cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Isolated Penile Edema After Diagnostic Paracentesis.

Diagnostic paracentesis is a routinely practiced, typically safe procedure performed in the emergency department. Genital swelling post-paracentesis is a rare complication with few documented case reports. We report a case of isolated penile edema after a diagnostic paracentesis performed in the emergency department. The patient is a 63-year-old male who came to the emergency department with a two-day history of isolated penile swelling after undergoing a diagnostic paracentesis in the emergency department as part of his workup during a recent hospital admission. On exam, the paracentesis site was noticeably low, beneath the inguinal ligament on the right side. His genital exam showed a circumcised penis with significant soft tissue swelling that involved the entire penile shaft sparing the glans and scrotum. There was no penile tenderness on palpation or urethral discharge. The testicles and scrotum revealed no signs of edema or tenderness, hernias, or abnormal lie. Of note, the patient reported that he had a less severe episode of penile swelling approximately one year ago after a paracentesis in a similarly low site, which resolved spontaneously. The features and timing of this presentation, added to the patient's previous episode over a year ago, pointed to this being a sequela of the paracentesis he had undergone during his last hospital stay. After evaluation and consultation with the urology service, he was discharged home with expectant management and outpatient follow-up. His symptoms resolved spontaneously after one week. To our knowledge, there have been no published reports of isolated penile edema after a diagnostic paracentesis. This case could be used when teaching the proper technique for performing a paracentesis and its potential complications.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Total Parenteral Nutrition Induced Hyperglycemia at a Single Institution: Retrospective Study.

Background: Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) provides full nutrition support to critically ill patients with an impaired digestive tract. Patients who receive TPN support are at higher risk for complications such as hyperglycemia. In our study, we aim to assess the prevalence of hyperglycemia induced by TPN and identify its risk factors in hospitalized adult patients. Methods: Patients who received TPN between January 2012 and December 2017 at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center-St. Margaret hospital were retrospectively screened. TPN-induced hyperglycemia was confirmed whether blood glucose was ≥180 mg/dL at any point, from the time of TPN initiation until 1-day post TPN termination. Characteristics of the hyperglycemia and the nonhyperglycemia groups were analyzed to predict potential risk factors. Results: A total of 197 patients were screened, 55 were excluded (1 died, 37 diabetic, and 17 had elevated blood glucose before TPN), and 142 patients were included, 42 of them (29.6%) developed hyperglycemia following TPN administration. Duration of TPN, surgical indications, and obesity were significantly higher in the hyperglycemia group. Additionally, age and steroids use were independent predictors of hyperglycemia in TPN patients after applying multivariable logistic regression model on our sample. Conclusions: Hyperglycemia is common after TPN. Risk factors assessment may help optimizing glycemic control in higher risk individuals to improve their outcomes. These include patients with obesity, surgical indication of TPN, and longer duration of TPN.
Serum Procalcitonin Level Is Associated with Positive Blood Cultures, In-hospital Mortality, and Septic Shock in Emergency Department Sepsis Patients

This study examines the accuracy of initial and subsequent serum procalcitonin (PCT) levels in predicting positive blood cultures, in-hospital mortality, and development of septic shock in emergency department (ED) patients with severe sepsis. This study includes all patients who presented to our ED with an admission diagnosis of severe sepsis over a period of nine months. The median initial PCT was 0.58 ng/mL, interquartile range (IQR) 0.16-5.39. The median subsequent serum PCT was 2.1 ng/mL, with an IQR of 0.3-11.1. The PCT trend over the initial three hours increased in 67% of the study population. Blood cultures were positive in 38% of the cohort. The median maximum PCT in those with a negative blood culture was 1.06 ng/mL compared to 4.19 ng/mL in those with a positive blood culture (p=0.0116). Serum PCT levels >2.0 ng/mL display significant correlation with positive blood cultures, in-hospital mortality, and development of septic shock and as such may serve as a biomarker for more serious infections.
Mitofusin 2 regulates neutrophil adhesive migration and the actin cytoskeleton.

Neutrophils rely on glycolysis for energy production. How mitochondria regulate neutrophil function is not fully understood. Here, we report that mitochondrial outer membrane protein Mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) regulates neutrophil homeostasis and chemotaxis in vivo. Mfn2-deficient neutrophils are released from the hematopoietic tissue, trapped in the vasculature in zebrafish embryos, and not capable of chemotaxis. Consistently, human neutrophil-like cells deficient with MFN2 fail to arrest on activated endothelium under sheer stress or perform chemotaxis on 2D surfaces. Deletion of Mfn2 results in a significant reduction of neutrophil infiltration to the inflamed peritoneal cavity in mice. Mechanistically, MFN2-deficient neutrophil-like cells display disrupted mitochondria-ER interaction, heightened intracellular calcium levels, and elevated Rac activation after chemokine stimulation. Restoring mitochondria-ER tether rescues the abnormal calcium levels, Rac hyperactivation, and chemotaxis defect resulted from MFN2 depletion. Finally, inhibition of Rac activation restores chemotaxis in MFN2-deficient neutrophils. Altogether, we identified that MFN2 regulates neutrophil migration via maintaining mitochondria-ER interaction to suppress Rac activation and uncovered a previously unrecognized role of MFN2 in regulating cell migration and the actin cytoskeleton.
Hemorrhagic Cysts and Other MR Biomarkers for Predicting Renal Dysfunction Progression in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease

BACKGROUND Screening for rapidly progressing autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is necessary for assigning and monitoring therapies. Height-adjusted total kidney volume (ht-TKV) is an accepted biomarker for clinical prognostication, but represents only a small fraction of information on abdominal MRI. PURPOSE To investigate the utility of other MR features of ADPKD to predict progression. STUDY TYPE Single-center retrospective. POPULATION Longitudinal data from 186 ADPKD subjects with baseline serum creatinine, PKD gene testing, abdominal MRI measurements, and ≥2 follow-up serum creatinine were reviewed. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE 1.5T, T2 -weighted single-shot fast spin echo, T1 -weighted 3D spoiled gradient echo (liver accelerated volume acquisition) and 2D cine velocity encoded gradient echo (phase contrast MRA). ASSESSMENT Ht-TKV, renal blood flow (RBF), number and fraction of renal and hepatic cysts, bright T1 hemorrhagic renal cysts, and liver and spleen volumes were independently assessed by three observers blinded to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) data. STATISTICAL TESTS Linear mixed-effect models were applied to predict eGFR over time using MRI features at baseline adjusted for confounders. Validation was performed in 158 patients who had follow-up MRI using receiver operator characteristic, sensitivity, and specificity. RESULTS Hemorrhagic cysts, fraction of renal and hepatic cysts, height-adjusted liver and spleen volumes were significant independent predictors of future eGFR (final prediction model R2 = 0.88 P < 0.05). The number of hemorrhagic cysts significantly improved the prediction compared to ht-TKV in predicting future eGFR (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.9-0.94 vs. R2 = 0.9, 95% CI: 0.85-0.9, P = 0.045). For baseline eGFR ≥60 ml/min/1.73m2 , sensitivity for predicting eGFR<45 ml/min/1.73m2 by ht-TKV alone was 29%. Sensitivity increased to 72% with all MRI variables in the model (P < 0.05 = 0.019), whereas specificity was unchanged, 100% vs. 99%. DATA CONCLUSION Combining multiple MR features including hemorrhagic renal cysts, renal cyst fraction, liver and spleen volume, hepatic cyst fraction, and renal blood flow enhanced sensitivity for predicting eGFR decline in ADPKD compared to the standard model including only ht-TKV. Level of Evidence 2 Technical Efficacy Stage 2 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2021;53:564-576.
Addressing long-acting reversible contraception access, bias, and coercion: supporting adolescent and young adult reproductive autonomy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is comprised of highly effective methods (the subdermal implant and intrauterine devices) available to adolescents and young adults (AYAs). Professional medical societies endorse LARC use in AYAs and, more recently, have emphasized the importance of using a reproductive justice framework when providing LARC. This article reviews reproductive justice, discusses contraceptive coercion, examines bias, and highlights interventions that promote equitable reproductive healthcare. RECENT FINDINGS: Research indicates that both bias and patient characteristics influence provider LARC practices. AYA access to comprehensive LARC services is limited, as counseling, provision, management, and removal are not offered at all sites providing reproductive healthcare to AYAs. Interventions aimed at addressing provider bias and knowledge, clinic policies, confidentiality concerns, insurance reimbursement, and systems of oppression can improve AYA access to equitable, comprehensive contraceptive care. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated inequities in reproductive healthcare, as well as provided unique innovations to decrease barriers, including telemedicine LARC services. SUMMARY: Clinicians who care for AYAs should honor reproductive autonomy by approaching contraceptive services with a reproductive justice lens. This includes implementing patient-centered contraceptive counseling, increasing access to LARC, eliminating barriers to LARC removal, and committing to systemic changes to address healthcare inequities.
Books: The Plague: The Need for Meaning Even in Uncontrollable and Dangerous Circumstances.

Albert Camus Penguin Modern Classics, 2002, PB, 272pp, £7.99, 978-0141185132 Late one night, having finished a book, I wandered to my untidy shelves for inspiration. As if by some magic power, my eyes were swiftly drawn to a long untouched text called The Plague . One year on from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and with a tendency to favour grim reality over escapism, I took it down to read. Searching the internet later to check if anyone else from the GP world had joined me, I found two esteemed colleagues writing in this column who had referenced it (https://bjgplife.com/absurdGP and https://bjgplife.com/xmas), both noting the eternal human struggle to make meaning out of uncontrollable events and challenges. And, unsurprisingly, other media writers had picked up the book and its relevance …
Leveraging Short-Read Sequencing to Explore the Genomics of Sepiolid Squid.

