cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Opportunities and challenges for developing closed-loop bioelectronic medicines.

The peripheral nervous system plays a major role in the maintenance of our physiology. Several peripheral nerves intimately regulate the state of the brain, spinal cord, and visceral systems. A new class of therapeutics, called bioelectronic medicines, are being developed to precisely regulate physiology and treat dysfunction using peripheral nerve stimulation. In this review, we first discuss new work using closed-loop bioelectronic medicine to treat upper limb paralysis. In contrast to open-loop bioelectronic medicines, closed-loop approaches trigger ‘on demand’ peripheral nerve stimulation due to a change in function (e.g., during an upper limb movement or a change in cardiopulmonary state). We also outline our perspective on timing rules for closed-loop bioelectronic stimulation, interface features for non-invasively stimulating peripheral nerves, and machine learning algorithms to recognize disease events for closed-loop stimulation control. Although there will be several challenges for this emerging field, we look forward to future bioelectronic medicines that can autonomously sense changes in the body, to provide closed-loop peripheral nerve stimulation and treat disease.
DOES TIME ON AN INTRA-AORTIC BALLOON PUMP FOR HEART FAILURE AFFECT OUTCOME AFTER TRANSPLANT?

The intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) supports patients with cardiogenic shock as a bridge to transplantation (HTx). In the new donor heart allocation scheme, IABP will have high priority with broader geographic sharing. IABP use, and time on IABP, may thus increase. We evaluated the outcomes of
Systematic reviews and meta-analysis in rheumatology: a gentle introduction for clinicians

Given the plethora of studies today on the same topic, clinicians in rheumatology as well as others increasingly rely on systematic reviews, with or without meta-analysis, to aid in their evidence-based decision-making. However, given time constraints, staying up-to-date on current methods for conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses as well as interpreting the results of these reviews for application in clinical practice can be challenging. The purpose of this paper is to try and address this gap. In this paper, a description of the different types of systematic reviews and meta-analyses is provided as well as a description of the major elements, including methodology and interpretation of systematic reviews with meta-analyses. Included is a broad, five-question checklist to aid clinicians in rheumatology for making decisions about the utility of a systematic review. It is the hopes that this paper will aid clinicians in rheumatology as well as other consumers of systematic reviews and meta-analyses with the information necessary for judging the utility of systematic reviews and meta-analyses in their own work.
Layering Laser Rangefinder Points onto Images for Obstacle Avoidance by a Neural Network

Obstacle avoidance is essential to autonomous robot navigation but maneuvering around an obstacle causes the system to deviate from its normal path. Oftentimes, these deviations cause the robot to enter new regions which lack the path’s usual or meaningful features. This is problematic for vision-based steering controllers, including convolutional neural networks (CNNs), which depend on patterns to be present in camera images. The absence of a path fails to provide consistent and noticeable patterns for the neural network, and this usually leads to erroneous steering commands. In this paper, we mitigate this problem by superimposing points from a two-dimensional (2D) scanning laser rangefinder (LRF) onto camera images using the Open Source Computer Vision (OpenCV) library. The visually encoded LRF data provides the CNN with a new pattern to recognize, aiding in the avoidance of obstacles and the rediscovery of its path. In contrast, existing approaches to robot navigation do not use a single CNN to perform line-following and obstacle avoidance. Using our approach, we were able to train a CNN to follow a lined path and avoid obstacles with a reliability rate of nearly 60% on a complex course and over 80% on a simpler course.
Allergies and Eosinophilic Esophagitis-Current Updates for the Pediatric Gastroenterologist

The purpose of this article is to review recent developments demonstrating the role of allergies, the utility of allergy testing, and the role of the allergist in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) management. The majority of patients with EoE have concurrent atopic disorders including food anaphylaxis, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema. An atopic population likely is at greater risk for EoE. Delayed type hypersensitivity to food antigens is the most common pathogenic mechanism. Aeroallergens and pollen-food cross-reactivity also can trigger EoE. Th2 cell–mediated adaptive and innate immunity in response to epithelial damage occurs via IL-13- and IL-4-producing T cells and innate lymphoid cells. While IgE testing for foods is insufficient to build an elimination diet, IgE-mediated allergy may play a role in EoE severity and clinical course. There is strong evidence that Th2 immunity drives EoE. Optimal EoE management should include elucidating and managing EoE triggers and concurrent atopic diatheses.
Territoires de l'écran, Territoires inter-dits

Dans une societe constamment en recherche de nouveaux reperes mediatiques, la place accordee a l'image semble primordiale, si l'on en juge par l'utilisation parfois pervertie des termes "icones", "incarnation" ou "representation". Dans cette veritable hegemonie du formel supplantant le contenu, en cela aidee par la revolution Internet et les technologies de l'information et de la communication qui pronent un "tout visuel", cette societe se diffuse a travers de multiples reseaux codifies et signifiants ou chacun, citoyen acteur et spectateur, est amene a prendre part, comme emetteur ou recepteur d'informations. L'ecran n'est alors plus synonyme d'obstacle mais n'en demeure pas moins un territoire de projection, de reflexion, de subordination aux desirs et expressions cinematographiques des auteurs. Ces territorialites operent a l'interieur comme a l'exterieur de la diegese, faisant interroger le cinema sur sa propre corporalite. Actes du colloque TERRITOIRES DE L’ECRAN, TERRITOIRES INTER-DITS (Institut Catholique de Toulouse, avril 2014)
Risk Factors for Early Readmission After Acute Pancreatitis: Importance of Timely Interventions.

