cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reducing Clostridium difficile incidence, colectomies, and mortality in the hospital setting: a successful multidisciplinary approach.

Article-at-a-Glance Background Health care–associated Clostridium difficile infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitals. In the United States, from 2000 through 2009, discharge diagnoses from hospitals in the United States that included C. difficile increased from 139,000 to 336,600, and the yearly national excess hospital cost associated with hospital-onset C. difficile is estimated to be upwards of $1.3billion. Methods A hospitalwide, multidisciplinary approach was undertaken at Rhode Island Hospital (Providence), a tertiary care hospital. The hospital plan entailed six interventions: (1) develop a C. difficile hospital infection control plan based on a risk assessment; (2) monitor hospitalwide morbidity and mortality associated with C. difficile infection; (3) improve sensitivity of C. difficile toxin detection in stool specimens using a polymerase chain reaction–based nucleic acid amplification assay; (4) enhance environmental cleaning of patient rooms and equipment; (5) develop a C. difficile infection treatment plan; and (6) conduct other interventions. The incidence of health care–associated C. difficile infection was assessed from January 2006 through the third quarter of 2012; the number of colectomies and mortality associated with C. difficile infection were determined from January 2005 through the third quarter of 2012. Results The incidence of health care–associated C. difficile infection decreased from a peak of 12.2/1,000 discharges during the second quarter of 2006 to 3.6/1,000 discharges during the third quarter of 2012. The yearly mortality in patients with health care–associated C. difficile infection was reduced from a peak of 52 in 2006 to 19 in 2011, with 13 such cases in the first three quarters of 2012. Conclusions A hospitalwide multidisciplinary approach can reduce health care–associated C. difficile infection morbidity and mortality.
Abstract 1541: Heterogeneous response to platinum in metastatic ovarian cancer detectable by biodynamic imaging

The mechanisms by which tumors develop multi-drug resistance are not well understood. Biodynamic imaging (BDI) is a label-free assay that detects phenotypic response of ex vivo tissue to chemotherapeutic drugs. In the current study, we used BDI to measure the response of primary and metastatic ovarian tumors to cisplatin. Xenografts from two human ovarian cancer cell lines, A2780 and SKOV3, were grown orthotopically in the ovaries of nude mice and allowed to metastasize in the peritoneal space. Primary and metastatic tumors were harvested and tested for response to 25 μM cisplatin by using BDI. Sensitivity was assessed through selected response biomarkers. Metastatic tumors of the platinum-sensitive A2780 cell line showed 20% decrease in sensitivity to cisplatin compared with the response of the primary tumors, while the less sensitive SKOV3 tumors exhibited a 6% decrease in response of metastatic vs. primary tumors. In parallel, RNA sequencing profiled primary ovarian and metastatic implants. Differential gene expression was detected in primary tumors vs. metastatic sites. Genes upregulated in metastases include TIMP3, WNT2, OSR1, elastin (SKOV3 tumor model) and MMP1, MMP3, MMP10, MET, EGFR, PDGF-C (A2780 tumor model). The study demonstrates the ability of BDI to detect differences in drug sensitivity between primary and metastatic tumors and provides support for the association of metastasis and chemoresistance in ovarian cancer. Supported by NIH R01 EB016582. Citation Format: Daniel Merrill, Hao Sun, Daniela Matei, Bakhtiyor Yakubov, John Turek, David Nolte. Heterogeneous response to platinum in metastatic ovarian cancer detectable by biodynamic imaging. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 1541.
Factors related to abuse of older persons by relatives with psychiatric disorders

Abstract Introduction Across developed nations, elder abusers have been found to disproportionately have indicators of psychiatric disorders (PD); however, elder abuse by persons with PD has received almost no research attention. The present analysis examines the association of perpetrator, victim, and interaction factors with the occurrence of physical, financial, and psychological abuse of older persons, committed by relatives with PD. Methods Data are from a U.S. community recruited survey of 243 persons 55 years of age and older who report having an adult relative with PD. Multivariate logistic regression was performed examining the association of proposed factors with the occurrence of physical, financial, and psychological abuse. Results In the past 6 months, 15%, 20%, and 42% of respondents reported experiencing physical, financial, and psychological abuse by relatives with PD, respectively. All forms of abuse co-occur at statistically significant levels. There is variation among factors associated with physical, financial, and psychological abuse; however, all types are associated with greater use of limit-setting practices and either regular attendance of mental health treatment or use of medications. Conclusions Efforts to prevent abuse of older persons may benefit from linking suspected/substantiated elder abusers with PD to mental health treatment. Older persons engaging in high levels of limit-setting practices towards relatives with PD may benefit from being offered support and guidance regarding how to set limits in ways less likely to escalate conflict.
Economic Determinants and Managed Behavioral Healthcare: Marginalization of Providers and Restrictions of Services

