cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phospholipid Metabolism in Nervous Tissues: Modification of Precursor Incorporation and Enzyme Activities by Cationic Amphiphilic Drugs

Although the effects of individual drugs on the incorporation of precursors into lipids in vitro have been sporadically examined for thirty years or so, it is primarily during the last ten years that a substantial body of information has been accumulated in this field. During this time, it has come to be recognized that numerous drugs with varied therapeutic actions share the capacity to redirect phospholipid metabolism. The compounds involved exhibit certain common physical-chemical features of their structures, namely a bulky lipophilic ring system and an aliphatic side-chain containing a quaternary, positively charged nitrogen which bestows hydrophilic character upon the molecule. The typical shift in incorporation of 32Pi into phospholipids, elicited by drugs of this type, manifests itself in enhanced labeling of acidic and reduced labeling of neutral phospholipids. This has been demonstrated in numerous biological systems (Hauser and Pappu, 1982; Abdel-Latif, 1983; Bazan et al., 1985).
Preoperative Evaluation of Erectile Function with Dynamic Infusion Cavernosometry/Cavernosography in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Peyronie’s Disease: Correlation with Postoperative Results

Most reports of surgical therapy for Peyronie's disease to date have not included detailed preoperative assessment of erectile function. To evaluate the relationship between preoperative erectile function and postoperative success, we reviewed 25 consecutive patients with Peyronie's disease who underwent surgery and evaluation with dynamic infusion cavernosometry and cavernosography preoperatively. Overall results of dynamic infusion cavernosometry and cavernosography revealed corporeal veno-occlusive dysfunction in 76% of the patients and inadequate arterial inflow parameters in 44%. Among 20 patients treated with plaque excision and dermal graft inlay, adequate postoperative erectile function for satisfactory intercourse occurred in 4 of 4 (100%) with an equilibrium accumulated intracorporeal pressure of greater than or equal to 70 mm. Hg, 9 of 12 (75%) with an equilibrium accumulated intracorporeal pressure of 40 to 65 mm. Hg and 1 of 4 (25%) with an equilibrium accumulated intracorporeal pressure of less than 35 mm. Hg. These data may be helpful to counsel patients before surgical therapy, and may explain some of the disparate results previously reported after plaque excision and dermal graft inlay on the basis of patient selection.
Autoimmune GFAP Astrocytopathy: Prospective Evaluation of 90 Patients in 1 year (S13.005)

Objective: To prospectively evaluate the utility of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)α-IgG testing in both adults and children. Background: In 2016, a novel form of meningoencephalomyelitis known as autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy was described. Few patients published to date had both serum and CSF available for evaluation. In addition, there have been few published pediatric cases, and limited treatment and follow-up data. Thus, we prospectively evaluated the performance of our GFAPα-IgG antibody testing algorithm, and factors predictive of outcome. Design/Methods: Serum and CSF specimens were evaluated over 1 year by indirect immunofluorescence assay for the characteristic GFAP-IgG staining of murine tissues, followed by GFAPα-IgG cell based assay confirmation. Multiple disease controls were tested. Demographic and clinical data were reviewed. Results: Meningoencephalomyelitis, or limited form, was the most common patient phenotype (80%). MRI demonstrated patchy, irregular/perivascular-radial parenchymal enhancement with or without leptomeningeal enhancement in 49%. Almost all of these patients had inflammatory CSF (93%): elevated CSF protein >50 mg/dl (82%) or lymphocytic pleocytosis (86%). Ten patients had cancer. All but 1 of 68 CSF GFAPα-IgG positive patients had meningoencephalomyelitis. Clinical phenotypes were diverse among patients that were positive in serum only. Among cases with both serum and CSF samples available (54), where only 1 specimen type was positive, CSF had better positive predictive value for meningoencephalomyelitis (100% vs 0%). Adult and pediatric meningoencephalomyelitis presentations were similar. The majority of patients responded well to first-line immunotherapy (usually corticosteroids, 67%). Co-existing NMDA-R-IgG (50% vs 7%, p Conclusions: CSF GFAPα-IgG is a specific autoimmune meningoencephalomyelitis biomarker, usually with favorable corticosteroid response. Immunotherapy refractoriness should prompt evaluation for co-existing NMDA-R-IgG or malignancy. Disclosure: Dr. Dubey has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hinson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Zekeridou has nothing to disclose. Dr Flanagan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Pittock has nothing to disclose. Dr. Basal has nothing to disclose. Dr. Drubach has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lachance has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lennon has received royalty, license fees, or contractual rights payments from RSR, royalties from sale kits for AQP4 IgG detetction and from clinical service assays performed outside Mayo clinic. Dr. McKeon has received research support from Medimmune, Euroimmun, Grifols and Alexion.
Mormonism and Violence: The Battles of Zion