Due to their large size (∼3-5 Gb) and high repetitive content, the study of cephalopod genomes has historically been problematic. However, with the recent sequencing of several cephalopod genomes, including the Hawaiian bobtail squid (Euprymna scolopes), whole-genome studies of these molluscs are now possible. Of particular interest are the sepiolid or bobtail squids, many of which develop photophores in which bioluminescent bacterial symbionts reside. The variable presence of the symbiosis throughout the family allows us to determine regions of the genome that are under selection in symbiotic lineages, potentially providing a mechanism for identifying genes instrumental in the evolution of these mutualistic associations. To this end, we have used high-throughput sequencing to generate sequence from five bobtail squid genomes, four of which maintain symbioses with luminescent bacteria (E. hyllebergi, E. albatrossae, E. scolopes and Rondeletiola minor), and one of which does not (Sepietta neglecta). When we performed K-mer based heterozygosity and genome size estimations, we found that the Euprymna genus has a higher predicted genome size than other bobtail squid (∼ 5 Gb as compared to ∼ 4 Gb) and lower genomic heterozygosity. When we analyzed the repetitive content of the genomes, we found that genomes in the genus Euprymna appear to have recently acquired a significant quantity of LINE elements that are not found in its sister genus Rondeletiola or the closely related Sepietta. Using Abyss-2.0 and then Chromosomer with the published E. scolopes genome as a reference, we generated E. hyllebergi and E. albatrossae genomes of 1.54-1.57 Gb in size, but containing over 78-81% of eukaryotic single-copy othologs. The data we have generated will enable future whole-genome comparisons between these species to determine gene and regulatory content that differs between symbiotic and non-symbiotic lineages, as well as genes associated with symbiosis that are under selection.
Convergence of distinct signaling pathways on synaptic scaling to trigger rapid antidepressant action

Summary Ketamine is a noncompetitive glutamatergic N-methyl- d -aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist that exerts rapid antidepressant effects. Preclinical studies identify eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K) signaling as essential for the rapid antidepressant action of ketamine. Here, we combine genetic, electrophysiological, and pharmacological strategies to investigate the role of eEF2K in synaptic function and find that acute, but not chronic, inhibition of eEF2K activity induces rapid synaptic scaling in the hippocampus. Retinoic acid (RA) signaling also elicits a similar form of rapid synaptic scaling in the hippocampus, which we observe is independent of eEF2K functioni. The RA signaling pathway is not required for ketamine-mediated antidepressant action; however, direct activation of the retinoic acid receptor α (RARα) evokes rapid antidepressant action resembling ketamine. Our findings show that ketamine and RARα activation independently elicit a similar form of multiplicative synaptic scaling that is causal for rapid antidepressant action.
A QUALITATIVE TEST FOR ENZYMES OF THE TRYPSIN AND PAPAIN TYPES

Carmine fibrin (1)’ has been used as a qualitative reagent for pepsin for many years, but cannot be used in tests for trypsin or other proteases which act at neutrality or at an alkaline pH. In place of carmine fibrin, Congo red fibrin (2) and spirit blue (3) fibrin have been advocated for the detection of trypsin. We have found both of these unsatisfactory. Recently we have tried hide powder containing barium sulfate precipitated within its pores. When this material is acted upon by proteases, the barium sulfate is liberated and goes into suspension upon shaking. The reagent can be employed for the detection of all proteases thus far tested which attack the high molecular proteins, but is not suitable for pepsin. The reagent is easy to prepare and inexpensive. Hide powder can be purchased from any chemical supply house.2 With the hide powder-barium sulfate a positive test is given by 1 mg. of Fairchild’s 1:3000 trypsin at pH 7.0 at room temperature
Secure protocols for complex tasks in complex environments

Over the last two decades, there has been tremendous success in placing cryptography on a sound theoretical foundation, and building an amazingly successful theory out of it. The key elements in this Modern Cryptographic Theory are the definitions capturing the intuitive, yet elusive notions of security in various cryptographic settings. The definitions of the early 80’s proved to be extremely successful in this regard. But with time, as the theory started addressing more and more complex concerns, further notions of security had to be introduced. One of the most important concerns theory ventured into is of complex environments where different parties are communicating with each other concurrently in many different protocols. A series of efforts in extending security definitions led to the paradigm of Universally Composable (UC) Security [1], which along with modeling a general complex network of parties and providing definitions of security in that framework, provided powerful tools for building protocols satisfying such definitions.
Shifting Settlement Patterns & Mismatched Resources: The Landscape of Immigrant Organizations in Urban & Suburban Philadelphia