Managed care organizations tend to prioritize finance management over services and, as a result, have alienated providers and diminshed the service delivery system, while profiting handsomely. The managed care strategy of cost-containment is examined as it relates to quality of care, particularly in behavioral health treatment. The problems of excessive manged care profits and administrative overhead are considered in relation to a pattern of misuse of limited healthcare resources. Managed care policies and procedures that reduce healthcare to a commodity are critiqued. The essay's key points for improving healthcare, in whatever systems evolve, are to de-emphasize "commerce" and to resuscitate preferred cultural values regarding "service". Suggestions for reform are made that reflect inclusiveness from a wide range of constituents in healthcare and participatory management principles to redress the imbalance of authority that now rests with managed care organizations.
Über die Hardy-Ungleichung

Die Hardy-Ungleichung wurde schon vor langem entdeckt, und seitdem wurden zahlreiche Varianten von ihr entwickelt. Zusammen mit den Sobolev-Ungleichungen ist sie eine der meistgenutzten Ungleichungen der Analysis. In diesem Artikel stellen wir einige Aspekte ihrer Geschichte sowie einige Verallgemeinerungen und Anwendungen vor. Dies ist ein sehr aktives Forschungsgebiet.
The polysemy network of Chinese ‘one’-phrases in a diachronic constructional perspective

This study investigates the development of a polysemy network within a constructional framework. The synchronic variation of Chinese ‘one’-phrases is explained by diachronic developments. The results of a quantitative corpus analysis show that each of the senses of the ‘one’ phrase tends to occur in specific syntactic constructions due to inheritance from extant constructions. The results contribute to explaining the formation of a diachronic polysemy network by investigating the hierarchical structure of its constructions, thus allowing a deeper understanding of how semantic extensions have been formed through gradual constructional association.
A Lasallian Commitment to the Arts and Liberal Arts

Laudien offers an overview of the courses and programs of study at Manhattan College that illustrate the college’s commitment to the performing, literary, and visual arts as core components of a liberal arts education and as set forth in the college’s mission statement. Focusing on five courses, Laudien illustrates the range of offerings and activities that support the integration of professional skills into liberal arts classes as described by the manifold ways in which Manhattan College students are exposed to the arts. Courses such as “Theatre in the City” and “Children’s Literature” to the 500th Anniversary of the Jewish Ghetto in Venice, Italy, are just a sampling of Manhattan College’s commitment to the arts and the opportunities available to students. These classes present an academic and service-learning opportunity, fundamental to our Lasallian educational experience.
Comparative Analysis of Cone-Beam CT Angiogram and Conventional CT Angiogram for Prostatic Artery Identification Prior to Embolization

Abstract Pre-prostatic artery embolization (PAE) cone-beam computed tomography (CT) angiograms (n = 31; mean age: 62.4 ± 9.75 years) and conventional CT angiograms (n = 32; mean age: 62.5 ± 7.2 years) were retrospectively compared. Mean signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), radiation exposure, and prostatic artery (PA) identification scores (0–4) for cone-beam CT angiogram and conventional CT angiogram were 33.19 (± 14.31) and 18.13 (± 5.38) (P .01); 27.42 (± 13.39) and 14.78 (± 4.92) (P .01); 14.57 mSv (±2.5) and 19.25 mSv (±3.7) (P .01); 3.36 (± 0.89) and 3.16 (± 0.95) (P = .08), respectively. Pre-PAE cone-beam CT angiogram allows for PA identification with improved SNR and CNR and less radiation dose compared to conventional CT angiogram.
Physiologic Basis for Monitoring Cardiovascular Systems

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses physiologic basis for monitoring cardiovascular systems. The primary purpose of the cardiovascular system is to deliver oxygen to peripheral tissues for uptake and utilization. Several different manipulations can accomplish the task. Variations of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve can affect oxygen delivery and utilization. A rightward shift of the curve increases the amount of oxygen availability to tissues by decreasing the oxygen affinity to hemoglobin molecules. This commonly occurs in things such as acidosis or an increase in 2-3-DPG. Leftward shifts of the curve have the opposite effect as do such factors as alkalosis and decreases in 2-3-DPG. A second mechanism to improve oxygen delivery is to increase the oxygen carrying capacity. This is principally accomplished by increasing the hemoglobin concentrations. The chapter also presents an explanation of the differences between measurements of central venous and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure. It also describes the placement and complications of pulmonary artery catheters. The chapter also discusses cardiovascular function in terms of preload and contractility..
Regulation of gene transcription by multiple hormones: organization of regulatory elements.

Publisher Summary The examination of hormone regulatory elements in genes regulated by single hormones provides insight into the mechanism of hormonal regulation of transcription. Although a number of genes transcriptionally regulated by single hormones have been isolated and analyzed, few that respond to multiple hormones have been cloned. This chapter focuses on the organization of regulatory elements in genes regulated by multiple hormones. It also discusses the techniques used to identify regulatory elements because they are essential for the identification of these elements. Based on the way in which DNA sequences containing hormone regulatory elements are identified and organized in genes, glucocorticoid and CAMP regulatory elements are discussed in the chapter, along with describing the positional flexibility of positive and negative elements. The organization of these elements is examined in genes regulated by multiple hormones—that is, whether multiple elements are independent or interdependent and whether multiple hormones can act through the same element.
Using mouse models to unlock the secrets of non-synonymous RNA editing.