In popular culture and scholarship, a consistent trope about Mormonism is that it features a propensity for violence, born of the religion's theocratic impulses and the antinomian tendencies of special revelation. Mormonism and Violence critically assesses the relationship of Mormonism and violence through a close examination of Mormon history and scripture, focusing on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Element pays special attention to violence in the Book of Mormon and the history of the movement, from the 1830s to the present.
Involvement of Russian Organized Crime Syndicates, Criminal Elements in the Russian Military, and Regional Terrorist Groups in Narcotics Trafficking in Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Chechnya

Abstract : This report describes the current status of narcotics trafficking in four countries of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan), in the three former Soviet republics of the south Caucasus (Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia), and in Chechnya. The purpose of the report is to reveal the role of Russian organized crime and Central Asian terrorist organizations in narcotics trafficking in those areas. To achieve this goal, the report describes the overall present structure of trafficking routes and organizations, insofar as these are known. A wide variety of sources has been used, focusing most heavily on current news accounts from the regions in question. The Table of Contents includes the following sections: Narcotics Trafficking in the Caucasus, including Conventional and Terrorist Trafficking in Georgia, and Trafficking in Armenia and Azerbaijan; Trafficking through Central Asia, including Background Information, Trafficking by Terrorist Groups (i.e., The Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), Narcotics and the IMU, and Hizb-ut-Tahrir), and Trafficking by Crime Groups; The Role of Chechens in Narcotics Trafficking; Narcotics Markets in the Central Asian Republics; and Distribution Points and Routes in Russia.
Adverse Change in Employment Status After Acute Myocardial Infarction: Analysis From the TRANSLATE-ACS Study.

Background:Inability to resume employment after acute myocardial infarction (MI) has important implications for patients. We sought to assess the prevalence of and outcomes associated with adverse ...
The Evolution of Transfusion Therapy in Trauma

Transfusion has played a critical role in the history and development of trauma care since the first blood bank was established 100 years ago. Rapid access to a full range of blood products saves lives. Initial treatment of massive hemorrhage is formulaic, attempting to replace lost blood volume, oxygen carrying capacity, and hemostatic activity simultaneously. This can be accomplished with whole blood, but components are currently more widely available and appear to be satisfactory when used in balanced ratios. Laboratory-guided resuscitation should be initiated when bleeding slows and is possible with viscoelastic testing or conventional laboratory tests.
The The Effects of Nurse-Led Smoking Cessation Interventions for Patients with Cancer: A Systematic Review

Smoking among patients with cancer is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Nurses play an important role in increasing health promoting behaviors among medically ill patients. However, best practices for smoking cessation interventions among patients with cancer have not been identified. The objective of this systematic review was to examine the effects of nurse-led smoking cessation interventions for patients with cancer. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement was used as a guideline for this review. CINAHL Plus with full text, PubMed, Scopus, Embase and PsycINFO were searched covering English publications without date restrictions. Experimental research studies were included if they were original articles, the interventions were provided by nurses and they reported quit rates. Screening and data extraction were performed systematically. The methodological quality of included articles was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. The review included six randomized trials and six quasi- experimental studies. The quality of the included studies was mixed. The majority of interventions were brief, hospital-based and included nurse-delivered counseling. Only 41.7% of studies offered nicotine replacement therapies. Nine studies biochemically verified post-intervention quit rates. Overall quit rates for the intervention and control groups were 43.4% and 27.1%, respectively. Higher intensity interventions consisting of counselling, education materials and follow-up sessions resulted in the highest quit rates. This review suggests that nurse-led smoking cessation interventions show promise. However, further research is needed to improve the methodological rigor of nurse-led smoking cessation intervention research.
P45 Identifying Barriers and Facilitators to Implementing Policy, Systems, and Environmental Change Work in Cooperative Extension Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research

Background Following guidance provided in the 2014 National Framework for Health and Wellness, Cooperative Extension (CE) nutrition education programs in Louisiana shifted towards making policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) changes to promote healthy eating and increased physical activity according to the social-ecological model of behavior change. The transition to PSE work from an exclusive focus on direct nutrition education posed challenges for CE staff in Louisiana. In order to better understand barriers and facilitators to implementing PSE change work, we conducted qualitative semi-structured interviews with CE staff using constructs from the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Objective To identify CE staff's perceived barriers and facilitators to implementing PSE change interventions according to CFIR constructs. Study Design, Setting, Participants Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 5 Cooperative Extension staff using an interview guide with questions based on constructs from the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Measurable Outcome/Analysis Interviews were transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were independently coded by 2 researchers using codes defined a prori according to CFIR constructs. Coding differences were resolved through consensus. Results Though all 39 CFIR constructs were relevant, 16 emerged through interviews with CE agents as either barriers or facilitators to the implementation of PSE change work. The adaptability of PSE work and its relative advantage over traditional direct education emerged as major facilitators to its implementation. Major barriers to the implementation of PSE change work included the relative priority of PSE change work within CE agents’ organizations, the complexity of PSE change work, and a lack of resources to support implementation. Conclusions Implementing PSE change work poses a challenge for CE staff who have traditionally conducted only direct nutrition education programs. Cooperative Extension programs should ensure PSE change work is presented as a priority to all staff within the organization. Training materials for PSE change work should prepare CE staff for the complexity of these interventions and emphasize their advantages over direct education.
The utility of chest computed tomography (CT) and RT-PCR screening of asymptomatic patients for SARS-CoV-2 prior to semiurgent or urgent hospital procedures.

