cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abbott ARCHITECT Syphilis TP Chemiluminescent Immunoassay Accurately Diagnoses Past or Current Syphilis in Pregnancy.

Objective We evaluate diagnostic accuracy of the ARCHITECT chemiluminescent immunoassay (CIA) screening test in pregnancy, and evaluate pregnancy outcomes among screen-positive women. Study Design Samples from routine prenatal rapid plasma reagin (RPR) tests were collected between June 22 and August 18, 2017 and frozen. Samples were batch-tested with the Abbott ARCHITECT syphilis TP immunoassay (CIA, index test). We calculated sensitivity, specificity, predictive value, and false positivity. We compared pregnancy and neonatal outcomes among screen-positive women. Results Of 1,602 specimens, 35 (2.2%) were RPR + ; of those, 24 (69%) were CIA +/Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay (TPPA)+ and 11 (31%) were CIA-/TPPA-. Of 1,567 RPR- specimens, 14 (0.9%) were CIA + ; of those, 13 (93%) were TPPA + , and one (7%) had a false positive CIA test. Sensitivity of the CIA (95% CI) was 100% (90.5–100%), specificity 99.9% (99.6–100%), positive predictive value 97.4% (86.2–99.9%), and false positive rate 0.06% (0.002–0.4%) for current or past syphilis. Among 37 CIA +/TPPA+ women, seven (19%) had RPR-negative status (Group 1), 11 (30%) had previously treated syphilis (Group 2), and 19 (51%) had active infection (Group 3). One stillbirth occurred in a woman with early, active syphilis identified at delivery; no adverse perinatal outcomes occurred among women in Groups 1 or 2. Conclusion The ARCHITECT syphilis TP immunoassay accurately diagnoses current or past syphilis in pregnancy. Clinical history and staging remain essential using a reverse algorithm.
Denial, Coping, and Cancer

Cancer is certainly one of the most dreaded and fatal group of diseases to which humanity is subject. Despite many reassurances about imminent breakthroughs and periodic reports about successful treatment of a few malignancies, most people, professional and lay, would still regard the diagnosis of cancer as far more distressing than heart, liver, or kidney diseases, although in some respects, the actual prognosis of certain cancers may be far better.
Neuropharmacologic Agents for Neurologic Conditions

A variety of neurologic conditions may influence the selection and conduction of anesthesia. The pharmacodynamics of many anesthetics are often directly altered by neurologic disorders. Most anesthetic agents are reversibly neurotoxic, and thus monitoring the recovery of neurologic function after anesthesia becomes complicated. In addition, many neurologic disorders are rare resulting in limited anesthetic reports in the literature. The combination of these factors requires maximum caution in planning the administration of anesthesia.
Placental histopathological features of fetoscopic laser photocoagulation for monoaminotic diamniotic twin pregnancies.

Abstract Introduction This study aimed to compare the histopathological placental features of monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twins who did and did not undergo fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP). Methods This was a retrospective single-institution cohort study on MCDA twins who underwent FLP between October 2010 and December 2018. The control group included MCDA twins who did not undergo FLP and were delivered during the same period in the institute. The incidence of chorioamnionitis (CAM), funisitis, and other pathological findings was compared between the FLP and control groups after matching by gestational age at delivery. Results In total, 292 MCDA pregnant women who underwent FLP and 356 controls gave birth during the study period. After matching the two groups in the ratio 1:1 by gestational age at delivery, each group comprised 194 subjects. The incidence of histological CAM with Blanc association (stage I, 6.2% vs. 3.1%, crude odds ratio (cOR) = 3.1, P = 0.052; stage II, 7.2% vs. 5.7%, cOR = 1.6, P = 0.30; stage III, 2.1% vs. 2.6%, cOR = 0.66, P = 0.52) and funisitis (artery, 5.2% vs. 3.6%, cOR = 1.3, P = 0.63; vein 7.2% vs. 4.1%, cOR = 1.6, P = 0.29) was not statistically significant difference between the FLP and control groups. The FLP group demonstrated a higher incidence of partial placental infarction than the control group (10.3% vs. 3.1%, cOR = 4.3, P = 0.004, adjusted OR = 2.8, P = 0.031). Discussion FLP did not appear to increase the incidence of histological CAM or funisitis in subjects matched by gestational age at delivery. The FLP group demonstrated a higher incidence of partial placental infarction than the control group.
Neuroanatomy and Imaging Assessment in Traumatic Brain Injury

