cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Emergency room staff education and use of a urinary catheter indication sheet improves appropriate use of foley catheters.

Background Inappropriate use of indwelling urinary tract catheters (IUTCs) in the hospital setting is widespread and associated with nosocomial urinary tract infections. In a prior observational study, we found less than half of IUTCs placed in hospitalized elderly patients had appropriate indications. We tested an emergency department (ED) intervention to increase appropriate use of IUTCs. Methods The intervention included ED staff education and an indication checklist attached to each catheter kit for staff to complete prior to use. We completed a chart audit on appropriate use of urinary catheters in 100 consecutive catheterized ED patients and tracked catheter billing data before and after the intervention. Results Appropriate use of catheters increased from 37% to 51% (P = 0.06). The presence of a physician order for catheter placement significantly increased from 43% to 63% (P Conclusions Education and use of an indication sheet produced a dramatic reduction in total number of catheters used and had a smaller impact on appropriateness of use and documentation.
Phonetic Ability and Related Anatomy of the Newborn and Adult Human, Neanderthal Man, and the Chimpanzee

The sounds of human speech make human language a rapid medium of communication through a process of speech “encoding.” The presence of sounds like the vowels [a], [i], and [u] makes this process possible. The supralaryngeal vocal tracts of newborn Homo sapiens and chimpanzee are similar and resemble the reconstructed vocal tract of the fossil La Chapelle-aux-Saints Neanderthal man. Vocal tract area functions that were directed toward making best possible approximations to the human vowels [a], [i], and [u], as well as certain consonantal configurations, were modeled by means of a computer program. The lack of these vowels in the phonetic repertories of these creatures, who lack a supralaryngeal pharyngeal region like that of adult Homo sapiens, may be concomitant with the absence of speech encoding and a consequently linguistic ability inferior to modern man.
Improving venous thromboembolism performance: a comprehensive guide for physicians and hospitalists.

AbstractVenous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major potentially preventable cause of hospital deaths and is associated with a substantial clinical and economic burden in the United States. Despite the availability of effective thromboprophylactic agents and evidence-based management guidelines, VTE prophylaxis is commonly underused and inappropriately prescribed in real-world practice. Several US organizations have developed quality-improvement initiatives to close the gap between guideline recommendations and clinical practice, and thus reduce VTE-associated morbidity and mortality. The Surgical Care Improvement Project and the National Quality Forum, in collaboration with The Joint Commission, have developed performance measures to allow assessment of the quality and appropriateness of VTE prevention practices. A number of potential barriers to optimal VTE performance exist, including underestimation of the risks posed by VTE, overestimation of the risk of bleeding complications, and a lack of familiarity w...
Affinity chromatography of tyrosine transfer RNAs

Abstract Ricinus communis agglutinin, a lectin from castor beans has an affinity for β- d -galactose and tyrosine tRNAs of mammalian tissues have galactose in gal-Q base of their anticodons. We have studied interaction between tyrosine tRNAs and this lectin immobilized on solid supports using spacer arms of different lengths. Tyrosine tRNAs are separated from nineteen other tRNAs of bovine liver by affinity chromatography using the lectin immobilized to an agarose matrix. The results indicate that a spacer arm length of 10 A between the agarose bead and the lectin gives the best separation. Two tyrosine tRNA isoacceptors are separated from each other and from other tRNAs in one step using this affinity column chromatography.
Modeling Migration: Analyzing Migration Histories from a San Blas Cuna Community

This paper discusses the cultural context of migration in a community in eastern San Blas, Panama, describes recent changes in absence rates for male and female age groups, and develops a simple stochastic model for residential change during 1970-71 and 1975-76. Rates of absence have risen markedly among males: in 1968, about 10% of the male labor froce resided outside the community; in 1977, absentees accounted for over 40% of the male labor force. Rates of female absence have remained extremely low. The rate of out-migration for the community as a whole, however, has fluctuated between 4.3% and 4.7% between 1965 and 1976, while the rate of return migration has increased. On the average, the number of years spent in wage work away from the reservation was greater for average households than for wealthy ones. This difference may be linked to the relatively limited amounts of land for staple crops available to average households. Classical Markov chain models assume transition probabilities are uniform for...
Macrophages and Inflammatory Mediators in Chemical Toxicity: A Battle of Forces