OBJECTIVE: Presently, evidence guiding clinicians on the optimal approach to safely screen patients for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to a nonemergent hospital procedure is scarce. In this report, we describe our experience in screening for SARS-CoV-2 prior to semiurgent and urgent hospital procedures. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: A single tertiary-care medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Our study cohort included patients ≥18 years of age who had semiurgent or urgent hospital procedures or surgeries. METHODS: Overall, 625 patients were screened for SARS-CoV-2 using a combination of phone questionnaire (7 days prior to the anticipated procedure), RT-PCR and chest computed tomography (CT) between March 1, 2020, and April 30, 2020. RESULTS: Of the 625 patients, 520 scans (83.2%) were interpreted as normal; 1 (0.16%) had typical features of COVID-19; 18 scans (2.88%) had indeterminate features of COVID-19; and 86 (13.76%) had atypical features of COVID-19. In total, 640 RT-PCRs were performed, with 1 positive result (0.15%) in a patient with a CT scan that yielded an atypical finding. Of the 18 patients with chest CTs categorized as indeterminate, 5 underwent repeat negative RT-PCR nasopharyngeal swab 1 week after their initial swab. Also, 1 patient with a chest CT categorized as typical had a follow-up repeat negative RT-PCR, indicating that the chest CT was likely a false positive. After surgery, none of the patients developed signs or symptoms suspicious of COVID-19 that would indicate the need for a repeated RT-PCR or CT scan. CONCLUSION: In our experience, chest CT scanning did not prove provide valuable information in detecting asymptomatic cases of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) in our low-prevalence population.
Misinformation Harms: A Tale of Two Humanitarian Crises

Research problem: During humanitarian crises, communities of people face various types of dangers. To counter the dangers, they need information in a short period. Such need creates the opportunity for misinformation. Such misinformation can result in information harms that can generate short- or long-term consequences. Literature review: Prior researchers have tackled the situation by using technical or behavioral approaches. Research question: What are the harms from misinformation? We propose a taxonomy of 15 information harms grouped in 8 categories and assess the perception of risk regarding the harms through a survey of respondents who have experienced crisis response situations. Methodology: This paper examines two scenarios, the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and the 2017 Oroville Dam evacuation order crises, through two dimensions: Likelihood of occurrence and Level of impacts of the harms. Results and conclusions: Findings are presented through visualization and test results for significant differences of harms between scenarios. Similar groups of harms are identified with different severity levels based on post hoc analyses: those with 1. high likelihood and low impact (psychological and confusion harms), 2. low likelihood and low impact (reputation and privacy harms), and 3. low likelihood and high impact (physical, financial, safety, and social harms). In addition to establishing the taxonomy of misinformation harms, findings will have practical value in emergency response and recovery activities to effectively prioritize resources to minimize specific harms from misinformation in crises. Further research directions are also discussed.
Addition of Prostate Volume and Prostate-specific Antigen Density to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Prostate Cancer Nomograms.

Abstract Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) density is an established prognostic marker for prostate cancer. We investigated whether the inclusion of PSA density or prostate volume in the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center nomograms improves the prediction of biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy (RP). Among the 11 725 men included, 2140 developed BCR. Neither PSA density nor prostate volume was associated with BCR when added to either the pre-RP or post-RP model (all p values ≥0.10) and changes in the C index were very small (largest change, 0.002). The results were robust to exclusion of outlying prostate volumes and restriction to patients treated after 2005. There is no justification for adding prostate volume or PSA density to BCR nomograms. Patient summary Addition of prostate volume or prostate-specific antigen density to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center prediction schemes did not improve the prediction of recurrence of prostate cancer after removal of the prostate.
Genotype groups of the wheat leaf rust fungus Puccinia triticina in the United States as determined by genotyping by sequencing.

Wheat leaf rust caused by Puccinia triticina, is a widespread disease of wheat in the United States and worldwide. Populations of P. triticina are characterized by virulence phenotypes that change rapidly due to selection by wheat cultivars with leaf rust resistance genes. The objective of this study was to genotype collections of P. triticina from 2011-2018 in the United States, using restriction site associated genotyping by sequencing (GBS), to determine if recently identified new virulence phenotypes belong to established genotype groups or belong to groups previously not detected. A total of 158 isolates were phenotyped for virulence on 20 lines of Thatcher wheat that are isogenic for leaf rust resistance genes and were also genotyped for single nucleotide polymorphism. Eight distinct groups of P. triticina genotypes from common wheat were described based on coancestry, nucleotide divergence, and principal coordinate plots. A separate genotype group had isolates with virulence to durum wheat. Isolates within groups had similar virulence phenotype, and the overall population had high level of heterozygosity and a high level of linkage disequilibria, which were all indicators of clonality. Two new genotype groups were described, raising the possibility of new introductions of P. triticina, although genotypes in these groups may have also originated from somatic nuclear exchange and recombination. A genome wide association study detected 19 SNPs that were highly associated with virulence to 11 resistance genes in the Thatcher near isogenic lines.
From Cells to Cell-Free Protein Synthesis within 24 Hours using Cell-Free Autoinduction Workflow.

Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) has grown as a biotechnology platform that captures transcription and translation machinery in vitro. Numerous developments have made the CFPS platform more accessible to new users and have expanded the range of applications. For lysate based CFPS systems, cell extracts can be generated from a variety of organisms, harnessing the unique biochemistry of that host to augment protein synthesis. Within the last 20 years, Escherichia coli (E. coli) has become one of the most widely used organisms for supporting CFPS due to its affordability and versatility. Despite numerous key advances, the workflow for E. coli cell extract preparation has remained a key bottleneck for new users to implement CFPS for their applications. The extract preparation workflow is time-intensive and requires technical expertise to achieve reproducible results. To overcome these barriers, we previously reported the development of a 24 hour cell-free autoinduction (CFAI) workflow that reduces user input and technical expertise required. The CFAI workflow minimizes the labor and technical skill required to generate cell extracts while also increasing the total quantities of cell extracts obtained. Here we describe that workflow in a step-by-step manner to improve access and support the broad implementation of E. coli based CFPS.
Rumen fungi and forage fiber degradation.

The role of anaerobic rumen fungi in in vitro forage fiber degradation was determined in a two forage × two inoculum source × five treatment factorial design. Forages used as substrates for rumen microorganisms were Coastal bermuda grass and alfalfa; inoculum sources were rumen fluid samples from a steer fed Coastal bermuda grass hay or alfalfa hay; treatments were whole rumen fluid (WRF), WRF plus streptomycin (0.2 mg/ml of rumen fluid) and penicillin (1.25 mg/ml of fluid), WRF plus cycloheximide (0.5 mg/ml of fluid), WRF plus streptomycin, penicillin, and cycloheximide, and McDougall buffer. Populations of fungi as shown by sporangial development were greater on bermuda grass leaves than on alfalfa leaflets regardless of inoculum source. However, endogenous fungal populations were greater from the alfalfa hay inoculum. Cycloheximide inhibited the fungi, whereas streptomycin and penicillin, which inhibit bacterial populations, resulted in an increase in numbers of sporangia in the alfalfa inoculum, suggesting an interaction between bacteria and fungi. Bacteria (i.e., WRF plus cycloheximide) were equal to the total population in degrading dry matter, neutral-detergent fiber (NDF), acid-detergent fiber (ADF), and cellulose for both inocula and both forages. Degradation of dry matter, NDF, ADF, and cellulose by anaerobic fungi (i.e., WRF plus streptomycin and penicillin) was less than that due to the total population or bacteria alone. However, NDF, ADF, and cellulose digestion was 1.3, 2.4, and 7.9 percentage units higher, respectively, for bermuda grass substrate with the alfalfa versus bermuda grass inoculum, suggesting a slight benefit by rumen fungi. No substantial loss of lignin (72% H2SO4 method) occurred due to fungal degradation. The most active fiber-digesting population in the rumen was the bacteria, even when streptomycin and penicillin treatment resulted in an increase in rumen fungi over untreated WRF. The development of large numbers of sporangia on fiber may not indicate a substantial role as digesters of forage.
In vitro cell aggregation and cell adhesion molecules in Crohn's disease

Abstract Background: Lack of a suitable model has hindered efforts to understand inflammation and granuloma formation in Crohn's disease. Methods: Granulomalike aggregates of circulating mononuclear cells are produced in vitro by cultures of cells with polyacrylamide beads. To identify features of in vitro aggregates, which are similar to tissue granulomas of Crohn's disease, the gross morphology and immunohistological appearance of the aggregates produced with peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with Crohn's disease were analyzed, and the size of in vitro aggregates was correlated with clinical activity of the disease. Blocking antibodies were used to evaluate the role of cell-adhesion molecules in the formation of in vitro aggregates. Results: The size of in vitro aggregates correlates very significantly with clinical activity ( P Conclusion: In vitro aggregates model in vivo granulomas in size and organization. Cell adhesion molecules like CD2, CD58, and CD 11b/CD18 may be involved in granuloma-formation of Crohn's disease.
Deductive and Object Data Languages: A Quest for Integration

According to rumors, the early hybrids of object-oriented and deductive languages were mutants that escaped from secret Government AI labs. Whether this is true or not, the fact is that by mid-80's, database and logic programming communities began to take notice. The temptation was hard to resist: the object-oriented paradigm provides a better way of manipulating structured objects, while logic and deduction offer the power and flexibility of ad hoc querying and reasoning. Thus, hybrid languages have the potential for becoming an ideal turf for cultivating the next generation of information systems.
Common bile duct ligation in the rat: a model of intrapulmonary vasodilatation and hepatopulmonary syndrome

Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) causes impaired oxygenation due to intrapulmonary vasodilatation in patients with cirrhosis. Chronic common bile duct ligation (CBDL) in the rat results in gas-exchange abnormalities similar to HPS, but intrapulmonary vasodilatation has not been evaluated. We assess intrapulmonary vasodilatation, measured in vivo, after CBDL. Sham, 2- and 5-wk CBDL, and 3-wk partial portal vein ligated (PVL) rats had hepatic and lung injury, portal pressure, and arterial blood gases assessed. The pulmonary microcirculation was evaluated by injecting microspheres (size range 5.5-10 microm) intravenously and measuring the size and number of microspheres bypassing the lungs in arterial blood. CBDL animals developed progressive hepatic injury and portal hypertension accompanied by gas-exchange abnormalities and intrapulmonary vasodilatation. PVL animals, with a similar degree of portal hypertension, did not develop intrapulmonary vasodilatation or abnormal gas exchange. No lung injury was observed. CBDL, but not PVL, causes progressive intrapulmonary vasodilatation, which accompanies worsening arterial gas exchange. These findings validate CBDL as a model to study HPS.
N-Cadherin-mediated Intercellular Interactions Promote Survival and Migration of Melanoma Cells

During melanoma development, loss of functional E-cadherin accompanies gain of expression of N-cadherin. The present study was carried out to investigate the functional significance of N-cadherin in melanoma cells. N-Cadherin mediated homotypic aggregation among melanoma cells as well as heterotypic adhesion of melanoma cells to dermal fibroblasts and vascular endothelial cells. Blocking of N-cadherin-mediated intercellular interaction by N-cadherin-specific antibodies increased the number of cells undergoing apoptosis. N-Cadherin-mediated cell adhesion-activated antiapoptotic protein Akt/PKB and subsequently increased β-catenin and inactivated the proapoptotic factor Bad. Furthermore, N-cadherin promoted migration of melanocytic cells over dermal fibroblasts, suggesting that N-cadherin may also play a role in metastasis. Together, these results indicate that the cadherin subtype switching from E- to N-cadherin during melanoma development not only frees melanocytic cells from the control by keratinocytes but also provides growth and possibly metastatic advantages to melanoma cells.
ALESSANDRO DURANTI , Linguistic anthropology . (Cambridge textbooks in linguistics.) Cambridge & New York: Cambridge University Press, 1997. Pp. xxi, 398. Hb $59.95, pb $19.95.

This new textbook has upper-level undergraduate and graduate students for a focal audience. But as Duranti makes clear in his preface and first chapter, he aims neither at a synoptic presentation of the field's major paradigms, nor at a comprehensive review of its interdisciplinary significances. Duranti's selective foregrounding of topics and linkages makes for only a partial fit between this book's substance and the expectation of a “textbook treatment” which its title might raise. His purpose is instead to present the first accessible, generalized treatment of (culturally contextualized) conversation analysis at the juncture of ethnography and formal language description. As such, it is a welcome addition to the pedagogic literature.
Condorcet Winners and the Paradox of Voting: Probability Calculations for Weak Preference Orders

choice literature. Given this problem, social choice theorists have attempted to estimate the probability of Condorcet winners, given certain empirical or theoretical conditions. We shall estimate the probabilities of Condorcet winners and intransitive aggregate orders for various numbers of individuals with strong or weak preference orders across various numbers of alternatives. We find, using computer simulation, a stark contrast between these estimates assuming strong individual preferences and the estimates allowing for individuals' indifference between pairs of alternatives. In contrast to earlier work, which depends on the strong-preference assumption, we suggest that the problem is most acute for small committee decision making and least acute for mass elections with few alternatives.
Selective Primary Health Care: Strategies for Control of Disease in the Developing World. VI. Onchocerciasis

Onchocerca volvulus, a major filarial parasite of humans, infects tens of millions of people and is a leading cause of blindness. It also causes disabling or disfiguring dermatitis and lymph node involvement. The infection is transmitted by the bite of female blackflies of Simulium species, which breed around freely flowing waterways. Vector control by aerial spraying of rivers and streams with larvicide has achieved some success in the Volta River Basin, but other areas are less well-suited for such an approach. Efforts to control onchocerciasis are plagued by emerging resistance of blackflies, excessive costs of spraying, and the lack of suitable chemotherapy for existing cases. Mass chemotherapy for infected persons as a means to limit the disease and its impact is not feasible because existing drug regiments are too complex, too toxic, or not effective enough. Selective chemotherapy directed at persons at high risk of complications may be a more effective means of minimizing the impact of the disease.
Identification- and elimination-based parallel query processing techniques for object-oriented databases

