cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
P-95 The effects of education on advance healthcare planning among independent, community-dwelling older adults

Background There are many types of advance directives. Most common being the Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare (DPAHC). In this type of advance directive the patient chooses a healthcare representative, who may be a friend, spouse, or family member who will be responsible for healthcare decisions and will act in the patient’s best interest once the patient is incapacitated. In California the DPAHC was replaced by the Advance Health Care Directives AHCD in July 2000 based on the Natural Death Act of 1972. The problem is the lack of education about AHCP. End-of-life decisions are difficult to discuss for patients, family, and healthcare providers (HCP). Aim Purpose was to determine the effectiveness of AHCP education among independent community-dwelling older adults >60 and to promote communication about end-of-life preferences among participants, family-members/HCP. Methods Pre-test assessed knowledge level using face-to-face surveys including demographic data with 20 participants at retirement self-contained apartments. Post-test survey was conducted after an educational presentation. Descriptive/inferential statistical analysis was used. Results Statistically significant overall improvement p = 0.001 was achieved. Many older adults did not like discussing end-of-life issues due to lack of knowledge of health, fear or guilt. Three most important issues were: not to be a burden to families; being off machines that extend life support; being pain free. Discussion Open communication among clinicians/family/patients will prepare patients from transition-contemplative-receptive stage. Increased knowledge will improve relationships between patients/families. Conclusion AHCP increases knowledge about death/dying, reduces anxiety by recognising death as normal aspect of life, increases autonomy for decision-making.
The Radiation Target in Small-Cell Lung Cancer

What constitutes the appropriate target in the treatment of small-cell lung cancer is an area of active investigation. Advances in the last 30 years in radiologic and nuclear imaging as well as in radiotherapy delivery have prompted revision of the classically defined target which was designed to be “tolerable” and encompass visible tumor and potential areas of microscopic disease. Current trends are to minimize normal tissue irradiation and more precisely define the extent of potential microscopic spread in order to optimize target volume. This chapter will review historic trials and ongoing studies to provide a comprehensive understanding on the evolution of the radiotherapy target in small-cell lung cancer.
The Ontogeny of the Brain Stem

In the previous chapter, the general topographic anatomy of the human CNS was described. The brain was somewhat arbitrarily divided into five regions called, proceeding from caudal to rostral, the medulla, pons, midbrain, diencephalon, and telencephalon. As the next installment on learning the anatomical organization of the brain, let’s take a closer look at the embryonic emergence of the more prominent structures of the brain stem. In the next chapter, we will do the same for the forebrain. Familiarity with such major landmarks will facilitate orientation in the three-dimensionally complex human brain when you undertake an analysis of functional systems in later chapters.
Increased Myeloid Dendritic Cells and TNF-α Expression Predicts Poor Response to Hydroxychloroquine in Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus.

Although antimalarials are the primary treatment for cutaneous lupus erythematosus, not all patients are equally responsive. We investigated whether different inflammatory cell population and cytokine profiles in lesional cutaneous lupus erythematosus skin could affect antimalarial responsiveness, and whether hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and quinacrine (QC) differentially suppress inflammatory cytokines. Cutaneous lupus erythematosus patients were grouped according to their response to antimalarials (HCQ vs. HCQ+QC). On immunohistochemistry, only the myeloid dendritic cell population was significantly increased in the HCQ+QC group compared to HCQ group. While the IFN scores calculated for the selected type I IFN–regulated genes (LYE6, OAS1, OASL, ISG15, and MX1) were significantly higher in the HCQ group than the HCQ+QC group, the TNF-α level was higher in the HCQ+QC group. QC was more effective than HCQ at inhibiting the toll receptor-mediated production of TNF-α and IL-6 in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from cutaneous lupus erythematosus patients, whereas QC and HCQ inhibited IFN-α equally. QC also suppressed phospho–NF-κB p65 more profoundly than HCQ. In conclusion, increased myeloid dendritic cell population with higher TNF-α expression might contribute to HCQ refractoriness and a better response to QC. Differential suppressive effects of HCQ and QC could also affect antimalarial responses in cutaneous lupus erythematosus patients.
Components of Upper-Ocean Salt Transport by the Gyres and the Meridional Overturning Circulation

AbstractThe salt transport by the wind-driven gyres and the meridional overturning circulation (MOC) is studied in an idealized-geometry primitive equation ocean model. Two narrow continents, runni...
Ma Rainey’s phonograph

This essay engages a series of performance routines by the blues artist Gertrude “Ma” Rainey, as a way of critiquing the epistemological tenets of sound reproduction technology. Between 1923 and 19...
Association of Concomitant Use of Cholinesterase Inhibitors or Memantine With Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer Clinical Trials: A Meta-analysis.

