cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reduce and Control: A Combinatorial Strategy for Achieving Sustained HIV Remissions in the Absence of Antiretroviral Therapy.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) indefinitely persists, despite effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), within a small pool of latently infected cells. These cells often display markers of immunologic memory and harbor both replication-competent and -incompetent proviruses at approximately a 1:100 ratio. Although complete HIV eradication is a highly desirable goal, this likely represents a bridge too far for our current and foreseeable technologies. A more tractable goal involves engineering a sustained viral remission in the absence of ART––a “functional cure.” In this setting, HIV remains detectable during remission, but the size of the reservoir is small and the residual virus is effectively controlled by an engineered immune response or other intervention. Biological precedence for such an approach is found in the post-treatment controllers (PTCs), a rare group of HIV-infected individuals who, following ART withdrawal, do not experience viral rebound. PTCs are characterized by a small reservoir, greatly reduced inflammation, and the presence of a poorly understood immune response that limits viral rebound. Our goal is to devise a safe and effective means for replicating durable post-treatment control on a global scale. This requires devising methods to reduce the size of the reservoir and to control replication of this residual virus. In the following sections, we will review many of the approaches and tools that likely will be important for implementing such a “reduce and control” strategy and for achieving a PTC-like sustained HIV remission in the absence of ART.
Recreational Therapy Competencies, Part I: The ATRA Delphi Study

Based on expert consensus of 67 RT experts through the ATRA Delphi Study, a list of specific diagnostic populations served, interventions/modalities, techniques, standardized assessment tools, theories, education/training/ counseling topics utilized, and on-the-horizon treatment and issues were identified. This manuscript provides an overview of the study and its findings. The content from the ATRA Delphi Study was utilized to create the ATRA Competencies Study that was disseminated internationally to determine the extent that each item is currently served/utilized in practice, the extent of self-perceived knowledge and skills of each item, and the extent of interest in gaining more knowledge and skills related to each item. An overview of the ATRA Competencies Study and the findings are shared in a separate article.Subscribe to TRJ
Intraoperative Hemodynamic Monitoring for the Cardiac Surgery Patient

Cardiac surgery requires continual monitoring of hemodynamics with complex monitoring systems. Extreme hemodynamic changes may occur during and after surgery in patients with significant cardiac comorbidities and circulatory instability. The primary goal of hemodynamic monitoring is to accurately assess the status of the cardiovascular system at any given point to ensure adequate end-organ perfusion and oxygen delivery. Vigilant monitoring, accurate interpretation of the data, coupled with early recognition of inadequate perfusion and then prompt intervention to titrate therapy to specific hemodynamic targets, ensure success. The selection and application of different monitoring modalities with accurate interpretation of the data acquired from invasive and noninvasive monitoring modalities are discussed in this chapter.
Queueing models with optional cooperative services

Abstract In this paper we consider a single-server queueing model in which the customers arrive according to a versatile point process that includes correlated arrivals. An arriving customer can either request for an individual service or for a cooperative service (to be offered along with other customers with similar requests) with some pre-specified probabilities. There is a limit placed on the number of customers requiring cooperative services at any given time. Assuming the service times to be exponentially distributed with possibly different parameters depending on individual or cooperative services, we analyze this model using matrix-analytic method. Second, we simulate this model to obtain a couple of key performance measures which are difficult to compute analytically as well as numerically to show the benefit of cooperative services in queueing. Interesting numerical examples from both analytical and simulated models are discussed. We believe this type of queueing model, which is very much applicable in service areas, has not been studied in the literature.
Multidimensional Wavelets and Applications

This chapter extends Haar’s wavelets from one-dimensional arrays to multidimensional grids of data, for instance, encodings of photographs, scatter plots, or geographical measurements. Some of the logical derivations involve matrix algebra. For two-dimensional wavelets, encodings can consist of matrices, indexed by rows from top to bottom, and by columns from left to right. Corresponding to the index of the rows, the first coordinate axis runs from top to bottom; similarly, corresponding to the index of the columns, the second coordinate axis runs from left to right. Such an indexing scheme amounts to a rotation of the usual mathematical axes by one quarter of a turn clockwise, as shown in Figure 2.1.
Computing Estimates in the Proportional Odds Model

The semiparametric proportional odds model for survival data is useful when mortality rates of different groups converge over time. However, fitting the model by maximum likelihood proves computationally cumbersome for large datasets because the number of parameters exceeds the number of uncensored observations. We present here an alternative to the standard Newton-Raphson method of maximum likelihood estimation. Our algorithm, an example of a minorization-maximization (MM) algorithm, is guaranteed to converge to the maximum likelihood estimate whenever it exists. For large problems, both the algorithm and its quasi-Newton accelerated counterpart outperform Newton-Raphson by more than two orders of magnitude.
Multimedia Document Systems in Perspectives: Guest Editorial Note

