cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chronic constrictive pericarditis: Further consideration of the pathologic physiology of the disease

Abstract 1. 1. The methods of catheterization of the heart and the pulmonary vessels make it practical, for the first time, to investigate the pressure and flow phenomena in the right side of the heart and in the pulmonary vascular system of patients with constrictive pericarditis. Six such patients have been studied by these methods. 2. 2. Every patient showed an elevation of pulmonary “capillary” pressure (which reflects pulmonary venous pressure). This demonstration of pulmonary congestion is interpreted as indicating that involvement of the left ventricle plays a more important and sinister role in the functional changes associated with pericardial constriction than has been demonstrated previously. 3. 3. Every patient also showed an elevation of pressure in peripheral veins and in right atrium, and pressure measurements in the right ventricle and pulmonary artery which indicate a reduced ability of the right ventricle to contribute to the forward movement of blood. These observations confirm and emphasize the previously recognized involvement of the right ventricle. 4. 4. In every patient before operation the mean pulmonary capillary pressure was approximately equal to the peripheral venous pressure. 5. 5. No patient exhibited pressure changes pointing to physiologically significant obstruction in great veins or auricles. 6. 6. The limitation of stroke volume and cardiac output per minute in constrictive pericarditis previously demonstrated by other methods is confirmed by these studies. 7. 7. Consideration of the course of events after operation suggests that myocardial atrophy, myocardial fibrosis, and incomplete release of the ventricles may all play a role in the slow, and in most cases, incomplete return to normal dynamics after operation. 8. 8. The specific therapeutic implications of this study are: (A) the objective of surgery is the adequate release of both ventricles; (B) no indications have been found for the decortication of great veins or auricles, and (C) the early use of antibiotics in acute tuberculous pericarditis may minimize myocardial fibrosis and may permit operative treatment before myocardial atrophy is severe. 9. 9. Finally, the fact that improvement after operation is often slow and often incomplete in terms of objective measurement should not lead physicians to ignore the more important fact that a well-planned operation for constrictive pericarditis has in the past usually made the difference between invalidism and activity. The studies reported in this paper may be expected to make future operations for this disorder even more effective.
Lessons learned from the core RNA promoters of Brome mosaic virus and Cucumber mosaic virus

summary RNA core promoters are nucleotide sequences needed to direct proper initiation of viral RNA synthesis by the viral replicase. Minimal length core promoter-templates that can direct accurate initiation of the genomic plus-, genomic minus-, and subgenomic RNAs of Brome mosaic virus and Cucumber mosaic virus were characterized in previous works. Several common themes and differences were observed in how each of the core promoters directed the initiation of viral RNA synthesis in vitro. These observations are summarized and compared in this short review.
An experimental study on the effects of salamander larvae on isopods in stream pools

SUMMARY 1. We used a combination of field surveys and field and laboratory experiments to examine the effects of predatory small-mouthed salamander larvae, Ambystoma barbouri (Kraus and Petranka), on the density and microhabitat use of benthic isopods, Lirceus fontinalis (Rafinesque). 2. A survey of four field stations yielded a significant negative relationship between the densities of salamander larvae and isopods. 3. A field experimental manipulation of salamander density confirmed that salamanders reduce isopod density and isopod use of open micro-habitat. Salamanders did not significantly affect the mean or coefficient of variation in isopod size. 4. A laboratory experiment showed that in the absence of refuges for isopods, salamanders were capable of eating large numbers of isopods; small isopods were particularly vulnerable to salamander predation.
Methodology, Design, and Analytic Techniques to Address Measurement of Comorbid Disease

Background Measurement of comorbidity affects all variable axes that are considered in health care research: confounding, modifying, independent, and dependent variable. Comorbidity measurement particularly affects research involving older adults because they bear the disproportionate share of the comorbidity burden.
Super-resolution 2-photon microscopy reveals that the morphology of each dendritic spine correlates with diffusive but not synaptic properties

The structure of dendritic spines suggests a specialized function in compartmentalizing synaptic signals near active synapses. Indeed, theoretical and experimental analyses indicate that the diffusive resistance of the spine neck is sufficient to effectively compartmentalize some signaling molecules in a spine for the duration of their activated lifetime. Here we describe the application of 2-photon microscopy combined with stimulated emission depletion (STED-2P) to the biophysical study of the relationship between synaptic signals and spine morphology, demonstrating the utility of combining STED-2P with modern optical and electrophysiological techniques. Morphological determinants of fluorescence recovery time were identified and evaluated within the context of a simple compartmental model describing diffusive transfer between spine and dendrite. Correlations between the neck geometry and the amplitude of synapse potentials and calcium transients evoked by 2-photon glutamate uncaging were also investigated.
Is wire tapering worthwhile