Abstract The deamination of adenosine to inosine by RNA editing is a widespread post-transcriptional process that expands genetic diversity. Selective substitution of inosine for adenosine in pre-mRNA transcripts can alter splicing, mRNA stability, and the amino acid sequence of the encoded protein. The functional consequences of RNA editing-dependent amino acid substitution are known for only a handful of RNA editing substrates. Many of these studies began in heterologous mammalian expression systems; however, the gold-standard for determining the functional significance of transcript-specific re-coding A-to-I editing events is the generation of a mouse model that expresses only one RNA editing-dependent isoform. The frequency of site-specific RNA editing varies spatially, temporally, and in some diseases, therefore, determining the profile of RNA editing frequency is also an important element of research. Here we review the strengths and weaknesses of existing mouse models for the study of RNA editing, as well as methods for quantifying RNA editing frequencies in vivo. Importantly, we highlight opportunities for future RNA editing studies in mice, projecting that improvements in genome editing and high-throughput sequencing technologies will allow the field to excel in coming years.
Face Detection on Surveillance Images.

In last few decades, a lot of progress has been made in the field of face detection. Various face detection methods have been proposed by numerous researchers working in this area. The two well-known benchmarking platform: the FDDB and WIDER face detection provide quite challenging scenarios to assess the efficacy of the detection methods. These benchmarking data sets are mostly created using images from the public network ie. the Internet. A recent, face detection and open-set recognition challenge has shown that those same face detection algorithms produce high false alarms for images taken in surveillance scenario. This shows the difficult nature of the surveillance environment. Our proposed body pose based face detection method was one of the top performers in this competition. In this paper, we perform a comparative performance analysis of some of the well known face detection methods including the few used in that competition, and, compare them to our proposed body pose based face detection method. Experiment results show that, our proposed method that leverages body information to detect faces, is the most realistic approach in terms of accuracy, false alarms and average detection time, when surveillance scenario is in consideration.
Diminution of Phagocytosed Micro/Nanoparticles by Tethering with Immunoregulatory CD200 Protein

CD200 is known as an anti-inflammatory transmembrane glycoprotein in the immunoglobulin superfamily. CD200 interacts with its receptor CD200R which is highly expressed on myeloid cells such as macrophages and neutrophils. CD200-CD200R interaction has known to reduce macrophage activation and chronic inflammation. To harness the immunomodulatory property of CD200 for surface modification, CD200-streptavidin fusion protein was expressed from bacteria transformed with pET20b plasmid encoded with CD200 extracellular domain and core streptavidin. The purified CD200-SA protein was bound to biotin-coated fluorescent polystyrene particles of various sizes ranging from 0.15 to 2 µm. THP-1 macrophages were cultivated with CD200-modified micro/nanoparticles in comparison with controls. Our results showed that both nano- and micro-sized particles decorated with CD200 decreased phagocytosis activities of THP-1 macrophages. Such diminution of phagocytosis was examined to be associated with downregulation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression on the surface of macrophages. Moreover, THP-1 macrophages treated with CD200-coated particles decreased the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α).
Investigation of Morphological Variations of Photoplethysmography Signal in Human Epilepsy

The purpose of this study is to analyse the ictal variations in peripheral blood flow using photoplethysmogram (PPG) and single lead Electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. 11 subjects with 56 partial seizures were recorded with the PPG sensor worn on their left ankles. 6 different features from PPG pulse morphology related to hemodynamics were derived. The seizures were divided into two groups based on the side of the seizure activity. The investigation of ictal variations in features did not show any significant difference between the seizures’ lateralizations. The analysis of latencies of ictal changes in the PPG features revealed the PPG pulse amplitude precede the variations in other PPG features including ictal heart rate variability. In addition, analysis of the effect of seizure lengths on ictal variations showed the seizures’ lengths have no significant effect on the feature variation rates.Clinical relevance— Analysis of the extracted PPG features and their timing suggest an increase in vascular resistance due to increase in sympathetic tone which occurs prior to the ictal tachycardia. These variations is independent of the seizures’ lengths and lateralizations.
Brain stiffness following recovery in a patient with an episode of low-pressure hydrocephalus: case report.

The authors describe a follow-up to a case of a 19-year-old female with shunted aqueductal stenosis who presented with low-pressure hydrocephalus during a shunt malfunction. Shortly after management with CSF drainage at negative pressure, a magnetic resonance elastography scan was performed and revealed very low brain stiffness (high compliance). Here we present the case of the same patient seen 2 years later, now 21 years old, who again received a magnetic resonance elastography scan after receiving treatment for another shunt malfunction, this time with high intracranial pressure. This scan revealed recovery of brain stiffness to a near normal value for the patients’ age. This observation suggests the low brain stiffness observed during the low-pressure hydrocephalus event is reversible. The authors discuss these findings in relation to biomechanical hypotheses of low-pressure hydrocephalus.
The Use of High-Flow Nasal Oxygen in the ICU as a First-Line Therapy for Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure Secondary to Coronavirus Disease 2019