Concussion is a common injury in childhood with an estimated 1.4 million children sustaining concussions annually in the United States. While many concussions occur in the sports and recreation set...
Towards sustainable transport: wireless detection of passenger trips on public transport buses

problem in creating efficient public transport systems is obtaining data about the set of trips that passengers make, usually referred to as an Origin/Destination (OD) matrix. Obtaining this data is problematic and expensive in general, especially in the case of buses because on-board ticketing systems do not record where and when passengers get off a bus. In this paper we describe a novel and inexpensive system that uses off-the-shelf Bluetooth hardware to wirelessly detect and record passenger journeys. Here we show how our system can be used to derive passenger OD matrices, and how our data can be used to further improve public transport services. Introductionthan 20% of the world's energy is spent on transportation. 1 At a time when the environmental implications of modern life are scrutinised, reducing the energy spent on transport is a key objective for achieving sustainability for our way of life. With more than 50% of commuters driving their own car to work (1), governments are actively campaigning for the use of public transport. Interestingly, researchers point out that even if more passengers choose public transport, the reduction in energy consumption will not be considerable due to the inefficiencies of public transport: "Trains and buses are potentially much more efficient than cars, if only they were full. But the way we do public transport at present, trains and buses are not that much more energy-efficient than cars. There remain many other good reasons for encouraging a switch to public transport
Plasmonically Enhanced CRISPR/Cas13a-Based Bioassay for Amplification-Free Detection of Cancer-Associated RNA

Novel methods that enable sensitive, accurate and rapid detection of RNA would not only benefit fundamental biological studies but also serve as diagnostic tools for various pathological conditions, including bacterial and viral infections and cancer. Although highly sensitive, existing methods for RNA detection involve long turn-around time and extensive capital equipment. Here, an ultrasensitive and amplification-free RNA quantification method is demonstrated by integrating CRISPR-Cas13a system with an ultrabright fluorescent nanolabel, plasmonic fluor. This plasmonically enhanced CRISPR-powered assay exhibits nearly 1000-fold lower limit-of-detection compared to conventional assay relying on enzymatic reporters. Using a xenograft tumor mouse model, it is demonstrated that this novel bioassay can be used for ultrasensitive and quantitative monitoring of cancer biomarker (lncRNA H19). The novel biodetection approach described here provides a rapid, ultrasensitive, and amplification-free strategy that can be broadly employed for detection of various RNA biomarkers, even in resource-limited settings.
The Impact of Mergers and Acquisitions in Higher Education and Challenges Faced: A Review of the Literature

When two firms consolidate to form a new conglomerate, this is commonly known as a merger. When a firm acquires a new firm and retains the name, identity, and assets, this is what is known as an acquisition. Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have taken place throughout American history. Industries such as hospitals, business corporations, and educational institutions have joined forces for various reasons – both friendly and forcefully - to expand their growth opportunities. The transformative environment of higher education dictates that progressive institutions consider mergers and acquisitions within the confines of rebranding to improve organizational sustenance. Past researchers have studied and tested the theoretical framework to assess the acculturation of merging two academic establishments into one firm. In the past decade, M&A has become more prominent in non-profit and higher education arenas. The research shows that both friendly and hostile takeovers have legal, cultural, and economic consequences in both the business and academic fields. This paper will explore the challenges and the impact of M&A on higher educational institutions, and we will seek to investigate if the effects of M&A impair or improves the overall performance of the organization.
Genomic analyses of glycine decarboxylase neurogenic mutations yield a large-scale prediction model for prenatal disease

Hundreds of mutations in a single gene result in rare diseases, but why mutations induce severe or attenuated states remains poorly understood. Defect in glycine decarboxylase (GLDC) causes Non-ketotic Hyperglycinemia (NKH), a neurological disease associated with elevation of plasma glycine. We unified a human multiparametric NKH mutation scale that separates severe from attenuated neurological disease with new in silico tools for murine and human genome level-analyses, gathered in vivo evidence from mice engineered with top-ranking attenuated and a highly pathogenic mutation, and integrated the data in a model of pre- and post-natal disease outcomes, relevant for over a hundred major and minor neurogenic mutations. Our findings suggest that highly severe neurogenic mutations predict fatal, prenatal disease that can be remedied by metabolic supplementation of dams, without amelioration of persistent plasma glycine. The work also provides a systems approach to identify functional consequences of mutations across hundreds of genetic diseases. Our studies provide a new framework for a large scale understanding of mutation functions and the prediction that severity of a neurogenic mutation is a direct measure of pre-natal disease in neurometabolic NKH mouse models. This framework can be extended to analyses of hundreds of monogenetic rare disorders where the underlying genes are known but understanding of the vast majority of mutations and why and how they cause disease, has yet to be realized.
Trends in Remote Retinal Imaging Utilization and Payments in the United States.

According to a national claims database, remote retinal imaging utilization in the U.S. increased rapidly from 2011 to 2020, but insurance coverage declined, with disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations including older, Black, and lower-income patients.
Workforce demographics and unit structure in paediatric cardiac critical care in the United States.