Emerging multimedia applications will require the creation, storage, access and management of large archives of complex multimedia documents. These applications target various fields including medicine, business, digital libraries, education and distance learning, manufacturing and production, CAD/CAE/CAI, etc. A multimedia document may consist of diverse data types including text, image, audio, and video. These documents are either archived at a central repository or are distributed over various servers connected by broadband networks. Management and communication of multimedia documents poses considerable technical challenges in the following areas: modeling of multimedia data, designing efficient document search mechanisms and intelligent user interface, providing access to distributed multimedia documents, broadband networking for document delivery, LAN/MAN/WAN architectures for multimedia communication, synchronization protocols, and coordination between distributed sites.
Molecular and Cellular Basis of Myocardial Contractility

Cardiac contraction is brought about by interactions between actin and myosin that are regulated by tropomyosin, troponin I, troponin T, and troponin C. Contraction is activated by a process called excitation-contraction coupling that is initiated by plasma membrane depolarization and ends when calcium is delivered to the cytosol for binding to troponin C. Most of this activator calcium is derived from intracellular stores within the sarcoplasmic reticulum; a smaller amount enters from the extracellular fluid. The heart relaxes when calcium is pumped out of the cytosol into the sarcoplasmic reticulum by an ATP-dependent calcium pump and into the extracellular fluid by a sodium/calcium exchanger and a plasma membrane calcium pump.
ISL—A New Programming Language for Information Retrieval

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the information search language (ISL), which is a new programming language for information retrieval. ISL consists of a basic language, a sophisticated assembler, a large and expanding set of subprograms to handle special functions of the system, and an interactive program that allows programmers to initiate commands from a display console. The ISL language is designed to allow sophisticated programming. The ILLAR system offers the following additional features: (1) recursive sub-routine capability, (2) recursive MACRO capability, (3) system MACRO capability, (4) FORTRAN-like CALL with arguments, (5) FORTRAN-like compile arithmetic operations, (6) subroutine communication through arguments, (7) automatic compilation of index save-restore conversions, (8) symbolic address arithmetic, (9) literal element and literal string capability, (10) utility sort-merge routine, and (11) 75 pseudo-instructions. The REQUEST system is a series of interdependent interactive programs written in the ISL system. The text represents the bibliographic material regarding the document that satisfied the query. The RECALL system is a series of interdependent programs written in ISL, designed to recall those statements in a natural language database that can best be used in answering a given question.
The D-Zero level 2 trigger for Run II physics

For the next collider run at the Fermilab Tevatron, the D-Zero experiment (DO) will employ a three level trigger scheme. The rate into the second level trigger (L2) is expected to be 10 kHz. This trigger must further reduce the rate by a factor of 10 while introducing an overall system deadtime of less than 5% and maintaining trigger efficiencies realized in the previous run. Level 2 is the first trigger stage to combine information from the various detector sub-systems. Preprocessors will format each subdetector's data and pass this information to a "Global" crate that makes the event decision. The Preprocessor and Global crates contain custom built 500 MHz Alpha CPU cards based on the DEC PC164 motherboard. We an overview of the Level-2 trigger including the data through system, queuing simulations, and the current implementation status of the various software and hardware components of the system.
Pacemap of delta wave for successful ablation of traumatized atrioventricular accessory pathway.

547-5271/$ -see front matter © 2012 Heart Rhythm Society. All rights reserved oss of AP conduction, but it appears that the vast majority of raumatized tissues recover (resumption of conduction) over a eriod ranging from several minutes to months. The ability to elocate the AP in order to complete the ablation procedure is onfounded by the time it takes to recover conduction. If onduction does not resume after mechanical trauma, radiofreuency (RF) ablation at the presumed AP location site may be ssociated with a poor ablation outcome or may lead to iscontinuation of the procedure. Rarely, persisting AP potenials may be used as a guide to ablation. We report a patient who underwent successful ablation of a right lateral AP by using pacemapping of the delta wave from the tricuspid annulus (TA) after mechanical trauma had eliminated conduction.
The Promotion of Wound Healing Following Chemosurgery (Mohs' Technique) By Dressings with a Lotion of Benzoyl Peroxide

A lotion of benzoyl peroxide was applied postoperatively to chemosurgical wounds in a small group of patients. The technique of utilizing dressings of benzoyl peroxide is described and illustrated. Enhanced wound healing was observed in all cases. The effects appear to be due, at least in part, to antimicrobial activity, debriding activity, hyperbaric oxygenation, and stimulation of granulation.
Minimally Invasive Posterior Atlantoaxial Fusion: A Cadaveric and Clinical Feasibility Study