Macrophages function as control switches of the immune system, providing a balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory responses. To accomplish this, they develop into different subsets: classically (M1) or alternatively (M2) activated macrophages. Whereas M1 macrophages display a cytotoxic, proinflammatory phenotype, much like the soldiers of The Dark Side of The Force in the Star Wars movies, M2 macrophages, like Jedi fighters, suppress immune and inflammatory responses and participate in wound repair and angiogenesis. Critical to the actions of these divergent or polarized macrophage subpopulations is the regulated release of inflammatory mediators. When properly controlled, M1 macrophages effectively destroy invading pathogens, tumor cells, and foreign materials. However, when M1 activation becomes excessive or uncontrolled, these cells can succumb to The Dark Side, releasing copious amounts of cytotoxic mediators that contribute to disease pathogenesis. The activity of M1 macrophages is countered by The Force of alternatively activated M2 macrophages, which release anti-inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, and mediators involved in extracellular matrix turnover and tissue repair. It is the balance in the production of mediators by these two macrophage subpopulations that ultimately determines the outcome of the tissue response to chemical toxicants.
NETWORK CENTRALITY, POWER, AND INNOVATION INVOLVEMENT: DETERMINANTS OF TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE ROLES

The reported research investigated the relative impacts of individual attributes, formal position, and network centrality on the exercise of individual power, measured as involvement in technical a...
Signal transduction pathways that contribute to myeloid differentiation

The production of mature, differentiated myeloid cells is regulated by the action of hematopoietic cytokines on progenitor cells in the bone marrow. Cytokines drive the process of myeloid differentiation by binding to specific cell-surface receptors in a stage- and lineage-specific manner. Following the binding of a cytokine to its cognate receptor, intracellular signal-transduction pathways become activated that facilitate the myeloid differentiation process. These intracellular signaling pathways may promote myelopoiesis by stimulating expansion of a progenitor pool, supporting cellular survival during the differentiation process, or by directly driving the phenotypic changes associated with differentiation. Ultimately, pathways that drive the differentiation process converge on myeloid transcription factors, including PU.1 and the C/EBP family, that are critical for differentiation to proceed. While much is known about the cytokines, cytokine receptors and transcription factors that regulate myeloid differentiation, less is known about the precise roles that specific signaling mediators play in promoting myeloid differentiation. Recently, however, the application of novel pharmacologic inhibitors, siRNA strategies, and transgenic and knockout models has begun to shed light on the involvement and function of signaling pathways in normal myeloid differentiation. This review will discuss the roles that key signaling pathways and mediators play in myeloid differentiation.
What does a goat have to do with development? diasporas, it, and the case of thamel.com*

Considerable untapped resources are available to foster base-of-thepyramid (BOP) business development, including the intersection of diasporas, information technology, and transnational entrepreneurs who capitalize on both.1 Diasporas represent an enormous fund of human capital. Recent estimates of global economic remittances place them on a par with total ofacial development assistance (estimated at $70 billion per year in 2004, $125 billion in 2005, and $176 billion in 2006) (World Bank, 2004, 2005, 2006). In addition, information technology is affording access to new markets and opportunities for the co-creation of value throughout the developed world. Why not in developing countries? This paper examines one such example. Thamel.com’s business model links the Nepali diaspora with their families and loved ones, while nurturing local businesses and turning a proat. Its unique combination of home market services, remittance services, and business development services demonstrates how diasporas and information technology can change the landscape of BOP opportunities. Thamel.com’s story provides lessons not only for other diaspora entrepreneurs, it also illustrates how many of the common challenges to developing BOP markets can be overcome. Such lessons can provide the fodder for continuing creativity as the global community seeks to generate employment and reduce poverty under the most challenging circumstances. Before describing the case, a brief review of diasporas and key concepts on BOP markets is in order.
Endocrine Mechanisms in Crayfish, with Emphasis on Reproduction and Neurotransmitter Regulation of Hormone Release

SYNOPSIS. The neuroendocrine system of crustaceans, crayfish in particular, has been extensively studied. As among vertebrates, a wide variety of processes are hormonally regulated, including reproduction, growth, carbohydrate metabolism and color changes. The sinus gland, a neurohemal organ in the crayfish eyestalk, is the major neuroendocrine center. Herein, crayfish reproductive cycles and their hormonal control, particularly by the gonad-stimulating and gonad/inhibiting hormones, are a major focus. In addition, the aminergic and peptidergic neuroregulators identified in crayfish central nervous organs that either have been or likely may be shown to have neurotransmitter/neuromodulator roles in controlling hormone release are discussed with respect to localization and identified roles.
Case study of the gender earnings gap: a longitudinal analysis of cohort data of same‐department graduates at a small liberal arts college

Consistent with similarly conducted studies, the authors found that within a fixed group of men and women, women's salaries fell behind those of men sometime in the later years of their careers. The data and analysis show that the gender-based wages of the participants in this study diverged quickly after graduation from college, suggesting that men and women make career decisions early, well before children appear in their lives. Those decisions are affected by both labor market discrimination and gender socialization among the participants in this study.
Universal and Relative Rationality

In this paper I illustrate how a basic kind of universal rationality can be profitably combined with undeniable instances of relativism. I do so by engaging Michael Friedman’s recent response to a challenge from Thomas Kuhn.
Outcome of the Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) <1250G: Infants Residing in Bilingual and Non English Speaking Households Compared to Monolingual Households. † 1262

Multiple barriers exist for the family in the US not proficient in English. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of 91 VLBW infants residing in Non Eng homes compared to 266 infants in monolingual Eng speaking homes evaluated at 7, 18, and 36 mo. All infants were part of an indomethacin study for prevention of IVH. The hypothesis was that infants in Non Eng homes would have more neonatal morbidities, ↑ neurologic morbidity and ↓ test scores then controls. There were no differences in the incidence of IVH or admin. of indomethacin. Table
Estrogen binding in the rat uterus: heterogeneity of sites and relation to uterotrophic response.