Abstract Background Despite improvements in the diagnosis and care of acute pancreatitis, the mortality, morbidity, and long-term complications of this disease currently account for an annual cost of $10 billion in the United States. Lack of high-quality consolidated clinical data about this ever-increasing national and global burden makes it challenging to be able to recognize at-risk populations and intervene to avoid early readmission (ER) (i.e., readmission within 30 d of hospital discharge or ER). Methods We reviewed the National Readmission Database for 2016. We retrieved 25,476 ER out of a total of 188,757 patients admitted with acute pancreatitis (ICD-10 diagnosis of K85), alive at discharge. Patients younger than 18 at the time of initial admission were excluded. Diagnostic characteristics and procedures performed were extracted from ICD-10 data. Based on patient demographics and the diagnostic and procedural profiles from their initial admission, we identified clusters of risk factors for ER using agglomerative hierarchical clustering. These are depicted in a correlation matrix. Results Acute pancreatitis is associated with a 13.5% overall ER rate. Certain pre-existing chronic diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease diagnoses and interventions at initial presentation increase the odds of ER. In contrast to interventions on the pancreas, interventions on the biliary system correlated with lower odds of ER. Furthermore, the earlier the biliary system intervention was performed during the initial hospitalization, the lower the odds of ER. We identified five clusters of interrelationships: age/comorbidity cluster, cirrhosis cluster, sepsis/pulmonary complication cluster, biliary intervention cluster, and high-risk of mortality cluster. Conclusions We identified several potentially modifiable risk factors for ER of patients hospitalized with acute pancreatitis, which included timing of biliary interventions. Furthermore, we identified clusters of interrelationships that further illuminate which complications tend to occur concomitantly and ultimately contribute to ER. By identifying risk factors and elucidating their interactions, we have improved our understanding of this highly morbid disease and offer potential points of intervention to reduce ER.
Real Estate Returns

This article compares and contrasts investments in residential, farmland, and commercial real estate. We also compare real estate investments to more traditional investments in stocks, bonds, commodities, and alternative assets. Price-change returns, rental returns, and total returns from 1991 through 2018 are the focus of the analysis. Including rent is important because rent makes up a significant part of the returns. We include empirically derived implicit net rent data from owner-occupied residences and owner-occupied farmland in the analysis. TOPIC:Real estate Key Findings • High Returns. All three real estate categories did well. But farm real estate had the highest average returns, and the average farm price did not dip during the 2008–2009 subprime mortgage crisis. • Riskiest. Commercial real estate was the riskiest category of real estate investment between 2003 and 2019. And it suffered the largest price dip during the subprime mortgage crisis. • Resolving Uncertainty. Because real estate is relatively illiquid, it is difficult to measure the year to year returns precisely. However, our overall returns from rent and price changes are more informative.
Online Graph Learning under Smoothness Priors.

The growing success of graph signal processing (GSP) approaches relies heavily on prior identification of a graph over which network data admit certain regularity. However, adaptation to increasingly dynamic environments as well as demands for real-time processing of streaming data pose major challenges to this end. In this context, we develop novel algorithms for online network topology inference given streaming observations assumed to be smooth on the sought graph. Unlike existing batch algorithms, our goal is to track the (possibly) time-varying network topology while maintaining the memory and computational costs in check by processing graph signals sequentially-in-time. To recover the graph in an online fashion, we leverage proximal gradient (PG) methods to solve a judicious smoothness-regularized, time-varying optimization problem. Under mild technical conditions, we establish that the online graph learning algorithm converges to within a neighborhood of (i.e., it tracks) the optimal time-varying batch solution. Computer simulations using both synthetic and real financial market data illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in adapting to streaming signals to track slowly-varying network connectivity.
Outcomes of High Tibial Osteotomy With Versus Without Mesenchymal Stem Cell Augmentation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background:The outcomes after high tibial osteotomy (HTO) with augmentation of intra-articular mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) for medial tibiofemoral osteoarthritis remain controversial.Purpose:To po...
HER2-Low Breast Cancers.