Objectives Limited evidence is available regarding the role of high-flow nasal oxygen in the management of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure secondary to coronavirus disease 2019. Our objective was to characterize outcomes associated with high-flow nasal oxygen use in critically ill adult patients with coronavirus disease 2019-associated acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. Design Observational cohort study between March 18, 2020, and June 3, 2020. Setting Nine ICUs at three university-affiliated hospitals in Philadelphia, PA. Patients Adult ICU patients with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 infection admitted with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. Interventions None. Measurements and main results Of 266 coronavirus disease 2019 ICU admissions during the study period, 124 (46.6%) received some form of noninvasive respiratory support. After exclusions, we analyzed 83 patients who were treated with high-flow nasal oxygen as a first-line therapy at or near the time of ICU admission. Patients were predominantly male (63.9%). The most common comorbidity was hypertension (60.2%). Progression to invasive mechanical ventilation was common, occurring in 58 patients (69.9%). Of these, 30 (51.7%) were intubated on the same day as ICU admission. As of June 30, 2020, hospital mortality rate was 32.9% and the median hospital length of stay was 15 days. Among survivors, the most frequent discharge disposition was home (51.0%). In comparing patients who received high-flow nasal oxygen alone (n = 54) with those who received high-flow nasal oxygen in conjunction with noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation via face mask (n = 29), there were no differences in the rates of endotracheal intubation or other clinical and utilization outcomes. Conclusions We observed an overall high usage of high-flow nasal oxygen in our cohort of critically ill patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure secondary to coronavirus disease 2019. Rates of endotracheal intubation and mortality in this cohort were on par with and certainly not higher than other published series. These findings should prompt further considerations regarding the use of high-flow nasal oxygen in the management algorithm for coronavirus disease 2019-associated acute hypoxemic respiratory failure.
Scaling of Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Intensities from Gelling Colloidal Silica

Small-angle neutron scattering data, taken as a function of time from initiation of gelation in colloidal silica suspensions, with silica mass fractions ranging from 15 to 30%, are presented. Over a wide range of initial pH, the measured structure factor S(q) contains a low angle peak that, as time progresses, grows in height and moves to lower wave vectors q. Sometime after the gels have set, this peak stops growing, marking the end of the reaction. The data scale according to the relation, S(q,t)~\(q_m^{-d_f}\)(t)(q/qm(t))\(\tilde S\), where qm(t) is the wave-vector location of the low angle peak as a function of time t from initiation, df is a fractal dimension, and \(\tilde S\) is a characteristic structure function. The exponent df is insensitive to the silica mass fraction but that the form of \(\tilde S\) is mass fraction dependent.
Constraints and variation in food web link-species space.

Predicting food web structure in future climates is a pressing goal of ecology. These predictions may be impossible without a solid understanding of the factors that structure current food webs. Th...
Making It Fit: Reshaping Library Services and Spaces for Today's Students

University course assignments increasingly focus on group work and group projects to help students collaboratively discover more about their fields of study. The Thomas G. Carpenter Library realized the need to investigate means for reimagining itself to better accommodate today's researchers. The complex process of planning for the redesign of both services and space undertaken by the library is described and explained in this first of a planned series of articles.
Mycobacterium abscessus Infection in Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD): A Case Series

The limited availability of donor organs worldwide, has provoked a surge in the need for implantable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) mainly as a bridge to heart transplantation or destination therapy. The rate of complications from LVAD use is also increasing, impacting morbidity, mortality, and costs. LVAD infections due to nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are exceedingly rare, yet very difficult to treat. Here we present three cases of Mycobacterium abscessus LVAD infections. To our knowledge, only two other cases have been documented.
Mason Impact And You

Location: Gold Room NOTE: This is a co-located workshop, meaning that it is open to both ITL attendees and the broader Mason community. You do not have to be registered for the conference to attend this session. Abstract: Mason Impacts Students . . . Students Impact the World.Mason Impact is rolling out across the campus and we want to let you know how you fit into this initiative. We suspect that there are activities (courses, co-curricular programs, and curriculum changes) that you are already part of that can be included in the Mason Impact. Through this session, we want to make sure that your work is included by covering the different Mason Impact programs and the simple application procedures needed to make sure your work is counted. The session will also cover the different ways that you can leverage your work with Mason Impact to help reach your research or teaching goals. Being involved with Mason Impact can create positive opportunities in your holistic career at Mason.
Acute kidney injury after open ventral hernia repair: an analysis of the 2005–2012 ACS-NSQIP datasets

