cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fetal Valproate Syndrome

The high frequency of minor abnormalities and major malformations, the withdrawal manifestations, and hypoglycemia in infants born to mothers who received sodium valproate during pregnancy are reported from the Department of Paediatrics, Aalborg Hospital, Denmark.
Clinical presentation and outcomes for adult ependymoma patients.

BACKGROUND Outcomes projects can be a catalyst for determining disease- and treatment-related consequences for patients with rare tumors. The Adult Ependymoma Outcomes (AEO) survey uses self-reported experience to evaluate how this tumor affects patient groups throughout the illness trajectory. METHODS Patients completed the AEO survey via a Web-based portal. The survey included questions on treatment, tumor recurrence, and current health status; the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory Brain Tumor and Spine Tumor modules; and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). RESULTS The sample included 264 participants (57% female) with a median age of 46 years (range, 18-77 years). Radiation treatment was commonly used for patients who had brain involvement (χ2(1) = 20.7; P < .001), underwent a partial resection (43%; χ2(3) = 15.4; P < .001), or had a grade 3 tumor (41%; χ2(2) = 18.8; P < .001). Recurrence occurred in a small group (29%), with grade 1 tumor patients 2.6 times more likely and grade 3 tumor patients 2.5 times more likely to experience recurrence than those with grade 2 tumors. Spine tumor patients had a higher symptom burden (mean, 2.8; scale, 0-10) than brain tumor patients (t(247) = −4.0), and they reported more moderate to severe symptoms (rating ≥ 5; 29%) than their counterparts (18%). Within the physical health portion of the SF-36, spine tumor patients reported worse health with respect to bodily pain (t(249) = 6.8; P < .001), physical functioning (t(252) = 4.1; P < .001), and vitality (t(202.2) = 3.0; P < .003). CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate the feasibility of implementing outcomes projects that report on the clinical and demographic characteristics of a rare patient population, and they underscore the importance of outcomes data in understanding disease-related issues. Cancer 2016. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
O que é Governança

O termo governanca passou a ser usado comumente tanto em discurso academico quanto em discussoes ordinarias sobre como o setor publico e outras instituicoes gerenciam a si mesmos bem como suas relacoes com a sociedade mais ampla. A enfase em governanca reflete de muitas formas, as preocupacoes publicas com relacao a capacidade de seus sistemas politicos de agirem de forma efetiva e decisiva no sentido de resolver problemas publicos. Neste breve trabalho, faco uma abordagem generica sobre a natureza da governanca. Ao inves de presumir que um ou outro conjunto especifico de atores seja a fonte apropriada da governanca, defenderei o conceito de governanca que enfoca as funcoes basicas que devem ser desenvolvidas para se governar. Ademais, ao inves de forcar uma escolha entre um conjunto especifico ou outro de atores, essa concepcao mais geral de governanca centra-se na possivel mescla de atores que pode governar de forma mais efetiva.
Magellanic penguin telomeres do not shorten with age with increased reproductive effort, investment, and basal corticosterone.

All species should invest in systems that enhance longevity; however, a fundamental adult life-history trade-off exists between the metabolic resources allocated to maintenance and those allocated to reproduction. Long-lived species will invest more in reproduction than in somatic maintenance as they age. We investigated this trade-off by analyzing correlations among telomere length, reproductive effort and output, and basal corticosterone in Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus). Telomeres shorten with age in most species studied to date, and may affect adult survival. High basal corticosterone is indicative of stressful conditions. Corticosterone, and stress, has been linked to telomere shortening in other species. Magellanic penguins are a particularly good model organism for this question as they are an unusually long-lived species, exceeding their mass-adjusted predicted lifespan by 26%. Contrary to our hypothesis, we found adults aged 5 years to over 24 years of age had similar telomere lengths. Telomeres of adults did not shorten over a 3-year period, regardless of the age of the individual. Neither telomere length, nor the rate at which the telomeres changed over these 3 years, correlated with breeding frequency or investment. Older females also produced larger volume clutches until approximately 15 years old and larger eggs produced heavier fledglings. Furthermore, reproductive success (chicks fledged/eggs laid) is maintained as females aged. Basal corticosterone, however, was not correlated with telomere length in adults and suggests that low basal corticosterone may play a role in the telomere maintenance we observed. Basal corticosterone also declined during the breeding season and was positively correlated with the age of adult penguins. This higher basal corticosterone in older individuals, and consistent reproductive success, supports the prediction that Magellanic penguins invest more in reproduction as they age. Our results demonstrate that telomere maintenance may be a component of longevity even with increased reproductive effort, investment, and basal corticosterone.
Developing Online Recruitment and Retention Methods for HIV Prevention Research Among Adolescent Males Who Are Interested in Sex with Males: Interviews with Adolescent Males.