OBJECTIVE To assess current demographics and duties of physicians as well as the structure of paediatric cardiac critical care in the United States. DESIGN REDCap surveys were sent by email from May till August 2019 to medical directors ("directors") of critical care units at the 120 United States centres submitting data to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database and to associated faculty from centres that provided email lists. Faculty and directors were asked about personal attributes and clinical duties. Directors were additionally asked about unit structure. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Responses were received from 66% (79/120) of directors and 62% (294/477) of contacted faculty. Seventy-six percent of directors and 54% of faculty were male, however, faculty <40 years old were predominantly women. The majority of both groups were white. Median bed count (n = 20) was similar in ICUs and multi-disciplinary paediatric ICUs. The median service expectation for one clinical full-time equivalent was 14 weeks of clinical service (interquartile range 12, 16), with the majority of programmes (86%) providing in-house attending night coverage. Work hours were high during service and non-service weeks with both directors (37%) and faculty (45%). CONCLUSIONS Racial and ethnic diversity is markedly deficient in the paediatric cardiac critical care workforce. Although the majority of faculty are male, females make up the majority of the workforce younger than 40 years old. Work hours across all age groups and unit types are high both on- and off-service, with most units providing attending in-house night coverage.
Some aspects of the activation of phosphors by tetravalent manganese

Tetravalent manganese is known to give a characteristic red emission in phosphors such as magnesium fluogermanate and magnesium arsenate. Spectral energy distribution measurements have been obtained for a number of similar phosphors, including a new phosphor magnesium lithium antimony fluo-silicate. The outstandingly good temperature characteristics of magnesium fluogermanate and magnesium arsenate may be associated with their special emission characteristics which have not been observed with the other phosphors which have been examined.
Chapter 13 Cell biology of the neural circuit for steroid-dependent female reproductive behavior

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the steroid-dependent reproductive behavior, which is a useful model for investigating the cell biological basis of a specific behavior. Hormone estrogen elicits changes in pituitary function and feminine sexual behavior via its action on the brain. The estrogen stimulates the biosynthetic activity of cells of the ventromedial nucleus (VMN) of the hypothalamus resulting in the production of a polypeptide that is packaged in a typical secretory fashion and is subsequently transported to synaptic endings in the central nervous system (CNS). Behavioral studies showed that a reduction in protein synthesis, because of intracranial application of the protein synthesis inhibitor, anisomycin, disrupts the action of estrogen on the VMN. The estrogen effects on protein synthesis may be secondary to its effect on RNA synthesis. The results of investigations undertaken over the past several years have indicated that ultrastructural methods combined with other techniques can yield provocative views of behaviorally-relevant neurons. Based on the investigations indicating that induction of reproductive behavior is facilitated by repeated hormone treatments, morphological approaches are used to detect possible estrogen-induced changes at the synaptic level.
Understanding artemisinin-resistant malaria: what a difference a year makes.

Purpose of reviewThe emergence of artemisinin resistance in Southeast Asia (SEA), where artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs) are beginning to fail, threatens global endeavors to control and eliminate Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Future efforts to prevent the spread of this calamity to Africa w
Foreniscs analysis of cloud computing services

Cloud computing services have become popular among businesses and individuals. A common application of cloud computing service is cloud storage service. Cloud storage services provide storage to the individuals and businesses. Businesses and individuals generally use cloud storage services for backup purposes and for sharing documents, pictures, videos, and multimedia files with others. When using cloud storage services, there are two main concerns namely, cloud security and forensics investigation in the cloud. The security concern is, the data stored in the cloud be compromised. The forensics concern is, the recovery of computer evidence from the cloud is more complicated. This research contributes to the forensics analysis of cloud storage services. We report the result of our experiment in obtaining forensics artifacts from cloud storage services such as Dropbox. We demonstrate that the use of computer forensics tools and systematic forensics methodologies can produce valuable artifacts to the computer forensics investigators. This is because criminals may use cloud services for illegal purposes. Moreover, we use Wireshark to analyze network traffic log files after working with cloud software to determine the details of activities in the cloud.
String Theory: An Evaluation

A polemical article evaluating string theory from the point of view of a quantum field theorist working in a mathematics department. Comments to the author are encouraged.
A Model-Driven Approach for Item Synchronization and Uccnet Integration in Large E-Commerce Enterprise Systems

The pervasive connectivity of the Internet and the powerful architecture of the WWW are changing many market conventions and creating a tremendous opportunity for conducting business on the Internet. Digital marketplace business models and the advancement of Web related standards are tearing down walls within and between different business artifacts and entities at all granularities and at all levels, from devices, operating systems and middleware to directory, data, information, application, and finally the business processes. As a matter of fact, business process integration (BPI), which entails the integration of all the facets of business artifacts and entities, is emerging as a key IT challenge. In this paper, we describe our effort in exploring a new approach to address the complexities of BPI. More specifically, we study how to use a solution template based approach for BPI and explore the validity of this approach with a frequently encountered integration problem, the item synchronization problem for large enterprises. The proposed approach can greatly reduce the complexities of the business integration task and reduce the time and amount of effort of the system integrators. Different customers are deploying the described Item Synchronization system.
Finalization in the Collector Interface