Do urban or suburban neighborhoods provide greater access to organizations that offer immigrants needed services throughout various stages of the integration process? We pose this question in the face of historical shifts in immigration patterns: the bypassing of central cities for the suburbs as the direct site of immigrant settlement. In asking this question, we are concerned with immigrant resources as one aspect of neighborhood advantage. Using American Community Survey 2005-2009 five year estimates and original data of immigrant organizations in the Philadelphia region, we employ a method of spatial "buffering" to examine the distribution of immigrant organizations in greater Philadelphia region, including the cities of Philadelphia, PA, Camden, NJ, and Wilmington, DE and their surrounding suburbs. Our results reveal a critical spatial mismatch between current patterns of direct immigrant settlement in suburbs and a persistent urban advantage in access to immigrant resources. In the Philadelphia region, urban areas have, on average, approximately an additional 1.14 more organizations per census tract when compared to non-urban tracts, controlling for neighborhood characteristics. We find that this urban advantage varies by resource type. While for cultural maintenance organizations the urban advantage is only 0.9 additional organizations in urban tracts over suburban tracts, for subsistence and mobility organizations that provide immigrants essential services, the urban advantage more than doubles, with 2.0 more subsistence and 1.9 more mobility organizations in urban tracts compared to suburban ones. Suburban landscapes present far greater challenges to immigrant newcomers in terms of access to resources than urban landscapes so. The urban bias also varies by ethnic orientation of organizations. Organizations focused on providing resources to Asian and European immigrants have a stronger urban bias than those focused on providing resources to Latino and African immigrants, while organizations providing resources for all immigrants regardless of ethnicity have the strongest urban bias, with 1.6 more of these general organizations in urban tracts compared to suburban tracts. Last, we find that neighborhood poverty affects this relationship across groups differently, such that increases in poverty are positively linked to greater access to immigrant organizations providing services for Latino and African immigrants, but negatively linked to greater access to immigrant organizations aimed at serving Asian or European immigrants. We conclude by discussing the implications of these findings for understanding the unique contours of immigrant integration within a new and changing suburban context.
Use of HbA1c for Diagnoses of Diabetes and Prediabetes: Comparison with Diagnoses Based on Fasting and 2-Hr Glucose Values and Effects of Gender, Race, and Age

Abstract Background: Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) has been advocated for the diagnosis of diabetes and prediabetes. Its performance has been commonly assessed in corroboration with elevated fasting plasma glucose (FPG), but not the combination of FPG and 2-hr glucose values. This study assesses receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves of HbA1c pertaining to the diagnoses of prediabetes and diabetes by FPG and/or 2-hr glucose, and the effects of age, gender, and race. Methods: We assessed the utility of HbA1c for diagnosing diabetes and prediabetes among 5395 adults without known diabetes from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2010. Results: Current cutoffs of HbA1c for diabetes (6.5%) or prediabetes (5.7%) exhibited low sensitivity (0.249 and 0.354, respectively) and high specificity in identifying patients diagnosed using both FPG and 2-hr glucose, resulting in large false-negative rates (75.1% and 64.9%). Misdiagnosis rates increased with age and in non-Hispanic wh...
The Gelation Of Proteins

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the process of the gelation of proteins. Gelation is a phenomenon; therefore, its definition and that of its product, a gel, is dependent on the perspective of the observer and the technique(s) used to observe it. For example, gels may be defined by their ability to immobilize a liquid, their macromolecular structure, or their textural or rheological properties. The chapter reviews a variety of protein gel systems with a broad perspective stressing similarities between them, yet not without mentioning the important differences that make each unique. It describes the multicomponent protein gels. The rheological and optical properties of thermally irreversible gels are the outcome of two events. First, a change in protein structure is needed that permits protein–protein interactions. The subsequent aggregation process, which is highly influenced by the solvent environment, may produce the gel microstructure, which is responsible for the optical and rheological properties. The physical integrity of a gel is maintained by counterbalancing forces of attraction and repulsion among polymer molecules and between the polymer network and the surrounding solvent
GEOMORPHIC RESPONSES TO CHANGES IN INSTREAM FLOWS: THE FLOW‐CHANNEL FITNESS MODEL

The flow-channel fitness model is a conceptual and practical model for predicting the qualitative response of alluvial channels to modifications of flow regimes. ‘Fitness’ refers to the size of channels compared with the flows they convey, with the terminology derived from traditional geomorphic concepts of overfit and underfit streams. The qualitative predictions refer to whether channels experience aggradation, degradation or relative stability, and whether aggradation or degradation is dominated by width or depth. The model is based on transitions among seven possible fitness states, triggered by key thresholds of sediment supply versus transport capacity and shear stress versus shear strength, and requires that potential changes in sediment supply and water surface or energy-grade slope also be accounted for. The fitness approach can be used where only relative values and changes are known, as is illustrated in three example applications from Texas. The flow-channel fitness model synthesizes key elements from several existing approaches to predicting geomorphic responses to changes in flow and is intended to augment rather than replace quantitative approaches, providing a predictive tool where the data requirements and assumptions for quantitative models cannot be fully met. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predicting support reaction forces for standing and seated tasks with given postures-a preliminary study

This paper proposes a systematic approach for predicting the support reaction forces (SRFs) acting on a digital human model with a given posture. In addition, a generic method has been developed to determine the accurate body segment inertia properties (BSIPs) needed for subject-specific simulation. Experiments based on motion capture are used to track the posture and to find subject's link lengths. The prediction model calculates the support reaction forces by using the zero moment point (ZMP) formulation. This study considers two general postural cases: standing and seated. The standing tasks include standing on two planes with arbitrary orientations. The seated tasks include sitting on a seat where the seat pan is parallel to the floor and both feet are on the floor.
Paradigms for mobile agent based active monitoring of network systems

