cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Establishing an antigen-negative red blood cell inventory in a hospital-based blood bank.

Background Our blood bank is part of a large academic institution with an active sickle cell anemia program. We provide sickle patients with blood phenotypically matched for C/c, E/e, and K antigens. Since licensed reagents are available for phenotyping C/c, E/e, and K on an automated blood analyzer, we decided to evaluate whether establishing our own inventory of blood negative for those antigens would result in cost savings and decreased turnaround time (TAT). Study Design and Methods Antigen typing of blood units for C/c, E/e, and K was validated. From March 1, 2012, to August 31, 2012, a total of 1033 units from our own donor center and from our suppliers were phenotyped. We compared direct cost savings and TAT for blood availability with historical data before we began phenotyping. Results Thirty-eight percent of typed antigen-negative (AG–) units were transfused to sickle patients. An additional 35% were transfused to nonsickle patients needing AG– blood. Twenty-one percent were used by patients without antibodies to prevent outdating. The remaining 6% had not yet been transfused by the end of the study period. From March 1, 2011, to August 31, 2011, we spent almost $200,000 on obtaining AG– blood. In the 6 months since we started antigen typing, we have saved approximately $110,000, the majority of which resulted from AG– blood provided to sickle patients. In addition, TAT for AG– units from our inventory significantly improved to 1 to 2 hours versus approximately 6 hours when obtained from our suppliers. Conclusion Establishing an AG– inventory in a hospital-based blood bank is cost-effective and time-efficient.
Increased Infiltration of Extra-Cardiac Cells in Myxomatous Valve Disease

Mutations in the actin-binding gene Filamin-A have been linked to non-syndromic myxomatous valvular dystrophy and associated mitral valve prolapse. Previous studies by our group traced the adult valve defects back to developmental errors in valve interstitial cell-mediated extracellular matrix remodeling during fetal valve gestation. Mice deficient in Filamin-A exhibit enlarged mitral leaflets at E17.5, and subsequent progression to a myxomatous phenotype is observed by two months. For this study, we sought to define mechanisms that contribute to myxomatous degeneration in the adult Filamin-A-deficient mouse. In vivo experiments demonstrate increased infiltration of hematopoietic-derived cells and macrophages in adolescent Filamin-A conditional knockout mice. Concurrent with this infiltration of hematopoietic cells, we show an increase in Erk activity, which localizes to regions of MMP2 expression. Additionally, increases in cell proliferation are observed at two months, when hematopoietic cell engraftment and signaling are pronounced. Similar changes are observed in human myxomatous mitral valve tissue, suggesting that infiltration of hematopoietic-derived cells and/or increased Erk signaling may contribute to myxomatous valvular dystrophy. Consequently, immune cell targeting and/or suppression of pErk activities may represent an effective therapeutic option for mitral valve prolapse patients.
Primary Leptomeningeal Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor

Leptomeningeal metastases are a common complication of medulloblastomas and other primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs). Much rarer are PNETs apparently arising in the leptomeninges. An 8-year-old boy presented with headache and vomiting, due to neoplastic meningitis from primary neuroectodermal tumor without an identifying mass. After craniospinal irradiation and chemotherapy (carboplatin, vincristine, cyclophosphamide and lomustine) the boy was in remission for 14 months, then suffered several relapses despite various chemotherapy regimens. After the initial presentation of 3.5 years the boy began to suffer from prolonged refractory non-convulsive status epilepticus and later expired from progression of primary leptomeningeal PNET.
Infectious diseases associated with natural disasters

Publisher Summary Natural disasters include earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. The term “complex emergencies,” is also used for natural disasters, which include emergencies that impact large populations through war, civil strife, famine, and other events leading to large population displacements with common humanitarian crises. These are characterized by mass population movement with resettlement and crowding, often with limited infection control bringing risk of epidemics. Factors that contribute to infectious disease risks with these complex emergencies include, massive population movement and temporary settlement, breakdown of public health, loss of health-care infrastructure, poor sanitation, food and water contamination, loss of shelter, and crowding. The result is that a common feature of these complex emergencies is outbreaks of infectious disease that may contribute substantially to the morbidity and mortality. The consequences of these events depend to a large extent on the type and location of the disaster, as well as the ability of the affected population to respond, and the skill and resources of those responsible for the response. Natural disasters are often associated with a sudden increase in the number of strangers in the community, including volunteers, representatives of the press, etc. There are also epidemics of rumors, and of course there is the confrontation with death and dying among families and friends. The community response is quite variable. Often there is anger that is usually directed toward accountability and the search for someone who is responsible, and also anger about inequities in the distribution of resources. It is important for psychiatrists to work with governmental agencies in developing a disaster psychiatric response plan.
Acute Renal Failure and Toxic Nephropathy