Importance Clinical trials in Alzheimer disease (AD) generally allow participants to continue receiving concomitant medications, including cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) and memantine, if the dose is stable. Previous analysis of observational studies indicates such individuals experience greater rate of decline on cognitive testing than those not receiving such medications. Objective To investigate whether concomitant use of ChEIs or memantine is associated with cognitive outcomes in AD clinical trials. Data Sources Meta-database of 18 studies from the Alzheimer Disease Cooperative Study and Alzheimer Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. Study Selection All studies with data on ChEI and memantine use that included assessment of specified outcome measures. Data Extraction and Synthesis The analysis estimated annual rate of decline on the Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale–cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog) using linear mixed-effects models, and compared rates for participants receiving ChEIs and memantine, alone and combined, with participants not receiving either medication using random-effects meta-analysis. Main Outcomes and Measures Annual rate of change on the ADAS-cog. Results Across 10 studies, of 2714 participants, the mean (SD) age was 75.0 (8.2) years, 58% were female, and 9% were racial/ethnic minorities. There were 906 participants (33.4%) receiving ChEIs, 143 (5.3%) receiving memantine, 923 (34.0%) receiving both, and 742 (27.3%) receiving neither. Meta-analysis showed those receiving ChEIs or memantine were associated with significantly greater annual rate of decline on the ADAS-cog than those receiving neither medication (1.4 points/y; 95% CI, 0.1-2.7). Conclusions and Relevance Similar to observational studies, many participants in AD clinical trials receiving ChEIs or memantine experience greater cognitive decline. This difference is nearly as large as the hypothesized effect sizes of the treatments investigated in the trials. Concomitant use of ChEIs or memantine may be confounded with outcomes on the ADAS-cog and should be considered in design of clinical trials of potential therapeutic agents for AD. Post hoc analyses stratifying by ChEIs or memantine must be interpreted cautiously given the potential for confounding.
Responses of the odd couple Carquinez, CA, suspension bridge during the M w 6.0 south Napa earthquake of August 24, 2014

The behavior of the suspension bridge in Carquinez, CA, during the Mw6.0 24 August 2014 South Napa, CA earthquake is studied. Utilizing data from an extensive array of accelerometers that recorded the earthquake-excited motions, dynamic characteristics such as modes, corresponding frequencies and damping are identified and compared with previous studies that used ambient data of the deck only plus mathematical models. Data are systematically analyzed for vertical, transverse and torsional motions of the deck, and transverse, longitudinal and torsional motions of the towers. The transverse and vertical fundamental mode frequencies of the deck are the same (0.17 Hz) due to coupling. Higher frequencies for transverse and vertical coupled modes are also the same at 0.46 Hz and 0.98 Hz. Tower translational frequencies are 0.39 Hz in the transverse direction and 0.46 Hz in the longitudinal direction, and are also coupled with those of the deck. Coupling of torsional modes of the tower and deck is also identified. A beating effect is observed, particularly for torsional motions.
Racial Inequities in the Federal Buyout of Flood-Prone Homes: A Nationwide Assessment of Environmental Adaptation:

One way the U.S. government is responding to the challenges of climate change is by funding the purchase of tens of thousands of flood-prone homes in more than 500 cities and towns across the count...
Use of Direct-Acid-Set Cottage Cheese Whey to Manufacture Sherbet.

Orange sherbet of 1% fat and 45 or 46% direct-add-set cottage cheese whey were compared to a control sherbet containing no whey. The titratable acidity was higher in sherbets containing whey. An untrained taste panel found no difference between the three sherbets studied, describing them as "like moderately."
5.503 – Biomaterials and the Microvasculature

Neovascularization in situ can be achieved by a number of methods. Regardless of the method by which it is achieved, neovascularization is a critical factor in the viability not only of engineered tissues and organs, but also of implanted sensors, cell-based gene therapy, and other bioengineering applications. These applications will be briefly reviewed and provide motivation and framework for the subsequent discussion of the factors that appear to govern neovascularization in and around biomaterial implants. Factors to be examined include the mechanical features of biomaterials such as macrostructure, microarchitecture, and stiffness. The impact of chemical features (e.g., surface energy, hydrophobicity, and protein adsorption) and biochemical features (e.g., integrin-binding sites, enzymatic degradation sites, and specific angiogenic factors) will be reviewed. Lastly, case studies will be described that illustrate how recent successes in the development of microvascular networks for various biomedical applications can be largely understood in the context of the mechanical and biochemical factors reviewed in this chapter.
Getting Prepared Series for Diabetes

Review pancreatic anatomy relevant to diabetes mellitus; understand how blood glucose is maintained in the normal range; review insulin and glucagon action; learn the location and regulation of various subtypes of glucose transporters (GLUTs); learn the location and kinetic differences between hexokinase and glucokinase; review factors that promote insulin secretion from the pancreatic β-cell.
Geofencing: Mobile Technology as a Health Promotion Tool to Raise Awareness of a Dental Clinic in Rural North Carolina.