We present here a framework together with a set of paradigms for mobile agent based active monitoring of network systems. In our framework mobile agents are used to perform remote information filtering and control functions. Such agents can detect basic events or correlate existing events that are stored in a database to enforce system policies. A system administrator can securely modify the monitoring policies and information filtering functions of its agents, or install new agents at a node. The framework presented here includes monitor, subscriber, auditor and inspector agents. The policies and itineraries of these agents can be modified dynamically. In response to certain trigger events agents may change their itineraries to correlate event data. We present here a set of experiments that we have conducted using the Ajanta mobile agent system to evaluate and demonstrate the capabilities of our mobile agent framework.
Optimization of Breast Cancer Screening Modalities

Mathematical models and decision analyses based on microsimulations have been shown to be useful in evaluating relative merits of various screening strategies in terms of cost and mortality reduction. Most investigations regarding the balance between mortality reduction and costs have focused on a single modality, mammography. A systematic evaluation of the relative expenses and projected benefit of combining clinical breast examination and mammograpphy is not at present available. The purpose of this report is to provide methodologic details including assumptions and data used in the process of modeling for complex decision analyses, when searching for optimal breast cancer screening strategies with the multiple screening modalities. To systematic evaluate the relative expenses and projected bene- fit of screening programmes that combine the two modalities, we build a simulation model incorporating age-specific incidence of the disease, age-specific pre-clinical duration of the disease, age-specific sensitivities of the two screening modalities, and competing causes of mortality. Using decision models, we can integrate information from different sources into the modeling processes, and assess the cost-effectiveness of a variety of screening strategies while incorporating uncertainties.
Temperature effects on membrane chloride conductance and electrical excitability of lizard skeletal muscle fibres

1. Intracellular recording techniques were used to study the effects of temperature on resting membrane conductances, electrical excitability and synaptic efficacy in fast-glycolytic (FG) skeletal muscle fibres from the lizard Dipsosaurus dorsalis . 2. The conductance of the resting muscle membrane to chloride ions (g Cl ) increased from 488μS cm −2 at 15°C (pH7.8) to 730μS cm −2 at 45°C (pH7.4), yielding a temperature coefficient (thermal ratio, R 10 ) of 1.14. Resting potassium conductance (g K ) increased from 84μS cm −2 at 15°C to 236μScm −2 at 45 °C (R 10 =1.41). 3. Fibres bathed in Cl − -free Ringer9s solution were hyperexcitable, and produced repetitive action potentials both during and following intracellular current injection. At the preferred body temperature of Dipsosaurus (near 40°C) the fibres also fired repetitively in response to single nerve shock. 4. The electrical excitability of Dipsosaurus fibres decreased with increasing temperature. Threshold current, measured at endplate regions of fibres bathed in normal Ringer9s solution, was 146 nA at 15°C and 353 nA at 45°C (R 10 = 1.34). 5. Despite the temperature-dependent change in threshold current, at both 15 and 45°C all fibres examined had suprathreshold neuromuscular transmission response to single nerve shock. 6. The relative thermal independence of gCl in Dipsosaurus fibres may be an adaptation that contributes to a large safety factor for neuromuscular transmission at the high body temperatures preferred by this lizard species.
Canine epitheliotropic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: an investigation of T-cell receptor immunophenotype, lesion topography and molecular clonality.

Canine epitheliotropic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a spontaneous neoplasm of the skin and mucous membranes of aged dogs. The WHO classification of tumours of haematopoietic and lymphoid tissues in human beings recognizes three forms of cutaneous epitheliotropic CTCL: mycosis fungoides (MF), Sezary syndrome and pagetoid reticulosis. In this series of dogs (n = 56), there were 39 cases of MF, 16 cases of pagetoid reticulosis and a single case of Sezary syndrome. Epitheliotropic T cells in CTCL lesions expressed CD8 in 44 of 55 dogs (80%) assessed; neither CD4 nor CD8 was expressed in the remainder. This contrasts with human MF in which alphabeta T-cell receptors (TCR) and CD4 are dominantly expressed. Molecular clonality assessment of canine epitheliotropic CTCL utilizing PCR primers specific for canine TCR gamma (TCRG) was performed. Of the 45 canine cases assessed, TCRG monoclonality was detected in 36 cases (80%). TCR typing of canine epitheliotropic CTCL revealed that TCRgammadelta was expressed in 60% of cases, including all cases of canine pagetoid reticulosis assessed. Either muco-cutaneous junctions or tissues of the oral cavity were the sites of lesions in 32 dogs (57%) with epitheliotropic CTCL. Analysis of the topography of lesions revealed an association with TCR type. If epitheliotropic CTCL lesions occurred in both locations, T cells were more likely to express TCRgammadelta (gammadelta : alphabeta = 2.0). These data establish that canine skin trafficking T cells have a far wider range than previously thought; this includes tongue, gingival, buccal and palatine mucosae.
The results of resection after stereotactic radiosurgery for brain metastases: Clinical article