Objective Minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques have several potential advantages for the patient over open techniques, including decreased loss of blood, postoperative pain, and recovery time. We aimed to demonstrate atlantoaxial fusion by using the MIS techniques, shown previously in only two reports. A smaller operating corridor with MIS may increase difficulty of instrumentation placement and risk of instrumentation-related complications. Methods Five cadaveric specimens were studied presurgically with computed tomography (CT) to determine bony anatomy, vertebral artery course, and the trajectory for C1/C2 screw placement. Four specimens had adequate C2 pedicle sizes to accommodate screw placement. Specimens were used to perform C1-2 instrumentation through minimal access tubular retractors. After procedures, specimens were re-examined with CT to assess accuracy of MIS C1-2 screw placement. Results Through minimal access expandable tubular retractors, C1-lateral mass and C2 pedicle screws were placed in all four specimens. Postinstrumentation CT analysis demonstrated no violation of the foramen transversarium in all cases. There was one grade 1 medial breach from C1 lateral mass screw placement. Two patients with type-2 odontoid fractures were treated with MIS C1-2 fusion with follow-up 4-24 months. Average operating time was 3.5 hours, and average surgical blood loss was 125 mL. Both cases were examined with CT scan postsurgically, and there were no bony breaches with screw placement. Both patients remained neurologically intact postoperatively, with significant improvement revealed in pain scores. Follow-up imaging at two years demonstrated union of odontoid fracture. Conclusions Minimally invasive atlantoaxial fixation is feasible and safe. Preoperative CT is paramount for preoperative evaluation of the vertebral artery anatomy in relation to C1/2 vertebra.
Characterizing accuracy of total hemoglobin recovery using contrast-detail analysis in 3D image-guided near infrared spectroscopy with the boundary element method.

The quantification of total hemoglobin concentration (HbT) obtained from multi-modality image-guided near infrared spectroscopy (IG-NIRS) was characterized using the boundary element method (BEM) for 3D image reconstruction. Multi-modality IG-NIRS systems use a priori information to guide the reconstruction process. While this has been shown to improve resolution, the effect on quantitative accuracy is unclear. Here, through systematic contrast-detail analysis, the fidelity of IG-NIRS in quantifying HbT was examined using 3D simulations. These simulations show that HbT could be recovered for medium sized (20mm in 100mm total diameter) spherical inclusions with an average error of 15%, for the physiologically relevant situation of 2:1 or higher contrast between background and inclusion. Using partial 3D volume meshes to reduce the ill-posed nature of the image reconstruction, inclusions as small as 14mm could be accurately quantified with less than 15% error, for contrasts of 1.5 or higher. This suggests that 3D IG-NIRS provides quantitatively accurate results for sizes seen early in treatment cycle of patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy when the tumors are larger than 30mm.
G1-specific cyclins of S. cerevisiae: Cell cycle periodicity, regulation by mating pheromone, and association with the p34CDC28 protein kinase

The S. cerevisiae CLN genes encode cyclin homologs essential for progression from G1 to S phase. The CLN2 gene encodes a 62 kd polypeptide that accumulates periodically, peaking during G1 and decreasing rapidly thereafter, and is rapidly lost following exposure of cells to mating pheromone. Cln2 abundance can be explained by the G1-specific accumulation of the CLN2 transcript coupled with instability of the Cln2 protein. The abundance of the CLN1 and CLN2 transcripts increases greater than 5-fold during the G1 interval, decreasing dramatically as cells enter S phase. Both transcripts decrease in cells responding to mating pheromone. Finally, we demonstrate that the Cln2 polypeptide interacts with p34CDC28 to form an active protein kinase complex. This physical interaction is consistent with the genetic interaction between the CLN genes and CDC28 and suggests that Cln proteins are an essential component of the active protein kinase complex required for the G1 to S transition.
Associations between multiple pregnancies and health risk behaviors among U.S. adolescents.

Abstract Purpose This study examined the associations between health risk behaviors (i.e., substance use behaviors, physical violence, or carried a weapon) and multiple adolescent pregnancies (i.e., experiencing or causing more than one pregnancy). Methods We analyzed 1999–2003 data (3 years: 1999, 2001, and 2003) from the National Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a nationally representative survey of high school students (N = 14,211 participants). Multinomial logistic regression was used to compare one and multiple pregnancies versus no pregnancies. Logistic regression was used to compare multiple pregnancies versus one pregnancy. Results A dose-response relationship was observed between multiple adolescent pregnancies and health risk behaviors; the more risk behaviors endorsed, the greater likelihood of experiencing or causing multiple adolescent pregnancies. Participants who engaged in a "high" degree of risk behaviors were significantly more likely to have experienced or caused multiple adolescent pregnancies than no pregnancies (or only one pregnancy) versus youth who endorsed no risk behaviors. Earlier sexual debut and more lifetime sexual partners were also associated with increased risk of endorsing multiple adolescent pregnancies. Conclusions The health risk behaviors examined in our study can provide warning signs to influential persons who can potentially deliver important prevention messages to at-risk adolescents.
Toxicity, bioconcentration, and metabolism of the herbicide propanil (3',4'-dichloropropionanilide) in freshwater fish.

Fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) were exposed to technical grade propanil (3′,4′-dichloropropionanilide) in a flow-through diluter system to determine acute lethality. LC50 values were 11.5, 10.2, 8.6, and 3.4 mg·L−1 at 24, 48, 96, and 192 hr, respectively. Eggs, newly hatched fry, and juvenile fish of this species were similarly exposed but at lower concentrations and for a period of 58 days. The 58-day “no effect” concentration was between 0.4 and 0.6Μg·L−1, based upon the physiological parameters of length and dry weight of juvenile fish.14C-Propanil did not bioconcentrate significantly in fathead minnows (1.6× for parent propanil in whole body). Rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) readily metabolized propanil, forming at least ten products. One metabolite recovered from trout bile was identified as either 3′,4′-dichloro-2-hydroxypropionanilide or 3′,4′-dichloro-3-hydroxy-propionanilide. The technical grade propanil also contained 0.67 mg·g−1 of 3,3′,4,4′-tetrachloroazobenzene as a contaminant.
A Nurse Practitioner Patient Care Team: Implications for Pediatric Oncology

The role of the pediatric advanced practice registered nurse continues to evolve within the ever-changing field of health care. In response to increased demand for health care services and because of a variety of changes in the health care delivery system, nurse practitioner patient care teams are an emerging trend in acute care settings. Care provided by nurse practitioner teams has been shown to be effective, efficient, and comprehensive. In addition to shorter hospital stays and reduced costs, nurse practitioner teams offer increased quality and continuity of care, and improved patient satisfaction. Nurse practitioner patient care teams are well suited to the field of pediatric oncology, as patients would benefit from care provided by specialized clinicians with a holistic focus. This article provides health care professionals with information about the use of nurse practitioner patient care teams and implications for use in pediatric oncology.
A Newly Released SNRI for Treatment of Fibromyalgia

Milnacipran is a dual norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of fibromyalgia (FM). SNRIs are frequently used, along with graded exercise and cognitive-behavioral therapy, to treat FM. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of milnacipran in patients with operationally defined FM who did not have a major depressive disorder.
Reliability models and inference for systems operating in different environments

We consider a class of models for the reliability function of a series system. The models incorporate dependence of the function on environmental covariates. On the basis of censored data obtained by monitoring several series systems operating under various sets of values of the covariates, estimators are derived of the reliability function of a series system operating under a different set of values of the covariates. Estimators of various functionals of the reliability function, such as the trimmed mean and quantiles, are also presented. Asymptotic properties of the estimators are obtained with the use of the framework of counting processes and martingales. The loss in efficiency in estimating the regression parameters and the reliability function is also examined when one assumes a more general semiparametric model, when in fact the true model belongs to a more restricted model. We illustrate these procedures with the use of accelerated failure-time data. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Differential responsiveness of avian vitellogenin I and vitellogenin II during primary and secondary stimulation with estrogen.

Abstract Avian vitellogenin consists of two major species, VTG I and VTG II, which show major differences in structure and immunological properties suggesting that VTG I and VTG II are distinct gene products. During primary stimulation with estrogen, VTG I was found to accumulate in plasma much more slowly than VTG II. At 1 day after hormone treatment VTG I was only 1–3% of VTG II, but by day 5 VTG I increased to approximately 25% of VTG II. Measurements of hepatic vitellogenin synthesis confirmed the slower induction and reduced expression of VTG I. A further difference was noted in the amnestic or memory response to secondary estrogen treatment. Measurements of VTG I and VTG II accumulation and synthesis after primary and secondary estrogen treatment showed that the memory response occurs to a much greater extent for VTG I than VTG II. These differences indicate that the inductions of VTG I and VTG II are not tightly coupled.
Creep-sintering of polycrystalline ceramic particulate composites

The sintering of particulate composites consisting of a polycrystalline zinc oxide matrix with 10 vol % zirconia inclusions of two different sizes (3 and 14 μm) was investigated at a constant heating rate of 4 °C min−1 under an applied stress of ≈ 300 kPa. The presence of the inclusions produced a decrease in both the creep rate and the densification rate but the ratio of the densification to creep rate remained constant during the experiment. The ratio of the densification rate to creep rate for the composites was ≈ 1.5 times greater than that of the unreinforced matrix regardless of inclusion size. The creep viscosity of the composites was higher than that of the unreinforced matrix and increased slightly with decreasing inclusion size.
Sirt1–Claudin-1 crosstalk regulates renal function

Understanding the molecular mechanisms that govern diabetes-induced loss of kidney function is crucial. A new study shows that in mouse models of diabetes, sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) in the proximal tubules of the kidney can modulate the expression of podocyte Claudin-1, a key regulator of albuminuria and glomerular function (pages 1496–1504).
Optimizing the design of railway tank cars to minimize accident-caused releases