Background: Adolescent males interested in sex with males (AMSM) are an important audience for HIV prevention interventions, but they are difficult to reach due to their age and social stigma. Objective: We aim to identify efficient methods to recruit and retain AMSM in online research. Methods: Interviews with 14-to-18-year-old AMSM (N=16) were conducted at 2017 Pride events in Boston, MA and Providence, RI. Results: Participants reported that (1) social media platforms are viable recruitment venues; (2) recruitment advertisements should describe the study using colorful/bright pictures, familiar words, and information about compensation; (3) surveys should be <20 minutes in length; (4) modest compensation (eg, email gift card, US $10 to $20) was preferred; and (5) communications that remind participants about the length and content of surveys, and compensation, should be sent between study activities to increase retention. Conclusions: Soliciting input from AMSM provides critical guidance regarding recruitment and retention procedures to increase the efficiency of HIV prevention research for this at-risk group. [J Med Internet Res 2017;19(12):e428]
Effect of amino acids on growth ofSphaerotilus discophorus

The effect of casein hydrolysate, of mixtures of amino acids and of individual amino acids on the growth of 4 strains ofSphaerotilus discophorus was determined. Growth was virtually completely inhibited by 1.0% Bacto Casamino Acids, 0.54% simulated casein hydrolysate and 0.2% of a uniform mixture of 18 amino acids. The latter were prepared withl amino acids except thatdl-serine,dl-valine anddl-threonine were present in the uniform amino acid mixture.
The Prognostic Value of Ki-67, p53, Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor, 1p36, 9p21, 10q23, and 17p13 in Skull Base Chordomas

Abstract Context.—Skull base chordomas are rare, locally aggressive, notochord-derived neoplasms for which prognostically relevant biomarkers are not well established. Objective.—To evaluate whether newly discovered molecular alterations in chordomas have prognostic significance similar to what has been described regarding Ki-67 proliferation index. Design.—We conducted a retrospective study of 28 cases of primary clival chordomas. Results.—Ki-67 proliferation index 5% or more, p53 accumulation, and epidermal growth factor receptor expression were seen in 32%, 44%, and 8% of chordomas, respectively. 1p loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and/or 1p36 hemizygous deletion was seen in 30% of tumors, while 9p LOH and/or 9p21 homozygous deletion was seen in 21% of cases. Loss of heterozygosity at 10q23 and 17p13 were identified in 57% and 52% of cases, respectively. Ki-67 proliferation index 5% or more and 9p LOH were significantly associated with a shorter overall survival, while homozygous deletion at 9p21 via fluor...
Chemical Studies on Toxins from the Blue-Green Alga Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae

Natural blooms of the blue-green alga Aphanizomenon flos-aquae occur periodically in the lakes of the northern United States and in certain provinces of Canada. These blooms have been reported to cause poisoning in fish and cattle. Investigation of the toxins of A. flos-aquae indicates that this alga contains three toxins in addition to saxitoxin. The aphantoxins appear to have a chemical structure similar to saxitoxin.
The Impact of Akhlaq-i Nasiri on the Forms and Spaces of Akbar’s Fatehpur Sikri

In this article, I examine the structures and spatial dynamics of Fatehpur Sikri to show how the overall design of the Mughal capital city was informed by Islamic philosophy and ethical texts known...
Challenges in Management of Severe Hemophilia with Acute Hematologic Malignancies

