cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Performance of current claims-based approaches to identify aortic dissection hospitalizations

Abstract Objective To describe index visits for acute aortic dissection (AD) to an academic center and validate the prevailing claims-based methodology to identify and stratify them. Methods Inpatient hospitalizations at a single center assigned an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) diagnosis code for AD from January 2005 to September 2015 were identified. Diagnoses were verified by review of medical records and imaging studies. All visits were secondarily stratified with the algorithm based on ICD-9 codes. Sensitivity and specificity analyses were conducted to evaluate the ability of the algorithm to correctly identify acute AD by Stanford class and treatment modality (type A open repair [TAOR], type B open repair [TBOR], thoracic endovascular repair [TEVAR], medical management [MM]). Results In the study interval, there were 1245 visits coded for AD attributed to 968 unique patients. Chart review verification demonstrated that the majority of visits were for AD (79%; n = 981), of which 32% (n = 310) were for an index acute AD event. The true distribution of acute AD visit classifications was TAOR (46.1%; n = 143), TBOR (5.2%; n = 16), TEVAR (7.7%; n = 24), and MM (39.4%; n = 122). The algorithm, which used ICD-9 codes, identified 631 acute visits and stratified them as TAOR (27.1%; n = 171), TBOR (4.1%; n = 26), TEVAR (4.9%; n = 31), and MM (63.9%; n = 403). Analyses demonstrated high specificities, but generally low sensitivities of the algorithm (TAOR: sensitivity, 58%, specificity, 92%; TBOR: sensitivity, 13%, specificity, 98%; TEVAR: sensitivity, 17%, specificity, 98%; MM: sensitivity, 73%, specificity, 72%). Conclusions The prevalent claims-based strategy to identify hospitalizations with acute AD is specific, but lacks sensitivity. Caution should be exercised when studying AD with ICD-9 codes and improvements to existing claims-based methodologies are necessary to support future study of acute AD.
Liquidity and the Evolution of Price Discovery on Floor Versus Screen-Based Trading Systems: An Analysis of the Foreign Exchange Futures Markets

This paper examines the relative liquidity and rate of price discovery on floor-based versus screen-based trading systems in the Japanese Yen, British Pound, and Euro foreign exchange futures markets traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME). Intra-day data from January 2, 2003 through March 5, 2004 are used in our analysis. We find that liquidity, measured by bid-ask spreads, is tighter in the automated trading system before and after controlling for such variables as price volatility and trading volume. For trading that occurred during the earlier part of the sample period, i.e., calendar year 2003, floor-based trading typically contributed more to price discovery in the Japanese Yen and British Pound markets. However, in the latter part of the sample period, i.e., calendar year 2004, screen trading took the dominant role and contributed more to price discovery in these same markets. Automated trading dominated price discovery in the Euro foreign exchange futures market during the entire 2003-2004 sample period. The results of our regression analysis support the hypothesis that relative liquidity and operational efficiency jointly influence the contribution shares in the price discovery process.
The Failed Fictions of Transhumanism

The primary goal of transhumanism is for individuals to attain immortality in a “better than well” state. Seeking a kind of transcendence that humans were never meant to attain, this goal works at cross purposes with both the Christian conception of persons made in the image of God and with the ability to tell a good story. Zoltan Istvan’s novel The Transhumanist Wager fails in ways that are specific to the problems that arise when humans seek immortality through technoscience rather than through divine direction. The kind of transcendence promised by transhumanism is thus revealed as incomprehensible for human beings and incompatible with the Christian understanding of human flourishing.
Impact of antibiotic use on response to treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

143Background: There is an emerging evidence that the gut microbiome may influence anti-tumor immune response during treatment with checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs). A number of factors can cause gut m...
Novel genetic determinants of telomere length from a multi-ethnic analysis of 75,000 whole genome sequences in TOPMed

ABSTRACT Telomeres shorten in replicating somatic cells, and telomere length (TL) is associated with age-related diseases 1,2. To date, 17 genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified 25 loci for leukocyte TL 3–19, but were limited to European and Asian ancestry individuals and relied on laboratory assays of TL. In this study from the NHLBI Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) program, we used whole genome sequencing (WGS) of whole blood for variant genotype calling and the bioinformatic estimation of TL in n=109,122 trans-ethnic (European, African, Asian and Hispanic/Latino) individuals. We identified 59 sentinel variants (p-value 1 independent signal. Fine-mapping at OBFC1 indicated the independent signals colocalized with cell-type specific eQTLs for OBFC1 (STN1). We further identified two novel genes, DCLRE1B (SNM1B) and PARN, using a multi-variant gene-based approach.
Battling a ‘War within a War’: Challenges of Being Female in Africa

Violence is a common phenomenon the world over, and it is about power, control, and the domination of the other. Gender-based violence is a social construct that is sometimes normalized based on gender ideals. During war, violence takes on a different role. It is viewed as an effective tool of domination of the other. Gender-based violence occurs not only to dominate but also to humiliate and to destroy one’s identity, and relationships. The African woman confronts the challenge of normalized gender-based violence and violence as a tool of war. This chapter examines this challenge to highlight health and human rights violations she is exposed to daily. Drawing from various examples, the author describes how gender-based violence is socially constructed and legitimized in Africa and shows how such legitimation enables gender-based violence during conflict situations. The chapter employs feminist and intersectionality frameworks toward highlighting complex social dynamics that inform gender-based violence in Africa.
Cellular and Subcellular Analysis on Chip