Purpose The purpose of the study was to assess the use of geofence technology to raise awareness of a dental clinic in rural North Carolina. Methods The catchment area of the dental clinic was defined by ZIP Codes. A geofence was identified, and cell phones within the perimeter were targeted for oral health message drops to occur over 3 months from April to June 2017. Surveys conducted twice, pre- and postintervention (message drop), evaluated change in community awareness of services available at the dental clinic. A cross-sectional analysis was used to measure the effect of the exposure to the geofence technology in survey respondents. Findings The survey included 200 participants (100 pre- and 100 postintervention). There were no significant differences in race or age for pre- and postintervention survey groups. The majority of respondents were American Indians (47.0% pre, 58.6% post) or black (28.8% pre, 25.5% post). There was a statistically significant improvement in awareness of the dental clinic (P = .045) from pre- to postintervention. A significant increase was also observed in the question related to dental visits by the respondent or family member of the respondent (from 6.5% to 15.0%, P = .04). A more modest improvement was found in questions related to the cost of dental care, type of insurance accepted, and services provided. Conclusion Geofencing has the potential to increase awareness of health care services and ultimately increase the number of patients receiving care.
Cell Biology: Resolving How DNA Is Damaged during 3D Migration.

Summary Cells migrating through confined spaces are subject to mechanical stresses that can deform the nucleus and even rupture the nuclear envelope. A new study reveals that nuclear deformation is sufficient to trigger double-strand breaks at sites of active DNA replication.
Screening for Lung Cancer.

S.J., a 68-year-old Black man, comes to your office to establish care after recently moving to the area. S.J. has a history of allergic rhinitis, osteoarthritis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Additionally, he has a 39-pack-year history of smoking but quit six years ago.
Electrical abnormalities with St. Jude/Abbott pacing leads: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Although there is a paucity of contemporary data on pacemaker lead survival rates, small studies suggest that some leads may have higher malfunction rates than do others. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the malfunction rates of current pacemaker leads. Methods A meta-analysis including studies that examined the non–implant-related lead malfunction rates of current commercially available active fixation pacemaker leads was performed. An electronic search of MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and Embase was performed. DerSimonian and Laird random effects models were used. Results Eight studies with a total of 14,579 leads were included. Abbott accounted for 10,838 (74%), Medtronic 2510 (17%), Boston Scientific 849 (6%), and MicroPort 382 (3%) leads. The weighted mean follow-up period was 3.6 years. Lead abnormalities occurred in 5.0% of all leads, 6.1% of Abbott leads, 1.1% of Medtronic, 1.4% of Boston Scientific, and 5.5% of MicroPort. The most common lead abnormality was lead noise with normal impedance. Abbott leads were associated with an increased risk of abnormalities (relative risk [RR] 7.81; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.21–19.04), reprogramming (RR 7.95; 95% CI 3.55–17.82), and lead revision or extraction (RR 8.91; 95% CI 3.36–23.60). Abbott leads connected to an Abbott generator had the highest abnormality rate (8.0%) followed by Abbott leads connected to a non-Abbott generator (4.7%) and non-Abbott leads connected to an Abbott generator (0.4%). Conclusions Abbott leads are associated with an increased risk of abnormalities compared with leads of other manufacturers, primarily manifesting as lead noise with normal impedance, and are associated with an increased risk of lead reprogramming and lead revision or extraction.
Impact of Grid Support Functionality on PV Inverter Response to Faults

Grid support functionalities from advanced PV inverters are increasingly being utilized to help regulate grid conditions and enable high PV penetration levels. To ensure a high degree of reliability, it is paramount that protective devices respond properly to a variety of fault conditions. However, while the fault response of PV inverters operating at unity power factor has been well documented, less work has been done to characterize the fault contributions and impacts of advanced inverters with grid support enabled under conditions like voltage sags and phase angle jumps. To address this knowledge gap, this paper presents experimental results of a three-phase photovoltaic inverter’s response during and after a fault to investigate how PV systems behave under fault conditions when operating with and without a grid support functionality (autonomous Volt-Var) enabled. Simulations were then conducted to quantify the potential impact of the experimental findings on protection systems. It was observed that fault current magnitudes across several protective devices were impacted by non-unity power factor operating conditions, suggesting that protection settings may need to be studied and updated whenever grid support functions are enabled or modified.
Cardiac sarcoidosis diagnosed after orthotopic heart transplantation and clinically mimicking arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy.