Objectives Recent clinical trials have demonstrated significant clinical benefits from novel therapeutic compounds in breast cancer patient with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) immunohistochemical (IHC) score of 1+ or 2+ and negative in situ hybridization (ISH) result. A new concept of "HER2-low" breast cancer has been proposed and applied in the recent and ongoing clinical trials. In this article, we review the literature on the topic of HER2-low breast cancer. Methods A literature search in PubMed was performed using key words related to HER2-low breast cancer. Major relevant studies that were presented in international breast cancer conferences were also included. Results HER2-low breast cancer is currently defined as breast cancer with HER2 IHC score of 1+ or 2+ and negative ISH result. It likely represents a group of tumors with significant biological heterogeneity. Reports of clinical activity using the next generation of HER2-targeting antibody-drug conjugates in HER2-low breast cancers suggest that some strategies of targeting HER2 might be effective in this patient population while raising considerable concerns over limitations in our current testing methodologies and our ability to accurately identify such patients. Conclusions The promising efficacy of novel HER2-targeted therapy in advanced HER2-low breast cancers has raised the possibility for changing the clinical interpretation of HER2 status in breast cancer to include a HER2-low category; however, the definition of HER2-low breast cancer, the corresponding reliable and accurate quantitative HER2 testing methodology, and the biology of HER2-low breast cancer remain poorly defined.
The Development of Language in Some Neurological Diseases

The development of infants and children with neurological disorders such as Down’s syndrome, Williams syndrome, Turner syndrome, Persistent Hyperin-sulineric Hypoglycemia of Infancy, Sturge-Weber syndrome, and Porencephaly is reviewed in this chapter. The clinical and neuroanatomical features of each syndrome are provided and studies investigating deficits in language development and in visuospatial skills specific to each disorder are discussed.
Leveraging Big Data to Model the Likelihood of Developing Psychological Conditions After a Concussion

Abstract A concussion is an invisible and poorly understood mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) that can alter the way the brain functions. Patients who have screened positive for mTBI are at an increased risk of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), headaches, sleep disorders, and other neurological and psychological problems. Early detection of psychological conditions such as PTSD following a concussion might improve the overall outcome of a patient and could potentially reduce the cost associated with intense interventions often required when conditions go untreated for a long time. Statistical and predictive models that leverage large-scale clinical repositories and use pre-existing conditions to determine the probability of a patient developing psychological conditions following a concussion have not been widely studied. This paper presents an SVM-based model that has been trained with a longitudinal dataset of over 5.3 million clinical encounters of 89,840 service members that have sustained a concussion. The model has been tested and validated with over 16,045 patients that developed PTSD and it has shown an accuracy of over 85% (AUC of 86.52%) at predicting the condition within the first year following the injury.
Comparing the Cost of Caring for Medicare Beneficiaries in Federally Funded Health Centers to Other Care Settings.

Author(s): Mukamel, Dana B; White, Laura M; Nocon, Robert S; Huang, Elbert S; Sharma, Ravi; Shi, Leiyu; Ngo-Metzger, Quyen | Abstract: ObjectiveTo compare total annual costs for Medicare beneficiaries receiving primary care in federally funded health centers (HCs) to Medicare beneficiaries in physician offices and outpatient clinics.Data sources/study settingsPart A and B fee-for-service Medicare claims from 14 geographically diverse states. The sample was restricted to beneficiaries residing within primary care service areas (PCSAs) with at least one HC.Study designWe modeled separately total annual costs, annual primary care costs, and annual nonprimary care costs as a function of patient characteristics and PCSA fixed effects.Data collectionData were obtained from the Centers for Medicare a Medicaid Services.Principal findingsTotal median annual costs (at $2,370) for HC Medicare patients were lower by 10 percent compared to patients in physician offices ($2,667) and by 30 percent compared to patients in outpatient clinics ($3,580). This was due to lower nonprimary care costs in HCs, despite higher primary care costs.ConclusionsHCs may offer lower total cost practice style to the Centers for Medicare a Medicaid Services, which administers Medicare. Future research should examine whether these lower costs reflect better management by HC practitioners or more limited access to specialty care by HC patients.
On the Mechanics of Modulated Structures

The purpose of this lecture is to illustrate the appropriateness and potential of the methods of continuum mechanics in modeling modulated structures. Modulations are viewed, in general, as occurrences which may involve one or more properties of a system and extend from a submicroscopic to a macroscopic scale. They are also viewed as capable of possessing wave lengths and amplitudes which may vary from very small to very large values.
Identification of the active site tyrosine of Flp recombinase: Possible relevance of its location to the mechanism of recombination

Abstract A combination of site-directed mutagenesis and amino acid sequence analysis identifies Tyr-343 of Flp recombinase as the residue that covalently attaches to DNA during the strand-cleavage step of recombination. This residue is part of the invariant His-Arg-Tyr triad of the Int family of recombinases. Tyr-343 is located in a highly protease-accessible (and hence "open") region of Flp. This placement may provide the conformational flexibility required for the dual role of Tyr-343 in recombination: nicking of the DNA strands to initiate recombination and joining of the nicked strands across partner substrates to complete recombination. In-frame insertion of a few amino acids close to Tyr-343 (and to its amino-terminal side) does not affect substrate recognition by Flp but abolishes its catalytic function.
Genetics and Biochemistry of Pyrimidine Biosynthesis in Bacillus subtilis: Linkage Between Mutations Resulting in a Requirement for Uracil

A number of independently derived uracil-requiring mutant strains of the parent strain 168 were mapped by inter-mutant transformation crosses. Only a few of these mutant strains were found to be transformable. Studies were performed in which these transformable uracil-requiring mutant strains were used as the recipient of deoxyribonucleic acid extracted from phenotypically similar mutant strains. The results yielded data resulting in a fine-structure map in which all mutations were found to be linked in a small region corresponding to that previously published as the uracil region of the Bacillus subtilis genome.
Endothelin and the Renal Microcirculation