Acute renal failure (ARF) can be broadly defined as an abrupt decline in renal function sufficient to result in retention of nitrogenous waste products such as urea and creatinine. In a recent report, 4% of 2419 admissions to a general hospital developed ARF (Bushinsky et al, 1979). Other recent studies demonstrate a high frequency of occurrence of ARF in diverse clinical settings (Table I) (Bushinsky et al, 1979; Norman and Asadi, 1979; Lane et al, 1977; Hilberman et al, 1979; Bhat et al, 1976; Gardner et al, 1978; Scobie et al, 1977; Shin et al, 1979a,b; Lerner et al, 1977). Although ARF results in a variety of serious and potentially lethal complications, it is one of the few instances of completely reversible severe organ failure. The high frequency of occurrence and the potential for reversibility of ARF demand maximal understanding and effort by the clinician.
Ultraviolet-Sensitive Mutator Strain of Escherichia coli K-12

An ultraviolet (UV)-sensitive mutator gene, mutU, was identified in Escherichia coli K-12. The mutation mutU4 is very close to uvrD, between metE and ilv, on the E. coli chromosome. It was recessive as a mutator and as a UV-sensitive mutation. The frequency of reversion of trpA46 on an F episome was increased by mutU4 on the chromosome. The mutator gene did not increase mutation frequencies in virulent phages or in lytically grown phage λ. The mutU4 mutation predominantly induced transitional base changes. Mutator strains were normal for recombination and host-cell reactivation of UV-irradiated phage T1. They were normally resistant to methyl methanesulfonate and were slightly more sensitive to gamma irradiation than Mut+ strains. UV irradiation induced mutations in a mutU4 strain, and phage λ was UV-inducible. Double mutants containing mutU4 and recA, B, or C were extremely sensitive to UV irradiation; a mutU4 uvrA6 double mutant was only slightly more sensitive than a uvrA6 strain. The mutU4 uvrA6 and mutU4 recA, B, or C double mutants had mutation rates similar to that of a mutU4 strain. Two UV-sensitive mutators, mut-9 and mut-10, isolated by Liberfarb and Bryson in E. coli B/UV, were found to be co-transducible with ilv in the same general region as mutU4.
Determination of caffeine in serum and urine.

The method of Axelrod and Reichenthal for the determination of caffeine in serum and urine was modified. The benzene used in the extraction of caffeine was shown to alter the spectral absorbance curve of this compound. A method based on the differential absorbance spectrums of caffeine and related compounds is described. Both methods exhibited satisfactory replication, recovery of added caffeine, and comparable serum levels of the drug.
A luteotrophic action of prolactin: suppression of intraluteal prostaglandin production or effect?

Adult rats were hypophysectomized and their pituitary glands autotransplanted on day 2 of an estrous cycle (day 1, ovulation); the rats were either hysterectomized or sham hysterectomized immediately before this operation. On day 21, a few days after the beginning of the 3+ month period of regression of progesterone secretion, they were injected sc with 500 micrograms prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) either on day 21 alone, on days 21 and 22, on days 21, 22, and 23, or on days 21 and 23; controls were injected with saline on days 21, 22, and 23. In the latter the serum progesterone level slowly fell, as it does in untreated rats subjected to pituitary autotransplantation on day 2. PGF2 alpha treatment induced a rapid, drastic fall in the progesterone level, but in each group except the one injected on days 21 and 23, the level returned to, or close to, the control level in about 10 days. Even in the group injected on days 21 and 23, the pattern of serum progesterone resembled the others although the values were much lower. In a similar group of rats subjected to pituitary autotransplantation on day 2 (all of which were also hysterectomized on day 2), a single injection of 500 micrograms PGF2 alpha (which again induced the same changes in serum progesterone as in the first experiment) was combined with either a 6-h or 4-h withdrawal of PRL; this was achieved by injecting 2 bromo-alpha-ergocryptine (CB-154) at zero time to lower PRL secretion, and beef PRL, in a delaying vehicle, 6 or 4 h later, followed by a second dose of PRL 18 h after the first. When combined with such a brief period of PRL withdrawal, the PGF2 alpha treatment induced a very rapid, drastic and permanent fall in serum progesterone, equal to that induced by CB-154 alone, or by removing the pituitary transplant on day 21. The brief periods of PRL withdrawal, by themselves had very little (6 h) or no (4 h) effect on the progesterone level, and treatment with PRL alone was also without effect. Treatment with CB-154, PGF2 alpha, and PRL simultaneously (i.e. without a period of PRL withdrawal) had the same effect as treatment with PGF2 alpha alone.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Cable TV: An Introductory Bibliography

This bibliography concentrates on literature sources currently published (as in the case of periodicals) or generally published during the past three years. Annotations are provided for periodicals and books, noting strengths of the sources. Selected journal articles, including several pre‐1980 citations, are included without annotations.
Cerebral potentials during skilled slow positioning movements.