The design of vehicles transporting hazardous materials has important public safety and economic implications. Conventional wisdom among industry and government has held that a thicker tank on railroad tank cars and trucks reduces risk. However, a thicker tank increases vehicle weight and thus leads to an increase in the number of shipments required to transport the same amount of product and consequently greater exposure to accidents. In this research we develop a model that analyzes the tradeoff between increased damage resistance and greater exposure to accidents in which the objective function is minimization of the probability of release. The model accounts for the reduction in tank car release probability as a function of tank thickness, and the increased exposure to accidents that occurs due to the increased number of shipments needed for the heavier car. Three variables affecting this optimal thickness are considered in this paper: the volumetric capacity of the tank, the probability of release from other, non-tank sources, and the weight capacity of the car. Sensitivity analyses using the model indicate that for any particular configuration of tank car there is an optimal thickness. This optimal thickness is affected by several factors and there is no single optimum for all tank cars.
Current Indications, Results, and Technique of Carotid Angioplasty/Stenting

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) remains the treatment of choice for most patients with high-grade carotid artery stenosis. Certain patient subsets, including those with severe cardiac and pulmonary disease and those with local/anatomic risk factors (including recurrent stenosis following CEA, cervical radiation therapy, prior radical neck dissection, and surgically inaccessible lesions) are at increased risk of stroke, cranial nerve injury and non-Q myocardial infarction following CEA, and may be better served by carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS). Procedural success is dependent upon proper patient selection and meticulous attention to detail. The use of cerebral embolic protection appears to reduce the risk of peri-procedural stroke following CAS.
Use of the Dyson-Mehta. delta. /sub 3/ statistic as a test of missing levels

We have performed Monte Carlo calculations examining the sensitivity of the ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{3}$ statistic to missing levels for both single populations and two randomly mixed populations of neutron resonance data. Our results are presented in easy to use graphical form. By calculating ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{3}$ for the experimental data and then comparing it with the graphs, the most probable number of missed levels can be determined. We present results for 20, 60, and 100 observed single population levels and 20, 60, 100, 150, and 200 observed levels for two mixed populations and illustrate the use of these graphs by examining recently published neutron resonance data. We have also examined the sensitivity of the ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{3}$ statistic to spurious or added levels for both single and mixed populations and indicate how to estimate the number of spurious levels contained in a complete sequence of levels. Relations which express the average ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{3}$ and its standard deviation in terms of missing levels were found from our Monte Carlo results. They can be used to extend the range of the graphs, and have been found to apply under certain conditions to spurious levels as well. Finally, the results presented here are also useful when comparing the predictions of random matrix theory with experiment.
Medical informatics education in paediatric residency training.

Objectives The objective of this study was to determine whether Medical Informatics education among house staff is included in the current residency curriculum, and to present ways in which this type of education may be improved. Design During autumn 1996 a mailed survey was distributed to chief residents of American paediatric residency programmes. Questions included the resident’s use of computers, the influence of Informatics- trained faculty members on programme education and plans for curriculum expansion. Setting Division of General Paediatrics, University of Alabama, United States. Subjects Paediatric chief residents. Results Eighty programmes (63%) returned a survey. An average of 97% of residents use the computer for looking up patient laboratory results, while 70% use it for Medline searches. Less than half of all residents use the Internet or computer-based learning programmes. Thirty-seven per cent of programmes provided formal lectures on computer topics, and 22% of programmes provided hands-on Internet training. There was no association between the presence if Informatics faculty and current programmes; however, programmes with Informatics faculty were more likely to have future curriculum plans (P=0·04). Some of the programmes’ future plans are described. Conclusions We felt that an overall description of what is currently being done with computers would be helpful as a baseline for other programmes considering new curricula changes. Residents use the computer often to check patient laboratory results but not as much for self-education. Many programmes are expanding their Informatics curriculum. Faculty without formal Informatics training can take part in basic computer education for residents. A self-study approach by the residents has been received positively.
Stress inducible expression of the DREB1A transcription factor from xeric, Hordeum spontaneum L. in turf and forage grass ( Paspalum notatum Flugge) enhances abiotic stress tolerance

The dehydration-responsive element binding proteins (DREB1)/C-repeat (CRT) binding factors (CBF) function as transcription activators and bind to the DRE/CRT cis-acting element commonly present in the promoters of abiotic stress-regulated genes. A DREB1A transcription factor ortholog was isolated from a xeric, wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum L.) accession, originating from the Negev desert. Sequence comparison revealed a very high degree of sequence conservation of HsDREB1A to the published barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) DREB1A. Constitutive expression of the HsDREB1A gene was able to trans-activate a reporter gene under transcriptional control of the stress-inducible HVA1s and Dhn8 promoters. HsDREB1A was subcloned under transcriptional control of the stress-inducible barley HVA1s promoter and introduced into the apomictic bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) cultivar 'Argentine'. HsDREB1A integration and stress inducible expression was detected in primary transgenic bahiagrass plants and apomictic seed progeny by Southern blot, RT-PCR and northern blot analysis respectively. Transgenic bahiagrass plants with stress-inducible expression of HsDREB1A survived severe salt stress and repeated cycles of severe dehydration stress under controlled environment conditions, in contrast to non-transgenic plants. The observed abiotic stress tolerance is very desirable in turf and forage grasses like bahiagrass, where seasonal droughts and irrigation restrictions affect establishment, persistence or productivity of this perennial crop.
Alkylsulphonic acid ion pairing with radial compression columns for determining plasma or cerebrospinal fluid 1-β-d-arabinofuranosylcytosine in pediatric pharmacokinetic analysis