Wire sizing and buffer insertion/sizing are critical optimizations in deep submicron design. The past years have seen several studies of buffer insertion, wire sizing, and their simultaneous optimization. When wiring long interconnect, tapering, i.e., reducing the wire width as the distance from the driver increases, has proven effective. However tapering is not widely utilized in industry since it is difficult to integrate into a complete routing methodology. The article examines the benefits of wire sizing with tapering when combined with buffer insertion. We perform several experiments with actual IBM technologies. Results indicate that wire tapering reduces delay typically by less than 5% compared to uniform wire sizing, when buffers can be inserted. Consequently, we suggest that it may not be worthwhile to maintain a routing methodology that supports wire tapering.
Catastrophic Collapse of the Larval Trematode Component Community in Charlie's Pond (North Carolina)

Abstract: In 1984, work on the parasite population and community ecology in the pulmonate snail, Helisoma anceps, was initiated in Charlie's Pond (North Carolina). Similar research on Physa gyrina was started in 1986. When study in the pond began in 1984, 8 species of larval trematodes were being shed from Hel. anceps. By far, the dominant species was Halipegus occidualis, with prevalences generally ∼60%, except during midsummer, when older snails were dying. For the other 7 trematode species being shed, prevalences were consistently less than 4%. By 2006, 18 species had been identified in Hel. anceps at one time or another. In 1986, Hal. eccentricus was discovered in P. gyrina, with a prevalence of ∼49%. Through 2006, 7 trematodes were found to be shedding cercariae from P. gyrina. Halipegus eccentricus disappeared from the pond in 1998. From March through November of 2012 and 2013, 1,292 Hel. anceps and 716 P. gyrina were collected, using collection protocols that were identical to those used from 1984...
Breast tumor characterization via complex natural resonances

The research described in this paper is aimed at modeling tumors in breast tissue as buried dielectric targets so that their complex natural resonances (CNR) can be identified and correlated with clinically useful properties. FDTD simulation and Prony's method are used to demonstrate the approach numerically. The technique is proposed as a modality complementary to ultrasound tumor detection.
The Regulation of Actin Organization by Actin-Depolymerizing Factor in Elongating Pollen Tubes

Pollen tube elongation is a polarized cell growth process that transports the male gametes from the stigma to the ovary for fertilization inside the ovules. Actomyosin-driven intracellular trafficking and active actin remodeling in the apical and subapical regions of pollen tubes are both important aspects of this rapid tip growth process. Actin-depolymerizing factor (ADF) and cofilin are actin binding proteins that enhance the depolymerization of microfilaments at their minus, or slow-growing, ends. A pollen-specific ADF from tobacco, NtADF1, was used to dissect the role of ADF in pollen tube growth. Overexpression of NtADF1 resulted in the reduction of fine, axially oriented actin cables in transformed pollen tubes and in the inhibition of pollen tube growth in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, the proper regulation of actin turnover by NtADF1 is critical for pollen tube growth. When expressed at a moderate level in pollen tubes elongating in in vitro cultures, green fluorescent protein (GFP)–tagged NtADF1 (GFP-NtADF1) associated predominantly with a subapical actin mesh composed of short actin filaments and with long actin cables in the shank. Similar labeling patterns were observed for GFP-NtADF1–expressing pollen tubes elongating within the pistil. A Ser-6-to-Asp conversion abolished the interaction between NtADF1 and F-actin in elongating pollen tubes and reduced its inhibitory effect on pollen tube growth significantly, suggesting that phosphorylation at Ser-6 may be a prominent regulatory mechanism for this pollen ADF. As with some ADF/cofilin, the in vitro actin-depolymerizing activity of recombinant NtADF1 was enhanced by slightly alkaline conditions. Because a pH gradient is known to exist in the apical region of elongating pollen tubes, it seems plausible that the in vivo actin-depolymerizing activity of NtADF1, and thus its contribution to actin dynamics, may be regulated spatially by differential H+ concentrations in the apical region of elongating pollen tubes.
Knowledge and wisdom

Jim Gray was my mentor and friend for almost 25 years. Even before we met, he was changing my life through his writings. Jim continually and patiently nudged me to strive for more, accomplish more, and to pass these gifts on to others. He embodied those attributes that I most want to emulate.Jim influenced those around him both by sharing in his immense knowledge and by listening and guiding. Even more, he created a community that fostered growth and sharing across competitive boundaries with a clear ethical compass. This paper summarizes my experiences with Jim's approach to nurturing and mentoring.
Opposing Activities of the Snx3-Retromer Complex and ESCRT Proteins Mediate Regulated Cargo Sorting at a Common Endosome