Childhood Leukemia treatment is one of the most common malignancies seen across the globe in the pediatric age group. Severe Hemophilia A is still considered a rare bleeding disorder. Only 13 patients with hemophilia A or B have been reported in literature to also be diagnosed with acute leukemia in childhood . This rarity appeared again in a 13 year boy with severe hemophilia A who presented with worsening bone pain and joint swelling, weight loss and leukocytosis. Morphology and molecular diagnostics confirmed Acute Pre B Lymphoblastic Leukemia . The patient happens to be the first case of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in a patient with severe Hemophilia with Inhibitors. Severe hemophilia with inhibitors pose challenge in clinical management given their propensity of bleeding and poor response to traditional therapies due to a neutralizing antibody as is. Treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia requires an intensive treatment with systemic and intrathecal chemotherapy. Medications are commonly administered through a central line, in many cases an implantable catheter. Coexistence of both these life threatening disorders posed a unique practical challenge in providing standard care and our discussion aims at highlighting strategies in management of Severe Hemophilia in challenging clinical scenarios. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Coordinated Voltage Regulator Control in Systems with High-level Penetration of Distributed Energy Resources

Voltage Control is one of the fundamental operational requirements for power systems, which can become very challenging in presence of distributed energy resources (DERs). This paper presents a novel method for inclusion of voltage regulators (VRs) in a distributed voltage control framework for distribution networks. The goal is to coordinate and optimize the operation of voltage regulators. Of special interest are networks with high penetration of distributed energy resources, PVs in particular, which exhibit overvoltage problems. To that end, we have adopted a dynamic VR model from the literature and applied the proposed coordinated control method on a modified IEEE 123 test system with very high penetration of PVs. Over Voltage Severity Index (OVSI) and Cumulative Voltage Variation Index (CVVI) have been defined and used in the algorithm to control the regulation steps of VRs. The developed method is compared against the base case with no control and the results show its effectiveness in coordinated VR control.
Building a Time-Based Flow Management Performance Dashboard

This paper describes the initial development of a real-time, NAS-wide Time-Based Flow Management (TBFM) performance dashboard that aggregates relevant timestamps by flight; reports flight-specific TBFM assigned departure delay and flight-specific compliance to TBFM scheduled departure times; and presents actionable airport-level alerts (with supporting flight-specific information) based on those delay and compliance metrics. This research found that it is feasible to use System Wide Information Management (SWIM) data for real-time TBFM metrics calculation for performance monitoring and alerting. Using the processing method described in this paper, raw TBFM SWIM data was parsed and analyzed to produce operationally meaningful flight-specific timestamps, which were then compared with known timestamps in TBFM post-operations data. Validation of the timestamps supports that TBFM SWIM data can be employed for calculation of real-time TBFM metrics. Initial metrics developed along with a demonstration capability for monitoring and alerting NAS-wide TBFM departure performance are described. Notional example use cases are discussed as well as recommendations for next steps.
Patient Body Mass Index and Occupational Radiation Doses to Circulating Nurses During Coronary Angiography

BACKGROUND Patient BMI is associated with radiation doses received by interventional cardiologists, yet the association between patient BMI and nurse radiation doses is unknown. This study evaluated the association between patient body mass index (BMI) and nurse radiation doses during coronary angiography. METHODS Nurse radiation doses were collected by real-time dosimeters during consecutive coronary angiography procedures and are reported as the personal dose equivalent (Hp10). Patient radiation doses were estimated using dose area product (DAP). Patient BMI was categorized in kg/m2 as <25.0, 25.0-29.9, 30.0-34.9, 35.0-39.9, and ≥40. Multiple regression analysis determined procedural factors independently association with nurse radiation doses. RESULTS In 643 consecutive coronary angiography procedures, patient radiation doses increased significantly across increasing patient BMI categories (p < 0.001). Compared to a patient BMI <25, a patient BMI ≥40 was associated with a 2.3-fold increase in DAP (p < 0.001). Significant differences were also observed in nurse radiation doses across patient BMI categories (p = 0.036). Compared to a patient BMI <25, a patient BMI ≥40 was associated with a 4.0-fold increase in nurse radiation dose (BMI < 25: 0.3 [0.1, 1.3] μSv; BMI ≥ 40: 1.2 [0.2, 2.9] μSv; p = 0.003). By multiple regression analysis, each 1-unit kg/m2 increase in patient BMI was associated with a 3.3% increase in nurse radiation dose (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS Patient BMI was significantly associated with nurse radiation doses during coronary angiography. These observations may have important implications on nurse radiation safety, especially in the setting of the ongoing obesity epidemic.
Theorizing Race and Gender in the Anthropocene