Abstract In order to accurately and precisely measure plasma and cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) 1-β- d -arabinofuranosylcytosine (Ara-C) in pediatric samples with adequate sensitivity and without interference, we have developed a reversed-phase ion-pairing technique utilizing the free amino group of the pyrimidine ring of Ara-C. Optimum resolution and separation was achieved utilizing a 4 μm C 18 radial compression column. Ara-C and the internal standard 8-bromo-cyclic-AMP eluted at 6.5 and 4.6 min, respectively, with complete resolution. The minimum detectable amount is 2.5 pmol in a 50-μl volume. The assay was linear in both plasma and CSF. Intra- and inter-day assay precision were less than 4% and 9%, respectively, for plasma with similar results obtained for CSF. Neither endogenous compounds nor commonly co-administered drugs interfere. Validity for our method was supported by the successful assay of over 400 pediatric plasma and 50 CSF samples for pharmacokinetic analysis. The method offers accuracy, precision, sensitivity and efficiency for plasma or CSF Ara-C determination.
Synthesis and secretion of salivary gland proteins in Drosophila gibberosa during larval and prepupal development.

The late larvae of Drosophila gibberosa Patterson and Mainland choose different pupariation sites than the larvae of Drosophila melanogaster Meigen. Since the larvae of D. gibberosa do not attach themselves to the substratum, the salivary glands contain only a small amount of the “glue” proteins before pupariation. Proteins comprising the salivary gland secretions of late larvae of these two species were compared and found to be qualitatively quite different. Only five polypeptides with the same molecular masses were identified in both species. The rate of protein synthesis in the salivary glands of D. gibberosa continued to increase through the late larval stage and pupariation. As a consequence, the total amount of protein contained in the salivary glands also continued to increase after pupariation. To demonstrate temporal changes in protein synthesis from 48 h before pupariation to 28 h after pupariation, newly synthesized polypeptides were pulse labeled by culturing salivary glands in vitro. The patterns of polypeptide synthesis fell into four major groups depending upon whether the synthesis of a protein stopped shortly after pupariation, stopped during late pupariation, increased at pupariation, or was initiated after pupariation. Changing patterns of protein synthesis are correlated with the known changes in gene puffing during this developmental period.
Anterior Minithoracotomy: A Direct Approach to the Difficult Hilum for Upper Lobectomy, Pneumonectomy, and Sleeve Lobectomy

Central lung cancers with pulmonary hilar involvement can pose a technical challenge when a lateral thoracotomy is used. Proximal vascular control and pulmonary vascular dissection from this approach can be challenging and potentially dangerous. We describe the use of a Chamberlain anterior minithoracotomy as an alternative approach for safe and reliable access to the pulmonary hilum. One hundred two consecutive patients undergoing the Chamberlain approach were identified through retrospective chart review from 2002 to 2009. The supine position was used, thus reducing the likelihood of down-lung syndrome. An 8-cm anterior thoracotomy was performed over the second interspace along the line of the pectoral fibers, with preservation of the mammary artery medially and the thoracoacromial neurovascular bundle laterally. Primary outcome variables included hospital course, complications, and mortality rate. The mean age was 64.8 years (range, 20–89 years). Sex ratio (female:male) was 44:58. Neoadjuvant therapy was used in 43 patients (42.2%). Proposed resections were successful in 101 (99%) of 102 patients. Conversion to hemiclamshell was required in 1 patient for vascular control. Three perioperative deaths (2.9%; two pneumonectomies, one lobectomy) occurred. The Chamberlain mini anterior thoracotomy provides direct access to the pulmonary hilum, facilitating dissection and vascular control for large and central tumors. Reduced perioperative pain and down-lung syndrome compared to lateral approaches can be achieved. Muscle function is preserved, and intrapericardial/hilar access is expeditious. This approach enhances hilar access and avoids the vascular control and hilar exposure challenges inherent with lateral thoracotomy.
Plasma Metabolomic Profiles Reflective of Glucose Homeostasis in Non-Diabetic and Type 2 Diabetic Obese African-American Women