Endocytosed proteins are either delivered to the lysosome to be degraded or are exported from the endosomal system and delivered to other organelles. Sorting of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae reductive iron transporter, composed of the Fet3 and Ftr1 proteins, in the endosomal system is regulated by available iron; in iron-starved cells, Fet3-Ftr1 is sorted by Snx3/Grd19 and retromer into a recycling pathway that delivers it back to the plasma membrane, but when starved cells are exposed to iron, Fet3-Ftr1 is targeted to the lysosome-like vacuole and is degraded. We report that iron-induced endocytosis of Fet3-Ftr1 is independent of Fet3-Ftr1 ubiquitylation, and after endocytosis, degradation of Fet3-Ftr1 is mediated by the multivesicular body (MVB) sorting pathway. In mutant cells lacking any component of the ESCRT protein-dependent MVB sorting machinery, the Rsp5 ubiquitin ligase, or in wild-type cells expressing Fet3-Ftr1 lacking cytosolic lysyl ubiquitin acceptor sites, Fet3-Ftr1 is constitutively sorted into the recycling pathway independent of iron status. In the presence and absence of iron, Fet3-Ftr1 transits an endosomal compartment where a subunit of the MVB sorting receptor (Vps27), Snx3/Grd19, and retromer proteins colocalize. We propose that this endosome is where Rsp5 ubiquitylates Fet3-Ftr1 and where the recycling and degradative pathways diverge.
Lidocaine-induced conduction disturbance in patients with systemic hyperkalemia

We report 2 cases in which lidocaine, given for wide-complex tachycardia in the presence of hyperkalemia, precipitated profound conduction disturbance and asystole. The electrophysiologic effects of hyperkalemia and its interaction with lidocaine are reviewed. In patients with known hyperkalemia and wide-complex tachycardia, treatment should be directed at hyperkalemia, rather than following treatment algorithms for wide-complex tachycardia.
A 47pJ/pulse 3.1-to-5GHz All-Digital UWB Transmitter in 90nm CMOS

An all-digital UWB TX is presented that generates PPM pulses with a center frequency tunable to 3 channels in the 3.1-to-5GHz band without the use of an RF oscillator. A delay-based spectral scrambling technique is proposed that exploits the digital architecture. The circuit achieves 47pJ/b at a data rate of 10Mb/s.
An unlevel playing field: women in the introductory computer science courses

This study looks at students in introductory computer science courses at two major universities in order to understand some of the reasons behind the recent sharp decline in the number of female computer science majors. The study focuses on gender differences in preparation and skills and the implications of these differences on success in the introductory course.The study showed that despite the proliferation of computers in many areas of daily life, female students still enter introductory computer science classes with weaker programming skills and less involvement with computers than their male counterparts.Prior familiarity with programming concepts emerged as the most useful predictor of success in the course and a high level of success was difficult to achieve without this prior knowledge. The mean grades were comparable for men and women but the women were underrepresented among the highest achievers.This study suggests that the above factors combine to place women at a disadvantage in introductory computer science classes and that some adjustments to the pace and/or structure of this course might be necessary to attract and retain more women in the major.
Preparing the Next Generation of Early Childhood Teachers: The Emerging Role of Interprofessional Education and Collaboration in Teacher Education

Effective collaboration between early childhood teachers and social workers is now considered critical to providing children with adequate psycho-social supports and services in early childhood settings. In order for this interdisciplinary collaboration to be more effective, opportunities for each discipline to learn about each other's knowledge, skills, roles, and responsibilities need to occur well before these professionals enter early childhood settings. This pilot study engaged 2nd-year, preservice, graduate early childhood education and social work students in an interprofessional training and collaborative activity as part of their graduate coursework. Following this training and activity, the early childhood education graduate students and the social work graduate students were invited to participate in uni-professional focus groups as a way to explore their experiences. Findings suggest that although there is general agreement among graduate students that interdisciplinary training and learning a...
Carbon solubility in core melts in a shallow magma ocean environment and distribution of carbon between the Earth's core and the mantle

Abstract The solubility of carbon in Fe and Fe–5.2 wt.% Ni melts, saturated with graphite, determined by electron microprobe analysis of quenched metal melts was 5.8 ± 0.1 wt.% at 2000 °C, 6.7 ± 0.2 wt.% at 2200 °C, and 7.4 ± 0.2 wt.% at 2410 °C at 2 GPa, conditions relevant for core/mantle differentiation in a shallow magma ocean. These solubilities are slightly lower than low-pressure literature values and significantly beneath calculated values for even higher pressures [e.g., Wood B. J. (1993) Carbon in the core. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 117, 593–607]. The trend of C solubility versus temperature for Fe–5.2 wt.% Ni melt, within analytical uncertainties, is similar to or slightly lower (∼0.2–0.4 wt.%) than that of pure Fe. Carbon content of core melts and residual mantle silicates derived from equilibrium batch or fractional segregation of core liquids and their comparison with our solubility data and carbon content estimate of the present day mantle, respectively, constrain the partition coefficient of carbon between silicate and metallic melts, D C silicate/metal in a magma ocean. For the entire range of possible bulk Earth carbon content from chondritic to subchondritic values, D C silicate/metal of 10−4 to 1 is derived. But for ∼1000 ppm bulk Earth carbon, D C silicate/metal is between 10−2 and 1. Using the complete range of possible D C silicate/metal for a magma ocean at ∼2200 °C, we predict maximum carbon content of the Earth’s core to be ∼6–7 wt.% and a preferred value of 0.25 ± 0.15 wt.% for a bulk Earth carbon concentration of ∼1000 ppm.
Cellular Morphogenesis under Stress is Influenced by the Sphingolipid Pathway Gene ISC1 and DNA Integrity Checkpoint Genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, replication stress induced by hydroxyurea (HU) and methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) activates DNA integrity checkpoints; in checkpoint-defective yeast strains, HU treatment also induces morphological aberrations. We find that the sphingolipid pathway gene ISC1, the product of which catalyzes the generation of bioactive ceramides from complex sphingolipids, plays a novel role in determining cellular morphology following HU/MMS treatment. HU-treated isc1Δ cells display morphological aberrations, cell-wall defects, and defects in actin depolymerization. Swe1, a morphogenesis checkpoint regulator, and the cell cycle regulator Cdk1 play key roles in these morphological defects of isc1Δ cells. A genetic approach reveals that ISC1 interacts with other checkpoint proteins to control cell morphology. That is, yeast carrying deletions of both ISC1 and a replication checkpoint mediator gene including MRC1, TOF1, or CSM3 display basal morphological defects, which increase following HU treatment. Interestingly, strains with deletions of both ISC1 and the DNA damage checkpoint mediator gene RAD9 display reduced morphological aberrations irrespective of HU treatment, suggesting a role for RAD9 in determining the morphology of isc1Δ cells. Mechanistically, the checkpoint regulator Rad53 partially influences isc1Δ cell morphology in a dosage-dependent manner.
Persevering in the Face of Hardship: Families of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities in the People’s Republic of China