This chapter focuses on micro devices aimed at rapid analysis of cells and subcellular components, specifically organelles. These devices take advantage of microfabrication techniques to create environment suitable for biomechanical and biochemical stimulation of cells, to break cell membranes to extract intracellular materials, and to separate or concentrate organelles and proteins of interest. These procedures require much smaller amounts of samples, reagents, and process time than needed in their macroscopic counterparts. Moreover, they demonstrate operational advantages, such as lower voltages, less heating, and no significant gas formation in electrolysis.
Patient Safety and Quality Improvement in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE The current landscape of patient safety/quality improvement (PS/QI) research dedicated to Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) has not been established. This systematic review aims to define the breadth and depth of PS/QI research dedicated to OHNS and to identify knowledge gaps as well as potential areas of future study. METHODS The study protocol was developed a priori using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) process. A computerized Ovid/Medline database search was conducted (January 1, 1965-September 30, 2019). Similar computerized searches were conducted using Cochrane Database, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Articles were classified by year, subspecialty, PS/QI category, Institute of Medicine (IOM) Crossing the Chasm categories, and World Health Organization (WHO) subclass. RESULTS Computerized searches yielded 11,570 eligible articles, 738 (6.4%) of which met otolaryngology PS/QI inclusion criteria; 178 (24.1%) were not specific to any one subspecialty. The most prevalent subspecialty foci were head and neck (29.9%), pediatric otolaryngology (16.9%), and otology/neurotology (11.0%). Studies examining complications or risk factors (32.0%) and outcomes/quality measures (16.3%) were the most common foci. Classification by the IOM included effective care (31.4%), safety (29.9%), and safety/effective care (25.3%). Most research fell into the WHO categories of understanding causes (28.5%) or measuring harm (28.3%). CONCLUSION Most OHNS PS/QI projects (32.0%) focus on reporting complications or risk factors, followed by outcomes/quality measures (16.3%). Knowledges gaps for future research include healthcare disparities, multidisciplinary care, and the WHO category of studies translating evidence into safer care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE NA Laryngoscope, 131:33-40, 2021.
Evidence of vortices and mixed-state superconductivity in phosphorus-doped graphene. Part II (Hysteresis)

We have observed indications of possible superconductivity in phosphorus-doped graphene. In the past we focused on resistivity and susceptibility measurements in our doped graphene samples. There are also magnetic-induced phenomena in phosphorus-doped multilayer graphene that are consistent with effects observed in type II multilayer superconductors. Such effects include Nernst peaks in the presence of magnetic fields, vortex and charge BKT transitions as well as well-defined hysteresis curves in the cooling and warming Nernst plots. In this work, we present the results of our experiments and provide explanations of the role of vortices as well as vortex-antivortex dissociation as the cause of the hysteresis found in the Nernst plots.
Telehealth in the times of SARS-CoV-2 infection for the otolaryngologist.

Abstract Objective In response to the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery's recommendations to limit patient care activities in the times of SARS-CoV-2, many elective surgeries have been canceled without patient clinics transitioning to virtual visits. With regulations for telemedicine loosened, new possibilities for the practice of otolaryngology have opened. To address the uncertain duration of this pandemic, a review was conducted of current literature on use of telemedicine services in the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and in previous national emergencies to reveal the role telemedicine can play for otolaryngology practices. Data sources Pubmed articles with an independent search query were utilized. Methods Literature review performed by one author searched for all published English-language literature on telehealth in the SARS-CoV-2 era. Articles were considered for discussion if they provided relevant developments for telemedicine in the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Results Telemedicine can be up-scaled in the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic where exposure containment is of the utmost priority. With patient interaction possible through virtual communication, telemedicine allows continued patient care while minimizing the risk of viral spread. In the realm of otolaryngology, telemedicine has been used in the past during disasters with other studies demonstrating high diagnostic concordance with inpatient visits. Many institutions have recognized the potential for such care as they begin utilize both virtual visits and in-person care during this pandemic. Conclusion To limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2, we support the AAO-HNS recommendation for the adoption of novel ways to employ telemedicine in this era. Many emergency departments and health care systems have the infrastructure necessary for synchronous video telemedicine visits that can be leveraged to provide quality care with patients. With the continued need to socially distance, telemedicine can protect both physicians and patients from unnecessary exposure to the virus.
Multi-institutional collaborative resident education in the era of Covid-19

AbstractIntroduction:The 2019–2020 coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on all aspects of health care. Decrease in clinical and operative volume and limitations for conferences has dra...
An efficient R1ρ dispersion imaging method for human knee cartilage using constant magnetization prepared turbo-FLASH