Abstract Described herein is a 71-year-old man who underwent orthotopic heart transplant (OHT) for chronic severe heart failure secondary to cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) devoid of non-caseating granulomas but nevertheless characteristic of CS. Clinically, his heart disease had suggested the presence of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy.
Patent Amendments in India in the Wake of TRIPS

The paper discusses the important statutory amendments of the Indian Patent Act after to conform to the TRIPS Agreement India became a signatory of the World Trade Organization.
Disembodied voices, embodied places: Mobile technology, enabling discourse, and interpreting place

Abstract This paper pursues the research question how can asset mapping using mobile technology impact the discursive planning environment affecting a cultural landscape? This paper examines this through the review of a case study entitled Cellphone Diaries. It features the work of African American community residents who participated in asset mapping using smartphones and created self-authored digital videos recording their memories of people, places, and events occurring in John Chavis Memorial Park. The park, located one mile southeast of the center of Raleigh, North Carolina and situated in the heart of Raleigh's largest historically African American community. The park was undergoing significant changes that the community interpreted as the loss of significant cultural landscape features. Through Cellphone Diaries, community residents created videos that were examined using discourse analysis, linked to an online map, and disseminated as a catalog of community perceptions of the meaning of the park. The location of their narratives on spatial maps produced a geographically referenced interpretive tool highlighting previously undocumented people, places, and events important to the community. The paper argues that the use of mobile technology constitutes a critical visualization approach that affected the park planning discourse by enabling community people to create material products (videos and maps) that positioned their narratives in multiple discourses beyond the immediate planning context. The larger influence of these expanded positions, including through media and arts community outlets, increased the power of their narratives to affect change in the park planning process.
A topical fluorescent analogue for virtual hematoxylin and eosin histology in point-of-care ex vivo microscopy

Histological assessment of freshly removed tissue specimens requires accurate and fast analysis in clinical procedures such as diagnostic biopsy and surgical tumor resection. Current histological assessment methods are either time-consuming or damage the tissue beyond the ability to re-analyze post-procedure. We demonstrate a novel dual-stain fluorescent analogue to brightfield Hematoxylin and Eosin for in-procedure histopathology that is both time-efficient and preserves the analyzed tissue for later analysis. H&E-like images are created from the combination of DRAQ5 and Eosin applied to human prostate tissue and animal muscle tissue under confocal microscopy. D&E images are pseduocolored to match H&E coloring, showing near-identical features to brightfield H&E of the same tissue. The histological accuracy, short staining time, and tissue preservation aspects of this dual-stain technique demonstrates its potential to be adopted for use in point-of-care pathology.
Determination of nucleic acids with concentrated H2SO4. 1. Deoxyribonucleic acid.

Abstract A simple reaction described by Staron et al. (1) for the determination of DNA was studied, and found to be useful. A few modifications were introduced.
On the Question of the Existence of a Guanosine Triphosphate-specific Protein Kinase Activated by Adenosine 3' : 5'-Monophosphate-dependent Protein Kinase

Abstract Crude extracts of swine heart and several rat tissues (heart, lung, brain, fat cells, and intestinal smooth muscle) were found to effectively catalyze the incorporation into histone of 32P from [γ-32P]GTP in the presence of adenosine 3' : 5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) and either ATP, ADP, or AMP. Experimental evidence presented indicate that this phenomenon is attributable to formation of [γ-32P]ATP or [β,γ-32P]-ATP from [γ-32P]GTP through isotope exchange and transfer reactions, probably as the result of a combined action of nucleoside triphosphate phosphotransferases, nucleoside triphosphatases, nucleoside diphosphate kinases, nucleoside monophosphate kinases, and other related enzymes. It is suggested that [γ-32P]GTP may not be the immediate 32P donor for histone phosphorylation and that the formation of [32P]histone may be catalyzed by regular cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase utilizing the subsequently formed 32P-labeled ATP.
Tagetitoxin purification and partial characterization

Abstract Tagetitoxin is a non-host specific toxin produced by Pseudomonas syringae pv . tagetis in host species of the Asteraceae family and in liquid culture by certain strains of the bacterium. A purification protocol involving anion exchange and partition chromatography was developed that yielded tagetitoxin purified to homogeneity. Based on dilution end-point (nanograms injected in 50 μL that caused just detectable apical chlorosis in sunflower seedlings), the protocol resulted in a 2200-fold purification of tagetitoxin. The dilution end-point of purified tagititoxin was 10 ng/50 μL (295 nM) and the I 50 for inhibition of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase was 0.1 μg/mL (147 nM). Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in 50% methanol:H 2 O indicated that the molecular weight of tagetitoxin is 678. Preliminary characterization of tagetitoxin structure was performed using 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. The results indicate that the previously proposed structure of tagetitoxin [Mitchell RE, Coddington JM, Young H. A revised structure for tagetitoxin. Tetrahedron Lett 1989; 30:501–504. [10]] is incorrect.
SOCIAL BONDING AND JUVENILE MALE VIOLENCE: AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION

This paper examined the relationships of several social bonding components and juvenile violence. Specifically, the components as operationalized in this study are rejection by parents, rejection by teachers, and Disaffection from The conventional community. We employed these as predictor variables in a causal model and examined both the direct and indirect effects each of these variables had on juvenile violence. The data were obtained from a 1994 survey of 172 seventh and grade male students in an eastern Ohio urban school system. In order to compare the reliability of the social bond components across racial groups, we conducted separate path analyses for African American youth and white American youth. Differences in the strength of the predictive ability of these variables were found across racial groups. Although rejection by parents proved to be the most significant predictor variable for the African American sample, it was not significant for the white American sample. The findings reveal disaffection with the conventional community to be the most important predictor of violent behavior for the white American sample. The causal model explained more of the variance in violence for the African American sample than for the white American sample. Finally, our findings indicate no difference between the two races as far as the rate of violent behavior is concerned.
Fe-P-O catalysts for methane utilization : catalyst development and identification