In 2006, it was estimated that China has approximately 83 million individuals with disabilities, which is about 6% of the general population. However, little is known about the families of these individuals. This chapter provides an overview of literature on family research in the Peopleâs Republic of China. Only 16 peer-reviewed studies in both English and Chinese were found for this review. The paramount need of Chinese families of children with developmental disabilities is access to free and public education. More empirical studies are needed to assist policy makers in developing educational and social service infrastructure to effectively serve these individuals with disabilities.
Time Accurate Analysis of Supersonic Flows over a Backward-Facing Step with Applied Magnetic Fields

*† Time dependent behavior of shock/boundary layer interaction has been investigated numerically for flows over backward facing step. Magnetohydrodynamics computations have been performed to explore the effects of applied magnetic field over unsteady nature of the problem. Time-explicit modified Runge-Kutta scheme with TVD limiters under multiblock grid approach has been implemented. The governing equations are composed of the Navier-Stokes equation modified to include the effect of magnetic field. In the current applications, the low magnetic Reynolds number approximation is used. Results for NavierStokes analysis agree well with the available data. It has been found that application of magnetic field can enhance the unsteady nature of the problem.
Electrochemical Properties of Li3Fe0.2Mn0.8CO3PO4 as a Li-Ion Battery Cathode

Previously conducted high-throughput ab initio calculations have identified carbonophosphates as a new class of polyanion cathode materials. Li3MnCO3PO4 is the most promising candidate due to its high theoretical capacity and ideal voltage range. However, a major limitation of this material is its poor cyclability and experimentally observed capacity. In this work we synthesize Li3Fe0.2Mn0.8CO3PO4 to combine the high theoretical capacity of Li3MnCO3PO4 with the high cyclability of Li3FeCO3PO4. Li3Fe0.2Mn0.8CO3PO4 outperforms Li3MnCO3PO4 in cyclability, and shows little capacity fade over 25 cycles. The observed reversible capacity of 105 mAh/g is slightly greater than in Li3FeCO3PO4, and occurs at a higher average voltage. © 2013 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/2.009308eel] All rights reserved.
Education Considerations: Communication Curricula, Simulated Resuscitation, and Duty Hour Restrictions.

In routine practice, an intensivist must convey intricate and often devastating information to patients and surrogates, guiding them through complex decisions with life-and-death implications. Although the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and the American Thoracic Society have called for pulmonary and critical care medicine (PCCM) trainees to receive formal communication skills training, few curricula have been developed, implemented, and published. Focusing on the family meeting as a prototypical intensive care unit (ICU) encounter, McCallister and colleagues (1) developed a year-long communication skills educational program. Beginning with a 3-hour didactic workshop incorporating role plays, the program was interwoven into the first year of PCCM fellowship. The authors created a checklist-based assessment derived from available literature on ICU communication, the Family Meeting Behavioral Skills Checklist, to facilitate feedback and monitor evolution of fellows’ skills. This tool was used for self-evaluation, to provide structured feedback from palliative medicine faculty observing fellows conducting family meetings, and by two blinded psychologists who scored digital recordings of simulated family meetings performed before and after the intervention. In a pre–post analysis, trainees demonstrated a significant increase in total observed Family Meeting Behavioral Skills Checklist skills from 51 to 65% (P, 0.01; Cohen’s D effect size, 1.13) and improved self-confidence (from 77 to 89%, P, 0.01; effect size, 0.87). In the same issue of AnnalsATS, Hope and colleagues (2) describe a communication skills program implemented in their medical ICU. This 1-month curriculum incorporated didactic sessions focused on palliative care, ethics, and end-of-life care, as well as several family conference simulations. Key communication concepts were emphasized through repetition and reinforcement. In unblinded pre–post faculty evaluations fellows demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in three skills: setting an agenda (64% vs. 41%; chi-square, 5.27; P = 0.02); summarizing the care the patient would receive (64% vs. 39%; chi-square, 6.21; P = 0.01); and outlining the follow-up plan (60% vs. 37%; chi-square, 5.2; P = 0.02). Both fellowships created a didactic series, an original checklist evaluation, and used both self-assessments and simulations to judge trainees’ progress. Whereas one was interwoven throughout the year, the other occurred in a single medical ICU rotation. These studies demonstrate the feasibility of embedding communication training in PCCM fellowship, thereby improving trainees’ observable skills and self-confidence. Further study is required to validate these novel assessment tools and measure impact of the educational interventions on patient-centered outcomes, including attention to emotion and to assess optimal structure and duration of curriculum. n
Further Experiments on the Grafted Eye and the Regeneration of the Lens in Amphibians