This work aimed to develop an efficient R1ρ dispersion imaging method for clinical studies of human knee cartilage at 3 T. Eight constant magnetizations (Mprep ) were prepared by tailoring both the duration and amplitude (ω1 ) of a fully refocused spin-lock preparation pulse. The limited Mprep dynamic range was expanded by the measure, equivalent to that with ω1 = ∞, from the magic angle location in the deep femoral cartilage. The developed protocol with Mprep = 60% was demonstrated on one subject's bilateral and two subjects' unilateral asymptomatic knees. The repeatability of the proposed protocol was estimated by two repeated scans with a three-month gap for the last two subjects. The synthetic R1ρ and R2 derived from R1ρ dispersions were compared with the published references using state-of-the-art R1ρ and R2 mapping (MAPSS). The proposed protocol demonstrated good (<5%) repeatability quantified by the intra- and intersubject coefficients of variation in the femoral and tibial cartilage. The synthetic R1ρ (1/s) and the references were comparable in the femoral (23.0 ± 5.3 versus 24.1 ± 3.8, P = 0.67) and the tibial (29.1 ± 8.8 versus 27.1 ± 5.1, P = 0.62), but not the patellar (16.5 ± 4.9 versus 22.7 ± 1.6, P < 0.01) cartilage. The same trends were also observed for the current and the previous R2 . In conclusion, the developed R1ρ dispersion imaging scheme has been revealed to be not only efficient but also robust for clinical studies of human knee cartilage at 3 T.
The role of mitophagy in the regulation of mitochondrial energetic status in neurons

Mitochondria are the main cellular energy powerhouses and supply most of the energy in the form of ATP to fuel essential neuronal functions through oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). In Alzheimer disease (AD), metabolic and mitochondrial disruptions are an early feature preceding any histopathological and clinical manifestations. Mitochondrial malfunction is also linked to synaptic defects in early AD. Mitophagy serves as a key cellular quality control mechanism involving sequestration of damaged mitochondria within autophagosomes and their subsequent degradation in lysosomes. However, it remains largely unknown whether mitophagy is involved in the regulation of energy metabolism in neurons, and if so, whether metabolic deficiency in AD is attributed to mitophagy dysfunction. Here we reveal that mitophagy is broadly activated in metabolically enhanced neurons upon OXPHOS stimulation, which sustains high energetic activity by increasing mitochondrial turnover and hence facilitating mitochondrial maintenance. Unexpectedly, in AD-related mutant HsAPP Tg mouse brains, early stimulation of OXPHOS activity fails to correct energy deficits but exacerbates synapse loss as a consequence of mitophagy failure. Excitingly, lysosomal enhancement in AD neurons restores impaired metabolic function by promoting elimination of damaged mitochondria, protecting against synaptic damage in AD mouse brains. Taken together, we propose a new mechanism by which mitophagy controls bioenergetic status in neurons, furthering our understanding of the direct impact of mitophagy defects on AD-linked metabolic deficits and shedding light on the development of novel therapeutic strategies to treat AD by the early stimulation of mitochondrial metabolism combined with elevation of lysosomal proteolytic activity.
Compact Model of ESD Diode Suitable for Subnanosecond Switching Transients

This work presents a non-quasi-static compact model of ESD diodes for circuit simulation. The model accurately predicts the transient behavior of the diode during both turn-on and turn-off. The accurate representation of the turn-off transient is achieved in part by modeling the time delay from an applied reverse bias to the avalanche multiplication of the reverse current. There is good agreement between measurement and simulation, even when the device is tested using sinusoidal rather than square pulses.
Longitudinal Pathways to Influenza Vaccination Vary With Socio-Structural Disadvantages.

BACKGROUND Although influenza vaccination can prevent influenza-related deaths, uptake remains low, particularly in disadvantaged populations. PURPOSE A theoretical model of psychological pathways to vaccination accounting for the direct and moderating role of socio-structural factors was tested. The study sought to understand the joint contributions of psychological (i.e., knowledge, attitudes, and intention) and socio-structural factors (i.e., income, education, and insurance) to influenza vaccination, prospectively. METHODS A nationally representative empaneled sample of over 3,000 U.S. adults answered questions about vaccination knowledge, attitudes, and intentions, as well as actual vaccination across five timepoints from September 2018 to May 2019. Socio-structural factors were examined as moderators. RESULTS Findings revealed strong positive associations between knowledge and attitudes, attitudes and intentions, as well as intentions and subsequent vaccination. Importantly, health insurance moderated the associations between attitudes and intentions and between intentions and vaccination, such that those without insurance had weaker associations between attitudes and intentions and between intentions and vaccination. In addition, education moderated the path from knowledge to attitude and from intentions to vaccination, such that people with lower educational attainment had weaker associations between knowledge and attitudes and between intentions and vaccination. CONCLUSIONS Socio-structural factors act as barriers to the influence of knowledge on attitudes, attitudes on intentions, and intentions on behavior. Future research needs to be mindful of the specific paths disrupted by social disadvantages and examine ways to intervene to decrease those effects.
- ScPKC: Protein kinase C-1 (S. cerevisiae)