Abstract Multiple species of estrogen binding sites have been demonstrated in cytosol and nuclear fractions of uterine cells from immature and adult ovariectomized rats. Cytosol . Type I sites show properties identical to the classical cytoplasmic estrogen receptor. Type II binding sites have lower affinity for the ligand, exist in higher concentrations and do not undergo nuclear translocation after estrogen stimulation. These secondary sites may be involved in the retention of estrogens within the uterus, by creating an estrogen rich environment for binding to type I sites which in turn translocate estrogen as a receptor-hormone complex to the nucleus. Since it is not known whether type II sites are intra- or extracellular, they may act in this buffer capacity in either or both cellular compartments. Another possibility is that type II sites are precursors of type I sites. Nucleus . In addition to type I sites, a second site was also observed in the nuclear compartment. This second nuclear binder does not appear to be related to the cytosol type II site; however they have similar dissociation constant and share hormone and tissue specificity. Estradiol administration causes an increase in both specific binding components in uterine nuclei of mature ovariectomized rats. The second component (type II) binds estradiol with a higher capacity than type I sites, and displays a saturation curve which is sigmoidal. The stimulation of type II sites is a specific estrogenic response and is highly correlated with uterine growth. A single injection of estradiol results in long term retention of type I sites (6h), rapid and sustained elevations of type II sites (1–72 h) and true uterine growth. In contrast, estriol injection caused a rapid increase in type I sites which was not accompanied by an increase in type II sites and no true uterine growth occurred. Conversely the administration of estriol by paraffin implant sustained elevated nuclear levels of type I sites, increased nuclear type II sites 2–3 fold above controls and stimulated true uterine growth 48 h following hormone administration. These data suggest that estrogen stimulation of true uterine growth may require long term (6–24 h) nuclear retention of type I sites and sustained elevation in type II sites. These secondary sites do not appear to be translocated to the nucleus but instead may be chromosomal proteins which are present in the nucleus of uterine cells at alt times. We conclude that elevated levels of nuclear type II sites correlate well with the biosynthetic events associated with the long term uterotrophic response to estrogenic hormones.
Nationalism, Comparatively Speaking

This paper is offered as an extended exploration of the common sense mythologies of modem nationalism. Using Fijian dualism as a point of comparison, it argues that nationalist ideologies of unity rest on a historically contingent principle of social order: namely, that societies are (normatively) distinct sets of like individuals. Nationalist movements use this principle to delineate and construct various ‘nations.” To illustrate this approach, the paper compares the unification of France to the disintegration of the Hapsburg Empire, and asks why a singular nation was invented in France, and a plurality of nations in the Empire. The paper suggests that these very different histories can be explained by considering the relationship of these nationalist movements to the hierarchical orders of monarchical absolutism and colonial subordination. Our current definitions and conceptions stem from our own modern culture, even when anthropological experience … has modified them to some degree. This is not enough in the way of including ourselves - our own culture - in the picture, as true comparison requires. For our current definitions express our own culture, and our own culture … embodies an exceptional development. Any sociological generalisation must integrate it for what it is: an exception, an eccentric phenomenon. It follows that the general sociological model can in no case be modern, or modern with mere modification: it must be such a reflection of the wide experience of mankind that the modern exceptional development is clearly formulated and accommodated in it.
Gastrointestinal factors influencing zinc absorption and homeostasis.

Diet-derived luminal factors have a major influence on zinc available for uptake across the apical membrane of enterocytes. Malabsorption and possibly intestinal microbiota limit this zinc availabi...
NUCLEAR DATA SHEETS FOR A = 204.

Detailed level schemes and the experimental reaction and decay data on which they are based are presented for all the nuclei with mass number A=204. The experimental data are evaluated, inconsistencies and discrepancies are noted, adopted values for level and gamma energies, gamma intensities and other nuclear properties are given. Conclusions regarding spin assignments as well as some configuration assignments are presented.
Photoreflectance of GaAs doping superlattices

Abstract We have performed room-temperature photoreflectance measurements on two GaAs doping superlattices having considerably different built-in potentials (1.2 eV and 85 meV). The first sample exhibits Franz-Keldysh oscillations, the period of the oscillations corresponding to the large built-in dc field . A second dc pump beam has been used to change the electron-hole concentration and hence the built-in field. The spectrum of the second sample displays a number of features corresponding to quantized electron and hole states. There is qualitative agreement between experiment and theoretical calculation based on a two-band tight-binding model. In both samples the dependence of the amplitude of the photoreflectance signal on pump chopping frequency yields the minority carrier lifetime.
Experimental and computational evidence for a boron-assisted, σ-bond metathesis pathway for alkane borylation