These studies are another part of a series of investigations which have already been reported1-4 on the grafted vertebrate eye. The present one is based upon results obtained in 262 operated eyes in an adult salamander, Triturus viridescens. In 110 cases the eye was excised and reimplanted in its orbit, i. e., replaced in its normal environment. In 90 cases the lens was removed through an incision made in the cornea. In 62 cases the main blood vessels leading to the eye were severed either along with or without the optic nerve. In a majority of animals the eyes and lenses were measured and dissected in the fresh state.When the eye is reimplanted there is some reduction in its size followed by a degree of recovery. Careful measurements of the fresh eye show that up to 365 days there is no complete recovery.Cases vary from 85% to 98% of attaining their normal size during this time. In the specimens from which the lens was removed there was also a slight decrease in the size of the eye following operation. T...
Sequence of shock and nonshock training trials influences the extinction of escape behavior

Escape behavior was extinguished following training under either 100% shock or 50% shock and nonshock trials intermixed in double alternation, single alternation, or random sequences. Resistance to extinction was greater for alternation than for random or 100% conditions; double alternation yielded reliably greater resistance to extinction than all other conditions.
Squash and Gourd Bees of the Genus Xenoglossa (Hymenoptera: Apoidea)

The genus Xenoglossa Smith consists of 7 species which are restricted to North America and derive virtually their entire economy from the genus Cucurbita (squashes, gourds, and pumpkins). These species differ in their abilities to collect the pollens of the various species of Cucurbita , both indigenous and domestic, and from these relationships we are able to suggest certain tentative conclusions concerning their evolution and distribution. Since the fig-leaf gourd ( C. ficifolia ) has species of both Xenoglossa and Peponapis solely dependent upon its pollen, it evidently was a native species of Cucurbita before the advent of aboriginal man. No species of Xenoglossa or Peponapis is solely dependent on the pollens of the 4 annual species of domesticated Cucurbita ( C. maxima, C. mixta, C. moschata and C. pepo ) and thus apparently these species of Cucurbita were developed by aboriginal man. A key is provided for identification of both sexes of the 7 species, and new records of the occurrence and plant relationships of these bees are reported. Characters useful for the identification of species are illustrated and the known occurrence of each species is mapped. Changes in rank and new synonymy include Xenoglossa gabbii crawfordi (= X. crawfordi Cockerell), X. gabbii gabbii (= X. gabbii (Cresson), = X. fuliginosa Gribodo), and X. strenna (= X. spriuna Howard, which is transferred to this genus from Peponapis where it has erroneously been listed as a synonym of P. pruinosa ). Additional lectotypes are selected and designated for X. mustelina (Fox).
Polymorphisms of δ-Aminolevulinic Acid Dehydratase,Vit D Receptor and Genetic Susceptibility of Lead Posioning in Han,Uygur and Kazak Children

BACKGROUND AND AIM:To explore the polymorphisms of δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase(ALAD),vitamin D receptor(VDR) and genetic susceptibility of lead posioning in Han,Uygur and Kazak children.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ALAD and VDR genotypings were determined by PCR-RFLP in 489 Han,499 Uygur and 525 Kazak individuals from Urumqi city of Xinjiang province.RESULTS: The genotype frequencies of ALAD and VDR showed significant differences in Han,Uygur and Kazak subjects(P0.01).According to VDR-BsmI、Taq I and Apa I haplotype analysis,haplotype Atb and AtB in Han were considerately decreased in lead poisoning group(P0.05) while haplotype aTb and ATb significantly increased in lead poisoning group(P0.01).However,such results were not found in Uygur and Kazak(P0.05).CONCLUSION: A significant difference was seen in the frequency distribution of ALAD and VDR genotype among the different races.Haplotype Atb and AtB might be protective factors while haplotype ATb and aTb might be risk factors in Han.
Uncertainty in determination results of urine lead detection limit by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

[Objective]To explore the types and sources of deviations in determination of urine lead detection limit by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry( GFAAS),establish the method for the evaluation of uncertainty in determination of urine lead detection limit.[Methods]Based on the principle and method of the Evaluation and expression of uncertainty in measurement( JJF 1059-1999),combined standard uncertainty in determination of urine lead detection limit by GFAAS was calculated.[Results]The detection limit of urine lead by GFAAS was 0.35 μg / L,and the detection range was between 0.190 μg / L and 0.510 μg / L.[Conclusion]By the evaluation on the uncertainty of urine lead detection limit,the method can fully satisfy the relevant standard( reference value) for determination of urine lead in practical work and the demand of the sensibility in methodology.
Endoscopic techniques in management of biliary tract injuries.