Abstract The newly developed object-oriented database management systems provide rich facilities for the modeling and processing of structural as well as behavioral properties of complex application objects. However, due to their inherent generality, new functionalities to be added to these systems as they continue to evolve, and high performance demand in many application domains, efficient parallel algorithms and architectures would be needed to meet the performance requirement for processing large OODBs. In our previous work, we have shown that processing OODBs can be viewed as the manipulation of patterns of object associations. In this paper, we present several parallel, multiwavefront algorithms based on two approaches, i.e., identification and elimination approaches, to verify association patterns specified in queries. Both approaches allow more processors to operate concurrently on a query than the traditional tree-structured query processing approach, thus introducing a higher degree of parallelism in query processing. We present a graph model to transform the query processing problem into a graph problem. Based on the graph model, proofs of correctness of both approaches for tree-structured queries are given, and a combined approach for solving cyclic queries is also provided. We present a new data structure to represent associations between objects, parallel algorithms based on these approaches, and some evaluation results obtained from an actual implementation of these algorithms on an nCUBE 2 parallel computer.
Transient Response of Solid Sensible Heat Thermal Storage Units—Single Fluid

The transient response of a solid sensible heat storage unit which receives or supplies heat to a single flowing fluid is presented. The storage unit is composed of a number of rectangular cross-sectional channels for the flowing fluid, connected in parallel and separated by the heat storage material. The energy equation for the fluid and the transient conduction equation for the storage material are solved using finite difference techniques. The parameters which characterize the transient behavior of these units are identified. Results suitable for the prediction of the rate of heat storage and the outlet temperature of the fluid leaving the storage unit are presented as functions of the identified nondimensional parameters.
A three-dimensional finite-strain rod model. Part II: Computational aspects

Abstract The variational formulation and computational aspects of a three-dimensional finite-strain rod model, considered in Part I, are presented. A particular parametrization is employed that bypasses the singularity typically associated with the use of Euler angles. As in the classical Kirchhoff-Love model, rotations have the standard interpretation of orthogonal, generally noncommutative, transformations. This is in contrast with alternative formulations proposed by Argyris et al. [5–8], based on the notion of semitangential rotation. Emphasis is placed on a geometric approach, which proves essential in the formulation of algorithms. In particular, the configuration update procedure becomes the algorithmic counterpart of the exponential map. The computational implementation relies on the formula for the exponential of a skew-symmetric matrix. Consistent linearization procedures are employed to obtain linearized weak forms of the balance equations. The geometric stiffness then becomes generally nonsymmetric as a result of the non-Euclidean character of the configuration space. However, complete symmetry is recovered at an equilibrium configuration, provided that the loading is conservative. An explicit condition for this to be the case is obtained. Numerical simulations including postbuckling behavior and nonconservative loading are also presented. Details pertaining to the implementation of the present formulation are also discussed.
Evaluation of Single-Number Expressions of Color Difference*

Single-number expressions of color differences among three pairs of samples of vegetable purees were calculated by eleven methods of computing ΔE. The samples differed mainly in chromaticity, and showed color differences more complex than simple nonmetameric ones. Experimental conditions were controlled by limiting the study to an analysis of the relative ability with which the eleven methods were able to rank the three pairs of samples. Serious discrepancies in magnitude and order were found.
Combined spinal epidural anesthesia

Abstract Combined spinal epidural (CSE) anesthesia is a technique that has been accepted readily for care of the obstetrical patient. In a previous report the author discussed the attributes of this technique that make it an increasingly popular choice for care of the surgical patient. CSE has special advantages for the patient undergoing ambulatory surgery. Dose response studies have been useful in determining a reliable short-acting alternative to epidural anesthesia for the ambulatory surgery patient. In fact, CSE with a low dose of lidocaine is a more reliable alternative to chloroprocaine anesthesia, with a very similar onset and offset profile. The preferred technique for CSE anesthesia is presented below with attention to the relevant functional anatomy that must be appreciated to have the technique work on a daily basis with minimal side effects and complications. The practicality of CSE has been questioned and the "failure rate" has been poorly defined in this regional technique that is still in its infancy. The basis of the failure rate of the needle-through-needle technique is discussed as well as practical alternatives that make a 100% success rate obtainable. Finally, the exact technique for needle-through-needle is presented in detail. The security of an epidural catheter allows for minimal dosing of local anesthetic and therefore more precise predictability of day surgery subarachnoid anesthesia. Copyright © 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company
Modeling Scale-Up of Adherent Cell Cultures on Microcarriers via Bead to Bead Transfer

As cell-based therapy is increasingly becoming a reality there is a need to generate large number of cells (10-12 billions) with small volume footprint and rapidly. One of the ways to realize this is to grow cells on microcarriers where cells adhere to microcarriers and then start doubling on the surface. Here we present a mathematical model that captures various aspects of cell growth on these surfaces. Specifically we present details of two models (i) continuum model that helps us determine cell specific and surface specific parameters from experimental data of cell growth on flat surfaces and (ii) discrete model that provides information on number of occupied sites and inhibited sites at an individual bead level. Further the discrete model captures some interesting aspects of cell scale up related to bead to bead transfer of cells. The model evaluates different scenarios like bead size, bead size to cell size, initial cell seeding and distribution of seeding and further evaluates if mixing could potentially enhance cell scale up.
Single-crystal synchrotron X-ray diffraction study of wüstite and magnesiowüstite at lower-mantle pressures.