Insulin resistance progressing to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is marked by a broad perturbation of macronutrient intermediary metabolism. Understanding the biochemical networks that underlie metabolic homeostasis and how they associate with insulin action will help unravel diabetes etiology and should foster discovery of new biomarkers of disease risk and severity. We examined differences in plasma concentrations of >350 metabolites in fasted obese T2DM vs. obese non-diabetic African-American women, and utilized principal components analysis to identify 158 metabolite components that strongly correlated with fasting HbA1c over a broad range of the latter (r = −0.631; p<0.0001). In addition to many unidentified small molecules, specific metabolites that were increased significantly in T2DM subjects included certain amino acids and their derivatives (i.e., leucine, 2-ketoisocaproate, valine, cystine, histidine), 2-hydroxybutanoate, long-chain fatty acids, and carbohydrate derivatives. Leucine and valine concentrations rose with increasing HbA1c, and significantly correlated with plasma acetylcarnitine concentrations. It is hypothesized that this reflects a close link between abnormalities in glucose homeostasis, amino acid catabolism, and efficiency of fuel combustion in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. It is speculated that a mechanism for potential TCA cycle inefficiency concurrent with insulin resistance is “anaplerotic stress” emanating from reduced amino acid-derived carbon flux to TCA cycle intermediates, which if coupled to perturbation in cataplerosis would lead to net reduction in TCA cycle capacity relative to fuel delivery.
Pooling versus purchase: Let's compromise

There's a battle over business combination accounting. But why choose between pooling and purchase accounting? The author, who gave written testimony to the Senate Banking Committee, argues that there's a better way. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Development and validation of a digital head posture measuring system.

Purpose To report the accuracy and repeatability of a new digital head posture measuring system. Design Prospective study, clinical laboratory investigation. Methods The digital head posture measuring system consists of a head-mounted motion tracker, a standard personal computer, and customized software to sample and display 3-dimensional (3D) head posture in real-time. Using a mechanical head posture measuring device as a reference, 3D head positions of an artificial head and 12 human subjects were recorded with the digital head posture device. Accuracy of the digital device outputs, relationship between digital outputs and actual head rotations, and repeatability of the tests were analyzed. Results The digital head posture device showed consistent outcomes when compared to the mechanical one. The digital outputs of 3D rotations are very close to actual artificial head and human head rotations. The correlation coefficients of the linear relationship between the digital outputs and actual head movements were greater than 0.99. Repeatability tests for the artificial head and human subjects for all 3D rotations had 95% limits of agreement angles less than ±6 degrees and ±8 degrees, respectively. Conclusions The digital head posture device is an acceptable device with high accuracy, repeatability, and validity in measuring head posture in 3 dimensions.
Broadband amplifier with self adaptability to the electromagnetic status

It is well known the fact that, in reality, reception's point electromagnetic status may change considerably over time and thus, the radio receiver must adapt its structure, resp., its characteristics, as to ensure optimal reception conditions of the useful signal. Generally, radio receiver's adapting methods to the electromagnetic status are closely related to its dynamic range limits, as they determine its sensitivity and nonlinear properties. Radio receiver's adaption involves adjusting transfer coefficients, disturbance thresholds, sensitivity, pass band etc., based on some well-established criteria that lead to automatic adjustment of the dynamic range limits. In this paper a broadband amplifier, which can automatically change its transfer coefficients, depending on input signal's level (whilst no attenuators are used within its constructional stages), is proposed and assessed. Thus, during the followings, it is proven that the amplifier allows a high dynamic range of the input signal, while reducing the dynamic range of the output signal bellow the 1 dB compression point, recommending its usage either within a tuner or an active antenna, in MF, HF or VHF ranges.
The anticipated real interest rate, capital utilization and the cyclical pattern of real wages

Abstract This paper develops a channel through which increases in anticipated real interest rates can be ‘expansionary’ for current aggregate labor demand and current output supply. The key feature of the model is the introduction of a user cost of capital utilization which confronts the firm with the intertemporal problem of the optimal choices of capital utilization and depreciation. The resulting variation in capital utilization and capital services in response to fluctuations in the real rate of interest shifts the marginal product of labor and, thus, the demand for labor at the same time and in the same direction that Lucas-Rapping real interest rate effects operate on labor supply. The complete model places no a priori restrictions on the cyclical pattern of real wages, thus avoiding the countercyclical real wage prediction made by Keynes and various classical writers that is rejected by the data. Estimates of a labor demand schedule for the annual U.S. data reveal a significantly positive real interest rate effect.
Body dysmorphic disorder in patients with anorexia nervosa: prevalence, clinical features, and delusionality of body image.