The endoscopic approach to biliary tract injury is predicated on both the timing of discovery and the extent of injury. As such, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography may only provide an anatomic outline in patients with complete duct transection, in patients with inadvertent clipping of the right hepatic duct, or in patients with long ischemic strictures caused by thermal or staple injuries. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, often in conjunction with percutaneous biloma drainage, is the procedure of choice in patients with postoperative bile leakage, and the type of endotherapy undertaken is contingent on both the site of leakage and presence or absence of concomitant ductal obstruction. Periodic balloon dilation and endoprosthesis exchange now have been shown clearly to be an effective therapy for a subset of patients with iatrogenic biliary stenoses. This is a still-evolving concept, and long-term patient follow-up care is advised.
Interferon Beta-1a:

Each month, subscribers to The Formulary® Monograph Service receive five to six well-documented monographs on drugs that are newly released or are in late Phase III trials. The monographs are targeted to your Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee. Subscribers also receive monthly one-page summary monographs on the agents that are useful for agendas and pharmacy/nursing in-services. A comprehensive target drug utilization evaluation (DUE) is also provided each month. The monographs are published in printed form and on diskettes that allow customization. Subscribers to the The Formulary Monograph Service also receive access to a pharmacy bulletin board, The Formulary Information Exchange (The F.I.X.). All topics pertinent to clinical and hospital pharmacy are discussed on The F.I.X. Through the cooperation of The Formulary, Hospital Pharmacy publishes selected reviews in this column. If you would like information about The Formulary Monograph Service or The F.I.X., call The Formulary at 800-322-4349. The September 2002 Formulary monograph topics are ziprasidone mesylate for injection; lanthanum carbonate, artesunate rectal capsules, ZD1839, and memantine. The DUE is on ziprasidone.
Construing Knowledge Use

The study of knowledge use is about to come of age after a long period of creative nurturance by scholars such as Lazarsfeld. The field is coming of age for at least the following reasons: (1) it is receiving the active attention of an increasing number of serious scholars in many disciplines; (2) it is increasingly recognized as an important issue by the knowledge application community consisting of policy makers and practitioners in a wide variety of public and private sector agencies; and (3) a number of well established areas (such as technology transfer, R&D management, innovation adoption and diffusion, policy analysis, and so forth) are displaying increasing common foci which in turn overlap with those of concern to people in the knowledge use area thus further enriching the intellectual base of the field.
Risk assessment of patients with clinical manifestations of cardiac sarcoidosis with positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract Background Prior studies have shown that late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) confer incremental risk assessment in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS). However, the incremental prognostic value of the combined use of LGE and FDG compared to either test alone has not been investigated, and this is the aim of the present study. Methods Retrospective observational study of 56 symptomatic patients with high clinical suspicion for CS who underwent LGE-CMR and FDG-PET and were followed for the occurrence of death and/or malignant ventricular arrhythmias (VA). Results The combination of PET and CMR yielded the following groups: 1) LGE-negative/normal-PET (n=20), 2) LGE-positive/abnormal-FDG (n=20), and 3) LGE-positive/normal FDG (n=16). After a median follow-up of 2.6years (IQR 1.2–4.1), 16 patients had events (7 deaths, 10 VA). All, but 1, events occurred in patients with LGE. LGE-positive/abnormal-FDG (7 events, HR 10.1 [95% CI 1.2–84]; P =0.03) and LGE-positive/normal-FDG (8 events, HR 13.3 [1.7–107]; P =0.015) patients had comparable risk of events compared to the reference LGE-negative/normal-PET group. In adjusted Cox-regression analysis, presence of LGE (HR 18.1 [1.8–178]; P =0.013) was the only independent predictor of events. Conclusion CS patients with LGE alone or in association with FDG were at similar risk of future events, which suggests that outcomes may be driven by the presence of LGE (myocardial fibrosis) and not FDG (inflammation).
Control of gelation, degradation and physical properties of polyethylene glycol hydrogels through the chemical and physical identity of the crosslinker