Endothelin (ET) is one of the most potent renal vasoconstrictors. Endothelin plays an essential role in the regulation of renal blood flow, glomerular filtration, sodium and water transport, and acid-base balance. ET-1, ET-2, and ET-3 are the three distinct endothelin isoforms comprising the endothelin family. ET-1 is the major physiologically relevant peptide and exerts its biological activity through two G-protein-coupled receptors: ET(A) and ET(B). Both ET(A) and ET(B) are expressed by the renal vasculature. Although ET(A) are expressed mainly by vascular smooth muscle cells, ET(B) are expressed by both renal endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells. Activation of the endothelin system, or overexpression of downstream endothelin signaling pathways, has been implicated in several pathophysiological conditions including hypertension, acute kidney injury, diabetic nephropathy, and immune nephritis. In this review, we focus on the effects of endothelin on the renal microvasculature, and update recent findings on endothelin in the regulation of renal hemodynamics.
A measurement and time series model for inference on accelerometer data using the Wigner-Ville distribution

To design measurement systems, appropriate data models and measurement models need to be defined, which can be used for instrument calibration. Data and measurement models using the Wigner-Ville distribution are proposed for measurement of events on vehicular accelerometer data, which is a self-similar non-stationary random process. Model variables and parameters are defined which can be chosen to optimize the likelihood of evidence on measured events. Data model based instrument calibration for event measurement will be useful for designing measurement instruments for vehicular systems.
The Mechanism of the Condensation of Formaldehyde with Tetrahydrofolic Acid

Abstract The bell-shaped pH rate profile for the reaction of tetrahydrofolic acid with formaldehyde to form 5,10-methylene tetrahydrofolic acid has been shown to result from a change in rate-determining step with changing acidity. In alkaline solution, the rate-determining step is the acid-catalyzed dehydration of hydroxymethyl tetrahydrofolic acid and its conjugate base. This step is subject to general acid catalysis with a Bronsted slope, α, of approximately 0.75. In acid solution, attack of tetrahydrofolic acid on formaldehyde is rate-determining. This step is subject to catalysis by general acids, including the solvated proton, with a Bronsted slope of 0.20. At pH values above 4, the reaction is inhibited by thiols, which combine with formaldehyde in a base-catalyzed reaction to form hemithioacetals. Depending on the reaction conditions, this inhibition can result from a lowering of the equilibrium concentration of formaldehyde or from a trapping by thiol anion of unhydrated formaldehyde, as it is formed from formaldehyde hydrate. The equilibrium constant for hemithioacetal formation from formaldehyde and mercaptoethanol is approximately 620 m-1. Secondary amines such as morpholine and imidazole catalyze the reaction of tetrahydrofolic acid with formaldehyde by nucleophilic catalysis by a pathway which must involve the intermediate formation of cationic imines, [see PDF for structure]
Discounting the Electorate

I was very recently, and most reluctantly, drawn into a running battle of private correspondence with some shakers and movers in this government, stemming from a recent article by me regarding the aftermath of Bola Ige's murder. It has been a distasteful and totally unwanted imposition. A rather critical issue was involved in those exchanges, an issue of ongoing public interest. I intend to share that concern with you this morning.
The role of LINEs and CpG islands in dosage compensation on the chicken Z chromosome

Most avian Z genes are expressed more highly in ZZ males than ZW females, suggesting that chromosome-wide mechanisms of dosage compensation have not evolved. Nevertheless, a small percentage of Z genes are expressed at similar levels in males and females, an indication that a yet unidentified mechanism compensates for the sex difference in copy number. Primary DNA sequences are thought to have a role in determining chromosome gene inactivation status on the mammalian X chromosome. However, it is currently unknown whether primary DNA sequences also mediate chicken Z gene compensation status. Using a combination of chicken DNA sequences and Z gene compensation profiles of 310 genes, we explored the relationship between Z gene compensation status and primary DNA sequence features. Statistical analysis of different Z chromosomal features revealed that long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs) and CpG islands are enriched on the Z chromosome compared with 329 other DNA features. Linear support vector machine (SVM) classifiers, using primary DNA sequences, correctly predict the Z compensation status for >60% of all Z-linked genes. CpG islands appear to be the most accurate classifier and alone can correctly predict compensation of 63% of Z genes. We also show that LINE CR1 elements are enriched 2.7-fold on the chicken Z chromosome compared with autosomes and that chicken chromosomal length is highly correlated with percentage LINE content. However, the position of LINE elements is not significantly associated with dosage compensation status of Z genes. We also find a trend for a higher proportion of CpG islands in the region of the Z chromosome with the fewest dosage-compensated genes compared with the region containing the greatest concentration of compensated genes. Comparison between chicken and platypus genomes shows that LINE elements are not enriched on sex chromosomes in platypus, indicating that LINE accumulation is not a feature of all sex chromosomes. Our results suggest that CpG islands are not randomly distributed on the Z chromosome and may influence Z gene dosage compensation status.
Actin Heterogeneity in primary embryonic culture cells from Drosophila melanogaster.