What does it mean to think about race and gender in the Anthropocene? In collaboration with Achille Mbembe’s recent work, this article argues that the Anthropocene requires rethinking race and gend...
A rare case of balloon cell nevus of the vulva in an adolescent

Abstract Balloon cell nevus (BCN) is a rare variant of benign melanocytic nevus. Clinically, BCN appears similar to regular compound melanocytic nevi. Histopathologically, the balloon cells appear as large, round, polygonal cells with small, round, centrally placed basophilic nuclei, and clear, pale or foamy cytoplasm. We report a case of BCN occurring on the vulva of an adolescent and review the literature on this rare variant of melanocytic nevus, including the differential diagnoses of balloon cells. Recognition of a BCN and differentiating it from other pale cell tumors and balloon cell melanoma is important as it impacts on subsequent management options and prognosis.
Kepler-79's Low Density Planets

Kepler-79 (KOI-152) has four planetary candidates ranging in size from 3.5 to 7 times the size of the Earth, in a compact configuration with orbital periods near a 1:2:4:6 chain of commensurability, from 13.5 to 81.1 days. All four planets exhibit transit timing variations with periods that are consistent with the distance of each planet to resonance with its neighbors. We perform a dynamical analysis of the system based on transit timing measurements over 1282 days of Kepler photometry. Stellar parameters are obtained using a combination of spectral classification and the stellar density constraints provided by light curve analysis and orbital eccentricity solutions from our dynamical study. Our models provide tight bounds on the masses of all four transiting bodies, demonstrating that they are planets and that they orbit the same star. All four of Kepler-79's transiting planets have low densities given their sizes, which is consistent with other studies of compact multiplanet transiting systems. The largest of the four, Kepler-79 d (KOI-152.01), has the lowest bulk density yet determined among sub-Saturn mass planets.
Crisis, reputation, and the politics of expertise: fictional performativity at the Bank of Italy

Since the early twentieth century, scholarly interest in the intersection between knowledge and political rationality in advanced liberal democracies has drawn attention to two general and contradi...
Hardware-Assisted Malware Detection using Explainable Machine Learning

Malicious software, popularly known as malware, is widely acknowledged as a serious threat to modern computing systems. Software-based solutions, such as anti-virus software, are not effective since they rely on matching patterns that can be easily fooled by carefully crafted malware with obfuscation or other deviation capabilities. While recent malware detection methods provide promising results through effective utilization of hardware features, the detection results cannot be interpreted in a meaningful way. In this paper, we propose a hardware-assisted malware detection framework using explainable machine learning. This paper makes three important contributions. First, we theoretically establish that our proposed method can provide interpretable explanation of classification results to address the challenge of transparency. Next, we show that the explainable outcome can lead to accurate localization of malicious behaviors. Finally, experimental evaluation using a wide variety of realworld malware benchmarks demonstrates that our framework can produce accurate and human-understandable malware detection results with provable guarantees.
Description of a widespread bacterial secretion system with chemically diverse substrates

In host-associated bacteria, surface and secreted proteins mediate acquisition of nutrients, interactions with host cells, and specificity of tissue-localization. In Gram-negative bacteria, the mechanism by which many proteins cross or become tethered to the outer membrane remains unclear. The domain of unknown function (DUF)560 occurs in outer membrane proteins throughout Proteobacteria and has been implicated in host-bacteria interactions and lipoprotein surface exposure. We used sequence similarity networking to reveal three subfamilies of DUF560 homologs. One subfamily includes those DUF560 proteins experimentally characterized to date: NilB, a host-range determinant of the nematode-mutualist Xenorhabdus nematophila, and the surface lipoprotein assembly modulators Slam1 and Slam2, which facilitate surface exposure of lipoproteins in Neisseria meningitidis (1, 2). We show that DUF560 proteins from a second subfamily facilitate secretion of soluble, non-lipidated proteins across the outer membrane. Using in silico analysis, we demonstrate that DUF560 gene complement correlates with bacterial environment at a macro level and host association at a species level. The DUF560 protein superfamily represents a newly characterized Gram-negative secretion system capable of lipoprotein surface exposure and soluble protein secretion with conserved roles in facilitating symbiosis. In light of these data, we propose that it be titled the type eleven secretion system (TXISS). Importance: The microbial constituents of a host associated microbiome are decided by a complex interplay of microbial colonization factors, host surface conditions, and host immunological responses. Filling such niches requires bacteria to encode an arsenal of surface and secreted proteins to effectively interact with the host and co-occurring microbes. Bioinformatic predictions of the localization and function of putative bacterial colonization factors are essential for assessing the potential of bacteria to engage in pathogenic, mutualistic, or commensal activities. This study uses publicly available genome sequence data, alongside experimental results from representative gene products from Xenorhabdus nematophila, to demonstrate a role for DUF560 family proteins in the secretion of bacterial effectors of host interactions. Our research delineates a broadly distributed family of proteins and enables more accurate predictions of the localization of colonization factors throughout Proteobacteria.
Mitigating outbreaks in congregate settings by decreasing the size of the susceptible population