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious postoperative complication, negatively impacting mortality rates, extending length of stay, and raising hospital costs. The purpose of this study was to examine AKI following open ventral hernia repair (OVHR) using a large, heterogeneous database to determine the incidence and identify risk factors for this complication. Using the 2005–2012 ACS-NSQIP database, patients undergoing open ventral hernia repair were identified by CPT codes. Patients with acute kidney injury within 30 days of surgery were compared to controls by multivariate logistic regression across preoperative and intraoperative characteristics. Of 48,629 open ventral hernia repair patients identified in the dataset, AKI developed in 1.4 % (681 patients). Multivariate logistic regression determined a number of factors associated with AKI. These include WHO Class III obesity (OR = 2.57, p < 0.001), history of cardiovascular disease (OR = 1.81, p < 0.001), diabetes (OR = 1.29, p = 0.028), hypoalbuminemia (OR = 1.42, p = 0.004), and chronic kidney disease (for a baseline GFR of 60−89 mL/min/1.73m2, OR = 1.62, p = 0.001; for 30−59 mL/min/1.73m2, OR = 2.25, p < 0.001; for 15−29 mL/min/1.73m2, OR = 4.96, p < 0.001). Intraoperative factors include prolonged operative time (for ≥1SD above the mean, OR = 1.68, p = 0.002; for ≥2SD above the mean, OR = 2.76, p < 0.001) and intraoperative transfusion (OR = 2.44, p < 0.001). Patients with a history of obesity, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular history, diabetes, and hypoalbuminemia are at increased risk for AKI when undergoing OVHR. Intraoperative variables such as prolonged operative times and blood transfusions may also suggest increased risk. Preoperative identification of patients with these characteristics and perioperative hemodynamic stabilization are important first steps to minimize this complication.
The Design of Seaplanes: Discussing the Strength, Stability, and Water and Flying Qualities of Both Types

THE general aspect of seaplanes covers a very wide field, including as it does single and twin float seaplanes and also flying boats of many different types, and with the increase of knowledge in the science of aeronautics the subject is becoming one of very great importance.
Wild Fire, Home Survival, Defensive Space and Self-Fulfilling Prophesy

This paper discusses several issues in forest and wildland management that have become a paradigm with references form the popular press regarding forest and wildland fire. Fire suppression history and its relation to wildfire, defensive space and prescribed burns have become concepts entrenched in the public mind. Whether scientific evidence supports these beliefs and what consequences result are reviewed. Evidence is presented concerning bias in firefighters choice of homes to defend that may skew data on home survival.
Epipolar-plane image analysis: a technique for analyzing motion sequences

A technique for unifying spatial and temporal analysis of an image sequence taken by a camera moving in a straight line is presented. The technique is based on a “dense” sequence of images-images taken close enough together to form a solid block of data. Slices of this solid directly encode changes due to motion of the camera. These slices, which have one spatial dimension and one temporal dimension, are more structured than conventional images. This additional structure makes them easier to analyze. We present the theory behind this technique, describe an initial implementation, and discuss our preliminary results.
Isoleucine and Valine Metabolism in Escherichia coli XIX. Inhibition of Isoleucine Biosynthesis by Glycyl-Leucine

Abstract The inhibition of growth of the K-12 strain of Escherichia coli by glycyl-l-leucine observed originally by Simmonds and co-workers was investigated. The inhibition was reversed by isoleucine and those precursors of isoleucine beyond threonine in the biosynthetic pathway. Threonine reversed the inhibition poorly. With heavy cell suspensions, the inhibition was transient: the onset of growth followed the disappearance of the dipeptide from the medium and the appearance of glycine and leucine. Glycyl-leucine was shown to be an inhibitor of threonine deaminase (EC 4.2.1.16 l-threonine hydro-lyase [deaminating]). One kind of glycyl-leucine-resistant mutant had a threonine deaminase that was resistant to isoleucine and glycyl-leucine inhibition. The pattern of glycyl-leucine inhibition is compared with those of inhibition by isoleucine and by the weaker inhibitors leucine and valine.
The Role of Oxidation-Reduction Potential in Monitoring Growth of Cultured Mammalian Cells

ABSTRACT We demonstrate that cellular reduction, i.e. the ability of cells to accumulate thiols in the medium is an universial characteristic of cultured cells. Although it is not understood why cells reduce their enviornment, such changes in the extracellular redox state, as indicated by an increase in medium thiol concentration or a decrease in the medium oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), were found to be an excellent indicator for cell growth. Analysis of data from several bioreactor runs shows that the correlation between the medium ORP and viable cell density is reproducible: the average slope of mV vs. In (viable cells/ml) plots from these reactor runs is - 0.0384 ± 0.0028. In addition, we can successfully maintaine the viable cell density of cultures in defined medium as well as serum supplemented medium by on-line measurement and control of medium ORP. Medium ORP is controlled by on-line control of the fresh medium addition rate. Finally, preliminary results with encapsulated mammalian cells indicate that the overall viable cell density in an immobilized culture can be estimated by monitoring the medium redox potential of the culture. Lastly, potential applications of this technology in cell culture is discussed. Keywords : thiol, oxidation-reduction potential, cellular reduction, process control, encapsulation
Finite-Volume Solution of a Hyperbolic Two-Step Conduction Equation

The finite-volume method is developed for the solution of two-step hyperbolic conduction equations and applied to fast transient non-Fourier conduction problems in which two energy carriers are not in thermal equilibrium. Numerical methodology has been formulated to be applied to heterogeneous materials with temperature-dependent properties. Application to ultrafast laser heating of thin composite metals shows favorable results in comparison with the existing data.
Multiplicity of a zero of an analytic function on a trajectory of a vector field