Fe-P-O catalyst formulations show great promise for oxidative coupling of methane. They attain yields of C~_ hydrocarbons comparable to the best in the literature at a temperature which is far below those reported. The catalysts are active in both supported (on Cab-O-Sil) and unsupported (bulk) forms. Both these forms are active around Fe : P ratios of 0.6, suggesting that the pathway in general is unaltered by the support. The first gas-phase product of the reaction appears to be ethane, which is subsequently converted to ethylene. CO and CO2 seem to be formed by oxidation of the C2 hydrocarbons. Activity testing also revealed that a catalyst of this '~active composition" was not always active, indicating a possible bifurcation in the reaction rate. The existence of rate hysteresis is confirmed by temperature-programming experiments. ESCA and FT1R studies indicate that the active catalysts are composed of a mixture of various hydrated and unhydrated iron phosphates. These are known to consist of octahedrally coordinated iron atoms alternating with tetrahedrally coordinated phosphorus in phosphate groups. The octahedral coordination of iron includes some direct oxygen links from the phosphates and some indirect Fe-O-H-O-P structures. We speculate that a possible active site for the dehydrogenation is the P-O-P bridge structure of the polyphosphates. We find that on supported catalysts, dehydrogenating species actually build up on the surface during the reaction. These species are specific to dehydrogenation and appear to be incapable of effecting any further oxidation of the products. Thus, gas-phase oxygen alone is responsible for the formation of carbon monoxide and dioxide, while the dehydrogenating oxidic species on the surface are primarily responsible for the formation of C 2 hydrocarbons. This suggests that forced concentration cycling would be a good way of separating products of the reaction on supported catalysts. © 1990 Academic Press, Inc.
Menstrual cycle and protein requirements of women.

A nitrogen balance study was done to determine the protein requirement of healthy young women and to evaluate the impact of the menstrual cycle on nitrogen utilization. Six healthy young women were fed a defined formula diet with progressively decreasing levels of egg white protein: 4 mg nitrogen/basal kcal for 42 days, 3 mg nitrogen/basal kcal for 28 days and 2.5 mg nitrogen/basal kcal for 22 days. Dietary energy was fixed at about 38 kcal/kg body weight and exercise was standardized. Excreta, menstrual fluids, and integumentary losses were collected. A statistically significant (P less than .001) biphasic cycle in urinary nitrogen excretion was found in every subject. Linear regression analysis predicted nitrogen requirement to be 73 +/- 20 mg nitrogen/kg body weight. When expressed per kilogram of body weight, there appears to be no significant difference in protein requirement between women and men. The urinary nitrogen cycle, however, was found to be unique to women, implying a hormonal regulation of nitrogen utilization. The failure to account for this cycle in women could lead to erroneous estimates of nitrogen requirement or large coefficients of variation.
In vivo fluorescence imaging of biomaterial-associated inflammation and infection in a minimally invasive manner.

Implant-associated inflammation and bacterial infection severely limit the functional performance of medical devices and are a major cause of implant failure. Therefore, it is crucial to develop methodologies to monitor/image implant-associated aseptic inflammation and bacterial infection in a minimally invasive manner. Here, we exploited near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) molecular probes injected locally at the implant site to perform minimally invasive, simultaneous imaging of inflammation, and infection associated with implanted polymer disks. The hydro-sulfo-Cy5 (H-s-Cy5) probe detected reactive oxygen species associated with inflammatory responses to both aseptic and biofilm-containing implants, whereas diaminocyanine sulfonate selectively detected nitric oxide associated with a biofilm on the biomaterial at acute time points (<4 days). This imaging modality also allows longitudinal monitoring because of high specificity and fast clearance rate of the fluorescent probes. Taken together, these NIRF molecular probes represent a useful tool to directly image inflammatory responses and infections associated with implanted devices for the diagnosis of device-associated inflammation and infection as well as the development of effective therapies. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 76–83, 2015.
Simplified Approach to Diagnosing Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Nocturnal Hypercapnia in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury.