Object Radiosurgery for brain metastasis fails in some patients, who require further surgical care. In this paper the authors' goal was to evaluate prognostic factors that correlate with the survival of patients who require a resection of a brain metastasis after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Methods During the last 14 years when surgical navigation systems were routinely available, the authors identified 58 patients who required resection for various brain metastases after SRS. The median patient age was 54 years. Prior adjuvant treatment included whole-brain radiation therapy alone (17 patients), chemotherapy alone (9 patients), both radiotherapy and chemotherapy (10 patients), and prior resection before SRS (8 patients). The median target volumes at the time of SRS and resection were 7.7 cm3 (range 0.5–24.9 cm3) and 15.5 cm3 (range 1.3–81.2 cm3), respectively. Results At a median follow-up of 7.6 months, 8 patients (14%) were living and 50 patients (86%) had died. The survival after surgical removal...
Cancer: improving early detection and prevention. A community practice randomised trial.

OBJECTIVE--To test the impact of physician education and facilitator assisted office system interventions on cancer early detection and preventive services. DESIGN--A randomised trial of two interventions alone and in combination. SETTING AND SUBJECTS--Physicians in 98 ambulatory care practices in the United States. INTERVENTIONS--The education intervention consisted of a day long physician meeting directed at improving knowledge, attitudes, and skills relevant to cancer prevention and early detection. The office system intervention consisted of assistance from a project facilitator in establishing routines for providing needed services. These routines included division of responsibilities for providing services among physicians and their staff and the use of medical record flow sheets. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--The proportions of patients provided the cancer prevention and early detection services indicated annually according to the US National Cancer Institute. RESULTS--Based on cross sectional patient surveys, the office system intervention was associated with an increase in mammography, the recommendation to do breast self examination, clinical breast examination, faecal occult blood testing, advice to quit smoking, and the recommendation to decrease dietary fat. Education was associated only with an increase in mammography. Record review for a patient cohort confirmed cross sectional survey findings regarding the office system for mammography and faecal occult blood testing. CONCLUSION--Community practices assisted by a facilitator in the development and implementation of an office system can substantially improve provision of cancer early detection and preventive services.
Virtue and the material culture of the nineteenth century: the debate over the mass marketplace in France in the aftermath of the 1848 revolution

This article treats the intellectual problem of revolution, agency, and the advent of liberal democracy from the standpoint of mid-nineteenth century France in the aftermath of the 1848 revolutions. After a discussion of the theoretical and historiographical problem—in particular the relevance for this period in history of science studies—the article discusses the views of former Saint-Simonian and political economist, Michel Chevalier, eventually turning to the debate over the free market of goods and labor between the early French socialist Louis Blanc and Chevalier in Chevalier’s new role of liberal free trade activist who trumpeted the ideology of the mass marketplace. Chevalier’s engagement of the social question turned on a distinctively moral, ideological, and, ultimately, technocratic defense of the free market—this free market utopianism became both starker and more ideologically refined as a result of Chevalier’s engagement with Blanc, especially in regard to worker-education. Both referred to the new mass marketplace of cheap, retail goods created by the rapid advance of mass transport, modern logistics, as le bon marche. French political economists went so far as to invoke a new way of life: la vie a bon marche (literally, “life on the cheap”). This notion of work and life was opposed by Blanc on the grounds of fraternal social solidarity. Finally, and potently, the moral virtues of the free market were conceived by Chevalier as a direct answer to social revolution, a means for affording social stability.
Western Land Managers will Need all Available Tools for Adapting to Climate Change, Including Grazing: A Critique of Beschta et al.

In a previous article, Beschta et al. (Environ Manag 51(2):474-491, 2013) argue that grazing by large ungulates (both native and domestic) should be eliminated or greatly reduced on western public lands to reduce potential climate change impacts. The authors did not present a balanced synthesis of the scientific literature, and their publication is more of an opinion article. Their conclusions do not reflect the complexities associated with herbivore grazing. Because grazing is a complex ecological process, synthesis of the scientific literature can be a challenge. Legacy effects of uncontrolled grazing during the homestead era further complicate analysis of current grazing impacts. Interactions of climate change and grazing will depend on the specific situation. For example, increasing atmospheric CO₂ and temperatures may increase accumulation of fine fuels (primarily grasses) and thus increase wildfire risk. Prescribed grazing by livestock is one of the few management tools available for reducing fine fuel accumulation. While there are certainly points on the landscape where herbivore impacts can be identified, there are also vast grazed areas where impacts are minimal. Broad scale reduction of domestic and wild herbivores to help native plant communities cope with climate change will be unnecessary because over the past 20-50 years land managers have actively sought to bring populations of native and domestic herbivores in balance with the potential of vegetation and soils. To cope with a changing climate, land managers will need access to all available vegetation management tools, including grazing.
La France contemporaine à travers ses films by RICE, ANNE–CHRISTINE La France contemporaine à travers ses films: Manuel du Professeur by RICE, ANNE–CHRISTINE