Abstract Movement-related potentials recorded from the scalp of man were investigated in two skilled positioning tasks, requiring flexions at different joints of the upper extremities. The average response time was approximately 1 sec. Subjects paced their movements themselves and performed without visual control or other external cues. After each trial a delayed visual feedback was given. It was found that the negative potential shift prior to the EMG onset, the ‘Bereitschaftpotential’, is followed by a persisting negativity during the execution of the action until the target position is reached. Approximately at this point a positive-going deflection appears. This ‘goal-directed movement potential’ is composed of at least two components: (a) a widely distributed, centrally dominant negativity, and (b) a smaller negative wave over the sensorimotor cortex contralateral to the responding limb. Small variations in response force do not influence the amplitude of the potentials. A negative shift in anticipation of the visual feedback has a topography different from the movement-related potentials, being predominant over the right hemisphere independent of the hand used.
Creativity, innovation, and export performance

Abstract More and more countries are turning to export promotion as an effective strategy for development. If creative activity facilitates exports, then, in order to enhance exports, it may be worthwhile for a country to focus at least a portion of its energy toward establishing a favorable environment for creativity. This paper hypothesizes that there is a positive relationship between a country's export performance and a country's creative activity. It uses simple cross-country regression analysis to test whether creativity and its four components, innovation, technology, technology transfer, and business startups, have any impact on the total value of a country's exports and on the composition of a country's exports.
Some consequences of infinite mass renormalization

Using a finite form of local field equations some consequences of infinite mass renormalization are studied in a rigorous manner. The method is applied to various models. For pseudoscalar meson-nucleon interaction sufficient conditions are given for the equivalence to a direct Fermi coupling. Confirming a recent result byKroll, Lee, andZumino it is shown that a vector meson field should be proportional to the corresponding current if the bare meson mass is infinite. In the conventional treatment of neutral vector meson theories this causes certain difficulties which are analyzed in detail. In case of two vector fields coupled to the same current it is found that the fields must be proportional provided the bare masses are both infinite. In the Appendix finite local field equations are discussed for the coupling of a neutral vector meson field to the current of a spin 1/2 field.
Modern Castiza Landscapes: Working Women in Zarzuela

Abstract By the turn of the nineteenth century, zarzuelas of the genero chico were one of the cultural sites in which casticismo met regeneracionismo . In this sense, both the zarzuelas Las Cigarreras (1896) by Angel Munilla and Luis Ferreiro, and La suerte de Isabelita (1911) by Maria Martinez Sierra present a clear connection between a cultural vision of Spain and its working-class woman as fixed and static and the existing regeneracionista economic rhetoric. In both plays, working-class female labourers react against foreign entrepreneurship because it brings an unwanted modernity or economic system that threatens to destroy traditional Spanish methods of production. Be it through violence and protest in Las cigarreras, or through parody and consumption in La suerte, the female worker is above all a good patriot who defends both her body and her nation against foreign incursions. Ultimately, the use of romantic plots in both zarzuelas serves as a narrative strategy to resolve the conflicts between mode...
The Greater Mastiff Bat Eumops perotis (Chiroptera: Molossidae) in Oklahoma

Abstract We report the first record of the greater mastiff bat Eumops perotis from Oklahoma. This specimen represents a 1,000 km range extension from the nearest reported occurrences in the Trans Pecos and Big Bend regions of Texas.
Correlation of the ac Electrical Conductivity and the Microstructure of PMMA/ITO Nanocomposites That Possess Phase-Segregated Microstructures

This paper investigates the effect of processing parameters on the microstructure and the ac electrical conductivity of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/indium tin oxide (ITO) nanocomposites. The PMMA/ITO composites were fabricated by hot pressing ITO-coated PMMA powders and confining the ITO nanoparticles to the perimeter of the polymer phase. Correlations between the microstructure and the measured ac conductivity were determined by comparing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of fractured cross sections of the composites and the ac conductivity determined from impedance spectroscopy measurements. It was found that the microstructure of the PMMA/ITO composites consists of polyhedral-shaped matrix particles, which are affected by the starting amount of powder and compaction pressure used to form the composites. The critical frequency fc, which determines the transition from frequency-independent to frequency-dependent ac conductivity, was observed to increase as the steady state conductivity incre...
Structural aspects of anthocyanin-flavonoid complex formation and its role in plant color

Abstract The complex formation of flavonoids with anthocyanins, resulting in increase in both absorbance and in a bathochromic shift of the visible absorption maximum of the latter, is based mainly on hydrogen bond formation between the carbonyl group of the anthocyanin anhydrobase and aromatic hydroxyl groups of the complex-forming flavonoids. The larger the number of hydroxyl groups in the flavonoid molecule, the stronger the complex formation. The presence of a 3-hydroxyl group in the flavonoid molecule has little effect on the complex-forming ability. The nature of the sugar substituent of the complex-forming flavonoid compound has no influence on the reaction. The 5-hydroxyl group of flavonoids is strongly bound by intramolecular hydrogen bond to the 4-carbonyl and does not participate in the complex formation. The most important hydroxyl group in the flavonoid molecule is the one in the 7-position. Unsaturation at C2C3 in the heterocyclic ring is an important factor for complex formation. Aromatic hydroxyl groups in the flavonoid system alone cannot account for all the complex-forming ability, suggesting additional involvement by electrostatic forces and configurational or steric effects.
Component testing of a 30-centimeter diameter electron bombardment thruster