Abstract Objective To evaluate a strategy of home-based testing to diagnose sleep-disordered breathing and nocturnal hypercapnia in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Design Case series. Setting Referral center. Participants Adults with C1-T6 SCI (N=81). Individuals were eligible if ≥18 years old, with SCI of ≥3 months' duration, living within 100 miles of the study site, and not meeting exclusion criteria. Of the 161 individuals recruited from the SCI Model System database who were not enrolled, reasons were not interested in participating, change of location, prior positive pressure ventilation use, or medical contraindication. Ten individuals did not complete the study. Interventions Performance of an unsupervised home sleep apnea test combined with transcutaneous partial pressure of carbon dioxide/oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry monitoring. Main Outcome Measures Prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing and nocturnal hypercapnia. Clinical and physiological variables were examined to determine which, if any, correlate with the severity of sleep-disordered breathing. Results Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was found in 81.3% of individuals, central sleep apnea (CSA) was found in 23.8%, and nonspecific hypopnea events, where respiratory effort was too uncertain to classify, were present in 35%. Nonspecific hypopnea events correlated strongly with CSA but weakly with OSA, suggesting that conventional sleep apnea test scoring may underestimate central/neuromuscular hypopneas. Nocturnal hypercapnia was present in 28% and oxygen desaturation in 18.3%. Neck circumference was the primary predictor for OSA, whereas baclofen use and obstructive apnea/hypopnea index weakly predicted CSA. Awake transcutaneous partial pressure of carbon dioxide and CSA were only marginally associated with nocturnal hypercapnia. Conclusions Unsupervised home sleep apnea testing with transcutaneous capnography effectively identifies sleep-disordered breathing and nocturnal hypercapnia in individuals with SCI.
Positron—Gas Scattering Experiments

Publisher Summary Positron–atom scattering experiments involve interactions of antimatter with matter and can help provide a better understanding of the scattering of electrons by atoms and molecules. The scattering of electrons is a subject of great importance to many different fields of science and technology such as plasma physics, laser development, gaseous electronics, astrophysics, and studies of the earth's upper atmosphere. Comparisons between e + -atom (molecule) and e – -atom (molecule) scattering reveal some interesting differences and similarities. The static interaction is attractive for electrons and repulsive for positrons, while the polarization interaction is attractive for both projectiles. The exchange interaction contributes to e – scattering but does not play a role in e + scattering. The combined effect of the static and polarization interactions is that they add to each other in e – scattering, whereas there is a tendency toward cancellation in e + scattering. There are four objectives of this chapter: (1) to point out the most significant developments in the first decade of e + -gas scattering experiments, (2) to search for some consistent patterns in the experimental results in cases where several different groups have investigated the same collision processes, (3) to present some puzzling questions raised by the new generation of experiments that go beyond Q T measurements, and (4) to indicate some experimental areas of e + -gas scattering that would be interesting and feasible to investigate in the near future.
Polymeric nanoparticles for targeted radiosensitization of prostate cancer cells.

One of the many issues of using radiosensitizers in a clinical setting is timing daily radiation treatments to coincide with peak drug concentration in target tissue. To overcome this deficit, we have synthesized a novel nanoparticle (NP) system consisting of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) NPs conjugated with prostate cancer cell penetrating peptide-R11 and encapsulated with a potent radio-sensitizer 8-dibenzothiophen-4-yl-2-morpholin-4-yl-chromen-4-one (NU7441) to allow prostate cancer-specific targeting and sustained delivery over 3 weeks. Preliminary characterization studies showed that the R11-conjugated NPs (R11-NU7441 NPs) had an average size of about 274 ± 80 nm and were stable for up to 5 days in deionized water and serum. The NPs were cytocompatible with immortalized prostate cells (PZ-HPV-7). Further, the particles showed a bi-phasic release of encapsulated NU7441 and were taken up by PC3 prostate cancer cells in a dose- and magnetic field-dependent manner while not being taken up in nonprostate cancer cell lines. In addition, R11-NU7441 NPs were effective radiation sensitizers of prostate cancer cell lines in vitro. These results thus demonstrate the potential of R11-conjugated PLGA NPs as novel platforms for targeted radiosensitization of prostate cancer cells. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 1632–1639, 2015.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Signal Abnormalities in Enthesopathy of the Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus Origin

Purpose Some surgeons use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in patients with enthesopathy of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) origin (commonly referred to as lateral epicondylitis) to plan and justify surgical treatment. Overinterpretation of defects of the origin of the ECRB or associated abnormalities of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) could affect decision-making. We tested the hypothesis that patients with MRI signal abnormalities consistent with enthesopathy of the ECRB are equally likely to have findings consistent with an ECRB defect or LCL abnormality whether they are being evaluated as part of preoperative planning for lateral elbow pain or for an elbow condition that does not feature lateral elbow pain. Methods For each of 24 consecutive patients with enthesopathy of the ECRB who had MRI for preoperative evaluation, we selected 2 age- and gender-matched controls from a list of patients who had an elbow MRI to evaluate other elbow problems. The origin of the ECRB and the LCL were specifically evaluated. Results Patients diagnosed with enthesopathy of the ECRB were significantly more likely than control patients to have signal changes consistent with enthesopathy of the ECRB origin (24 of 24 vs 9 of 48; p Conclusions Use of MRI in the management of patients with enthesopathy of the ECRB origin merits further study.
Design and Characterization of the VMM1 ASIC for Micropattern Gas Detectors