This study demonstrates the use of monochromatic synchrotron X-ray radiation of 40 keV for high-precision equation-of-state studies on sets of single crystals analysed individually in the same diamond-anvil pressure cell. Angle-dispersive zone-axis diffraction patterns were obtained from crystals of wustite-Fe0.93O and magnesiowustite-(Mg0.73Fe0.27)O to 51 GPa in a hydrostatic helium pressure medium. The rhombohedral phase of Fe0.93O was observed above 23 GPa, and its isothermal bulk modulus (K0) was determined to be 134 (±4) GPa, assuming K′ = 4. The rhombohedral phase of Fe0.93O is more compressible than B1-structured Fe0.93O, with K0 = 146 (±2) GPa. Magnesiowustite-(Mg0.73Fe0.27)O remains cubic over the experimental pressure range, and has a bulk modulus of 154 (±3) GPa with K′ = 4.0 (±0.1).
The multicellular (as opposed to the monoclonal) origin of the murine myeloma cell.

We hypothesize that the murine myeloma cell, which may arise after induction by a number of chemical and physical agents, is the hybrid product of fusion between a plasma cell or its precursor and a macrophage. During the activation and transformation of peritoneal macrophages by mineral oil or other foreign substances, C-type viruses are induced, and these act as fusion factors. Creation of the myeloma cell is achieved by the fusion of a “transformed” macrophage with a B-cell, which had been previously activated by a specific antigen or interaction with an antigen sensitive T-cell, stimulating its differentiation to a plasma cell.
Engine Performance of Biodiesel Fuel Prepared from Soybean Soapstock: A High Quality Renewable Fuel Produced from a Waste Feedstock‖

A previously developed bench-scale method for the production of fatty acid methyl esters (biodiesel) from soybean soapstock (Haas, M. J.; Bloomer, S.; Scott, K. J. Am. Oil Chem. Soc. 2000, 77, 373−379) was taken to the small pilot scale, producing approximately 2.5 L of material per run. By multiple successive reactions, 25 L of product was accumulated. The fatty acid composition of the ester product (wt %) was palmitic: 16.2, stearic: 4.7, oleic: 16.2, linoleic: 54.4, and linolenic: 6.9. This mirrors the fatty acid composition of soy soapstock and is quite similar to that of commercial biodiesel produced from refined soybean oil. The ester product met the provisional biodiesel specifications of the American Society for Testing and Materials with regard to all variables examined: flash point, water and sediment, carbon residue, sulfated ash, density, kinematic viscosity, sulfur, cetane number, cloud point, copper corrosion, acid number, free glycerin, and total glycerin, and had density and iodine n...
Versatile Somatic Gene Transfer for Modeling Neurodegenerative Diseases

A growing variety of technical approaches allow control over the expression of selected genes in living organisms. The ability to deliver functional exogenous genes involved in neurodegenerative diseases has opened pathological processes to experimental analysis and targeted therapeutic development in rodent and primate preclinical models. Biological adaptability, economic animal use, and reduced model development costs complement improved control over spatial and temporal gene expression compared with conventional transgenic models. A review of viral vector studies, typically adeno-associated virus or lentivirus, for expression of three proteins that are central to major neurodegenerative diseases, will illustrate how this approach has powered new advances and opportunities in CNS disease research.
Prediction of particle trajectories in the Adriatic Sea using Lagrangian data assimilation

The predictability of Lagrangian particle trajectories in the Adriatic Sea (a semi-enclosed sub-basin of the Mediterranean Sea) over a period of 1-2 weeks is investigated using three clusters consisting of 5-7 drifters. The analysis is conducted using a Gauss-Markov Lagrangian particle model, which relies on the estimate of climatological mean flow field, persistence of turbulence, and assimilation of velocity data from the surrounding drifters through a Kalman filtering technique. The results are described using the data density N R defined as the number of drifters within a distance on the order of the Rossby radius of deformation from the particle to be predicted. The clusters are inherently different with respect to this characteristic property with values ranging from N R <0.5 to N R ≥ 2.0 over the analysis period, depending on the initial launch pattern of the clusters and the dispersion processes. The results indicate that during the period when N R ≥ 1, the assimilation of surrounding drifter data leads to an improvement of predicted trajectories with respect to those based on advecting the drifters with the mean flow. When N R < 1, the drifters are too far apart to exhibit correlated motion, and the assimilation method does not lead to an improvement. The effects of uneertainties in the mean flow field and initial release position are discussed. The results are also compared to simple estimates of particle location by calculating the center of mass of the cluster.
Solution-state NMR investigation of DNA binding interactions in Escherichia coli formamidopyrimidine-DNA glycosylase (Fpg): a dynamic description of the DNA/protein interface.