While many transmission models have been developed for community spread of respiratory pathogens, less attention has been given to modeling the interdependence of disease introduction and spread seen in congregate settings, such as prisons or nursing homes. As demonstrated by the explosive outbreaks of COVID-19 seen in congregate settings, the need for effective outbreak prevention and mitigation strategies for these settings is critical. Here we consider how interventions that decrease the size of the susceptible populations, such as vaccination or depopulation, impact the expected number of infections due to outbreaks. Introduction of disease into the resident population from the community is modeled as a branching process, while spread between residents is modeled via a compartmental model. Control is modeled as a proportional decrease in both the number of susceptible residents and the reproduction number. We find that vaccination or depopulation can have a greater than linear effect on anticipated infections. For example, assuming a reproduction number of 3.0 for density-dependent COVID-19 transmission, we find that reducing the size of the susceptible population by 20% reduced overall disease burden by 47%. We highlight the California state prison system as an example for how these findings provide a quantitative framework for implementing infection control in congregate settings. Additional applications of our modeling framework include optimizing the distribution of residents into independent residential units, and comparison of preemptive versus reactive vaccination strategies.
Rvb1/Rvb2 proteins couple transcription and translation during glucose starvation

During times of unpredictable stress, organisms must adapt their gene expression to maximize survival. Along with changes in transcription, one conserved means of gene regulation during conditions that quickly represses translation is the formation of cytoplasmic phase-separated mRNP granules such as P-bodies and stress granules. Previously, we identified that distinct steps in gene expression can be coupled during glucose starvation as promoter sequences in the nucleus are able to direct the subcellular localization and translatability of mRNAs in the cytosol. Here, we report that Rvb1 and Rvb2, conserved ATPase proteins implicated as protein assembly chaperones and chromatin remodelers, were enriched at the promoters and mRNAs of genes involved in alternative glucose metabolism pathways that we previously found to be transcriptionally upregulated but translationally downregulated during glucose starvation in yeast. Engineered Rvb1/Rvb2-binding on mRNAs was sufficient to sequester the mRNAs into phase-separated granules and repress their translation. Additionally, this Rvb-tethering to the mRNA drove further transcriptional upregulation of the target genes. Overall, our results point to Rvb1/Rvb2 coupling transcription, mRNA granular localization, and translatability of mRNAs during glucose starvation. This Rvb-mediated rapid gene regulation could potentially serve as an efficient recovery plan for cells after stress removal.
Examining the Relations Between the Mental Health and Physical Health of Caregivers of MS in a Mexican Sample

EXAMINING THE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE MENTAL HEALTH AND PHYSICAL HEALTH OF CAREGIVERS OF MS IN A MEXICAN SAMPLE By Gillian Goodman Leibach, B.A. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2013. Major Director: Marilyn Stern, Ph.D. Professor Departments of Psychology and Pediatrics Evidence suggests that caregiver health affects patient health. Consistent with the Biopsychosocial Model, mental health (anxiety, depression, satisfaction with life, self-esteem), physical health (bodily pain, general health, performance in physical role, physical functioning), burden, and social support were examined in the present study to understand the relations between these variables and the overall health of 81 caregivers of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) in Mexico. The relation between mental health and physical health was significant. Canonical correlations revealed that depression and general health emerged as primary variables and these were entered into a series of analyses with burden and social support as potential moderating variables. No significant moderations were detected. Hierarchical multiple regressions showed significant relations between demographic and physical health variables, and three mental health outcomes: anxiety, depression, and self-esteem. Further research should consider the relations between mental health and physical health in the context of Latino culture. .
Design and implementation of a new course: creating databases for web applications