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Pkcl is related to the Ca2+-dependent subtypes (a, b, and g) of mammalian protein kinase C. Loss of Pkcl function results in cell lysis due to a defect in cell wall construction. Pkcl has been proposed, on the basis of genetic suppression and epistasis experiments, to mediate a protein kinase cascade in which Pkcl activates Bck1, which activates a redundant pair of MAP kinase kinases Mkkl/2, which activate the MAP kinase encoded by MPKl. Pkcl phosphorylates the Bck1 protein kinase in vitro. Conditional pkc1 mutants are rescued under restrictive conditions by CaCl2 and are hypersensitive to growth inhibition by the protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine. The physiological substrate, which is thought to be Bckl is phosphorylated on serine and threonine residues.
Abstract 18947: What Can We Learn from Serial Echocardiographic Evaluation of the Aorta in Tetralogy of Fallot?

Introduction: Guidelines for management of aortic root (AoR) dilation with known aortopathies recommend surgical repair when the AoR exceeds 5 cm. Patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) may have an associated aortopathy, though aortic dissection is rare. No guidelines exist regarding timing of surgical intervention. We hypothesized that the rate of AoR dilation in adults with repaired TOF would be low and that an AoR > 5 cm would be associated with standard risk factors. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of all adult TOF patients who underwent a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) at our Center. Clinical variables and AoR dimension at the sinus of Valsalva were determined. AoR size was treated as an absolute value and as an observed-to-expected ratio based on standard nomograms. Results: 266 patients met inclusion criteria. On initial TTE, 91 (34%) patients had an AoR > 4.0 cm, 9 (3%) patients had an AoR > 5.0 cm, and 28 patients (11%) had an observed-to expected AoR > 1.5. Male gender, hypertension, and TOF repair at >5 years-old were associated with an AoR > 5.0 cm while only TOF repair at >5 years-old was associated with an observed-to-expected AoR > 1.5. 4 patients had aortic valve (AV) surgery. One patient with an AoR of 5.8 cm had an aortic dissection following pulmonary valve replacement. 206 patients (77%) had serial TTEs. Mean age at first echo was 35.5 years. Mean time between studies was 5.5 years, and 106 patients had a >5 year latency between TTEs. The mean rate of change for all patients was +0.4 mm/year. 72 patients (35%) had an increase in AoR size. 25 patients (12%) had an increase in AoR size ≥0.5cm. Only time >5 years between TTEs was significantly associated with an increase in AoR ≥0.5 cm (p = 0.014). There was no significant association with either rate of AoR increase or AoR increase ≥0.5 cm and gender, hypertension, degree of AR, AV surgery, right-sided arch, AoR> 5cm, time of repair, or prior pregnancy. Conclusions: In our cohort of adult patients, AoR dilatation >5.0 cm was uncommon and associated with male gender, hypertension and late repair. The rate of AoR dilation was slow and without clear risk factor. In patients with severe AoR dilation, further study is required to identify significant risk factors for aortic events.
Stability analysis of stochastically varying formations of dynamic agents

We analyze a network of dynamic agents where the topology of the network specifies the information flow between the agents. We present an analysis method for such a system for both consensus and formation stabilization problems. To consider the general features introduced by the information flow topology, we consider the case of agent dynamics being a single integrator. Then we show that the method of analysis can be extended to more general cases of complicated agent dynamics, non-ideal links for information flow, etc. We also consider the case when the topology of the network is changing over time. The focus of the paper is on obtaining conditions for the stability of the formation that can be checked in a decentralized way.
Spin domains in ground-state Bose-Einstein condensates

Bose–Einstein condensates — a low-temperature form of matter in which a macroscopic population of bosons occupies the quantum-mechanical ground state — have been demonstrated for weakly interacting, dilute gases of alkali-metal1,2,3 and hydrogen25 atoms. Magnetic traps are usually employed to confine the condensates, but have the drawback that spin flips in the atoms lead to untrapped states. For this reason, the spin orientation of the trapped alkali atoms cannot be regarded as a degree of freedom. Such condensates are therefore described by a scalar order parameter, like the spinless superfluid 4He. In contrast, a recently realized optical trap4 for sodium condensates confines atoms independently of their spin orientations. This offers the possibility of studying ‘spinor’ condensates in which spin comprises a degree of freedom, so that the order parameter is a vector rather than scalar quantity. Here we report the observation of equilibrium states of sodium spinor condensates in an optical trap. The freedom of spin orientation leads to the formation of spin domains in an external magnetic field, which can be either miscible or immiscible with one another.
Thymic dysplasia ("Swiss agammaglobulinemia"). II. Morphologic and functional observations.