Abstract Measurements of the first prototype VMM1 ASIC designed at Brookhaven National Laboratory in 130 nm CMOS and fabricated in spring 2012 are presented. The 64-channel ASIC features a novel design for use with several types of micropattern gas detectors. The data driven system measures peak amplitude and timing information in tracking mode including sub-threshold neighbors and first channel hit address in trigger mode. Several programmable gain and integration times allows the flexibility to work with Micromegas, Thin Gap Chambers (TGCs), and Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) detectors. The IC design and features are presented along with measurements characterizing the performance of the VMM1 such as noise, linearity of the response, time walk, and calibration range.
Free space quantum key distribution over 10km in daylight and at night

We have demonstrated quantum key distribution (QKD) over a 10-km, 1-airmass atmospheric range during daylight and at night. Secret random bit sequences of the quality required for the cryptographic keys used to initialize secure communications devices were transferred at practical rates with realistic security. We infer from these results that free-space QKD will be practical over much longer ranges under these and other atmospheric and instrumental conditions.
How to Read the Chromatin Past

It has become common parlance to refer to all histone modifications as “epigenetic,” meaning that they carry information about how to use the associated DNA sequences as a function of earlier events. However, some histone modifications, such as methylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27), are more epigenetic than others in that they can self-renew from one cell cycle to the next, thereby establishing a “cellular memory” of earlier events. A series of articles in the past 3 years—including one by Yuan et al. ( 1 ) on page [971][1] of this issue—has revealed several subtle mechanisms by which the Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), which methylates H3K27, reads the preexisting chromatin state to ensure that it is faithfully maintained after cell division ( 2 – 7 ). [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.1225237
Translational control of phage f1 gene expression by differential activities of the gene V, VII, IX and VIII initiation sites☆

Phage-specific transcription and subsequent RNA processing in Escherichia coli infected with the filamentous phage (f1, M13, fd) generate a pool of abundant and relatively long-lived phage mRNA species encoding the four adjacent genes V, VII, IX and VIII. Yet the products of gene V and gene VIII are synthesized at much higher levels than the gene VII and gene IX proteins. To ask if the translational initiation sites heading these genes show corresponding differences in activity and/or functional properties, we have purified a number of the phage mRNAs from cells infected with f1 and examined them in in vitro initiation reactions. The ribosome binding patterns obtained for the phage mRNA species and for smaller defined RNA fragments containing selected initiator regions reveal a large range in apparent ribosome binding strengths. The gene V and gene VIII sites are recognized efficiently in each mRNA species in which they are present. Gene IX site activity appears to be limited by local mRNA structure: the site has undetectable or low ribosome binding activity in all of the phage mRNA species, but is at least tenfold more active if the RNA sequences required to form a potential hairpin stem-and-loop 15 nucleotides upstream from the initiator AUG have been removed. The gene VII site shows no evidence of interaction with ribosomes in any phage mRNA or RNA fragment tested. The same striking differences in initiation activity were observed in vivo by cloning small f1 DNA fragments containing gene V or gene VII initiation site sequences to drive β-galactosidase synthesis. High levels of a gene V-β-galactosidase fusion protein are initiated at the V site, but no detectable synthesis occurs from the VII site. If the VII site is preceded by all of the information encoding the upstream gene V, however, modest amounts of a fusion protein initiated at the VII site are produced. The overall results, in accord with the observed yields of proteins in the phage-infected cell, provide strong evidence that the properties of these translational initiation sites determine in a significant way the differential expression of phage f1 genes V, VII, IX and VIII.
Collisional activation spectra. Gas phase [C12H10O]+˙ and [C12H9O]+ ions from dephenyl ether, diphenyl carbonate, and o‐, m‐ and p‐phenylphenol

[C12H10O]+˙ ions in the mass spectra of diphenyl ether and diphenyl carbonate have the same structure, but one which differs from that of these ions from phenylphenol. [C12H9O]+ ions from all three compounds have isomerized to a common structure.
Are trauma narratives unique and do they predict psychological adjustment

Community-dwelling adults (N = 104) aged 20- to 99-years-old told narratives about neutral, positive, and worst traumatic events; they also completed mental health questionnaires. Consistent with previous research, trauma narratives were longer, and contained more somatosensory and negative bodily experience detail. Recent trauma was associated with more somatosensory detail. Longer trauma narratives were associated with better psychological adjustment, whereas negative bodily experiences related to poorer psychological adjustment and more posttraumatic stress symptoms. Results provide some support for unique trauma narrative characteristics indicative of psychological adjustment among community-dwelling adults.
A Randomized Comparison of 100-mg vs 500-mg Dose of Methylprednisolone in the Treatment of Acute Asthma