Photoejection of one CO ligand from isolated CpM(CO)n+1BR2 (n = 1: M = Fe, Ru; n = 2: M = Mo,W; R2 = catecholate or pinacolate) compounds produces a coordinatively unsaturated 16 e- intermediate, a cyclic dioxaboryl transition metal complex, that can efficiently and selectively initiate regioselective C-H bond activation and can be used in the functionalization of alkanes. This chemistry appears distinct from that reported previously for related CpM(CO)n complexes of alkyl and aryl ligands. We show here by a combination of experimental and theoretical studies that the "unoccupied" p orbital of dioxaboryl ligands are intimately involved in the C-H bond activation step and that this hydrogen transfer to boron occurs by a boron-assisted, metal-mediated sigma-bond metathesis. The "unoccupied" p orbital of boron lowers the energy of the transition state and the intermediates by accepting electron density from the metal. The metal-bound borane then rotates, transfers back through a sigma-bond metathesis to capture the alkyl, and leaves the metal hydride.
THE ROLE OF ENDOGENOUS OPIATES ON LH SECRETION DURING THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE

To determine whether endogenous opiates exert an inhibitory action on LH secretion during the menstrual cycle, LH increments were examined in response to a specific opiate antagonist, naloxone, infused at 1.6 mg/hr for 4 hrs. Naloxone had no discernible effect on LH release during the early follicular phase. By contrast, a significant LH increment was observed in both the late follicular and mid-luteal phases of the cycle but the patterns of LH increment were distinct. Late follicular subjects exhibited slow, progressive increases in LH, while prompt, episodic and quantitatively greater LH increments were evident in mid-luteal phase subjects. These observations suggest that endogenous opiates are involved in the regulation of LH secretion during the high estrogen and estrogen-progesterone phases of the menstrual cycle.
Deflation and recession: Finding the empirical link

Abstract Does deflation cause recession? We examine two separate data sets and find that though the relationship between deflation and recession is complicated, there is evidence of bidirectional Granger causality between the two, and also evidence that deflation lowers subsequent growth.
Drug-resistant Salmonella, Shigella, and diarrhea-associated Escherichia coli

Summary Antimicrobial resistance is common and clearly is increasing in frequency in clinically important enteropathogens. Antibiotic resistance often is associated with greater morbidity and mortality because it leads to delay in the initiation of adequate therapy. More prudent use of antibiotics, both for diarrheal disease and other infections, would decrease the frequency of these strains. At present, if a strain of Salmonella species, Shigella species, or diarrhea-associated E coli is multidrug-resistant, it is still likely to be susceptible to third-generation cephalosporins or ciprofloxacin.
A proposed maximum power point tracking algorithm based on a new testing standard

Abstract Recently a standard for testing maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms was suggested that tests both step and ramp changes in irradiance. A new MPPT algorithm was developed to respond well to this standard input for various photovoltaic modules. The algorithm is introduced in steps showing the motivation for each step taken in the development of the algorithm. After this, the effects of converter losses on the MPPT algorithm will be explored. It will be seen that so long as the losses are not too great, the effects are minor. A subsequent paper will show the results from a practical implementation of this algorithm.
A Review of “Geochemistry and the Biosphere: Essays by Vladimir I. Vernadsky”

Since 1960 I have been lecturing and giving courses on dynamical systems theory and its applications in the sciences, with an emphasis on simulation of complex dynamical systems since 1974. Over th...
INAUGURATING POSTCRITICAL PHILOSOPHY: A POLANYIAN MEDITATION ON CREATION AND CONVERSION IN AUGUSTINE'S CONFESSIONS

. Michael Polanyi names Augustine as inaugurates of his “postcritical”philosophy. To understand what this means by exploring creation in the Confessions will clarify complex problems in Augustine and articulate theological implications in Polanyi. Specifically, it will show why an autobiographical account of conversion ends speaking of creation; how creation can thus be understood as “personal” language; how creation can be recovered in a time preoccupied with conversion; how conversion and creation are linked with incarnation, hermeneutics, and confessional rhetoric; and it will suggest a contemporary use of creation language that connects the scientific and the religious.
Systematic Pathogenesis and Replication of Avian Hepatitis E Virus in Specific-Pathogen-Free Adult Chickens