Critical components effect on small Hg electron bombardment thrustor derformance, considering glass coated accelerator grids, hollow cathodes and plasma bridge neutralizers
THE GRADIENT OF VASCULAR PERMEABILITY II. THE CONDITIONS IN FROG AND CHICKEN MUSCLE, AND IN THE MAMMALIAN DIAPHRAGM

A mounting gradient of permeability exists along the capillaries of frog muscle. In chicken muscle on the other hand none has been demonstrated; but the close-knit vascularization is arranged in duplicate in such manner that the blood runs in opposite directions through the capillaries of nearly adjacent fibres. In a flight muscle of the pigeon there exists in addition to this artifice what appears to be a special collecting system of venous capillaries. In the mammalian diaphragm indications of such a system are also to be found, and a gradient of capillary permeability like that in the other skeletal muscles is probably present. These vascular conditions are briefly considered in terms of function.
Discrete Choice Models for Ordinal Response Variables: A Generalization of the Stereotype Model

In this paper I present a class of discrete choice models for ordinal response variables based on a generalization of the stereotype model. The stereotype model can be derived and generalized as a random utility model for ordered alternatives. Random utility models can be specified to account for heteroscedastic and correlated utilities. In the case of the generalized stereotype model this includes category-specific random effects due to individual differences in response style. But unlike standard random utility models the generalized stereotype model is better suited for ordinal response variables and can be interpreted as a kind of unidimensional unfolding model. This paper discusses the specification, interpretation, identification, and estimation of generalized stereotype models. Two applications are provided for illustration.
Effect of cell geometry on conductance measurements in flow cells

Abstract Solution resistance is monitored as the spacer thickness in the flow cell is increased. Different trends are observed for electrode pairs in series on the same side of the cell, directly opposing each other in opposite sides of the cell, and diagonally opposing each other in opposite sides of the cell. For the diagonal and series arrangements, anomalously high resistances are measured for narrow spacers.
Preoptic area multiple unit activity and LH release during the sleep cycle of the rat.

Medial preoptic area (MPOA) multiple unit activity and EEG from the cerebral cortex, dorsal hippocampus, olfactory bulbs and caudal pontine reticular nucleus were recorded in unanesthetized, unrestrained rats possessing indwelling cannulas in the aortic arch. The rats were housed in glass chromatography jars inside a soundproof, light—controlled (14 hr light, 10 hr darkness) electrically shielded chamber. There were two rats in the recording chamber at all times. After a two—week habituation period the studies were begun. Blood samples were removed through the cannulas during waking, slow wave sleep (SWS) and paradoxical sleep (PS) at various times during the estrous cycle. All three samples (0.3 ml) were removed within a one—hr period. Blood LH levels were the lowest during SWS and increased several fold during PS and waking. These differences were observable during all stages of the estrous cycle. Integrated multiple unit activity from the MPOA was higher during PS than during SWS or waking. Levels of a...
Teens and Technology: Preparing for the Future.

We must prioritize the integration of technology skill building into youth development experiences in order to better prepare older youth for the challenges and responsibilities ahead.
Molecular Imaging by Cardiovascular MR

Do molecularly-targeted contrast agents have what it takes to usher in a paradigm shift as to how we will image cardiovascular disease in the near future? Moreover, are non-invasive vulnerable plaque detection and preemptive treatments with these novel nanoparticulate agents within reach for clinical applications?In this article, we attempt to make a compelling case for how the advent of molecularly-targeted nanoparticle technology may change the way we detect atherosclerotic lesions, determine their clinical significance and even provide non-invasive treatments. Focusing on imaging with cardiovascular MR, an overview of the latest developments in this rapidly evolving field of so-called “intelligent” contrast agents that are able to interrogate the vascular wall and various complementary advanced imaging technologies are presented.
Comment on "From Feynman's wave function to the effective theory of vortex dynamics"

A Comment on the Letter by Q. Niu, P. Ao, and D. J. Thouless, Phys. Rev. Lett. 72, 1706 (1994). The authors of the Letter offer a Reply.
Study of the conformation of the dilithioacetylene molecule

The conformation of the dilithioacetylene molecule has been investigated up to the CCSD+T(CCSD) level with the 6-311G*(*) basis. The geometry of the molecule has been fully optimized on the SCF and MBPT(2) levels with a variety of basis sets. It has been found that the equilibrium geometry is rather sensitive to the choice of the basis. Calculations on the CCSD+T(CCSD) level have shown that, although the second-order MBPT energy term destabilized the planar structure, the sum of the higher order corrections slightly stabilized this form. The planar doubly bridged (D2h) structure is predicted to be the most stable one.
Enclaves and entrepreneurs: Assessing the payoff for immigrants and minorities

Self-employment and work in sectors with high concentrations of owners and workers of the same ethnicity have been identified as potential routes of economic success for immigrants. This study uses...
Diverse Yet Hegemonic: Expressions of Motherhood in “I'm a Mormon” Ads