Abstract We have investigated actin heterogeneity in differentiating primary embryonic cell cultures from Drosophila melanogaster . Proteins labeled with [ 35 S]methionine have been separated using O'Farrell two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Cultures of heterogeneous cell types synthesize at least three major forms of actin, each differing slightly in isoelectric point. We have used a cell separation technique based on differential cell adhesion in the presence of ethylene glycol-bis(β-aminoethyl ether) N,N′-tetraacetate to prepare cultures either highly enriched for, or highly depleted of, myogenic cells. Postfusion myogenic cells synthesize predominantly the most acidic actin form (actin I), while nonmyogenic cells synthesize almost exclusively the two more basic forms (actins II and III). Synthesis of actins at earlier intervals in myogenic cell differentiation in vitro has also been examined. Immediately prior to the onset of myoblast fusion, the synthesis of actin I represents approximately 40% of total actin synthesis. As myogenic cell differentiation progresses this actin form is synthesized at an increasing rate, relative to actins II and III. Drosophila appears to be quite similar to vertebrates with regard to the number of actin species synthesized, as well as to cell and developmental specificity of actin synthesis.
Neural control of metamorphosis in Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera)

Abstract Experiments in which nerve section of last-instar Galleria mellonella larvae delayed or prevented pupation suggested that proprioception plays a role in controlling the initiation of the moulting cycle. This was borne out by external distortion of intact larvae, which inhibited moulting. It is suggested that the neurosecretory cells of the pars intercerebralis may be regarded as the effectors in the final common pathway that initiates metamorphosis, serving as the focus for the nervous integration of information regarding posture as well as such factors as nutritional state whereby the pupal moult occurs at an appropriate time.
Phytotoxicity and phytoremediation of 2,6-dinitrotoluene using a model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana

Abstract Biochemical and genetic studies of xenobiotic metabolism in the model plant Arabidopsis have significant potential in providing information for phytoremediation. This paper presents the toxicity of 2,6-dinitrotoluene (2,6-DNT) to Arabidopsis under axenic conditions, the fate and transformation of 2,6-DNT after uptake by the plant, and the effect of a putative glutathione S -transferase (GST), which is highly induced by 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) in the previous study, on the detoxification of 2,6-DNT. 2,6-DNT had toxic effects on the growth of Arabidopsis based on whole seedling as well as root growth assays. Using [U- 14 C]2,6-DNT, the recovery was over 87% and less than 2% accounted for the mineralization of 2,6-DNT in axenic liquid cultures during the 14 d of exposure. About half (48.3%) of the intracellular radioactivity was located in the root tissues in non-sterile hydroponic cultures. 2-Amino-6-nitrotoluene (2A6NT) and two unknown metabolites were produced as transformation products of 2,6-DNT in the liquid media. The metabolites were further characterized by proton NMR spectra and the UV-chromatograms when the plant was fed with either 2,6-DNT or 2A6NT. In addition, polar unknown metabolites were detected at short retention times from radiochromatograms of plant tissue extracts. The GST gene of the wild-type of Arabidopsis in response to 2,6-DNT was induced by 4.7-fold. However, the uptake rates and the tolerance at different concentrations of 2,6-DNT and TNT were not significantly different between the wild-type and the gst mutant indicating that induction of the GST gene is not related to the detoxification of 2,6-DNT.
SYNTHESIS AND SPECTROSCOPIC DIFFERENTIATION OF 2- AND 4-ALKOXYTHIOTETRONIC ACIDS

O-Alkylation of thiotetronic acids gives a mixture of 2- and 4-position enol ether products. Comparison of the physical data revealed that UV spectroscopy was the most reliable method of distinguishing between these related ethers. We have determined that 4-position ethers have a distinct absorption between 235-240 nm, while 2-position ethers have two absorbance peaks, one between 205-220 nm and the other between 305-310 nm. This report describes the synthesis and unambiguous characterization of 2- and 4-methoxy-3,5-dimethylthiotetronic acids. The UV absorption properties of several other pairs of thiotetronic acid ethers confirm that these differences are general features that provide a simple method for distinguishing between 2- and 4-substituted isomers.
Moraxella bovoculi and Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis: Cause or Coincidence?

Moraxella bovoculi is a recently described gram-negative coccus that was isolated from eyes of calves with infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK, or "pinkeye") in 2002. This organism probably has been associated with IBK for many years and, until it was shown to be distinct from M ovis, may have been incorrectly identified as M ovis, Branhamella ovis, M ovis-like, or B ovis-like by diagnostic laboratories. M bovoculi can be isolated from normal calves and cattle with IBK or conjunctivitis. An exact role for M bovoculi in the pathogenesis of IBK is uncertain; however, anecdotal evidence of autogenous M bovoculi bacterins successfully preventing IBK suggests that it may play a role in IBK pathogenesis. Developers of vaccines against IBK should consider including M bovoculi antigens in vaccines to prevent IBK.
Effect of Processing Variables on the Solution Characteristics of γ-Glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (γ-GPS)