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an important human pathogen. Due to the lack of a cell culture system and a practical animal model for HEV, little is known about its pathogenesis and replication. The discovery of a strain of HEV in chickens, designated avian HEV, prompted us to evaluate chickens as a model for the study of HEV. Eighty-five 60-week-old specific-pathogen-free chickens were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 chickens (n=28) were each inoculated with 5 x 10(4.5) 50% chicken infectious doses of avian HEV by the oronasal route, group 2 chickens (n=29) were each inoculated with the same dose by the intravenous (i.v.) route, and group 3 chickens (n=28) were not inoculated and were used as controls. Two chickens from each group were necropsied at 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 13, 16, 20, 24, 28, 35, and 42 days postinoculation (dpi), and the remaining chickens were necropsied at 56 dpi. Serum, fecal, and various tissue samples, including liver and spleen samples, were collected at each necropsy for pathological and virological testing. By 21 dpi, all oronasally and i.v. inoculated chickens had seroconverted. Fecal virus shedding was detected variably from 1 to 20 dpi for the i.v. group and from 10 to 56 dpi for the oronasal group. Avian HEV RNA was detected in serum, bile, and liver samples from both i.v. and oronasally inoculated chickens. Gross liver lesions, characterized by subcapsular hemorrhages or enlargement of the right intermediate lobe, were observed in 7 of 28 oronasally and 7 of 29 i.v. inoculated chickens. Microscopic liver lesions were mainly lymphocytic periphlebitis and phlebitis. The lesion scores were higher for oronasal (P=0.0008) and i.v. (P=0.0029) group birds than for control birds. Slight elevations of the plasma liver enzyme lactate dehydrogenase were observed in infected chickens. The results indicated that chickens are a useful model for studying HEV replication and pathogenesis. This is the first report of HEV transmission via its natural route in a homologous animal model.
Genetic dissection of plant cell-wall biosynthesis

The plant cell wall is a complex structure consisting of a variety of polymers including cellulose, xyloglucan, xylan and polygalacturonan. Biochemical and genetic analysis has made it possible to clone genes encoding cellulose synthases ( CesA ). A comparison of the predicted protein sequences in the Arabidopsis genome indicates that 30 divergent genes with similarity to CesAs exist. It is possible that these cellulose synthase-like (Csl) proteins do not contribute to cellulose synthesis, but rather to the synthesis of other wall polymers. A major challenge is, therefore, to assign biological function to these genes. In an effort to address this issue we have systematically identified T-DNA or transposon insertions in 17 Arabidopsis Csls. Phenotypic characterization of ‘knock-out’ mutants includes the determination of spectroscopic profile differences in mutant cell walls from wild-type plants by Fourier-transform IR microscopy. A more precise characterization includes cell wall fractionation followed by neutral sugar composition analysis by anionic exchange chromatography.
Acoustic behavior and feeding in glossophagine bats.

Hearing sensitivity and ultrasonic vocalization in glossophagine bats were investigated as they relate to an anatomical and behavioral continuum from insectivory to nectar and pollen feeding. The performance of four species in obstacle avoidance tests indicates that the more insectivorous members of the subfamily can detect wires of equivalent diameter to those reported for Myotis , whereas those bats which interact exclusively with chiropterophilous plants exhibit inferior performance. Hearing sensitivity as measured by cochlear potentials does not reflect the dietary habits, but supports a view of polyphyletic origin for the subfamily. The data suggest that although target detection depends on multiple factors, the sound-producing mechanism of these bats is more open to selective modification through ecological pressures than is the receiver.
The SPQ: A Scale for the Assessment of Schizotypal Personality Based on DSM-III-R Criteria

Existing self-report measures of schizotypal personality assess only one to three of the nine traits of schizotypal personality disorder. This study describes the development of the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ), a self-report scale modeled on DSM-III-R criteria for schizotypal personality disorder and containing subscales for all nine schizotypal traits. Two samples of normal subjects (w •= 302 and n = 195) were used to test replicability of findings. The SPQ was found to have high sampling validity, high internal reliability (0.91), test-retest reliability (0.82), convergent validity (0.59 to 0.81), discriminant validity, and criterion validity (0.63, 0.68), findings which were replicated across samples. Fifty-five percent of subjects scoring in the top 10 percent of SPQ scores had a clinical diagnosis of schizotypal personality disorder. Thus, the SPQ may be useful in screening for schizotypal personality disorder in the general population and also in researching the correlates of individual schizotypal traits.
Bradycardia alters Ca2+ dynamics enhancing dispersion of repolarization and arrhythmia risk

Bradycardia prolongs action potential (AP) durations (APD adaptation), enhances dispersion of repolarization (DOR), and promotes tachyarrhythmias. Yet, the mechanisms responsible for enhanced DOR a...
Effects of irradiated medium with or without cells on bystander cell responses