When a tracing garbage collector operates, it treats the objects and pointers in the system as nodes and edges in a directed graph. Most collectors simply use the graph to seek out objects that have become unreachable from the root objects and recycle the storage associated with them.
On the pore-scale mechanisms leading to brittle and ductile deformation behavior of crystalline rocks

Summary Deformation mechanisms at the pore scale are responsible for producing large strains in porous rocks. They include cataclastic flow, dislocation creep, dynamic recrystallization, diffusive mass transfer, and grain boundary sliding, among others. In this paper, we focus on two dominant pore-scale mechanisms resulting from purely mechanical, isothermal loading: crystal plasticity and crofracturing. We examine the contributions of each mechanism to the overall behavior at a scale larger than the grains but smaller than the specimen, which is commonly referred to as the mesoscale. Crystal plasticity is assumed to occur as dislocations along the many crystallographic slip planes, whereas microfracturing entails slip and frictional sliding on microcracks. It is observed that under combined shear and tensile loading, microfracturing generates a softer response compared with crystal plasticity alone, which is attributed to slip weakening where the shear stress drops to a residual level determined by the frictional strength. For compressive loading, however, microfracturing produces a stiffer response than crystal plasticity because of the presence of frictional resistance on the slip surface. Behaviors under tensile, compressive, and shear loading invariably show that porosity plays a critical role in the initiation of the deformation mechanisms. Both crystal plasticity and microfracturing are observed to initiate at the peripheries of the pores, consistent with results of experimental studies. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of candidate genes for familial early-onset essential tremor

Essential tremor (ET) is one of the most common causes of tremor in humans. Despite its high heritability and prevalence, few susceptibility genes for ET have been identified. To identify ET genes, whole-exome sequencing was performed in 37 early-onset ET families with an autosomal-dominant inheritance pattern. We identified candidate genes for follow-up functional studies in five ET families. In two independent families, we identified variants predicted to affect function in the nitric oxide (NO) synthase 3 gene (NOS3) that cosegregated with disease. NOS3 is highly expressed in the central nervous system (including cerebellum), neurons and endothelial cells, and is one of three enzymes that converts l-arginine to the neurotransmitter NO. In one family, a heterozygous variant, c.46G>A (p.(Gly16Ser)), in NOS3, was identified in three affected ET cases and was absent in an unaffected family member; and in a second family, a heterozygous variant, c.164C>T (p.(Pro55Leu)), was identified in three affected ET cases (dizygotic twins and their mother). Both variants result in amino-acid substitutions of highly conserved amino-acid residues that are predicted to be deleterious and damaging by in silico analysis. In three independent families, variants predicted to affect function were also identified in other genes, including KCNS2 (KV9.2), HAPLN4 (BRAL2) and USP46. These genes are highly expressed in the cerebellum and Purkinje cells, and influence function of the gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA)-ergic system. This is in concordance with recent evidence that the pathophysiological process in ET involves cerebellar dysfunction and possibly cerebellar degeneration with a reduction in Purkinje cells, and a decrease in GABA-ergic tone.
The Linux/ARM embedded platform

ARM processors are embedded in virtually all mobile consumer electronic devices but mobility has a price: reliance on battery power places limits on the performance, making them less capable than that of desktop computers. Despite this limitation, users of mobile computing devices still expect desktop-class performance. In order to deliver real-time, immersive application performance, embedded system programmers must adopt a performance-driven approach for programming. In other words, programs need not only be functionally correct but must also deliver the highest possible performance.
Micromechanical "hollow-disk" ring resonators

A vibrating polysilicon micromechanical "hollow-disk" ring resonator obtained by removing quadrants of material from a solid disk resonator, but purposely leaving intact beams of material to non-intrusively support the structure, has been demonstrated in several vibration modes spanning frequencies from HF (24.4 MHz), to VHF (72.1MHz), to UHF (1.169 GHz), with Q's as high as 67,519, 48,048, and 5,846, respectively. Furthermore, the use of notched support attachments closer to actual extensional ring nodal points raises the Q to 14,603 at 1.2 GHz, which is the highest yet achieved past 1 GHz, and which clearly illustrates the utility of notching for substantially higher Q. At 1.2 GHz, a combination of high Q and larger capacitive transducers allows the notched version to achieve an R/sub x/ of only 282 k/spl Omega/, which is 12X smaller than achieved by previous pure polysilicon surface-micromachined solid disk resonators in the GHz range.
Neuropeptide Y Y2 receptor in health and disease