The article reviews the books "La France contemporaine a travers ses films," and "La France contemporaine a travers ses films: Manuel du Professeur," by Anne-Christine Rice.
Sulindac does not preserve renal prostacyclin synthesis during endotoxemia

Abstract Previous reports have suggested that sulindac is a unique non- steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) agent, because it does not inhibit renal prostaglandin synthesis in doses that inhibit platelet thromboxane B2 synthesis when tested ex vivo . NSAIDS are of potential therapeutic benefit in the treatment of septic or endotoxic shock. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the proposed unique action of sulindac in experimental endotoxemia. In the current study, the effect of sulindac on aortic, portal and renal venous immunoreactive (i) 6-keto-PGF1α levels, the stable metabolite of prostacyclin, was investigated during endotoxemia in the rat. In doses sufficient to reduce the elevation in aortic and portal venous plasma 16-keto- PGF1α levels, sulindac also significantly (p
Risk factors for gallstone formation during rapid loss of weight

Risk factors for the development of gallstones during rapid weight loss were assessed in 457 subjects who entered a weight control program (520 kcal/day). Absence of gallstones in these subjects was documented by ultrasonography prior to entry into the study. Ultrasonography was performed again at 16 weeks on the subjects who remained in the study (N=248). The incidence of gallstones by 16 weeks of rapid weight loss was 10.9% (27/248). Most factors associated with gallstones in the general population, eg, older age, female gender, parity, positive family history, etc, were not associated with gallstones in this population. The risk factors for developing gallstones included increased initial body mass index [weight (kg)/height (m)2], amount of body mass index loss, and serum triglyceride levels. The positive predictive value of these risk factors was 75%, but the sensitivity was only 12%. These observations indicate that risk factors for the development of gallstones during rapid weight loss are probably different from those in the general population. The factors identified by this study are useful in predicting patients at high risk for gallstones. However, since only a minority of gallstones that form can be predicted, further study is needed to identify additional factors that will improve our ability to predict gallstone formation.
Testing of safety-critical systems: An aerospace launch application

This paper proposes an approach for testing of safety critical systems. It is based on a behavioral and a fault model. The two models are analyzed for compatibility and necessary changes are identified to make them compatible. Then transformation rules are used to transform the fault model into the same model type as the behavioral model. Integration rules define how to combine them. This approach results in an integrated model which then can be used to generate tests using a variety of testing criteria. The paper illustrates this general framework using a CEFSM for the behavioral model and a Fault Tree for the fault model. We apply the approach to an Aerospace launch application.
Polymorphism on the cyclic hexamer of p-phenylene sulfide

The cyclic hexamer of p-phenylene sulfide (CHPS) is extracted and isolated from commercial poly(p-phenylene sulfide). The crystal structure change, from the α-form to the β-form, in the CHPS is reported for the first time. Optical microscopy is used to observe the characteristics of the crystals under cross-polarized light. Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy are used to examine the vibrational characteristics of the crystal as a function of temperature. Scanning electron microscopy is used to examine the shape of the crystals. Differential scanning calorimetry is used to observe the thermal characterization of the sample. Molecular modelling is employed to examine possible conformations. The X-ray powder diffraction pattern is also compared for the two structures. A theory on the crystal structure change is proposed.
Influence of gender on dilatation of the basilar artery during diabetes mellitus