The LDS Church's multi-million-dollar “I'm a Mormon” ad campaign has been largely seen as indicating the Church's desire to alter public perceptions about Mormons. I read these ads differently by focusing on how Mormon ideology is perpetuated. I argue that these ads send a clear, although subtle, message about Mormon family values, especially the ideal of womanhood/motherhood. While showing diverse Mormon women in various social positions, these ads reaffirm, not defy, the “traditional” gender roles for women as they emphasize (stay-at-home) motherhood above all other identities.
INELASTIC SCATTERING OF SLOW NEUTRONS BY LATTICE VIBRATIONS IN ALUMINUM

The lattice vibrations of aluminum have been studied by means of the inelastic scattering of "cold" neutrons, in which the neutron absorbs a phonon whose energy is typically much larger than the incident neutron energy. Neutrons with a wavelength about 5 A were obtained by filtering a beam of thermal neutrons through eight inches of beryllium. After scattering in an aluminum single crystal, the neutron energy distribution was determined by time of flight, using a mechanical chopper. The peaks observed in the energy distribution of the scattered neutrons for various crystal orientations were used to determine the "scattering surface" in a plane parallel to one face of the cubic lattice. The scattering surface gives the dispersion law for the crystal, that is, the frequency, $\ensuremath{\omega}$, of the lattice vibration phonons as a function of the wave vector, q. Dispersion curves, obtained for three different directions in the crystal, agree well with x-ray results and with theoretical calculations of the dispersion based on the assumption of harmonic forces.
Risk factors for invasive cervical cancer in Latino women

Most invasive cervical cancer research in the United States has been conducted on non-Latino-White (NLW) and African-American women. Incidence, mortality, stage at diagnosis and survival indicators for invasive cervical cancer in Latino women in California are compared to NLW and African-American women. A model is presented which depicts structural, behavioral, genetic and biological risk factors for invasive cervical cancer. A literature review of risk factors and their association with invasive cervical cancer was conducted using MEDLINE and PsychINFO databases to determine if ethnic differences in risk factors explain observed differences in morbidity and mortality. Latino women experience a significantly higher incidence and mortality associated with invasive cervical cancer than NLW women. The review of risk factors found that rate differences of cervical cancer screening, early detection and human papilloma virus (HPV) type-specific infection explain much of the disparity in disease burden. Further research must clarify if ethnic differences exist in risk factors associated with ethnic variation in HPV-type prevalence in both cases and their sexual partners, in host immune responses, and multiparity.
Microwave plasma window breakdown theory and experiments

We use Monte Carlo simulations and analytical calculations to study the multipactor susceptibility on a dielectric with a bias DC electric field and a background gas. The DC bias is used to lower the threshold for the onset of multipactor discharge. Experiments are designed in a controlled low-pressure environment with a DC bias. Experimental data are compared with theory.
A Periodic Law of Atomic Radii

Packing radii of elements; periodic relationship is evident if the radii of the 44 elements for which the values have been determined from x-ray crystallographic data, are plotted as a function of the number of electrons in the outer shell. Beginning with each rare gas, the curves are similar, the ratios of the ordinates being constant for the following 9 or 10 elements, as far as the values are known. By making use of the new law, rough predictions are made of the radii of ten other elements whose crystal structures have not yet been experimentally determined.
Interface mechanism for uranium extraction by amine sulphate

Abstract In the extraction of metal ions by organic solutions of aqueous-insoluble alkyl ammonium salts the mechanism by which the metal species transfers across the aqueous-organic interface cannot be determined by the usual equilibrium studies. In an effort to elucidate this mechanism, interfacial tension of the two-phase system and kinetics of the transfer of35SO4 between organic (di-n-decylamine sulphate in benzene) and aqueous (acid-sodium sulphate) phases were studied. The kinetic experiments were designed so as to offer the possibility of detecting the transfer of anionic uranium species from aqueous to organic phase. Several different aqueous phase situations were examined, covering the range from low sulphate where most of the uranium exists as the uranyl ion to 1·0 M sulphate where most of the uranium exists as the disulphate complex. At the higher aqueous sulphate concentrations (>0·025 M) an increased rate of35S transfer during uranium extraction (at a given organic/aqueous total sulphate ratio) gave strong evidence for an anion exchange mechanism such as Download : Download full-size image (dotted underlines indicating the organic phase). At aqueous sulphate concentration below 0·01 M, the35S transfer rate was decreased during uranium extraction, and the explanation offered for this result suggests transfer by a neutral mechanism such as Download : Download full-size image Thus, it appears that neutral species transfer is possible where aqueous neutral or cationic species predominate and anionic species transfer is possible where aqueous anionic species predominate, with no implication that the two mechanisms are mutally exclusive. These conclusions are supported by calculations of the number of sulphates transferred per uranium based on35S transfer aq → org during uranium transfer aq → org.
Novel molecular targets for urothelial carcinoma