An infant with thymic dysplasia (“Swiss agammaglobulinemia”) has been studied with regard to several aspects of reticuloendothelial function. Significant abnormalities were suggested in (a) the morphology of the eosinophils, (b) phagocytosis by the polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and (c) cellular response to inflammatory stimulation. Capacity to produce interferon was within the expected range. Serum complement values were within normal limits and the concentration of plasminogen was elevated. These data suggest an involvement of elements of the reticuloendothelial system aside from the thymus and lymphoid tissues in thymic dysplasia. Production of interferon in response to viral challenge was found to be within normal expectations.
Inequalities for γ and Related Critical Exponents in Short and Long Range Percolation

We relate the cluster size distribution Pn(p) at the percolation critical point, p = p|1c|0, to the critical exponent γ (ΣnPn(p) ≈ |pc — p|-γ as p ↑ pc). If P∞(pc) > 0 (i.e., if P∞(p) is discontinuous at p = pc), then γ ≥ 2. If Pn(pc) ≈ n-1–1/δ as n → ∞, then γ ≥ 2(1 – 1/δ). Related inequalities are yalid for γr (ΣnrPn(p) ≈ |pc — p|-γ r P as p ↑ pc) and γ r ' (defined analogously as p ↓ pc) when r > 1/δ: γr, γ r ' ≥ 2(r — 1/δ). These results are yalid for Bernoulli site or bond percolation on d-dimensional lattices for any d with p the site or bond occupation probability. They are also valid for long range translation invariant Bernoulli bond percolation with p the occupation probability for bonds of some given length.
Clinical Guide – Top 88 Allergens

Description: chemicals naturally found in liquid or powder form that harden into solid substances when heat is applied or additional chemicals are added. ACD to acrylates is caused by the free acrylate monomer, which is reduced once the resin has hardened [59].
Language Barriers in the Wisconsin Court System

Abstract Over the years, reformers have tried to address the many challenges facing the American court system. However, there are still areas that not only need improving but also need immediate attention. In particular, equal access to the law is being denied to non-English speaking Latinos/as in our nation's courts due to poor (or lack of) interpretation. Given the fact that Latinos/as are now the nation's largest minority group, this matter is of utmost importance. The goal of this paper is to explore the matter in depth in Wisconsin, and to propose remedies to the existing shortcomings of court interpretation.
N‐[(Tri‐n‐butylstannyl)methyl]benzaldimine

[116360-40-8] C20H35NSn (MW 408.27) InChI = 1S/C8H8N.3C4H9.Sn/c1-9-7-8-5-3-2-4-6-8;3*1-3-4-2;/h2-7H,1H2;3*1,3-4H2,2H3; InChIKey = KZTZGHBKRRYEIY-UHFFFAOYSA-N (synthesis of 2-phenylpyrrolidines by [3 + 2] cycloaddition of the derived 2-azaallyl anion with alkenes;1, 2 related compounds allow synthesis of other 2-substituted, 2,2-disubstituted, 2,5-disubstituted, or 2,2,5-trisubstituted pyrrolidines or pyrrolines1-3) Physical Data: bp 145–155 °C/0.1 mmHg (Kugelrohr air bath). Solubility: freely sol common organic solvents. Form Supplied in: clear, colorless oil; not available commercially. Analysis of Reagent Purity: 1H NMR. Preparative Methods: prepared by Staudinger reaction between benzaldehyde, Triphenylphosphine, and (azidomethyl)tributylstannane [prepared from (iodomethyl)tributylstannane and Sodium Azide].2 A more convenient procedure for the preparation of similar stannanes by condensation of an aldehyde or ketone with (aminomethyl)tributylstannane has been developed.3 Related 2-azaallylstannanes such as 1-alkyl-, 1,1-dialkyl-, 1,3-dialkyl-, and 1,1,3-trialkyl-2-azaallylstannanes may also be prepared, particularly using the latter method. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: since tetraalkylstannanes in general are considered toxic,4 handling in a fume hood is recommended. The reagent is stable in a freezer for extended periods, but is easily hydrolyzed by aqueous acids, and is partially hydrolyzed by silica gel chromatography.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae actin--Escherichia coli lacZ gene fusions: synthetic-oligonucleotide-mediated deletion of the 309 base pair intervening sequence in the actin gene.

Abstract Plasmids carrying gene fusions between the yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) actin gene and an initiation-defective Escherichia coli lacZ (β-galactosidase) gene have been constructed. Expression of β-galactosidase in such fusion plasmids depends on transcription of the actin gene, and is possible only after the RNA-splicing machinery has removed from the primary RNA transcript the 309-bp intervening sequence (IVS) interrupting the actin coding region. Mutants deleting the actin IVS were constructed via synthetic oligonucleotide-mediated in vitro mutagenesis of the actin-β-galactosidase fusion plasmid. A 17-base synthetic oligonucleotide was used to generate a 309-bp deletion which precisely removed the actin IVS. A partial deletion mutant was also constructed in which 272-bp, starting at the 5' end of the actin IVS, and including the 5' splice junction signal, were deleted. Both the complete and partial IVS-deletion mutants were transformed into yeast hosts. However, the partial deletion resulted in a greater than 98% reduction in β-galactosidase activity. The precise deletion of the actin IVS did not reduce the levels of β-galactosidase activity as compared with the parental fusion plasmid containing the intact IVS.
Anatomy of an Allende coarse-grained inclusion