Let P(x) be a germ at the origin of an analytic function in C^n, where x = (x_1,..., x_n), and let \xi = \xi_1(x) d/dx_1 + ... + \xi_n(x) d/dx_n be a germ at the origin of an analytic vector field. Suppose that \xi(0) != 0, and let \gamma be a trajectory of \xi through the origin. Suppose that P|_\gamma /\equiv 0, and let \mu(P|_\gamma) be the multiplicity of a zero of P|_\gamma at the origin. Let \xi P = \xi_1 dP/dx_1 + ... + \xi_n dP/dx_n be derivative of P in the direction of \xi, and let \xi^kP be the kth iteration of this derivative. We give a formula (Theorem 1) for \mu(P|_\gamma) in terms of the Euler characteristic of the Milnor fibers defined by a deformation of P, \xi P, ..., \xi^{n-1}P . For a polynomial P of degree p and a vector field \xi with polynomial coefficients of degree q, this allows one to compute \mu(P|_\gamma) in purely algebraic terms (Theorem 2), and to give an estimate (Theorem 3) for \mu(P|_\gamma) in terms of n, p, q, single exponential in n and polynomial in p and q. This estimate improves previous results which were doubly exponential in n.
Energy Levels of Ca F 2 : Gd 3 + in a Cubic Crystal Field

The energy levels of ${\mathrm{Gd}}^{3+}$ in the cubic crystal field of Ca${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$ are calculated using free-ion vectors computed with spin-other-orbit and spin-spin interactions included. The ${{B}_{0}}^{4}$ and ${{B}_{0}}^{6}$ coefficients are fitted to the experimental $^{6}P_{\frac{7}{2}}$ and $^{6}P_{\frac{5}{2}}$ splittings. Using only the 18 ${M}_{J}$ components of the $^{6}P$ free-ion levels as a basis, values of ${{B}_{0}}^{4}=\ensuremath{-}2270.79$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ and ${{B}_{0}}^{6}=730.65$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ are obtained. This calculation gives a mean error of 8 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ between calculated and experimental levels. To improve the quality of the fit, the basis was extended to the 134 ${M}_{J}$ components of the $^{8}S$ and $^{6}(P, I, D)$ free-ion levels. For this calculation, ${{B}_{0}}^{4}=\ensuremath{-}2160.0$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ and ${{B}_{0}}^{6}=792.85$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, and the mean error is reduced to about 0.5 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. This calculation predicts the correct order of the ground-state levels and gives an over-all ground-state splitting of about one-half the experimental splitting. The calculated ground-state splitting does not change when the basis is further extended to include all higher free-ion levels containing $^{6}G$ character. We conclude that a good crystal-field calculation for ${\mathrm{Gd}}^{3+}$ is possible and depends strongly on the quality of the free-ion states.
A Final Note About Improving Needs Assessment Research and Practice

As with any field of inquiry and application, needs assessment is an evolving topic of research and practice. The theories, models, tools, and approaches are not idle targets. In this chapter, the authors explore the emerging trends and issues of the field, suggesting elements of an exciting future and the continuing call for more research that can improve practice. They include an examination of how technologies are expanding the methods employed in assessments and a discussion of how many of the challenges that have nagged at assessors for decades continue to limit our results. The future for needs assessments remains bright, but much work remains to be done in order for needs assessment to mature as a field.
HISTOLOGICAL EVIDENCES OF COLLOID ABSORPTION DIRECTLY BY THE BLOOD‐VESSELS OF PARS ANTERIOR OF THE HUMAN HYPOPHYSIS

Histological examination of about a hundred apparently normal adult human hypophyses from cases of accidental death revealed colloid in the blood-vessels of only two specimens. In one of these, a young pregnant woman, it was abundant and could be seen in both the capsular veins of the anterior lobe, veins emerging from the region of the stalk, as well as in the sinusoids proper. The method by which the colloid globules get into the vascular channels is not evident. There are indications of degeneration in some of the cells surrounding the colloid in many of the small vesicles or pseudoacini in pars anterior, and the colloid may be separated from the interstitial tissue and blood channels by only very thin flattened cells, but conditions where the colloid is actually in the process of entering the sinusoids were not located even after diligent search in supposedly very favourable material.
EFFECTS OF AUTOCLAVE TREATMENTS ON CERAMIC BODIES AND CLAYS1

It has been found that porous ceramic bodies increase in volume and weight due to an autoclave treatment in which the ware is subjected to steam at a pressure of 150 pounds per square inch. The change is rapid at first but decreases as the time of treatment is increased. Typical American and English china clays also increase in volume but ball clays when fired to the same temperature as the china clays do not increase in volume. The effect of prolonged drying treatments after the autoclave treatment is also studied. Data given indicate that the changes in volume are not necessarily caused by rehydration of the clay within the body. Bodies containing clay, feldspar, and flint show a greater increase in volume than do the pure clay constituents. It is shown that the composition is a more important factor than absorption in determining the reaction of ceramic products to the autoclave treatments.
Mechanism of protection from atherosclerosis by verapamil in the cholesterol-fed rabbit