Recent studies have indicated that extranuclear or extracellular targets are important in mediating the bystander genotoxic effects of alpha-particles. In the present study, human-hamster hybrid (A(L)) cells were plated on either one or both sides of double-mylar dishes 2-4 days before irradiation, depending on the density requirement of experiments. One side (with or without cells) was irradiated with alpha-particles (from 0.1 to 100 Gy) using the track segment mode of a 4 MeV Van de Graaff accelerator. After irradiation, cells were kept in the dishes for either 1 or 48 h. The non-irradiated cells were then collected and assayed for both survival and mutation. When one side with cells was irradiated by alpha-particles (1, 10 and 100 Gy), the surviving fraction among the non-irradiated cells was significantly lower than that of control after 48 h co-culture. However, such a change was not detected after 1h co-culture or when medium alone was irradiated. Furthermore, co-cultivation with irradiated cells had no significant effect on the spontaneous mutagenic yield of non-irradiated cells collected from the other half of the double-mylar dishes. These results suggested that irradiated cells released certain cytotoxic factor(s) into the culture medium that killed the non-irradiated cells. However, such factor(s) had little effect on mutation induction. Our results suggest that different bystander end points may involve different mechanisms with different cell types.
In-theater management of vascular injury: 2 years of the Balad Vascular Registry.

Background Wartime vascular injury management has traditionally advanced vascular surgery. Despite past military experience, and recent civilian publications, there are no reports detailing current in-theater treatment. The objective of this analysis is to describe the management of vascular injury at the central echelon III surgical facility in Iraq, and to place this experience in perspective with past conflicts. Study Design Vascular injuries evaluated at our facility between September 1, 2004 and August 31, 2006 were prospectively entered into a registry and reviewed. Results During this 24-month period, 6,801 battle-related casualties were assessed. Three hundred twenty-four (4.8%) were diagnosed with 347 vascular injuries. Extremity injuries accounted for 260 (74.9%). Vascular injuries in the neck (n = 56; 16.1%) and thoracoabdominal domain (n = 31; 8.9%) were less common. US forces accounted for 149 casualties (46%), 97 (30%) were local civilian, and 78 (24%) were Iraqi forces. One hundred seven (33%) patients with vascular injury were evacuated from forward locations after treatment initiation. Fifty-four (50%) of these had temporary shunts placed. Of 43 proximal shunts placed in-field, 37 (86%) were patent at the time of our assessment. Early amputation rate was 6.6% for those extremity injuries treated for limb salvage. Perioperative mortality was 4.3%. Conclusions This evaluation represents the first in-theater report of wartime vascular injury since Vietnam. Extremity injuries continue to predominate, although the incidence of vascular injury appears to be somewhat increased. Local forces and civilians now represent a substantial proportion of those injured. The principles of rapid evacuation, temporary shunting, and early reconstruction are effective, with satisfactory early in-theater limb salvage.
Porous collagen-hydroxyapatite scaffolds with mesenchymal stem cells for bone regeneration.

Current bone grafting materials have significant limitations for repairing maxillofacial and dentoalveolar bone deficiencies. An ideal bone tissue-engineering construct is still lacking. The purpose of the present study was first to synthesize and develop a collagen-hydroxyapatite (Col-HA) composite through controlled in situ mineralization on type I collagen fibrils with nanometer-sized apatite crystals, and then evaluate their biologic properties by culturing with mouse and human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). We synthesized Col-HA scaffolds with different Col:HA ratios. Mouse C3H10T1/2 MSCs and human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDSCs) were cultured with scaffolds for cell proliferation and biocompatibility assays. We found that the porous Col-HA composites have good biocompatibility and biomimetic properties. The Col-HA composites with ratios 80:20 and 50:50 composites supported the attachments and proliferations of mouse MSCs and hPDSCs. These findings indicate that Col-HA composite complexes ha...
Patient-empowerment interactive technologies.

Video games capture the rapt attention of an individual player’s mind and body, providing new opportunities for personalized health care. An example of therapeutic interactive technologies is an incentive-based video game that translates physical exercise into mental empowerment via motivational metaphoric visualization in order to help patients psychologically overcome cancer. Such nonpharmacological interventions may enhance patients’ resilience toward various chronic disorders via neuronal mechanisms that activate positive emotions and the reward system.
Performance of coded DS-CDMA with pilot-assisted channel estimation and linear interference suppression

We consider a direct sequence (DS-) code division multiple access (CDMA) system with orthogonally multiplexed pilot signals and minimum mean squared error (MMSE) data and channel estimation. Both flat and frequency-selective fading channels are considered. Large system analysis is used to optimize the pilot-to-data power ratio (PDR) and the code rate for a fixed bandwidth expansion. Specifically, the PDR is selected to minimize the probability of error subject to a constraint on transmitted power. When the MMSE filter estimates the channel of the desired user, but averages over the channels of the interferers (corresponding to an adaptive filter in moderate to fast fading), the optimal PDR is less than that for the matched filter (MF). That is, the MMSE filter benefits from allocating more power to the data. When the MMSE filter directly incorporates estimates of all users' channel coefficients, the optimal PDR is greater than that for the MF. System performance as a function of code rate is characterized through both probability of error and cutoff rate. The optimal code rate for the MMSE receiver is generally higher than that for the MF, and increases with load and E/sub b//N/sub 0/. In the presence of fading, and with channel estimation, the optimal code rate approaches zero for both MMSE and MF receivers, but the MMSE filter is more robust with respect to a suboptimal choice of code rate.
Non-equilibrium effects and self-heating in single-electron Coulomb blockade devices