We briefly survey the current knowledge and concepts regarding structure and function of the neuropeptide Y Y2 receptor and its agonists, especially as related to pharmacology of the receptor and its roles in pathological processes. Specific structural features are considered that could be responsible for the known compartmentalization and participation of the receptor in cell and tissue organization. This is further discussed in relation to changes of levels of the Y2 receptor in pathological conditions (especially in epilepsy and drug abuse), to endocytosis and recycling, and to participation in wound healing, retinopathy and angiogenesis. Properties of the receptor and of Y2 agonists are considered and reviewed in connection to the negative regulation of transmitter release, feeding, mood and social behavior. The possible involvement of the Y2 receptor in diabetes, carcinogenesis and bone formation is also reviewed.
Hybridization between Redeye Bass and Smallmouth Bass in Tennessee Streams

Abstract To enhance headwater stream fisheries, nonindigenous redeye bass Micropterus coosae were introduced into 16 north-central Tennessee streams from the mid 1950s through the early 1960s. Reassessment occurred from June 1994 to October 1995 by sampling 18.6 km of stream channel in 31 streams by backpack electrofishing. Meristic criteria identified redeye bass in 11 streams within three river drainages and hybrids (redeye bass × smallmouth bass M. dolomieu) in 20% of the Micropterus spp. sampled in 6 streams within two river drainages. Based upon electrophoretic criteria, hybrid genotypes were identified in 66% of the Micropterus spp. collected from 9 of 31 streams sampled. Introgression is highly probable in the Ocoee, Obed, and Roaring river systems. These hybridizing populations illustrate the consequences of introducing nonindigenous redeye bass into streams containing indigenous smallmouth bass.
A Wake-Up Call from the Plea-Bargaining Trenches

In an era of rising crime and youth violence, skyrocketing homicide rates in the inner cities, strapped municipal budgets and overwhelmed courts, what could be more untimely than a call to reduce plea bargaining and devote more resources to holding jury trials? Yet the issue of bargain justice, like the proverbial bad penny, stubbornly refuses to go away. The concern persists, not only for a lonely band of academics but also for many ordinary citizens, that plea bargaining compromises our aspirations to justice at the same time that it undermines the effective punishment of serious offenders.1
NEW LIGHT ON THE LI JI 禮記: THE LI JI AND THE RELATED WARRING STATES PERIOD GUODIAN BAMBOO MANUSCRIPTS

This article starts by examining how “Li ji” was used as a title in early China. In addition to the Li, Li jing, Shi li, Li yi and Yi li, etc., “Li ji” was used as an alternative title for the Li canon, and the “Li” as a title was used to indicate what we now refer to as the Li ji or the Xiao Dai Li ji as well. By discussing how the Guodian bamboo slip texts are related to the transmitted version of the Li ji, this article argues that the writing styles of the related excavated bamboo manuscripts are the particular Li gujing- or Li guji-styles, that the “Li gujing” or “Li guji” is more a description of those ancient retrieved texts than an actual title, and that many of the Guodian bamboo-slip texts are the Li guji- or Li gujing-style writings. According to the Li guji-style Zi yi text, it is evident that the material in the Li ji comes from creditable pre-Qin textual sources. Although the Li ji text came to its current shape as a result of later editing work, it does not mean that the received Li ji sections have higher textual value than the excavated manuscripts do. On the contrary, the excavated manuscripts could have many valuable early textual sources that the transmitted Li ji has lost.
Securing virtual execution environments through machine learning-based intrusion detection

Virtualization has gained tremendous traction as the go-to computing technology due to many advantages it offers such as server consolidation, increased reliability and availability, and enhanced security through isolation of virtual machines. Within a virtual machine itself, securing workloads against cyber attacks becomes an increasingly critical task. In this paper, we present the application of machine learning and anomaly detection to automatically detect malicious attacks on typical server workloads running on virtual machines. An integral aspect of the work is finding the right set of features that can be used to distinguish normal from malicious activity.
An overview of glucocorticoid anti-inflammatory actions

Glucocorticoids (GC) exert a variety of important anti-inflammatory actions. We have studied their effects in allergic inflammation and believe that their anti-allergic effects reflect their anti-inflammatory activities in general. These effects include inhibition of cytokine and other mediator secretion, inhibition of leucocyte priming in eosinophils and neutrophils, reduction of vascular permeability, inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolite and platelet activating factor (PAF) release, synergistic or permissive effects on responses to other mediators, such as catecholamines and other endogenous hormone-like molecules, and modulation of enzyme systems involved in inflammation. Glucocorticoid actions are thus multifaceted; this feature explains both their unequalled efficacy in inflammatory diseases and the difficulty in replacing them with other medications that have a uni-dimensional profile of action.
Live attenuated vaccines for invasive Salmonella infections