Introduction: Urothelial cancer (UC) remains a significant public health problem, with no new second-line agents FDA-approved in the US. Next-generation sequencing technologies are starting to generate a molecular landscape of UC thus revealing novel molecular targets.Areas covered: In this review, the authors provide a detailed review of novel molecular targets in UC based on published genomic analyses of urothelial tumors. We provide an overview of each molecular target with a brief discussion of therapeutic strategies and clinical trials targeting each pathway.Expert opinion: UC continues to be a lethal disease with no FDA-approved effective second-line therapies. Platinum resistance continues to be a daunting clinical problem. Next-generation sequencing methods have led to the elucidation of numerous molecular targets in UC, including PI3K, to the elucidation of numerous molecular targets in UC, including PI3K, ERBB2 and FGFR3, among many others. These molecular perturbations can be exploited therapeu...
Economic impact of cost-containment strategies in third party programmes in the US (part I).

This is the second article in a 2-part series that examines the economic impact of several different strategies used to control costs in third party programmes. This article investigates 5 different methods: (a) formularies: (b) capitation; (c) drug utilisation review; (d) prior approval: and (e) drug product selection. The published literature indicates that use of formularies decreases drug expenditures, but these savings may be offset by expenditures in other areas of healthcare programmes. Capitation, though less well studied than other strategies, may show some effectiveness in reducing costs by increasing generic dispensing and promoting switching from prescription drug to over-the-counter. Drug utilisation review, as a systematic programme of claims data review, has been shown to yield positive economic return in a variety of areas, including both impersonal and face-to-face educational interventions with healthcare practitioners. Prior approval and drug product selection both result in savings when examined in isolation from other aspects of healthcare. Cost-shifting, administrative costs and costs incurred because of possible decreased access to care have yet to be fully accounted for.
Simulation studies of a temporal sequence memory model.

Models of circuit action in the mammalian hippocampus have led us to a study of habituation circuits. In order to help model the process of habituation we consider here a memory network designed to learn sequences of inputs separated by various time intervals and to repeat these sequences when cued by their initial portions. The structure of the memory is based on the anatomy of the dentate gyrus region of the mammalian hippocampus. The model consists of a number of arrays of cells called lamellae. Each array consists of four lines of model cells coupled uniformly to neighbors within the array and with some randomness to cells in other lamellae. All model cells operate according to first-order differential equations. Two of the lines of cells in each lamella are coupled such that sufficient excitation by a system input generates a wave of activity that travels down the lamella. Such waves effect dynamic storage of the representation of each input, allowing association connections to form that code both the set of cells stimulated by each input and the time interval between successive inputs. Results of simulation of two networks are presented illustrating the model's operating characteristics and memory capacity.
The Memorial Day Massacre and the Movement for Industrial Democracy

The Memorial Day Massacre and the Movement for Industrial Democracy MICHAEL DENNIS, 2010 New York: Palgrave Macmillan x + 278 pp. $89.00 Michael Dennis' excellent new book, The Memorial Day Massacr...
Defect engineering for VLSI epitaxial silicon

Abstract The control of dopants, impurities and defects for very large scale integration of silicon integrated circuits requires a complex set of crystal and processing conditions to be satisfied simultaneously. In order to achieve the maximum yield and highest level of electrical performance for a given device design, we have manipulated the lattice constant and boron doping levels in CVD epitaxial silicon layers co-doped with germanium. By adjusting the ratios of germane and diborane in a dichlorosilane/hydrogen CVD reactor we can achieve extrinsic gettering using controlled introduction of interfacial misfit dislocations with Si(Ge), and buried high conducting layers which are strain-free and lattice matched to the Si substrate. A variety of these structures have been characterized using gated-diode leakage, spreading resistance profiling, MOS lifetime, cross-sectional TEM, SEM-EBIC and SIMS depth profiling.
Fluorophore lifetime distributions as a probe of lipid bilayer organization

The fluorescence decay of membrane lipid bilayer probes are influenced by the environment of the probe and therefore by the properties of the bilayer in which it resides. Traditionally the fluorescence decay has been analyzed in the form of a multi-exponential. Analysis in the form of continuous distributions can provide a useful alternative to this approach since it introduces a new parameter, the distributional width. The physical basis underlying the distributional width, the fluorophore "environmental heterogeneity", arises from organizational aspects, compositional diversity and solvent effects. The "sampling" of environmental heterogeneity will depend on the intrinsic fluorescence lifetime, the lipid rate of motion and fluorophore charge and shape factors. We have found a good correlation of the distributional width with a number of bilayer properties. Thus as we increase the complexity of a bilayer the distributional width becomes broader, in order, from a single phospholipid molecular species, mixture of species, mixture of classes (i.e. PC+ PE etc) and species to intact natural membranes (i.e. including proteins and bilayer organizational factors). More recently we have been able to show that the protein-lipid interface itself can act as a source of fluorophore heterogeneity. Suggesting the possibility of spectroscopically isolating a region of the membrane of particular interest in the modulation of membrane processes. There are still a number of uncertainties in assigning a distributional width to a particular bilayer property. For example in comparing bilayers they could be compared at the same temperature or at the same temperature above the respective gel-liquid phase transition temperatures. In fact with regard to the relative degree of environmental heterogeneity sampled by the fluorophore it may be better to make such types of comparisons at the same respective rates of lipid motion since the rate of lipid motion is a key factor governing the sampling of environmental heterogeneity. Using this approach in the example of increasing levels of unsaturation our results suggest that unsaturation introduces structural diversity into lipid bilayers.
Conformational heterogeneity of the SAM-I riboswitch transcriptional ON state: a chaperone-like role for S-adenosyl methionine.