Abstract We present a comprehensive investigation of non-equilibrium effects and self-heating in single electron transfer devices based primarily on the Coulomb blockade effect. During an electron trapping process, a hot electron maybe deposited in a quantum dot or metal island, with an extra energy usually of the order of the Coulomb charging energy, which is much higher than the temperature in typical experiments. The hot electron may relax through three channels: tunneling back and forth to the feeding lead (or island), emitting phonons, and exciting background electrons. Depending on the magnitudes of the rates in the latter two channels relative to the device operation frequency and to each other, the system may be in one of three different regimes: equilibrium, non-equilibrium, and self-heating (partial equilibrium). In the equilibrium regime, a hot electron fully gives up its energy to phonons within a pump cycle. In the non-equilibrium regime, the relaxation is via tunneling with a distribution of characteristic rates; the approach to equilibrium goes like a power law of time (frequency) instead of an exponential. This channel is plagued completely in the continuum limit of the single-electron levels. In the self-heating regime, the hot electron thermalizes quickly with background electrons, whose temperature T e is elevated above the lattice temperature T ol . We have calculated the coefficient in the well-known T 5 law of energy dissipation rate, and compared the results to experimental values for aluminum and copper islands and for a two-dimensional semiconductor quantum dot. Moreover, we have obtained different scaling relations between the electron temperature, the operation frequency and device size for various types of devices.
Optical circuit elements from anisotropic films

Anisotropic films provide a means to achieve optical circuit elements that are relatively independent of incident angle. This observation opens up a variety of circuit synthesis methods for implementing optical devices with important properties. We showed filter and anti-reflection coating examples for TM polarization that are robust to variation in the angle of incidence. Duality would lead to equivalent series capacitors and shunt inductors for TE polarization, if a suitable anisotropic permeability could be achieved (e.g., ferromagnetic materials). Practical realizations, in addition to metals/dielectrics, could have other material options, for example, plasmonic/polaritonic materials and semiconductors, depending on the operating frequency [7].
Simulated SOFC Interconnect Performance of Crofer 22 APU with and without Filtered Arc CrAlON Coatings

The solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) interconnect performance of Crofer 22 APU [Crofer 22 APU "High Temperature Alloy" MSDS No. 8005 June, 2004 ThyssenKrupp VDM (2004)] with and without protective large area filtered arc coatings [V. I. Gorokhovsky, R. Bhattacharya, and D. G. Bhat, Surf. Coat. Technol., 140, 82 (2001)] from the Cr-Al-O-N elemental system has been investigated as a function of exposure to simulated SOFC cathode-gas phase conditions at 800°C. Area specific resistance (ASR) was measured using a four-point probe method with platinum paste as an electrical contact. The sample surface morphology and chemical composition were assessed using scanning electron microscope/energy-dispersive spectroscopy and Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy. Significantly improved surface stability and ASR were observed for coated vs uncoated samples. Changes in coating composition and/or architecture were also observed to influence the SOFC interconnect relevant performance.
Contractile effects of adenosine A1 and A2A receptors in isolated murine hearts

The adenosine A1 receptor (A1R) inhibits β-adrenergic-induced contractile effects (antiadrenergic action), and the adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) both opposes the A1R action and enhances contractili...
Results From a Randomized Phase III Study Comparing Combined Treatment With Histamine Dihydrochloride Plus Interleukin-2 Versus Interleukin-2 Alone in Patients With Metastatic Melanoma

PURPOSE: Reactive oxidative species (ROS) produced by phagocytic cells have been ascribed a role in the localized suppression of lymphocyte function within malignant tumors. Histamine has been shown to inhibit ROS formation and possibly synergize with cytokines to permit activation of natural killer cells and T cells. This study was designed to determine whether the addition of histamine to a subcutaneous (SC) regimen of interleukin-2 (IL-2) would improve the survival of metastatic melanoma patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A phase III, multicenter, randomized, parallel group study comparing IL-2 plus histamine with IL-2 alone was conducted in 305 patients with advanced metastatic melanoma. Patients were randomized to IL-2 (9 MIU/m2 bid SC on days 1 to 2 of weeks 1 and 3, and 2 MIU/m2 bid SC on days 1 to 5 of weeks 2 and 4) with or without histamine (1.0 mg bid SC days 1 to 5, weeks 1 to 4). The primary end point, survival, was prospectively applied to all randomized patients (intent-to-treat–overall popula...
Characterizing Jointed Systems by Azimuthal Resistivity Surveys