Abstract The effects of the hydrolysis and condensation processes on the molecular structure of γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (γ-GPS) in aqueous solutions were investigated using Fourier-transform nuclear magnetic resonance (FT-NMR) spectroscopy and FT-Raman spectroscopy. Hydrolysis was characterized by monitoring the production of methanol and the decrease in concentration of SiOCH3 groups in 1% solutions of deuterium oxide using proton NMR. The production of methanol and loss of methoxy groups in 25% solutions of γ-GPS in water was characterized using Raman spectroscopy. Hydrolysis was found to be a very rapid process, whose rate could be increased or decreased by altering the pH of the solution. NMR spectroscopy showed that hydrolysis was complete in a 1% γ-GPS solution in deuterium oxide after 34 minutes. Raman spectroscopy also showed hydrolysis to be rapid and complete in a 25% solution of γ-GPS in water after 1 hour. Condensation, on the other hand, took a relatively long time to occur. In the ...
Selecting anti-epileptic drugs: a pediatric epileptologist's view, a computer's view.

Objective To identify which clinical characteristics are important to include in clinical decision support systems developed for Antiepileptic Drug (AEDs) selection.
Prevention and therapy of squamous cell carcinoma of the rodent esophagus using freeze-dried black raspberries

This study was conducted to determine if short-term treatment of N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine (NMBA)-induced tumors in the rat esophagus with dietary freeze-dried black raspberries (FBR) would result in tumor regression and enhanced survival of the animals. Four-week-old male Fisher-344 rats were administered an AIN-76A control diet and injected subcutaneously with 0.5 mg/kg NMBA once per week for 15 weeks. At 19 weeks, when rats had an average of 5–6 tumors (papillomas) per esophagus, they were given a control diet containing either 5%, 10%, or 20% FBR. After 7 weeks of berry treatment, all surviving rats were killed and tumor incidence, number and volume were determined. Esophageal tumor incidences, numbers and volumes in NMBA-treated rats were not influenced by any of the berry treatments. There were progressive increases in the survival of NMBA-treated rats fed 5%–20% FBR diets; however, these increases were not significant. FBR at 5%, 10%, and 20% of the diet had no effect on the development of NMBA-induced tumors in the rat esophagus or on animal survival when administered for 7 weeks beginning at the papilloma stage of tumor development. Thus, FBR appear to have no therapeutic value in the treatment of esophageal tumors. In contrast, dietary FBR are highly effective in preventing the development of NMBA-induced esophageal tumors in rats when administered before and during NMBA treatment or shortly after NMBA treatment when the esophagi contain preneoplastic (dysplastic) lesions of varying degrees of severity.
Author reply to the letter to the editor, Re: 'Laparoscopic and open reversal of Hartmann's procedure-a comparative retrospective analysis.' Surgical Endoscopy 2008(23):496-502.

We read with great interest Dr. Scheidbach’s comments and we would like to thank him for his remarks as well as for the opportunity to highlight issues regarding laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann’s procedure (LAHR). We agree with Dr. Scheidbach that the total number of patients who have undergone LAHR worldwide is low and that there remains a need for additional studies on this procedure. To that end, our study contributes to the literature the outcome for a large group of LAHR patients, describes their perioperative course, and compares the results to that for a similar cohort of open cases. It is our belief that laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann’s procedure should not be simply grouped with or compared with other colorectal laparoscopic procedures because LAHR always follows an emergent colorectal procedure that involves varying degrees of inflammation. For that reason, we chose to compare outcomes for LAHR with that for open Hartmann’s reversal, not with results for a cohort of general colorectal procedures. Within our group, we do not view conversion from LAHR to an open procedure as a complication, and as stated in our manuscript, our conversion rate is within the range reported in the literature. However, it is important to highlight the generally high conversion rate for LAHR, and as such, the procedure should be approached with extra caution by inexperienced surgeons. In addition, we thank Dr. Scheidbach for bringing to our attention additional literature on the LAHR experience. Unfortunately, we were unable to locate Dr. Scheidbach’s aforementioned manuscript despite a thorough search of the National Library of Medicine; however, we were able to find his report on 12 LAHR patients after a Google search of the Internet [1]. Unfortunately, Haughn et al.’s publication [2] came to our attention only after our revision process was complete. We applaud Dr. Haughn and Dr. Scheidbach for their work, and we congratulate Peterson et al. [3] for the recent series of 71 LAHR patients published this year to which Dr. Scheidbach is presumably referring. We hope that additional studies with larger cohorts will soon be published and contribute to the accumulating experience with LAHR.
Market Share and Religious Competition: Do Small Market Share Congregations and Their Leaders Try Harder?