Inclusion 5241 is a petrographically complex, coarse-grained CAI from the Allende meteorite, containing a core with two petrographically and chemically distinct units. The core is surrounded by a melilite mantle similar to that described for Allende Type B1 inclusions, which consists of large, millimetersized crystals. The two different units of the core are (1) spinel-free islands consisting of melilite, fassaite, and minor anorthite (2) spinel-rich areas with major fassaite and reversely zoned melilite. In this unit, spinel occurs in fassaite, melilite, and in densely packed belts surrounding the spinel-free islands. Mineral chemistries of melilite and fassaite in the spinel-free islands are different from those in the spinel-rich areas: melilite in the spinel-free islands is unzoned and displays a very narrow chemical variation (<10 mol %) within individual crystals, ranging between Ak_(52) and Ak_(68) in all islands. They also contain considerable amounts of Na-melilite molecule (as much as 2.7 mol %). In contrast, melilite in the spinel-rich areas is reversely zoned and barren of Na-melilite: the composition varies between Ak_(43) and Ak_(62), with the lowest Ak-content within a zone decorated with fassaite and spinel inclusions. Zoning in individual melilite crystals in the mantle is not continuous (as in Allende Type B1 inclusions), but is rhythmic outwards, from Ak_(30) to Ak_(35) near the core/mantle boundary followed by a continuous decrease with the lowest value near the center of the melilite crystals (Ak_(25)). The Ak-content rises again and reaches a value of Ak_(28) at the rim of the inclusion. Fassaite in the spinel-free islands is typically concentrically zoned, with Ti-Al-rich cores and Ti-Al-poor rims. The concentration of Ti^(3+) in some fassaite crystals in the islands appears to be lower than in the spinelrich areas. Zoning of fassaite in the spinel-rich areas is nonsystematic and the Tio_2 variations are considerable (2–12wt%). Bulk compositions of the spinel-free islands plot inside the Type B CAI field but considerably below the Fo-An-Ge plane because they are spinel deficient. In contrast, compositions of the spinel-rich areas plot outside the Type B CAI field close to pyroxene-saturated compositions (STOLPER, 1982). Textural relations and mineral chemistries in the spinel-free islands, spinel-rich areas, and melilite mantle cannot be explained by gas solid condensation, simple stage crystallization from a refractory silicate liquid, or evaporative loss by distillation, but suggest a series of complex events including the capture of solid spinel-free bodies by a refractory liquid; the melilite mantle may have formed by crystallization from a liquid which enveloped the complex core.
Adrenergic drugs and intraocular pressure: Effects of selective β-adrenergic agonists

Abstract Changes in intraocular pressure and pupil diameter were studied in rabbits following topical administration of relatively selective and non-selective adrenergic agonists. Drugs having strong α-adrenoceptor stimulating effects (norepinephrine, phenylephrine, epinephrine) initially produced a transient increase in intraocular pressure and pupil diameter before eliciting any ocular hypotensive effects. In contrast, those drugs with predominately β-adrenoceptor stimulating properties (isoproterenol, isoetharine, metaproterenol, terbutaline, salbutamol, carbuterol) produced an immediate decrease in intraocular pressure without causing ocular hypertension or mydriasis. Significantly, the decreases in intraocular pressure were more pronounced with those drugs having strong β2-adrenoceptor stimulating activity. Thus, stimulation of α- and β-adrenoceptors can produce opposite initial effects on intraocular pressure, but α-adrenergic mechanisms may interact with β1- and/or β2-adrenoceptor mechanisms to produce subsequent ocular hypotension. Most importantly these data indicate that more selective β2-adrenoceptor stimulation is an effective mechanism for lowering intraocular pressure.
Farm structure and rural policy in Japan

Abstract Japanese agriculture, by US standards, is highly fragmented and inefficient. Not only is farm size small but also most farmers pursue non-farm employment and are engaged in farming only on a part-time basis. These structural factors, which are either static or changing slowly, inevitably influence the making and implementation of agricultural and rural policies in Japan. Due to the rapid transformation of Japanese society, from the agrarian basis of early years to a highly industrialized and post-industrial society, a new farm policy agenda has arisen along with the need for structural adjustment of agriculture to meet changing economic conditions.
Fatty acids of unusual double-bond positions and chain lengths found in rat skin surface lipids.

The fatty acids of rat skin surface lipids comprise four main skeletal types of chains which occur both as saturates and monoenes and range from C12 to C38: straight even, straight odd, iso and anteiso (the latter two identified by GC retention data only). Two unidentified series of branched monoenes also occur in trace amounts.
Synthesis of (4E)-7-methoxytetradec-4-enoic acid : a novel fatty acid from lyngbya majuscula

The synthesis of (4E)-7-methoxytetradec-4-enoic acid is described. This novel fatty acid is found in the blue-green algae L. majucula and is incorporated as the amide in several nitrogeneous metabolites, including the fish antifeedant compound malyngamide A.
A new online extended visual cryptography scheme for STS access structures

Ateniese, Blundo, De Santis and Stinson introduced Visual Cryptography Schemes (VCS) and Extended Visual Cryptography Schemes (EVCS) for general access structures. In [3] we developed a new VCS for...
A Meta-analysis Method to Advance Design of Technology-Based Learning Tool: Combining Qualitative and Quantitative Research to Understand Learning in Relation to Different Technology Features

Educators design and create various technology tools to scaffold students’ learning. As more and more technology designs are incorporated into learning, growing attention has been paid to the study of technology-based learning tool. This paper discusses the emerging issues, such as how can learning effectiveness be understood in relation to different technology features? And how can pieces of qualitative and quantitative results be integrated to achieve a broader understanding of technology designs? To address these issues, this paper proposes a meta-analysis method. Detailed explanations about the structure of the methodology and its scientific mechanism are provided for discussions and suggestions. This paper ends with an in-depth discussion on the concerns and questions that educational researchers might raise, such as how this methodology takes care of learning contexts.
Smoker characteristics and smoking-cessation milestones.