Formamidopyrimidine-DNA glycosylase (Fpg) is a base excision repair protein that removes oxidative DNA lesions. Recent crystal structures of Fpg bound to DNA revealed residues involved in damage recognition and enzyme catalysis, but failed to shed light on the dynamic nature of the processes. To examine the structural and dynamic changes that occur in solution when Fpg binds DNA, NMR spectroscopy was used to study Escherichia coli Fpg free and bound to a double-stranded DNA oligomer (13-PD) containing propanediol, a non-hydrolyzable abasic-site analogue. Only 209 out of a possible 252 (83%) free-precession HSQC cross peaks were observed and 180 of these were assignable, indicating that ~30% of the residues undergo intermediate timescale motion that makes them intractable in backbone assignment experiments. DNA titration experiments revealed line broadening and chemical shift perturbations for backbone amides nearby and distant from the DNA binding surface, but failed to quench the intermediate time-scale motion observed for free Fpg. CPMG-HSQC experiments revealed millisecond to microsecond motion for the backbone amides of D91 and H92 that was quenched upon binding 13-PD. Collectively, these observations reveal that, in solution, Fpg contains highly flexible regions. The dynamic nature of Fpg, especially at the DNA binding surface, may be keymore » to its processive search mechanism.« less
Electromagnetic Models of Compact Radio Sources and Circular Polarisation

An electromagnetic model of relativistic jets is outlined. It is suggested that these jets be interpreted as current flows and that they owe their persistence and collimation to the pinching action of the magnetic field. Such structures are unstable and it is suggested that the nonlinear development of these instabilities involves the formation of an electromagnetic turbulence spectrum. This turbulence may be responsible for the acceleration of relativistic electrons and positrons. It may also provide the electromagnetic field in which these electrons and positrons radiate. Some mechanisms through which circular polarisation may be created in this environment are outlined.
Cyanide-induced neurotoxicity: calcium mediation of morphological changes in neuronal cells.

Abstract Calcium channel blockade decreases the elevation of brain calcium as well as the tremors produced by cyanide in mice. To determine if cyanide-induced morphological changes could also be inhibited by calcium channel blockade, the effect of diltiazem was studied in cultured rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells, a neuronal model. Incubation with KCN (1 to 10 m m for 1 to 2 hr) caused depletion of secretory granules, alignment of remaining granules along the plasma membrane, and mitochondrial swelling. All these effects were inhibited by pretreatment with 0.01 m m diltiazem. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that cyanide (1 to 10 m m for 1 to 2 hr) produced loss of microvilli and bled formation in PC12 cells. These changes were partially inhibited by preincubation with 0.01 m m diltiazem. Incubation of cells with 10 m m cyanide increased release of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) into the culture media at 60 and 120 min. A decrease in cell viability, as determined by trypan blue dye exclusion, paralleled the release of LDH. At 120 min of cyanide incubation, 24% of the cells excluded dye. Both the release of LDH and decreased cell viability were attenuated by pretreatment with diltiazem. The results indicate that the influx of extracellular calcium is an important factor mediating cyanide-induced morphologic changes in neuronal cells.
MEANING IN LIFE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES

What makes your life meaningful?" is a question previous researchers explored with people of various ages, but not of individuals who have significant physical impairments. In this study, 26 individuals with physical disabilities were asked to describe what makes their lives meaningful. Analysis showed human relationships were the most frequently reported source of meaning in life, the sources being family members, friends, and people in the community. The second most frequently cited meaning was service, specifically, helping and educating others, such as other people with physical disabilities.
High-Frequency Phenotypic Reversion and Pathogenicity of an Acyclovir-Resistant Herpes Simplex Virus Mutant

A double-guanine-insertion mutation within a run of guanines in the herpes simplex virus gene encoding thymidine kinase (TK) was previously found in an acyclovir-resistant clinical isolate. This mutation was engineered into strain KOS, and stocks were generated from single plaques. Plaque autoradiography revealed that most plaques in such stocks exhibited low levels of TK activity, while ∼3% of plaques exhibited high levels of TK activity, indicating a remarkably high frequency of phenotypic reversion. This virus was able to reactivate from latency in mouse ganglia; a fraction of the reactivating virus expressed a high level of TK activity due to an additional G insertion, suggesting that the observed genetic instability contributed to pathogenicity.
Sedation and analgesia in the ICU

The alleviation of pain and anxiety is an important component of caring for a critically ill child. Sedation and analgesia regimens are utilized as adjuncts to procedures, facilitate mechanical ventilation, and assist with management of a critically ill child. Although sedation regimens have been used extensively across intensive care units, the data are lacking as to the best drugs, dosing, regimens, and short- and long-term safety profiles for use in the pediatric population. Sedation regimens continue to be a challenging aspect of the care of a critically ill child, and they have been associated with significant morbidity in this population. This article will discuss the sedative use in the intensive care unit, morbidity associated with sedatives and analgesics, and the importance of establishing sedation and analgesia algorithms to reduce morbidity and mortality.