There have been conflicting reports comparing the effects of various doses of corticosteroids in the treatment of acute asthma. The purpose of this study was to compare 100 mg with 500 mg of methylprednisolone in the emergency department treatment of acute asthma. We studied 150 patients presenting to the emergency department with acute asthma. After baseline pulmonary function testing, patients were treated with oxygen and hourly administration of aerosolized albuterol. Patients were randomized to receive either 100 or 500 mg of methylprednisolone intravenously. Spirometry was repeated at 3 h, and again at 5 h for those patients whose dyspnea had not resolved after 3 h. There was no difference in the FEV1 between the 500-mg and 100-mg dose groups either before treatment (38.0% vs 32.6% of predicted normal) or after treatment (55.3% vs 51.9% of predicted normal). There was no difference in the percentage improvement in FEV1 with treatment between the 500-mg and 100-mg dose groups (65.0% vs 71.2%). Twenty-five percent of the patients in the 500-mg dose group were admitted to the hospital compared with 28% of patients in the 100-mg dose group (not significant). We conclude that the administration of a 500-mg dose of methylprednisolone offers no advantages over a 100-mg dose in the emergency department treatment of acute asthma.
Practical Considerations in Statistical Modeling of Count Data for Infrastructure Systems

Count data arise in a number of infrastructure assessment problems such as modeling traffic accidents, pipe breaks in water distribution systems, and electric power outages. A common goal in these problems is to model the number of occurrences of an event of interest in the future based on past data. There is usually a great deal of variability in the past data, but there is a considerable amount of other information available that can help inform the models. A number of statistical models have been proposed and used for modeling count data in infrastructure assessment, including linear regression and generalized linear models. This paper summarizes these approaches and their past uses in infrastructure assessment. It then gives an overview of a class of models called generalized additive models that can incorporate nonlinear relationships between explanatory variables and counts of events in a flexible manner. Throughout the paper, the focus is on the practical usefulness of the different models, and an actual data set is used to demonstrate the different models.
Pump/probe method for fast analysis of visible spectral signatures utilizing asynchronous optical sampling

We report the results from a new pump/probe spectrometer for potential use in combustion diagnostics that employs asynchronous optical sampling. The instrument consists of two frequency-doubled mode-locked Nd:YAG lasers operating at slightly different repetition rates, synchronously pumping two dye lasers (rhodamine 6G) to generate the pump and probe beams. The spectral and temporal capabilities of the instrument are examined by obtaining a spectrum and an excited state decay of rhodamine B. The instrument response is shown to be proportional to pump power, probe power, and sample absorptance. Different frequency synthesizers and different modes of triggering are used to study their effect on signal stability.
High resolution laser imaging system

Computations indicate that a synthetic aperture laser imaging system can provide images with 10-cm resolution at satellite ranges using a 10-W cw laser. When imaging satellites from the ground, the synthetic aperture system reduces atmospheric degradations. The system uses 20-cm diam receiver optics. The low laser power is made possible by using separate transmitter and receiver optics and coded pulses with a 50% transmitter duty cycle. The coded pulses are derived from Hadamard matrices for which there is an efficient algorithm to transform the received data into images. The synthetic aperture yields spatial resolutions independent of range, and the coded pulses result in an effective range dependence of r−2 instead of r−4.
Main effects on the accuracy of Pulsed-Ultrasound-Doppler-Velocimetry in the presence of rigid impermeable walls

Abstract Walls bounding the flow applications under consideration influence the accuracy of Pulsed-Ultrasound-Doppler-Velocimetry (PUDV) by changing the shape of the acoustic beam, the propagation of the ultrasonic burst and the intensity distribution of the returning echo. Based on measurements of the acoustic beam shape and echo intensity distribution, the main effects on the accuracy of PUDV are identified and analyzed in the presence of rigid impermeable walls. Reviewing the main effects of (i) system control parameters and (ii) beam propagation on the accuracy of velocity field measurements using PUDV, we focus on investigating the main effects of (iii) shape of the beam and (iv) echo intensity. Finally, the main effects on the accuracy of PUDV in the presence of rigid impermeable walls are discussed and summarized.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the combat hospital and forward operating base: use of automated external defibrillators.

ABSTRACTObjective time to defibrillation (tdefib) directly correlates with survival from cardiac arrest. We investigated whether automated external defibrillators (AED) in a combat setting would improve this crucial variable. Methods: We performed a randomized simulation study to compare two systems of cardiac arrest response: public access AED vs. standard manual defibrillation. The study was conducted in two phases at two different settings: (1) in a contiguous United States (CONUS)-based training combat support hospital (CSH) and (2) at a deployed CSH within a combat forward operating base (FOB). The primary outcome was tdefib and the secondary outcome was difficulty of use. Results: For the training CSH setting, tdefib the AED model was significantly faster than the conventional model (1.3 vs. 2.0 minutes, p < 0.001, 95% CI of the mean difference = 0.39–1.1). In the combat environment, tdefib was between 2.2 and 8.4 minutes faster for the AED system. The AED system was found to be significantly easier...