A central claim of the religious economies model is that religious competition affects levels of religious participation and commitment primarily because religious competition pushes the suppliers of religion (religious leaders and organizations) to market their faith more vigorously and effectively. We examine whether U.S. congregations experiencing greater religious competition measured by their smaller religious market share do more to recruit new members, offer more services to current followers, and whether their clergy work longer hours. The efforts of congregations and clergy do vary substantially, but this variation is not related to their denomination's market share. The variations are also not due to religious pluralism, intradenominational competition, or evangelical market share. Members of small market share congregations are more committed, but this higher commitment does not appear to arise because religious suppliers are responding to religious competition. Several alternative explanations for the higher commitment levels of small market share groups are offered with a discussion of the implications for theories of religious competition.
Improving the dispersion of steel fibers in cement mortar by the addition of silane

The dispersion of steel fibers in steel-fiber-reinforced mortar was improved by the use of silane as an admixture, as indicated by electrical resistivity measurement conducted at a low fiber volume fraction below the percolation threshold. The use of silane to coat the steel fibers rather than as an admixture was less effective.
Enhanced Fritz John Conditions for Convex Programming

We consider convex constrained optimization problems, and we enhance the classical Fritz John optimality conditions to assert the existence of multipliers with special sensitivity properties. In particular, we prove the existence of Fritz John multipliers that are informative in the sense that they identify constraints whose relaxation, at rates proportional to the multipliers, strictly improves the primal optimal value. Moreover, we show that if the set of geometric multipliers is nonempty, then the minimum-norm vector of this set is informative and defines the optimal rate of cost improvement per unit constraint violation. Our assumptions are very general and, in particular, allow for the presence of a duality gap and the nonexistence of optimal solutions. In particular, for the case where there is a duality gap, we establish enhanced Fritz John conditions involving the dual optimal value and dual optimal solutions.
The anticonvulsant and proconvulsant effects of α2-adrenoreceptor agonists are mediated by distinct populations of α2a-adrenoreceptors

The alpha2-adrenoreceptor (AR) is the most investigated noradrenergic receptor with regard to modulation of seizure activity. However, because of the complexity of multiple alpha2-AR subtypes and their distribution, the exact role of this receptor in modulating seizure activity is not clear. alpha2A- and alpha2C-ARs function as both autoreceptors (presynaptic) on noradrenergic neurons, where they regulate norepinephrine (NE) release, and as postsynaptic receptors on neurons that receive noradrenergic innervation, where they regulate the release of other neurotransmitters (heteroreceptor). The nonselective alpha2-AR agonist clonidine produced a proconvulsant effect on seizure susceptibility, while the selective alpha2A-AR agonist guanfacine was anticonvulsant. The effects of both alpha2-AR agonists were absent in alpha2a knockout mice, suggesting that the alpha2A-AR mediates the proconvulsant and anticonvulsant effect of alpha2-AR agonists on seizure susceptibility. To determine whether the alpha2-AR agonists were acting on inhibitory presynaptic autoreceptors to decrease NE release or on postsynaptic receptors on NE target neurons, the effects of clonidine and guanfacine were determined in dopamine beta-hydroxylase knockout (Dbh -/-) mice that lack NE. The anticonvulsant effect of guanfacine persisted in Dbh -/- mice, suggesting that guanfacine may act preferentially on alpha2A-postsynaptic receptors that regulate the action of NE on target neurons. In contrast, the proconvulsant effect of clonidine was lost in Dbh -/- mice, suggesting that clonidine may act on presynaptic autoreceptors to decrease NE release. We hypothesize that the alpha2A-presynaptic autoreceptor is responsible for the proconvulsant effect of alpha2-AR agonists, while the alpha2A-postsynaptic receptor is responsible for the anticonvulsant effect of alpha2-AR agonists. These data help to clarify the inconsistent effects of alpha2-AR agonists on seizure activity.
Tetralogy of Fallot, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, and Down's Syndrome: A Rare and Challenging Combination

A case of the combination of tetralogy of Fallot, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and Down's syndrome is reported here and is the first report on the combination of the 3 entities. Tetralogy of Fallot is often associated with chromosomal aberration, while hypertrophic cardiomyopathy associates with certain gene loci. Our experience with treating this patient, although ultimately unsuccessful, may provide useful information in any future cases.
A structural mechanism for maintaining the 'on-state' of the CaMKII memory switch in the post-synaptic density.

Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is activated by Ca2+ entry into neurons. Autophosphorylation of T286 is of special importance because it makes the enzyme active in the absence of Ca2+, providing a biochemical memory that is critical for plasticity. To understand the factors controlling the duration of this state of CaMKII, we studied dephosphorylation of CaMKII in the post-synaptic density (PSD), a structure that defines a neuronal subcompartment critical for plasticity. We found that PSD-resident PP1 can dephosphorylate many sites on CaMKII, but not the T286 site that produces Ca2+-independent activity. This, together with previous work showing that soluble PP2A cannot dephosphorylate PSD CaMKII, provides a novel explanation for the in vivo persistence of T286 phosphorylation: after activated CaMKII translocates from the cytoplasm to the PSD, structural constraints prevent phosphatases from dephosphorylating T286. These results also suggest that the PSD is more than a simple scaffold for synaptic proteins; it may act to regulate the activity of proteins by positioning them in orientations that either prevent or favor specific biochemical reactions.
Monads and Mathematics: Gödel and Husserl