Abstract Riboswitches are promising targets for the design of novel antibiotics and engineering of portable genetic regulatory elements. There is evidence that variability in riboswitch properties allows tuning of expression for genes involved in different stages of biosynthetic pathways by mechanisms that are not currently understood. Here, we explore the mechanism for tuning of S-adenosyl methionine (SAM)-I riboswitch folding. Most SAM-I riboswitches function at the transcriptional level by sensing the cognate ligand SAM. SAM-I riboswitches orchestrate the biosynthetic pathways of cysteine, methionine, SAM, and so forth. We use base-pair probability predictions to examine the secondary-structure folding landscape of several SAM-I riboswitch sequences. We predict different folding behaviors for different SAM-I riboswitch sequences. We identify several “decoy” base-pairing interactions involving 5′ riboswitch residues that can compete with the formation of a P1 helix, a component of the ligand-bound “transcription OFF” state, in the absence of SAM. We hypothesize that blockage of these interactions through SAM contacts contributes to stabilization of the OFF state in the presence of ligand. We also probe folding patterns for a SAM-I riboswitch RNA using constructs with different 3′ truncation points experimentally. Folding was monitored through fluorescence, susceptibility to base-catalyzed cleavage, nuclear magnetic resonance, and indirectly through SAM binding. We identify key decision windows at which SAM can affect the folding pathway towards the OFF state. The presence of decoy conformations and differential sensitivities to SAM at different transcript lengths is crucial for SAM-I riboswitches to modulate gene expression in the context of global cellular metabolism.
On the Relation between Vorticity, Deformation and Divergence and the Configuration of the Pressure Field

Theorems for the vorticity, deformation and divergence are developed for quasi-horizontal frictionless motion. The divergence theorem is used to investigate the validity of the geostrophic approximation, and it is found that the balance between the Laplacian of the pressure field and the vorticity is appreciably influenced by the deformation, while the divergence is relatively unimportant. The vorticity theorem and the deformation theorem are combined to obtain a prediction quantity which is related to the absolute vorticity and permits treatment of the fields which are more general than the geostrophic field. Some charts are produced to show the magnitudes of the various quantities in a mature storm.
The Evaluation of the Benefits of Basic Need Policies

A theoretical framework for the analysis of market intervention policies of goods related to the satisfaction of basic human needs is presented. The method allows quantification of such social benefits by relating their definition to the degree of fulfillment of accepted social standards and by recasting the analysis of basic need projects within the general framework of shadow pricing in cost-benefit analysis. An empirical application shows that in poor countries, the attempt at upholding a standard of minimum food consumption for the poor would put substantial premiums on food production over and above world (or domestic supply) prices, provided that the increased food supply results in sufficiently higher consumption for the undernourished. These results may be useful in product evaluation since: 1) the definitions of social gains and social demand price closely follow Marshall's definition of consumers' surplus; 2) the departure from border price is subject to the same caveat valid for income distribution weights in project evaluation; and 3) the cost for making the additional amount of food available to the undernourished must be explicitly considered in appraising food projects. Economic data are included.
Effect of incubation temperature on green sturgeon embryos, Acipenser medirostris

Regulation of river flow and the amount of winter rainfall are the major factors affecting the water temperature of the spawning grounds, for green sturgeon in the Klamath River. During the primary spawning period of green sturgeon, mid-April to June, the water temperature may vary from 8 to 21°C. To estimate the potential implications of this modified thermal regime, we examined the survival and development in three progeny groups of green sturgeon embryos from zygote to hatch, at constant incubation temperatures (11–26°C). Temperatures 23–26°C affected cleavage and gastrulation and all died before hatch. Temperatures 17.5–22°C were suboptimal as an increasing number of embryos developed abnormally and hatching success decreased at 20.5–22°C, although the tolerance to these temperatures varied between progenies. The lower temperature limit was not evident from this study, although hatching rate decreased at 11°C and hatched embryos were shorter, compared to 14°C. The mean total length of hatched embryos decreased with increasing temperature, although their wet and dry weight remained relatively constant. We concluded that temperatures 17–18°C may be the upper limit of the thermal optima for green sturgeon embryos, and that the river thermal regime during dry years may affect green sturgeon reproduction.
ESTIMATION OF THE SIZE OF COMB ON LIVE FOWL