Tuning hydrogel properties through minor modifications of the crosslinker structure is a beneficial approach for hydrogel design that could result in hydrogels with wide range of properties to match a desired application. In this study, we analyzed the relationship between the dithiol crosslinker chemical and physical structure and the resulting properties of polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogels formed via Michael-type addition reaction. Specifically, the dithiol crosslinker properties and chemical structure were correlated with gelation time, hydrolytic degradation rate, reaction rate constant, crosslink density and storage modulus of PEG hydrogels. By changing the properties and structure of the crosslinker, hydrogels with controlled degradation ranging from 10 h to 22 d were obtained. It was also established that hydrogel gelation times correlated closely with degradation times. By extensive characterization of the dithiol crosslinker chemical structure and physical properties, we identified two sets of conditions which yielded fast-gelling, fast-degrading hydrogels and slow-gelling, slow-degrading hydrogels. Uniquely, the hydrogel storage moduli could be controlled by the dithiol crosslinker chemical identity independent of the degradation time of the hydrogel or the mesh size.
Fibrin glue as a stabilization strategy in peripheral nerve repair when using porous nerve guidance conduits

Porous conduits provide a protected pathway for nerve regeneration, while still allowing exchange of nutrients and wastes. However, pore sizes >30 µm may permit fibrous tissue infiltration into the conduit, which may impede axonal regeneration. Coating the conduit with Fibrin Glue (FG) is one option for controlling the conduit’s porosity. FG is extensively used in clinical peripheral nerve repair, as a tissue sealant, filler and drug-delivery matrix. Here, we compared the performance of FG to an alternative, hyaluronic acid (HA) as a coating for porous conduits, using uncoated porous conduits and reverse autografts as control groups. The uncoated conduit walls had pores with a diameter of 60 to 70 µm that were uniformly covered by either FG or HA coatings. In vitro, FG coatings degraded twice as fast as HA coatings. In vivo studies in a 1 cm rat sciatic nerve model showed FG coating resulted in poor axonal density (993 ± 854 #/mm2), negligible fascicular area (0.03 ± 0.04 mm2), minimal percent wet muscle mass recovery (16 ± 1 in gastrocnemius and 15 ± 5 in tibialis anterior) and G-ratio (0.73 ± 0.01). Histology of FG-coated conduits showed excessive fibrous tissue infiltration inside the lumen, and fibrin capsule formation around the conduit. Although FG has been shown to promote nerve regeneration in non-porous conduits, we found that as a coating for porous conduits in vivo, FG encourages scar tissue infiltration that impedes nerve regeneration. This is a significant finding considering the widespread use of FG in peripheral nerve repair.
Forming a more robust sidewall spacer with lower k (dielectric constant) value

Device scaling leads to tough challenges not only in patterning, but also in device performance due to scaled contact area, smaller stressors, and increased parasites capacitance. There is immediate need to implement low k spacers. Low-k materials, however turn out to be weak, especially after going through subsequent integration, such as cleans and etching. Here we report issues with integrating low-k spacers materials in the state-of-the-art CMOS technologies and propose one method to solve these issues.
Parallel Synthesis of 1H-Pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines via Condensation of N-Pyrazolylamides and Nitriles

A novel parallel medicinal chemistry (PMC)-enabled synthesis of 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines employing condensation of easily accessible N-pyrazolylamides and nitriles has been developed. The presented studies describe singleton and library enablements that allowed rapid generation of molecular diversity to examine C4 and C6 vectors. This chemistry enabled access to challenging alkyl substituents, expanding the overall chemical space beyond that available via typical C(sp2)–C(sp2) coupling and SNAr transformations. Furthermore, monomer group interconversions allowing the use of larger and more diverse amides and carboxylic acids as precursors to nitriles are discussed.
Carbon Inputs to Ecosystems

Photosynthesis by plants provides the carbon and energy that drive most biological processes in ecosystems. This chapter describes the controls over carbon input to ecosystems.
Problems following genioplasty. Diagnosis and treatment

Both alloplastic and osteoplastic genioplasty harbor the potential for outcomes that may mandate a revision. A successful reversal of this often enigmatic situation requires a thorough and trenchant analysis of the clinical condition, as well as the emotional motive leading the patient to seek a revision surgery. The selected corrective procedure has to offer the highest potential for success with the least invasion possible. The goals should be set with the scar tissue, distorted anatomy, and reduced circulation in mind. The limitations should be recognized, and the related concerns should be shared with the patient. Many of these, often imperfections and sometimes gross deformities, can be corrected, as long as the problem is identified and a suitable solution is culled out.
Challenges in Computer Modeling Complex Molecular Systems

We present a personal perspective on some of the challenges in computer modeling of complex molecular systems as well as reviews of some of the applications in these areas.
Prospects for a multi-stakeholder dialogue on climate engineering

Lessons from the literature on multi-stakeholder dialogue (MSD) that are relevant to the debate on climate engineering (CE) are examined. MSDs have been used to prod slow-to-develop intergovernment...
Implementation of High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin: Challenges From the International Experience.