In 1928 Edmund Husserl wrote that “The ideal of the future is essentially that of phenomenologically based (“philosophical”) sciences, in unitary relation to an absolute theory of monads” (“Phenomenology”, Encyclopedia Britannica draft) There are references to phenomenological monadology in various writings of Husserl. Kurt Godel began to study Husserl’s work in 1959. On the basis of his later discussions with Godel, Hao Wang tells us that “Godel’s own main aim in philosophy was to develop metaphysics—specifically, something like the monadology of Leibniz transformed into exact theory—with the help of phenomenology.” (A Logical Journey: From Godel to Philosophy, p. 166) In the Cartesian Meditations and other works Husserl identifies ‘monads’ (in his sense) with ‘transcendental egos in their full concreteness’. In this paper I explore some prospects for a Godelian monadology that result from this identification, with reference to texts of Godel and to aspects of Leibniz’s original monadology.
Edge cracks in a laminated cross-ply strip

The problem of edge cracks in an infinite strip of laminated cross-ply materials is considered. Using a singular integral equation formulation and the Gauss-Chebyshev collocation technique, the stress intensity around the cracks is determined as a function of crack length-to-ply thickness ratio and lamina thickness ratio. In addition, the interlaminar shear and maximum cleavage stress in the uncracked layer are determined.
Increase in observed net carbon dioxide uptake by land and oceans during the past 50 years

One of the greatest sources of uncertainty for future climate predictions is the response of the global carbon cycle to climate change. Although approximately one-half of total CO(2) emissions is at present taken up by combined land and ocean carbon reservoirs, models predict a decline in future carbon uptake by these reservoirs, resulting in a positive carbon-climate feedback. Several recent studies suggest that rates of carbon uptake by the land and ocean have remained constant or declined in recent decades. Other work, however, has called into question the reported decline. Here we use global-scale atmospheric CO(2) measurements, CO(2) emission inventories and their full range of uncertainties to calculate changes in global CO(2) sources and sinks during the past 50 years. Our mass balance analysis shows that net global carbon uptake has increased significantly by about 0.05 billion tonnes of carbon per year and that global carbon uptake doubled, from 2.4 ± 0.8 to 5.0 ± 0.9 billion tonnes per year, between 1960 and 2010. Therefore, it is very unlikely that both land and ocean carbon sinks have decreased on a global scale. Since 1959, approximately 350 billion tonnes of carbon have been emitted by humans to the atmosphere, of which about 55 per cent has moved into the land and oceans. Thus, identifying the mechanisms and locations responsible for increasing global carbon uptake remains a critical challenge in constraining the modern global carbon budget and predicting future carbon-climate interactions.
Fuzzy Sets: Theory of Applications to Policy Analysis and Information Systems

In this volume, we present a spectrum of original research works ranging from the very basic properties and characteristics of fuzzy sets to specific areas of applications in the fields of policy analysis and information systems. The first part, theory, presents some fine added contributions toward a deeper basic understanding of fuzzy set theory and serves to enrich set theory in the direction of maturity and completeness of its theoretical development.
An enzymatic inosine 5'-monophosphate assay of increased specificity.

Abstract The enzymatic inosine 5′-monophosphate assay described by Grassl [in, Methods of Enzymatic Analysis (H. U. Bergman, ed.), pp. 2168–2171, Academic Press, New York (1974)] is highly nonspecific, as ITP, ATP, ADP, AMP, and adenosine react stoichiometrically. The reactivity with the adenine derivatives is due to the tri- and diphosphatase activity of alkaline phosphatase (AP), coupled with adenosine deaminase (and possibly AMP deaminase) contamination of commercially available preparations of AP, purine-nucleoside phosphorylase, and/or xanthine oxidase. The inclusion of coformycin (0.05 μg/ml), a potent inhibitor of these deaminases, completely eliminated the cross-reactivity. ITP, however, still reacted stoichiometrically due to the tri- and diphosphatase activity of AP. Meyer and Terjung [Amer. J. Physiol.237 C111–C118 (1979)] introduced a modification of Grassl's procedure, substituting 5′-nucleotidase for AP. It has been found that this disallows reactivity with ATP, ADP, and ITP but that AMP and adenosine still react completely. Coformycin prevents this cross-reactivity. It is therefore recommended that the assay be carried out with 5′-nucleotidase (instead of AP) and coformycin, in order to achieve a more specific assay, and one more suitable for use with whole tissue extracts.
SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF THE RHEUMATOID HIP

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has improved significantly in the last 30 years since the popularization of the procedure by John Charnley in the late 1960s. The significant advances in THA in the last 20 years have been that it is highly reproducible and durable, has high quality of function and low morbidity, patient satisfaction is high, and salvage is possible when necessary. The main object of this article is to discuss the surgical management of patients who have RA of the hip joint, dealing with indications, surgical techniques, results, and complications.
The association of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase with phosphoriboisomerase and phosphoribulokinase

RuBPCase from peas showed Ribose-5-phosphate and Ribulose-5-phosphate dependent CO 2 fixation when purified on sucrose gradients or by conventional methods. If purification was done in the presence of 20 mM MgCl 2 and 20–25 mM NaHCO 3 RuBPCase showed higher Ribose-5-phosphate and Ribulose-5-phosphate dependent CO 2 fixation rates. Partially purified phosphoriboisomerase, phosphoribulokinase and RuBPCase from spinach could be reassociated in vitro .