Background Contextual variables often predict long-term abstinence, but little is known about how these variables exert their effects. These variables could influence abstinence by affecting the ability to quit at all, or by altering risk of lapsing, or progressing from a lapse to relapse. Purpose To examine the effect of common predictors of smoking-cessation failure on smoking-cessation processes. Methods The current study (N=1504, 58% female, 84% Caucasian; recruited from January 2005 to June 2007; data analyzed in 2009) uses the approach advocated by Shiffman et al. (2006), which measures cessation outcomes on three different cessation milestones (achieving initial abstinence, lapse risk, and the lapse–relapse transition) to examine relationships of smoker characteristics (dependence, contextual and demographic factors) with smoking-cessation process. Results High nicotine dependence strongly predicted all milestones: not achieving initial abstinence, and a higher risk of both lapse and transitioning from lapse to complete relapse. Numerous contextual and demographic variables were associated with higher initial cessation rates and/or decreased lapse risk at 6 months post-quit (e.g., ethnicity, gender, marital status, education, smoking in the workplace, number of smokers in the social network, and number of supportive others). However, aside from nicotine dependence, only gender significantly predicted the risk of transition from lapse to relapse. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that (1) higher nicotine dependence predicted worse outcomes across every cessation milestone; (2) demographic and contextual variables are generally associated with initial abstinence rates and lapse risk and not the lapse–relapse transition. These results identify groups who are at risk for failure at specific stages of the smoking-cessation process, and this may have implications for treatment.
Confidence intervals for dose or treatment effect in several 2×J tables

Consider dichotomous observations taken from T strata or tables, where within each table, the effect of J>2 doses or treatments are valuated. 'Ihe dose or treatment effect may be measured by various functions of the probability of outcomes, but it is assumed that the effect is the same in each table. Previous work on finding confidence intervals is specific to a particular function of the probabilities, based on only two doses, and limited to ML estimation of the nuisance parameters. In this paper, confidence intervals are developed based on the C, test, allowing for a unification and generalization of previous work. A computational procedure is given that minimizes the number of iterations required. An extension of the procedure to the regression framework suitable when there are large numbers of sparse tables is outlined.
Muscle Injury, Vimentin Expression, and Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs Predispose to Cryptic Group A Streptococcal Necrotizing Infection

BACKGROUND Myonecrosis due to group A streptococci (GAS) often develops at sites of nonpenetrating muscle injury, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may increase the severity of these cryptic infections. We have previously shown that GAS bind to vimentin on injured skeletal muscles in vitro. The present study investigated whether vimentin up-regulation in injured muscles in vivo is associated with homing of circulating GAS to the injured site and whether NSAIDs facilitate this process. METHODS M type 3 GAS were delivered intravenously 48 h after eccentric contraction (EC)-induced injury of murine hind-limb muscles. Vimentin gene expression and homing of GAS were followed by real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and quantitative bacteriology of muscle homogenates, respectively. In separate experiments, ketorolac tromethamine (Toradol) was given 1 h before GAS infusion. RESULTS Vimentin was up-regulated approximately 8-fold 48 h after EC. Significantly more GAS were found in moderately injured muscles than in noninjured controls. NSAIDs greatly augmented the number of GAS in injured muscles. CONCLUSIONS Vimentin may tether circulating GAS to injured muscle, and NSAIDs enhance this process. Strategies targeting the vimentin-GAS interaction may prevent or attenuate GAS myonecrosis. Use of NSAIDs should increase suspicion of cryptic GAS infection in patients with increasing pain at sites of nonpenetrating muscle injury.
Vortex simulation of unsteady shear flow induced by a vortex ring

Abstract A hybrid Eulerian–Lagrangian solver for unsteady shear flow induced by vortex ring/wall interactions is presented and discussed herein. Normal and oblique impacts of a vortex ring on a plane surface involve strong interactions between and external and the induced boundary layer, which undergoes separation and explosive growth, leading to the ejection of vorticity. For an oblique ring impact, the interaction is shown to be highly asymmetric. The development of the primary vortex ring and the pattern of the secondary vorticity generation can be seen clearly and the effects of the helical vortex lines around the primary ring also observed. The main features of the oblique impingement of a vortex ring on a wall are captured quite well and comparison is made with the experimental results. At the higher Reynolds number of 1000, the helical winding of vortex lines is however much more pronounced, and the secondary vortex structure has a thicker core. The results reveal detailed phenomena and provide physical insight into the flow mechanisms of vortex ring/wall interaction.
Hyperparathyroid crisis in a pediatric patient