Author(s): Howell, Stacey J; Amsterdam, Ezra A; Mumma, Bryn E; Lopez, Javier E; Tran, Nam K | Abstract: ObjectiveImplementation of the newly approved high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) in the United States presents a challenge for clinical practice. Sex-specific cutoffs, clinical protocols, and workflows will likely require modifications before implementation.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of international physicians and laboratorians already utilizing hs-cTn for the evaluation of acute myocardial infarction.ResultsTwenty-two of 54 (41%) eligible participants completed the survey, representing 9 countries and 18 hospitals. All reported successful hs-cTn implementation and diagnostic utility (mean 8.6 + 1.2 out of 10 for best implementation). The major perceived benefit was more rapid evaluation of acute myocardial infarction (14/19, 74%), and the most frequently cited limitation was an increase in the number of measurable hs-cTn values that required further evaluation (8/18, 44%). Institutions using the hs-cTnI assay favored sex-specific cutoffs (5/6, 83%), whereas institutions employing the hs-cTnT assay favored a combined cutoff (12/12, 100%). Timing of serial hs-cTn measurements varied, with 0-3 hours (8/17, 47%) most frequent, followed by 0-2 hours (4/17, 24%), 0-1 hour (3/17, 18%), and other (2/17, 12%).ConclusionsOur survey of hs-cTn implementation at international institutions reveals satisfaction with new assays but reflects important variations in clinical practice. The use of sex-specific vs. combined cutoffs and timing of serial hs-cTn measurements varies across institutions and are subjects that United States centers must define without consensus from international practices.
Characterization of adhesion force in aerodynamic particle resuspension

Abstract Microparticle adhesion and resuspension are critical in studies of surface contamination, non-contact sampling, environmental and occupational health assessments, and surface cleaning. Direct adhesion measurement methods that evaluate the pull-out force are often limited to a range of operational conditions. The established analytical models need additional terms to account for roughness, morphology, and environmental conditions. The proposed aerodynamic method offers a non-contact evaluation of particle-surface adhesion force. In this work, aerodynamic detachment of silica microspheres in the 12–26 µm range from a smooth glass surface is studied experimentally. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calculates the drag and lift forces acting on the particles. The adhesion force is derived from the moment balance required to initiate the rolling motion of the particle. The aerodynamic forces acting on the particle, calculated by the CFD, agree with the theoretical values for a spherical particle in the shear flow in the Stokes regime (Re
Digital media, territory, and diaspora: the shape-shifting spaces of Eritrean politics

Nations are generally understood to be territorial while the internet is commonly thought of as extraterritorial. The political activities of Eritreans in diaspora help to complicate both those ass...
The TCJA and the Questionable Incentive to Incorporate, Part 2

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) has put the question should a business be organized as a passthrough entity or as a corporation at center stage. The TCJA eliminated much of the tax disadvantage from using the corporate form, but did Congress go so far that it advantaged corporations relative to pass-through entities? Some prominent commentators say yes. They argue that the federal income tax now encourages individual owners of pass-through businesses to restructure their business as subchapter C corporations, and they predict that the TCJA will lead to a cascade of incorporations. The principal driver of the shift to the corporate form is said to be high-bracket owners of successful businesses using their new corporations as “pocket books” through which to invest in and hold portfolio assets that they would otherwise hold on personal account. The benefit is the deferral of the personal tax on such income and hence a reduction in the present value of that tax. The first essay of a two-part series argues that there generally are no tax benefits from converting and investing in portfolio assets through a corporation because the corporate tax on the invested income more than compensates for the deferral of the individual level tax on that income. This essay, the second essay of a two-part series, extends the argument to consider other provisions in the tax law that could potentially change that result. After considering a range of other tax provisions and other possible drives for incorporation, this essay argues that any benefits from converting from a passthrough entity to a C corporation at present are modest at best.
French Notaries and the American Mortgage Crisis

The crisis in real estate mortgage lending that erupted in the United States in 2007 shook the foundations of the American financial system. The crisis was caused in part by mortgage loan originators, who lent improvidently to unqualified buyers on over-valued property, and by unsophisticated and ill-advised borrowers, who undertook obligations that they did not understand and were unable to bear over time. To what extent would this crisis have been preventable had the mortgage loan documentation system provided neutral and independent advice to borrowers as well as lenders about their contemplated real estate and loan transactions? The American system of real estate conveyancing and mortgaging provides buyers-mortgagors, in particular, with no effective advice at the time they enter into what are often the biggest legal transactions of their lives. In France, on the other hand, the institution of the civil law notary offers all parties to a real estate purchase and mortgage transaction neutral and independent legal advice and transaction completion. French mortgages thus tend to be more “mainstream,” with fewer one-sided terms than in their American counterparts. This kind of neutral transactional advice and documentation appears to be cost-effective in comparison with the classical common law model of individual lawyers representing all parties. The expense of individual representation often leads, as a practical matter, to weaker parties, such as home buyers, going without representation or advice at all. Although some have speculated that a notarial system would have reined in the excesses that culminated in the American financial crisis, probably that goes too far. Greed and short-sightedness on the part of lenders and borrowers alike lay at the root of the mortgage “meltdown.” Neutral documentation professionals based on a civil law notarial model might have been able to affect the most extreme transactions. They would not be substitutes for strong regulation of mortgage loan origination function and the entities in that business.