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi produces significant morbidity and mortality worldwide despite the fact that there are licensed Salmonella Typhi vaccines available. This is primarily due to the fact that these vaccines are not used in the countries that most need them. There is growing recognition that an effective invasive Salmonella vaccine formulation must also prevent infection due to other Salmonella serovars. We anticipate that a multivalent vaccine that targets the following serovars will be needed to control invasive Salmonella infections worldwide: Salmonella Typhi, Salmonella Paratyphi A, Salmonella Paratyphi B (currently uncommon but may become dominant again), Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Choleraesuis (as well as other Group C Salmonella). Live attenuated vaccines are an attractive vaccine formulation for use in developing as well as developed countries. Here, we describe the methods of attenuation that have been used to date to create live attenuated Salmonella vaccines and provide an update on the progress that has been made on these vaccines.
Optical sensor arrays for odor recognition

Optical sensor arrays containing fluorescent solvatochromatic dyes immobilized in a plurality of polymers generate information-rich responses upon exposure to organic vapors. The response profiles are used to train a variety of computational networks such that subsequent exposure of the array to the vapors enables them to be classified and/or quantified. A number of strategies can be taken to enhance sensitivity and to increase sensor diversity.
Quantification of individual subgenomic mRNA species during replication of the coronavirus transmissible gastroenteritis virus

Abstract A biotinylated-oligonucleotide-based method was used to isolate the subgenomic mRNAs of the coronavirus transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) to investigate the amounts of the mRNAs produced at early, middle and late times in the replication cycle. TGEV mRNA 6, which encodes the N protein, was observed to be the most abundant species throughout the replication cycle. The ratios of mRNA 6 to the other mRNAs were 1:0.11 (mRNA 2), 1:0.16 (mRNAs 3 and 4) and 1:0.37 (mRNA 5) at 12 h post-infection. All the mRNA species were differentially regulated throughout the replication cycle, although the rate of accumulation of mRNAs 4, 5, and 6, but not mRNA 3, increased markedly towards the end of the replication cycle. mRNA 7 was not detected in the system used. There was no observable correlation between the amounts of each mRNA synthesised and the potential degree of base pairing between the 3′ end of the leader sequence and the transcription associated sequences on the genomic RNA at any time during the replication cycle. This indicates that the extent of base pairing was not the only factor involved in the control of subgenomic mRNA synthesis.
Single-center analysis of early recurrence of nephrotic syndrome following renal transplantation in children.

Recurrence of nephrotic syndrome (NS) after transplantation (Tx) occurs in 20–50% of renal transplant recipients, with a median time to recurrence of 14 days and a 50% rate of graft loss. We performed a retrospective analysis of 22 pediatric patients with NS who received renal transplants at the Children’s Hospital, Boston, between 1982 and 1999. During the first 14 days following Tx, 13 (59%) patients developed clinical recurrent nephrotic syndrome (RNS). RNS developed in 50% of living donor recipients and in 70% of cadaveric donor recipients (p = non-significant). Seven of the 13 patients with RNS were treated with plasmapheresis, while six received standard immunosuppressive induction therapy only. Two of the seven treated patients and one of the six untreated patients lost their grafts to RNS, yielding a total RNS graft loss rate of 23%. However, patients with RNS who achieved remission had significantly higher cumulative graft survival at 5 yr than did RNS patients who did not achieve remission (p<0.001). Overall cumulative graft survival at 5 yr was not significantly different between the two groups: 67% in those with non-recurrent nephrotic syndrome (NRNS) vs. 64% in those with RNS, p = non-significant. We conclude that successful reversal of early RNS improves long-term graft survival in pediatric RNS. Multi-center studies are sorely needed to develop novel, less toxic therapies for native and recurrent NS.
GABA receptors in bovine cerebral blood vessels: Binding studies with [3H]muscimol

[3H]Muscimol, a potent GABA agonist used to label GABA receptor sites in brain and invertebrate striated muscle, was found to bind specifically to sites in a crude membrane fraction prepared from bovine cerebral blood vessels. Specific [3H]muscimol binding was saturable of high affinity (Kd = 41 nM), and was selectively inhibited by GABA, specific GABA agonists, and the antagonist bicuculline with potencies similar to what has been found for GABA receptors in mammalian brain. GABA and several GABA agonists including muscimol have been reported to dilate isolated cerebral arteries, but not peripheral blood vessels. The pharmacology of the [3H]muscimol binding site correlated well with that of the vasodilatory response. No significant specific [3H]muscimol binding was detected in aorta and mesenteric arteries. The characteristics of the cerebrovascular muscimol binding site thus are indicative of a physiologically relevant GABA receptor associated with cerebral blood vessels. These findings suggest a direct role for GABA in cerebral vascular function.
Combination of flavone acetic acid (FAA) with adriamycin, cis-platinum and difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) in vitro against human colon cancer cells