WHETHER the size of comb is employed as a quantitative measure of the activity of androgenic hormone, or as an indicator of breeding capacity, its use for such purposes depends upon an accurate estima′tion of comb si2;e. As early as 1932 Koch pointed out that ‘at present writing, units used by different laboratories cannot be interpreted in terms of each other. There are so many factors involved in comb growth response and in accurate measurement thereof that considerable investigative work should be done before we attempt to adopt an international standard.’ However, no adequate study has been reported which evaluates the different types of measurements of comb size that are commonly used. The comb of the fowl has been employed by many investigators as an organ with which to assay the potency of androgenic hormones. In studies of reproduction, Blyth (1928) found the comb to be an indicator of the onset of spermatogenesis in young males.
Genome sequencing on both strands: the Janus strategy

The design of large scale DNA sequencing projects such as genome analysis demands a new approach to sequencing strategy, since neither a purely random nor a purely directed method is satisfactory. We have developed a strategy that combines these two methods in a way that preserves the advantages of both while avoiding their particular limitations. Computer simulations showed that a specific balance of random and directed sequencing was required for the most efficient strategy, termed the Janus strategy, which has been used in the Escherichia coli genome sequencing project. This approach depended on obtaining sequence easily from either strand of a cloned insert, and was facilitated by inversion of the insert in the engineered M13 vector Janus, by site-specific recombination. The inversion was accomplished simply by growth on the appropriate host strain, when the DNA strand incorporated into the new single stranded phage was complementary to that in the original phage, and was sequenced by the same simple protocol as the first strand.
Allogeneic blood transfusions and postoperative infections after lumbar spine surgery.

Abstract Background context Allogeneic blood transfusions have an immunomodulating effect, and the previous studies in other fields of medicine demonstrated an increased risk of infections after administration of allogeneic blood transfusions. Purpose Our primary null hypothesis is that exposure to allogeneic blood transfusion in patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery is not associated with postoperative infections after controlling for patient and treatment characteristics. Second, we assessed if there was a dose-response relationship per unit of blood transfused. Study design/Setting This is a retrospective cohort study from a tertiary care spine referral center. Patient Sample A total of 3,721 patients underwent laminectomy and/or arthrodesis of the lumbar spine. Outcomes measures Postoperative infections, pneumonia, endocarditis, meningitis, urinary tract infection, central venous line infection, surgical site infection, and sepsis, within 90 days after lumbar spine surgery were included. Methods Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to assess the relationship of perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion with specific and overall postoperative infections accounting for age, duration of surgery, duration of hospital stay, comorbidity status, preoperative hemoglobin, sex, type of operation, multilevel treatment, operative approach, and year of surgery. Results The adjusted odds ratio for exposure to allogeneic blood transfusion from multivariable logistic regression analysis was 2.6 for any postoperative infection (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.7–3.9, p Conclusions Conscious of the limitations of this retrospective study, our data suggest an increased risk of surgical site infection, urinary tract infection, and overall postoperative infections, but not pneumonia, after exposure to allogeneic blood transfusion in patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery. These findings should be taken into account when considering blood transfusion and developing transfusion policies for patients undergoing lumbar spine procedures.
Synaptic transmission in ammonia intoxication

Ammonia intoxication allegedly plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of hepatic encephalopathy. In order to understand the pathogenesis of this encephalopathy it is necessary to know the effects of ammonia on the mechanisms by which neurons communicate, i.e., excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmissions. NH4+ decreases excitatory synaptic transmission mediated by glutamate. Possibly, this effect is related to a depletion of glutamate in presynaptic terminals. NH4+ decreases inhibitory synaptic transmission mediated by hyperpolarizing Cl(-)-dependent inhibitory postsynaptic potentials. This effect is related to the inactivation of the extrusion of Cl- from neurons by NH4+. By the very same action, NH4+ also decreases the hyperpolarizing action of Ca2+- and voltage-dependent Cl- currents. These currents may modify the efficacy of the synaptic input to neurons and increase neuronal excitability. Estimates derived from experimental observations suggest that an increase of CNS tissue NH4+ to 0.5 mumol/g is sufficient to disturb excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission and to initiate the encephalopathy related to acute ammonia intoxication. Chronic portasystemic shunting of blood, as in hepatic encephalopathy, significantly changes the relation between CNS NH4+ and function of synaptic transmission. A portacaval shunt increases the tissue NH4+ necessary to disturb synaptic transmission. However, after a portasystemic shunt, synaptic transmission becomes extremely sensitive to any acute increase of NH4+ in the CNS.
Ages of the Steens and Columbia River flood basalts and their relationship to extension related calc-alkalic volcanism in eastern Oregon: Discussion

[Hooper et al. (2002)][1] present stratigraphic, chemical, and field relationships for Tertiary volcanic rocks of eastern Oregon and conclude that (1) the Imnaha Basalt are ∼15.5 m.y. old and (2) the Steens Basalt (ca. 16.6 Ma) represents the earliest eruptions of the Columbia River Basalt flood-