Anisotropy, directional connectivity, and porosity of fracture systems can be estimated from surface azimuthal electrical resistivity surveys. Azimuthal resistivity surveys utilize conventional resistivity equipment and are performed by rotating a Wenner array about a fixed center point and measuring apparent resistivity as a function of azimuth. The depth of investigation is determined by the electrode spacing which is generally limited by practical considerations to approximately 70 m. The azimuthal survey generates an apparent resistivity ellipse from which the properties of a subsurface joint system can be determined. Theoretically the major axis of the resistivity ellipse will coincide with strike of the primary joint set. The ratio of major axis to minor axis of the ellipse defines the coefficient of anisotropy associated with the joints, and from this coefficient, secondary porosity can be calculated. Application of azimuthal surveys at 60 sites in bedrock and clayey till throughout Wisconsin generally yielded joint strikes within a few degrees of direct observations. Porosities calculated for jointed bedrock are within a few percent of values determined by other methods. The absolute values of porosities calculated for the tills appear unreliable due to conduction effects along the surface of clay minerals. Although the theoretical foundation for this technique is based on idealized jointing, the field results indicate that the method is effective in media with multiple joint sets. When mean joint length exceeds the electrode spacing, azimuthal resistivity peaks closely coincide with the mean strikes of observed joint sets. When joint lengths are less than the electrode spacing, the major ellipse axis indicates the most conductive path through the joint system. In both cases, ellipse shape indicates the direction (s) having the greatest joint connectivity, which are also the directions of greatest aquifer permeability.
Vaccine-preventable diseases in humanitarian emergencies among refugee and internally-displaced populations

Humanitarian emergencies may result in breakdown of regular health services including routine vaccination programs. Displaced populations including refugees and internally displaced persons are particularly susceptible to outbreaks of communicable diseases such as vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). Common VPDs encountered in humanitarian emergencies include measles, polio, and depending on geographical location, meningococcal meningitis, yellow fever, hepatitis A, and cholera. We conducted a review of 50 published articles from 2000 to 2015 concerning VPDs in humanitarian emergencies. This article provides an update on the available literature regarding vaccinations among this highly vulnerable population and describes the unique challenges of VPDs during humanitarian emergencies. Humanitarian emergencies place affected populations at risk for elevated morbidity and mortality from VPDs due to creation or exacerbation of factors associated with disease transmission such as mass population movements, overcrowding, malnutrition, and poor water and sanitation conditions. Vaccination is one of the most basic and critical health interventions for protecting vulnerable populations during emergencies. Growing insecurity, as seen in the increasing number of targeted attacks on health workers in recent years, as well as destruction of cold chain and infrastructure for transportation of supplies, are creating new challenges in provision of life saving vaccines in conflict settings. Population displacement can also threaten global VPD eradication and elimination efforts. While highly effective vaccines and guidelines to combat VPDs are available, the trend of increasing number of humanitarian emergencies globally poses new and emerging challenges in providing vaccination among displaced populations.
Bipartite Signal for Genomic RNA Dimerization in Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus

Retroviral virions each contain two identical genomic RNA strands that are stably but noncovalently joined in parallel near their 5′ ends. For certain viruses, this dimerization has been shown to depend on a unique RNA stem-loop locus, called the dimer initiation site (DIS), that efficiently homodimerizes through a palindromic base sequence in its loop. Previous studies with Moloney murine leukemia virus (Mo-MuLV) identified two alternative DIS loci that can each independently support RNA dimerization in vitro but whose relative contributions are unknown. We now report that both of these loci contribute to the assembly of the Mo-MuLV dimer. Using targeted deletions, point mutagenesis, and antisense oligonucleotides, we found that each of the two stem-loops forms as predicted and contributes independently to dimerization in vitro through a mechanism involving autocomplementary interactions of its loop. Disruption of either DIS locus individually reduced both the yield and the thermal stability of the in vitro dimers, whereas disruption of both eliminated dimerization altogether. Similarly, the thermal stability of virion-derived dimers was impaired by deletion of both DIS elements, and point mutations in either element produced defects in viral replication that correlated with their effects on in vitro RNA dimerization. These findings support the view that in some retroviruses, dimer initiation and stability involve two or more closely linked DIS loci which together align the nascent dimer strands in parallel and in register.
Efficient and accurate spline-based time delay estimation

We have previously presented a highly accurate, spline-based time delay estimator (TDE) that directly determines sub-sample time delay estimates from sampled data. The algorithm uses cubic splines to produce a continuous time representation of a reference signal and then computes an analytical matching function between this reference and a delayed signal. The location of the minima of this function yields estimates of the time delay. In this paper we present a more computationally efficient formulation of this algorithm, which is based on FIR filtering to determine the cubic spline coefficients, polynomial approximation to determine the time delay estimates, and adaptive search of the delay estimate. The proposed algorithm is particularly useful in applications such as blood flow estimation and tissue elasticity estimation since it can include companding with little additional computational cost.