Unresectable solid tumors in the metastatic stage are quite resistant to current chemotherapy and radiation therapy regimens. Flavone acetic acid (FAA) is a novel antitumor agent which appears to work through a different mechanism than the conventional chemotherapeutic agents. In preclinical studies it has shown effectiveness against a variety of transplantable murine and human tumors and appears to be solid tumor selective. It also has non-overlapping toxicities as compared to conventional agents. We therefore investigated FAA in vitro against human colon cancer cells and explored whether its effectiveness could be enhanced in combination with other agents such as adriamycin (ADR), cis-platinum (CP) and difluoromethyornithine (DFMO) — an inhibitor of polyamine biosynthesis. Addition of FAA for 24 hours in liquid media produced dose dependent growth inhibition. Using soft agar colony assay, growth was inhibited by 58% by 3mM FAA and only 1.4% by 0.375mM FAA. The combination of FAA and cis-platinum produced synergism at the lower doses tested. The combination of FAA and adriamycin produced antagonism at all doses tested and the combination of FAA with DFMO did not produce results significantly different from DFMO alone. We conclude that enhancement of FAA activity can be achieved in combination with conventional antitumor agents, but may be drug and dose specific.
Value-based metrics and Internet-based enterprises

Within the last few years, a host of value-based metrics like EVA, MVA, TBR, CFORI, and TSR have evolved. This paper attempts to analyze the validity and applicability of EVA and Balanced Scorecard for Internet based organizations. Despite the collapse of the dot-com model, the firms engaged in e- commerce continue to struggle to find new ways to account for customer-base, technology, employees, knowledge, etc, as part of the value of the firm. While some metrics, like the Balance Scorecard are geared towards internal use, others like EVA are for external use. Value-based metrics are used for performing internal audits as well as comparing firms against one another; and can also be effectively utilized by individuals outside the firm looking to determine if the firm is creating value for its stakeholders.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Diagnosis and treatment of pheochromocytoma in an academic hospital from 1997 to 2007.

Abstract Background The diagnosis and treatment of pheochromocytoma pose a challenge to physicians. Several trends in the presentation, diagnosis, and surgical treatment of pheochromocytoma have emerged in the last 10 years. The diagnostic accuracy and consequences of misdiagnosis of pheochromocytoma are not well known. We aimed to systemically study the diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes of pheochromocytoma and to reveal the causes and consequences of misdiagnosis (including both overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis). Methods We reviewed the electronic and paper charts of 49 patients who underwent adrenalectomy or adrenal biopsy with either preoperative or pathologic diagnosis of pheochromocytoma in a large academic hospital from 1997 to 2007. Three groups of patients (overdiagnosed, correctly diagnosed, and underdiagnosed) were compared on clinical courses, biochemical tests, imaging studies, and surgical outcomes. Results Pheochromocytoma was overdiagnosed in 9 patients, correctly diagnosed in 30 patients, and underdiagnosed in 10 patients. The overdiagnosis rate was 23% (9/39), and the underdiagnosis rate was 25% (10/40). The 3 distinct groups of patients exhibited significant differences in clinical presentation, biochemical tests, and imaging characteristics. The most common causes of overdiagnosis were misinterpretation of borderline biochemical test results and overzealous imaging. Overdiagnosis subjected patients to unnecessary adrenalectomy and its complications. The most common cause of underdiagnosis was failure to consider and test for pheochromocytoma. Underdiagnosis resulted in dangerous adrenal biopsy or adrenalectomy with hypertensive crisis and nearly doubled the length of stay in hospital. Surgical resection of correctly diagnosed pheochromocytoma was largely effective and safe, but intraoperative and postoperative complications occurred in some patients. Conclusion We conclude that misdiagnosis of pheochromocytoma is not uncommon and causes serious adverse effects. Correct interpretation of biochemical tests and imaging is crucial to a correct diagnosis, and pheochromocytoma should always be included in the differential diagnosis of any adrenal mass. Our data suggest that physician education is needed to improve the diagnosis and treatment of pheochromocytoma.
Overexpression of artemin in the tongue increases expression of TRPV1 and TRPA1 in trigeminal afferents and causes oral sensitivity to capsaicin and mustard oil

Artemin, a member of the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family, supports a subpopulation of trigeminal sensory neurons through activation of the Ret/GFRα3 receptor tyrosine kinase complex. In a previous study we showed that artemin is increased in inflamed skin of wildtype mice and that transgenic overexpression of artemin in skin increases TRPV1 and TRPA1 expression in dorsal root ganglia neurons. In this study we examined how transgenic overexpression of artemin in tongue epithelium affects the anatomy, gene expression and calcium handling properties of trigeminal sensory afferents. At the RNA level, trigeminal ganglia of artemin overexpresser mice (ART-OEs) had an 81% increase in GFRα3, a 190% increase in TRPV1 and a 403% increase in TRPA1 compared to wildtype (WT) controls. Myelinated and unmyelinated fibers of the lingual nerve were increased in diameter, as was the density of GFRα3 and TRPV1-positive innervation to the dorsal anterior tongue and fungiform papilla. Retrograde labeling of trigeminal afferents by WGA injection into the tip of the tongue showed an increased percentage of GFRα3, TRPV1 and isolectin B4 afferents in ART-OE mice. ART-OE afferents had larger calcium transients in response to ligands of TRPV1 (capsaicin) and TRPA1 (mustard oil). Behavioral sensitivity was also exhibited by ART-OE mice to capsaicin and mustard oil, measured using a two-choice drinking test. These results suggest a potential role for artemin-responsive GFRα3/TRPV1/TRPA1 sensory afferents in mediating sensitivity associated with tissue injury, chemical sensitivity or disease states such as burning mouth syndrome.
Impact of lactation on women with cystic fibrosis and their infants: A review of five cases

