Muscle Pain and Swelling in the Thighs

Macrophagic myofasciitis (MMF) is an unusual inflammatory myositis condition associated with aluminum containing vaccines. It was initially reported in 1998 as a steroid-responsive disorder. Patients usually present with arthromyalgias, chronic fatigue and cognitive deficits. Most reported cases of MMF are from adult patients in Europe; however, it is reported in children as well. Pathologically the characteristic finding on muscle biopsy is the presence of histiocytes containing Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stain positive material that is ultrastructurally composed of aluminum hydroxide derived from aluminum adjuvant-containing vaccines. Serum creatine kinase level may be elevated at onset. Treatment generally involves immunosuppression and prognosis in general is good.
Percutaneous paraspinal access to the azygos vein to create a neo‐vena cava

We present the case of a child with congenital heart disease repaired in infancy with diffuse central venous occlusions resulting in central venous insufficiency, superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome, and intracranial bleeds. He presented to the catheterization laboratory for multiple transcatheter interventions to recanalize central venous channels which were unsuccessful by conventional methods. Therefore, extravascular venous channels were created to decompress his upper body by creation of a neo-SVC and his lower body with a neo-azygos vein to the neo-SVC. The latter procedure required direct percutaneous access from a paraspinal approach in order to obtain continuity with the azygos vein. At latest follow-up the patient is clinically well and asymptomatic.
Advancing Cognitively Demanding Tasks in Undergraduate Classrooms: Using Graduate Student Discussion Groups & the Task Analysis Guide in Science (TAGS) as Leverage

With increasing focus on active learning in college classrooms, many institutions of higher education are redesigning introductory laboratory classes to provide more active-learning opportunities for students and to more authentically recreate the practices of scientists. These classes are primarily taught by graduate teaching assistants (GTAs), who often lack the pedagogical training necessary to plan for and support students' intellectual engagement in rich science tasks that require deep engagement in the practices of science and the core disciplinary ideas. We believe that graduate student discussion groups can provide an opportunity to encourage and equip GTAs with pedagogical knowledge and skills to select and use cognitively demanding instructional tasks. In this article, we describe our planning and facilitation of one such meeting with a group of GTAs about the relative cognitive demands of various laboratory activities. We propose that regularly scheduled meetings of discussion groups like this can help build learning communities among GTAs. We provide strategies to support GTAs' professional development and help them think critically about the tasks they use in their classes. In particular, we highlight the importance of the cognitive demands of tasks for engaging students in active and rigorous opportunities for science learning.
Percutaneous Fenestration of a Spinal Arachnoid Web Using an Intrathecal Catheter: Effect on Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow and Clinical Status.

Background Spinal arachnoid webs are a rare anatomic entity manifesting as neuropathic back pain, compressive myelopathy, radiculopathy, and hydrocephalus. Typical treatments include hemilaminectomy or full laminectomy with durotomy and microsurgical resection, which can result in secondary scarring and recurrent blockage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow perpetuating the cycle. Case Description A 66-year-old woman presented with progressively worsening gait and memory. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an arachnoid web in the high thoracic region, causing CSF flow obstruction and hydrocephalus. A standard lumbar drainage catheter was introduced percutaneously into the lumbar thecal sac and advanced in a cephalad direction, across the arachnoid web, to the high thoracic region. The patient underwent continuous CSF drainage through this catheter for a total of 3 days, displaying measurable clinical improvement that persisted at the 3-month follow-up visit. Phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated interval reconstitution of dorsal synchronous CSF flow at the second thoracic vertebral level, both on day 3 and at the 3-month control imaging study. Conclusions This minimally invasive approach seems useful in achieving restoration of spinal fluid flow at the thoracic region when the underlying blockage results from an arachnoid web and leads to quantifiable clinical improvement.