The first goal of the present study was to examine the influence of gender on reactivity of the basilar artery. The second goal of this study was to examine the effect of diabetes mellitus on reactivity of the basilar artery in male and female rats. We examined in vivo responses of the basilar artery in male and female nondiabetic and diabetic rats in response to a nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-dependent (acetylcholine) and -independent (nitroglycerin) agonist. In nondiabetic male and female rats, acetylcholine and nitroglycerin produced dose-related dilatation of the basilar artery. However, the magnitude of vasodilatation in response to acetylcholine and a high concentration of nitroglycerin was significantly greater in female than in male rats. Acetylcholine (1.0 microM) dilated the basilar artery by 11 +/- 2% in nondiabetic males versus 25 +/- 4% in nondiabetic females (P<0.05). Nitroglycerin (1.0 microM) dilated the basilar artery by 37 +/- 8% in nondiabetic males versus 62 +/- 5% in nondiabetic females (P<0.05). Thus, there is a significant effect of gender on reactivity of the basilar artery during physiologic conditions. Dilatation of the basilar artery in response to acetylcholine, but not nitroglycerin, was impaired in diabetic male and female rats compared to their nondiabetic counterparts. Acetylcholine (1.0 microM) dilated the basilar artery by only 5 +/- 1% in diabetic males and by only 4 +/- 1% in diabetic females. In summary, dilatation of the basilar artery in response to NOS-dependent agonist was significantly greater in nondiabetic female than in nondiabetic male rats. In addition, diabetes mellitus impaired NOS-dependent dilatation of the basilar artery not only in male rats, but also in female rats. We suggest that the results of these studies provide insight into the pathogenesis of cerebrovascular abnormalities observed in postmenopausal women.
In Vitro Pharmacodynamics of Vancomycin and Cefazolin Alone and in Combination against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Previous studies employing time-kill methods have observed synergistic effects against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) when a β-lactam is combined with vancomycin. However, these time-kill studies have neglected the importance of human-simulated exposures. We evaluated the effect of human simulated exposures of vancomycin at 1 g every 8 h (q8h) in combination with cefazolin at 1 g q8h against various MRSA isolates. Four clinical isolates (two MRSA isolates [vancomycin MICs, 0.5 and 2.0 μg/ml], a heterogeneous vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus [hVISA] isolate [MIC, 2.0 μg/ml], and a vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus [VISA] isolate [MIC, 8.0 μg/ml]) were evaluated in an in vitro pharmacodynamic model with a starting inoculum of 10(6) or 10(8) CFU/ml. Bacterial density was measured over 48 to 72 h. Time-kill curves were constructed, and the area under the bacterial killing and regrowth curve (AUBC) was calculated. During 10(6) CFU/ml studies, combination therapy achieved greater log(10) CFU/ml changes than vancomycin alone at 12 h (-4.31 ± 0.58 versus -2.80 ± 0.59, P < 0.001), but not at 48 h. Combination therapy significantly reduced the AUBC from 0 to 48 h (122 ± 14) compared with vancomycin alone (148 ± 22, P = 0.017). Similar results were observed during 10(8) CFU/ml studies, where combination therapy achieved greater log(10) CFU/ml changes at 12 h than vancomycin alone (-4.00 ± 0.20 versus -1.10 ± 0.04, P < 0.001) and significantly reduced the AUBC (275 ± 30 versus 429 ± 37, P < 0.001) after 72 h of incubation. In this study, the combination of vancomycin and cefazolin at human-simulated exposures improved the rate of kill against these MRSA isolates and resulted in greater overall antibacterial effect, but no differences in bacterial density were observed by the end of the experiments.
Liquid scintillation applied to alpha counting of plutonium

Abstract A liquid scintillation counter has been modified with fast electronic modules to extend its range for α-counting rate measurements. The practical upper limit for accurate counting is about 30 X 10 6 cpm, at which 5% dead-time loss correstions are applied. Solutions of 239 Pu up to 200 g l −1 can be aliquoted directly with capillary pipets, thereby obviating the need for dilutions. The aliquots are mixed with 250 μl of cocktail in 400-μl plastic centrifuge tubes for counting so that waste generation is minimized. Although the counting set-up includes no coincidence circuitry, blanks show less than 10 cpm. Therefore, low-activity samples can also be measured accurately.
Reactions of Orb-Weaving Spiders (Argiopidae) to Airborne Sounds

The reaction of three species of web—spinning spiders, Araneus cavaticus, Argiope aurantia, and Argiope avara, in their webs and when removed from the webs, to web agitation and airborne sounds at known frequencies and intensities were studies. The reactions to web agitation and airborne sounds are not the same, and the receptors are probably different. The spiders react to web agitation by attacking the source, as they do with trapped insects; the receptors are probably proprioceptors of the legs. The spider respond to airborne sounds, from 200 to 3,000 cycle/sec at 90 to 110 db, by defensive movements; the webs are not needed for reception. The receptors are long, thin hairs which are agitated by near—field air movements of intense sound fields; they are not specialized phonoreceptors, for they are sensitive to direct bending and to air currents. Earlier discrepancies in results with airborne sounds are easily explained by the fact that intensities and distances to sound sources were not controlled. The defensive reactions to high intensity airborne sounds are probably involved, in nature, with escape from or defense against winged predators.
Secondary Shear Waves From Source Boreholes

Previous studies of radiation from point sources in fluid-filled boreholes have most often been based on far-field, stationary phase analysis. In these papers, the explicit contribution of the borehole itself acting as a waveguide has not been properly considered, with a few exceptions. In general, these studies accurately describe S-wave radiation in high-velocity rocks such as granites and limestones and P-wave radiation in most rocks, and experiments have confirmed this. However, tube waves directly influence the external wavefield and in fact create a shear-wave wake outside the borehole due to constructive interference of tube-wave emission if a velocity condition is met. This constructive interference or wake is generated when the tube-wave velocity is greater than the shear-wave velocity. When this happens, a tube-wave complex pole invalidates the mathematical assumptions for stationary phase analysis and the stationary phase predictions do not agree with experimentally derived radiation patterns. The shape and properties of these secondary shear waves are calculated and shown to have identical properties to Mach waves of aerodynamics and seismology. For instance, these waves are geometrically conical and the aperture of the cone and the moveout velocity can be calculated. This paper also demonstrates the important effect that casing hasmore » on the Mach waves and provides predictions about when these waves are likely to be observed. Finally, evidence of Mach waves in data sets is examined and it is shown how these waves have been confused with receiver borehole tube waves.« less