Seventy-two rabbits were separated into groups to receive no drug, subcutaneous verapamil, metoprolol, hydralazine, metoprolol and hydralazine, or oral verapamil in 1 of 3 doses daily for 10 weeks. They also received a high-cholesterol diet and had serum triglyceride, cholesterol, and verapamil levels measured twice during the study. Blood pressure (BP), heart rate and weight were measured every 10 days. Approximately 60% of the rabbits given verapamil had detectable levels of the drug in their serum. This group had significantly less severe atherosclerosis in their aortas at the time they were killed, even though they had significantly higher cholesterol levels than the other groups. This group also did not have different BP than the other groups (except for the subcutaneous verapamil group). Thus, protection from atherosclerosis by verapamil in the cholesterol-fed rabbit is not the result of lowering of BP.
Removal of the fluorescent 4-(aminosulfonyl)-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole label from cysteine-containing peptides

The complete removal of the fluorescent cysteine derivative 4-(aminosulfonyl)-7-fluoro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole (ABD-F) from an intact protein has not been demonstrated even after extended treatment with a reducing agent. It has been suggested that this may be due to incomplete denaturation under the conditions employed. We were interested in investigating this phenomenon utilizing small peptides containing individual ABD-labeled cysteine residues. After incubating the fluorescent peptides in the presence of a reductant, it was shown that the ABD label could be completely removed from all of the cysteine-containing peptides investigated. Therefore, delabeling irreversibility is due to residual structure in proteins. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) was used to determine the molecular mass of each peptide after removal of the ABD lavel. The ESI-MS data were consistent with the generation of a free sulfhydryl. The generation of the free sulfhydryl was further substantiated when a delabeled peptide was completely relabeled with ABD-F in the absence of reductant.
Tyrosine Sulfation of Glycoprotein Ibα: ROLE OF ELECTROSTATIC INTERACTIONS IN VON WILLEBRAND FACTOR BINDING *

Glycoprotein Ibα (GP Ibα), the ligand binding subunit of the platelet glycoprotein Ib-IX-V complex, is sulfated on three tyrosine residues (Tyr-276, Tyr-278, and Tyr-279). This posttranslational modification is known to be critical for von Willebrand factor (vWF) binding; yet it remains unclear whether it provides a specific structure or merely contributes negative charges. To investigate this issue, we constructed cell lines expressing GP Ibα polypeptides with the three tyrosine residues converted to either Glu or Phe and studied the ability of these mutants to bind vWF in the presence of modulators or shear stress. The mutants were expressed normally on the cell surface as GP Ib-IX complexes, with the conformation of the ligand-binding domain preserved, as judged by the binding of conformation-sensitive monoclonal antibodies. In contrast to their normal expression, both mutants were functionally abnormal. Cells expressing the Phe mutant failed to bind vWF in the presence of either ristocetin or botrocetin. These cells adhered to and rolled on immobilized vWF only when their surface receptor density was increased to twice the level that supported adhesion of cells expressing the wild-type receptor and even then only 20% as many rolled and rolled significantly faster than wild-type cells. Cells expressing the Glu mutant, on the other hand, were normal with respect to ristocetin-induced vWF binding and adhesion to immobilized vWF but were markedly defective in botrocetin-induced vWF binding. These results indicate that GP Ibα tyrosine sulfation influences the interaction of this polypeptide with vWF primarily by contributing negative charges under physiological conditions and when the interaction is induced by ristocetin but contributes a specific structure to the botrocetin-induced interaction.
Vertical mercury distributions in the oceans

The vertical distribution of mercury (Hg) was determined at coastal and open ocean sites in the northwest Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Reliable and diagnostic Hg distributions were obtained, permitting major processes governing the marine biogeochemistry of Hg to be identified. The northwest Atlantic near Bermuda showed surface water Hg concentrations near 4 pM, a maximum of 10 pM within the main thermocline, and concentrations less than or equal to surface water values below the depth of the maximum. The maximum appears to result from lateral transport of Hg enriched waters from higher latitudes. In the central North Pacific, surface waters (to 940 m) were slightly elevated (1.9 ± 0.7 pM) compared to deeper waters (1.4 ± 0.4 pM), but no thermocline Hg maximum was observed. At similar depths, Hg concentrations near Bermuda were elevated compared to the central North Pacific Ocean. This inter-ocean pattern results from a combination of enhanced supply of Hg to the northwest Atlantic by rainfall and scavenging removal along deep water circulation pathways. An upper water column Hg maximum was also observed at a Slope Water station in the northwest Atlantic and in the Tasman Sea. We hypothesize that the source of this Hg comes from diagenetic reactions in oxic margin sediments, releasing dissolved Hg to overlying water. In contrast, a broad minimum (1.5 ± 0.2 pM) in the vertical distribution was observed in the coastal waters off Peru which coincided with the intense oxygen minimum zone in the water column. Removal of dissolved Hg from solution during contact with highly anoxic shelf and slope sediments is proposed as the mechanism for producing this unique profile. Geochemical steady-state box modeling arguments predict a relatively short (~350 years) mean residence time for Hg in the oceans, demonstrating the reactive nature of Hg in seawater and precluding significant involvement in “nutrient-type” recycling. Mercury's distributional features and reactive nature suggest that interaction of Hg with settling particulate matter and margin sediments play important roles in regulating oceanic Hg concentrations. Oceanic Hg distributions are governed by an “external cycling process”, in which water column distributions reflect a rapid competition between the magnitude of the input source and the intensity of the (water column) removal process. In this regard, Hg shares many distributional features with other elements, such as Pb and Bi, which have very short oceanic residence times.
The future of pediatric psychopharmacology.