Primary hyperparathyroidism is rarely found in the pediatric population. Delays in diagnosis due to vague symptoms can lead to severe disease manifestations such as osteitis fibrosa cystica. We report a rare case of primary hyperparathyroidism in a 13-year-old girl who presented with a pathological femur fracture and numerous brown tumors.
Relationship Between Unscheduled DNA Synthesis and Mutation Induction in Male Mice

Unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) induced in the germ cells of male mice by chemical and physical agents can be studied in vivo by making use of the timing of spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis. In meiotic and postmeiotic germ-cell stages, UDS occurs from leptotene through midspermatid stages but is not detected in later stages. No consistent correlation has been seen between the occurrence of UDS in the germ cells and reduced dominant lethal frequencies or reduced specific-locus mutation frequencies. It is suggested that the UDS observed in the germ cells may be principally involved in the removal of DNA lesions which, if left, could give rise to subtle genetic damage that current mammalian genetic tests may not be able to detect. Characterization of mouse stocks with reduced UDS capability in their germ cells plus the development of biochemical genetic markers that can measure single amino acid substitutions will likely be necessary before the relationship between UDS in mammalian germ cells and repair of genetic damage can be clearly established.
The frequency of androgen receptor deficiency in infertile men

To ascertain the frequency of androgen resistance as the cause of male infertility and to determine whether endocrine abnormalities are a universal feature of the disorder, we measured the androgen receptor in fibroblasts cultured from the genital skin of 28 unrelated phenotypically normal men with idiopathic azoospermia or oligospermia. The amounts of androgen receptor were compared with those in genital skin fibroblasts from a variety of other subjects, including 10 men with azoospermia of known cause, 5 normal men, 28 subjects with disorders of androgen formation of metabolism of known cause, and 28 persons with documented disorders of the androgen receptor (testicular feminization and Reifenstein syndrome). The mean androgen receptor Bmax (amount of high affinity binding) was 12 fmol/mg protein or greater in 10 infertile men with azoospermia of known cause and in 6 infertile men with mild oligospermia. In fibroblasts from 1 to 4 individuals with severe oligospermia of unknown cause (less than 1 million/ml) and 8 of 18 subjects with idiopathic azoospermia, the androgen receptor Bmax was less than 12 fmol/mg protein. The mean value in these 9 men was not significantly different from that in subjects with testicular feminization or Reifenstein syndrome. Serum concentrations of testosterone and LH were normal in 6 of these 9 infertile men, and plasma production rates of testosterone were elevated in only 2 of the 6 men studied in whom the Bmax values in genital skin fibroblasts were less than 12 fmol/mg protein. We conclude that androgen resistance may be the cause of a significant fraction (40% or more) or idiopathic male infertility due to azoospermia or severe oligospermia, and that this disorder may not be manifested by a functional defect in the pituitary-testicular axis.
Micronutrient Requirements of High-Risk Infants

Micronutrient requirements are well-established for healthy full-term infants. However, few such recommendations exist for high-risk infants, including full-term infants with a variety of medical disorders or very preterm infants. Key micronutrients considered in this review are calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and zinc. The ongoing unresolved shortages, especially of intravenous forms of these minerals, remain a major problem. Considered are some aspects of how the nutrient shortages may be managed, recognizing the complexity and changing nature of the supply.
Introductory service courses in the computer science curriculum

The organization of the computer science curriculum to adequately meet the service needs of other departments while still providing a reasonable program for majors is at best difficult, but is especially difficult within the economic constraints of relatively small universities. This paper contains some thoughts on this difficulty, beginning with an attempt to delineate the service needs and the associated problem areas and then making some rather general curricular recommendations for introductory service courses. Finally, experience with one of the most important recommendations is discussed in detail in the hope that it will form some sort of crude model for other developments.
Percutaneous Revascularization of Chronic Total Occlusions

Many patients with severe intermittent claudication (IC) or critical limb ischemia (CLI) have chronic total occlusions (CTO) in their lower extremity vascular bed. The successful treatment of these lesions is becoming increasingly more important as the population ages and the prevalence of diseases such as diabetes mellitus and its consequences increases. Many of these patients have significant comorbidities and may benefit from less invasive treatment options. Several endovascular techniques have now become well established in the treatment of these lesions. Additionally, several new adjunctive tools have been developed to enhance the technical success of CTO revascularization. These tools and techniques offer a minimally invasive alternative for limb salvage in this compromised patient population and have become an established practice in many centers. Although some concerns about procedure durability and lower rates of primary patency exist, particularly when compared to surgical bypass, the limb salvage and amputation-free survival rates are much more encouraging. Advantages of these techniques compared to surgical bypass are reduced morbidity and mortality, reduced anesthesia requirements, and potential reductions in length of hospital stay and cost. In addition, bypass options are typically preserved after endovascular treatment. The more conventional and some newer endovascular treatment approaches, some of the adjunctive tools and techniques used in CTO revascularization as well as their clinical results will be discussed in this review.