Abstract Objective To evaluate the impact of lactation on the health status of women with cystic fibrosis and their infants. Design Data were acquired through a retrospective review of pulmonary, obstetric, and pediatric medical records. Setting A medical school-based Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Center in Philadelphia, Pa. Subjects Five women with cystic fibrosis and their respective infants. Main outcome measures For the women, measures of pregravid, gravid, and postpartum height, weight, pulmonary function test results, and energy intake were determined. For the infants, birth Apgar scores were obtained, as were measures of growth and development. Statistical analyses performed Means and standard deviations were calculated. Data were compared with published standardized references. Results Mean maternal age at conception was 25.4±4.1 years. Mean pregravid weight was 60.0±10.7 kg of standard body weight for height (range = 50.8 to 76.7 kg; median=58 kg). Two women consumed up to two enteric-coated supplemental enzyme capsules per meal, three women consumed none. Pulmonary disease was mild in four of the five women. Mean weight gain during pregnancy was 10.2±7.4 kg. Mean gestation was 37.4±1.5 weeks; mean birth weight was 3.0±0.5 kg. Sweat tests performed on all infants were negative. Duration of breast-feeding was 3 to 30 weeks. Four of the five infants maintained appropriate growth velocity during breast-feeding. Mean maternal energy intake during lactation was above the Recommended Dietary Allowance for lactating women. Four of the five women were at or above their standard body weight during lactation. Conclusions/applications We conclude that women with the clinical diagnosis of mild cystic fibrosis disease can maintain a normal pregnancy with appropriate weight gain and can deliver infants of normal weight for gestational age. During lactation, women with mild cystic fibrosis disease can maintain their own weight and support growth in healthy infants. The dietitian needs to be an integral member of the health care team in assessing, monitoring and managing, women with cystic fibrosis during their child-bearing years.
Stopping paclitaxel premedication after two doses in patients not experiencing a previous infusion hypersensitivity reaction.

Purpose Paclitaxel-based chemotherapy continues to be an integral component of breast cancer treatment. Prolonged use of paclitaxel may result in repeated doses of premedications that can have unwanted side effects. Infusion hypersensitivity reactions occurring beyond the second dose of paclitaxel are infrequent and not well characterized. We previously published the results of a small, prospective pilot trial demonstrating the safety and feasibility of discontinuing premedications in patients who received the first two doses of paclitaxel-based chemotherapy without experiencing an infusion hypersensitivity reaction. In this study, we aimed to retrospectively characterize the incidence of rescue medication using this abbreviated premedication regimen in our institution following the publication of the pilot study.
What determines the thickness of layers in a thermohaline staircase

The article of record as published may be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0022112004002290
Laser-fusion reactor materials problems resulting from fusion microexplosion emissions

Abstract Many materials problems that have been identified in laser-fusion reactor (LFR) concepts are similar to those anticipated for magnetically confined thermonuclear reactor designs, although LFR engineering and design options are different. The characteristics of a typical fusion-pellet microexplosion are discussed, and conceptual alternatives for containing pellet microexplosions are reviewed. Fusion pellet microexplosions occur within a few picoseconds, and energy is deposited in structural and blanket regions in about 1 μs. Thus, the effects of cyclical strain and shock phenomena pose unique materials problems for LFRs. In addition, optical elements (i.e., mirrors) are exposed to the products of fusion pellet microexplosions and possibly to other cavity materials. The most critical requirements for experimental data are investigations of the effects of pulsed, high-intensity neutron irradiation on fatigue stress limits and on the optical properties of mirror surfaces.
Performance Analysis of a Variable Source of Reactive Power on Distribution System Primary Feeders

An analysis of the performance of an idealized infinitely variable source of reactive power on distribution system primary feeders is presented. Necessary conditions for optimally siting, sizing, and operating the device are developed. Performance of the device is compared to performance of a fixed capacitor bank installation. Significant benefits realized are identified and illustrated with examples. Benefits include increased energy and peak power savings, improved feeder voltage characteristics and increased feeder capacity. A suboptimal strategy is presented and evaluated to illustrate one approach to realization of the device.