The future of pediatric psychopharmacology can be considered in many ways. Perhaps the simplest approach is to consider what new medications will become available for the treatment of childhood psychiatric disorders. Although the development of new medications is important, it is only one aspect of the future of pediatric psychopharmacology. However, before pediatric psychopharmacology can even have a future there is a great need to catch up on work that is long overdue. Specifically, the action, safety, and efficacy of available psychotropic medications should be studied in children and adolescents. The next step is to keep up with the rapid advances in our understanding of childhood psychiatric disorders. Without the ability to rapidly incorporate new knowledge, our field will forever be behind in providing safe and effective treatments. Child psychiatry currently extrapolates methods and strategies from adult psychiatry. In the future, for true innovation to occur, methods and approaches to childhood psychiatric disorders based on the study of children is the true future of our discipline. Pharmacologic interventions will be an important component of the treatment of childhood psychiatric disorders in the future. This article reviews new medications that will soon be available in the United States, but it also reviews the changes that have occurred and are needed in pediatric psychiatry, including changes in the federal regulatory and funding agencies, private industry, and patient and professional groups.
North American Leporinae (Mammalia: Lagomorpha) from late Miocene (Clarendonian) to latest Pliocene (Blancan)

ABSTRACT The subfamily Leporinae probably had its origin from the Archaeolaginae in the North American Clarendonian (late Miocene) and include the following genera and species from late Miocene Clarendonian to latest Pliocene Blancan: Alilepus hibbardi, sp. nov., A. vagus, A. wilsoni, sp. nov., Pratilepus kansasensis, Aluralagus bensonensis, A. virginiae, Nekrolagus progressas, Aztlanolagus agilis, Sylvilagus hibbardi, Lepus, cf. L. californiens, Pronotolagus apachensis, gen. nov., Notolagus velox, N. lepusculus, and Paranotolagus complicatus. Two specimens of Hypolagus parviplicatus from the late Barstovian of Saskatchewan have two shallow grooves in the enamel of the lingual side of P3 that may be incipient anterointernal and posterointernal reentrants, suggesting a precursor to the ancestry of the Leporinae.
Detection of transthyretin variants using immunoprecipitation and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization bioreactive probes: a clinical application of mass spectrometry

In our continuing efforts to develop mass spectrometry-based methods for transthyretin (TTR) variant detection and characterization, we have sought to use matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) bioreactive probes incorporating immobilized trypsin for screening purposes. These devices show good diagnostic potential as a clinical screening tool to detect amino acid substitutions in TTR. MALDI probes allow the on-probe generation of tryptic digests. The subsequent mass analysis of the on-probe digest yields the peptide map. The inherent advantages of this method include considerably reduced digestion times (minutes vs. hours), absence of autolysis products, minimized sample handling, and hence minimal sample loss. A further advantage is that the opportunity for loss of hydrophobic peptides is reduced because no sample transfer occurs. The method can be applied as a preliminary screen for TTR variants where TTR is isolated from patient serum through immunoprecipitation. This method should also be applicable to other proteins and suitable for automation.
Esophagogastrectomy without pyloroplasty

SUMMARY There is no consensus on the need for pyloroplasty after esophagectomy or proximal gastrectomy with an esophagogastrostomy and vagotomy. Arguments for routine pyloroplasty include prevention of postoperative delayed gastric emptying. Arguments against include prevention of postoperative dumping syndrome and bile reflux esophagitis. The purpose of this study was to assess clinical outcomes of patients undergoing esophagogastrectomy without routine pyloroplasty. All patients undergoing esophagogastrectomy or proximal gastrectomy with esophagogastrostomy from October 1996 to September 2002, inclusive were reviewed for age, gender, diagnosis, type of resection, pathology, short-term complications, long-term complications, remedial procedures performed, and postoperative gastric emptying scintigraphy. 58 patients were studied. Postoperative mortality was 6.9%, and anastomotic leak rate 12.1%. Eleven patients (19%) had symptomatic gastroparesis, two required pyloric balloon dilation and one a pyloroplasty. No patients complained of dumping symptoms; reflux requiring medical intervention occurred in seven (12.1%), and anastomotic stricture requiring dilation occurred in five (8.6%). Omitting a pyloroplasty does not lead to a high frequency of symptomatic delayed gastric emptying. Maintaining the pylorus may protect patients from dumping syndrome, and bile reflux esophagitis with its potential noxious effects on the remaining esophageal mucosa.