Objective The prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder in patients with anorexia nervosa is unknown. We hypothesized that body dysmorphic disorder would be underdiagnosed in patients with anorexia nervosa and that comorbidity with body dysmorphic disorder would result in greater overall dysfunction. Method Forty-one patients with DSM-IV anorexia nervosa completed the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire, a self-report screen for body dysmorphic disorder. A follow-up interview was conducted using a reliable clinician-administered semistructured diagnostic instrument for DSM-IV body dysmorphic disorder. Delusionality about appearance was assessed using a validated semistructured interview. Comorbid DSM-IV diagnoses, number of hospitalizations and suicide attempts were obtained by means of a detailed diagnostic interview. Results Sixteen (39%) of the 41 patients with anorexia nervosa were diagnosed with comorbid body dysmorphic disorder unrelated to weight concerns. The anorexia nervosa patients with body dysmorphic disorder had significantly lower overall functioning and higher levels of delusionality than the anorexic patients without body dysmorphic disorder. Discussion These preliminary results suggest that body dysmorphic disorder may be relatively common among patients with anorexia nervosa. The presence of comorbid body dysmorphic disorder may indicate a more severe form of illness. © 2002 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 32: 291–300, 2002.
The Role of Plasmapheresis in Critical Illness

In this article, the authors review the current recommendations from the American Society for Apheresis regarding the use of plasmapheresis in many of the diseases that intensivists commonly encounter in critically ill patients. Recent experience indicates that therapeutic plasma exchange may be useful in a wide spectrum of illnesses characterized by microvascular thrombosis, the presence of autoantibodies, immune activation with dysregulation of immune response, and some infections.
Nutrient uptake and primary productivity in an urban estuary: using rate measurements to evaluate phytoplankton response to different hydrological and nutrient conditions

The northern San Francisco Estuary (nSFE) is an urban estuary supplied with anthropogenic nutrient inputs, yet spring blooms are uncommon and phytoplankton biomass is low. The low levels of chlorophyll ( 0.5. This was enabled by phytoplankton uptake of NH4 to below inhibitory levels, as proposed by the “NH4 hypothesis.” The depth-integrated uptake rate data were used to refine a model that yields flow and nutrient concentration criteria necessary for bloom formation and confirmed that washout flows were the most useful predictor of blooms. Understanding the interaction of phytoplankton biomass with nutrient variability requires evaluating changes in C and N uptake rates and river flow. These dynamic changes are central to understanding why some urban estuaries have lower productivity than expected, and would be difficult to evaluate using biomass data alone. This study points to the importance of treating inorganic N separately as NH4 and NO3 rather than lumping together as DIN and to use rate process data as a mechanistic way to understand, predict and minimize cultural eutrophication impacts.
Influenza: Epidemiology, Etiology, Immunization and Management†

Influenza, an acute contagious respiratory infection caused by orthomyxoviruses A, B, and C, occurs in local outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics. Differences in the morphology and antigen patterns for these viruses account for the differences in virulence and immunity. Influenza A is virulent, B is mild, and C is nonvirulent. Swine influenza virus may spread from swine to man (recycling of human A virus), causing epidemics and pandemics. The 1976-77 influenza vaccination program involved swine virus, and was associated with 321 cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome and a mortality of 5 percent. Subsequent yearly programs with other types of vaccine are described. Dosages vary according to the age of the vaccinee. Those who need vaccination include persons over 65 years of age, patients with heart/lung, liver/lung or metabolic diseases, severe anemia, or a compromised antigenic system. Side effects include local reaction, fever, an allergic reaction (due to egg protein), and the Guillain-Barre syndrome (only with swine virus vaccine). In general, influenza vaccine is safe and confers 60-85 percent protection. Since immunity lasts only about a year, annual vaccination with recently isolated virus vaccine is recommended. Amantadine seems effective therapeutically and prophylactically for clinical influenza A infection.
Geochemical characteristics of volcanic rocks from ascension island, South Atlantic Ocean

Abstract The volcanic rocks of Ascension Island are a transitional to mildly alkaline basalt-hawaiite-mugearite-benmoreite-trachyte-rhyolite suite. Although the overall major element variations in the suite are consistent with derivation of the more evolved compositions by crystal fractionation from parental basalt magma, trace element variations among basalt and hawaiite compositions define four distinct magma types. Three of these types are discriminated by variations in Zr/Nb. A number of hawaiite scoria cones and associated flows restricted to the southwestern part of the island have low Zr/Nb (4.1), whereas basalt scoria and flows distributed over the southeastern part of the island have high Zr/Nb (≈6.0), and basalt and hawaiite scoria cones and associated flows widely distributed over the remainder of the island have intermediate Zr/Nb (≈ 5.0). The fourth magma type is a subset of the intermediate Zr/Nb group, but has high Ni and Sr relative to Zr compared to the rest of the group; the flows defining this magma type are related to a single vent, Dark Slope Crater, in the southwestern part of the island. The mugearite and benmoreite flows and scoria are exclusively derived by crystal fractionation of intermediate Zr/Nb group parent basalt magma. Field relationships suggest non-overlapping phases of eruption of the different mafic magma types. The oldest exposed mafic lava flows are of high Zr/Nb basalt; limited KAr age data suggest that this magma type may have erupted between ca 0.66 and 0.35 Ma. Subsequently, there was localised eruption of the Dark Slope Crater magma type, followed by equally localised eruption of the low Zr/Nb magma type. The most recent eruptions (which have continued to possibly within the last few hundred years) have been much more widespread and of the intermediate Zr/Nb magma type.