This paper describes a new course offered at our institution in which students are introduced to concepts and tools to build web applications involving databases. The intent of the course is to give students experience with specific server-side programming technologies as well as general planning methods such as entity-relationship, process and storyboard diagramming. The latter is intended to instill appreciation of systems design. The design and implementation of the course is based on professional, pedagogical and practical considerations, which will be discussed. These considerations led to the critical decision to use both Open Source and proprietary software. Other decisions included following the hybrid model of face-to-face with extensive on-line activity, not using a textbook, and involving the students in seminar-like presentations on demonstration projects.
Gastrointestinal hypomotility with loss of enteric nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: active immunization model in mice

Background Autoimmune gastrointestinal dysmotility (AGID) is a limited form of dysautonomia. The only proven effector to date is IgG specific for ganglionic nicotinic-acetylcholine receptors containing α3 subunits [α3*- nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR)]. Rabbits immunized with recombinant α3-polypeptide produce α3*-nAChR autoantibodies, and profound AGID ensues. Human and rabbit α3*-nAChR-specific-IgGs induce transient hypomotility when injected into mice. Here, we describe success and problems encountered inducing gastrointestinal hypomotility in mice by active immunization. Methods We repeatedly injected young adult mice of seven different strains susceptible to autoimmunity (spontaneous diabetes or neural antigen immunization-induced myasthenia gravis or encephalomyelitis) with: (i) α3-polypeptide, intradermally or (ii) live α3*-nAChR-expressing xenogeneic cells, intraperitoneally. We measured serum α3*-nAChR-IgG twice monthly, and terminally assessed blue dye gastrointestinal transit, total small intestinal α3*-nAChR content (radiochemically) and myenteric plexus neuron numbers (immunohistochemically, ileal–jejunal whole-mount preparations). Key Results Standard cutaneous inoculation with α3-polypeptide was minimally immunogenic, regardless of dose. Intraperitoneally injected live cells were potently immunogenic. Self-reactive α3*-nAChR-IgG was induced only by rodent immunogen; small intestinal transit slowing and enteric α3*-nAChR loss required high serum levels. Ganglionic neurons were not lost. Conclusions & Inferences Autoimmune gastrointestinal dysmotility is inducible in mice by active immunization. Accompanying enteric α3*-nAChR reduction without neuronal death is consistent with an IgG-mediated rather than T cell-mediated pathogenesis, as is improvement of symptoms in patients receiving antibody-depleting therapies.
Effect of fluorescently labeling protein probes on kinetics of protein-ligand reactions

We study the kinetic effect of extrinsic fluorescent labeling agents on protein-ligand binding affinity and find that the kinetics is related to the loss or change of protein function when proteins are fluorescent-labeled.
Backstepping Transformation of Input Delay Nonlinear Systems

We present here the details of a backstepping transformation aiming at reformulating the dynamics of a nonlinear systems subject to unknown long input delay in a form which is suitable for Lyapunov stability analysis. The control law underlying this transf ormation is predictor-based [2], [5], [6], as often considered for long delays. The proposed transformation follows recent results of the literature, based on the representation of the constant actuator delay as a tra nsport Partial Differential Equation (PDE).
Peripheral Nervous System Disorders

A. Division of peripheral from central nervous system is artificial, since they are really continuous: cell bodies of anterior horn neurons are located in spinal cord (central nervous system), while their axons are located in ventral roots and peripheral nerves (peripheral nervous system); dorsal root ganglion neuron cell bodies and their peripheral axons are considered part of peripheral nervous system, while their “central” axons (in spinal cord dorsal columns) are part of central nervous system; diseases often do not respect notions of “boundaries” between central nervous system and peripheral nervous system B. Nerve axons can be either myelinated or unmyelinated 1. Single oligodendrocytes produce myelin internode segments for multiple central nervous system axons 2. Each peripheral nervous system myelin segment (internodal segment) is formed by single Schwann cell cytoplasm; unmyelinated axons are also encased by cytoplasm of Schwann cells which do not form myelin; bundles of myelinated and unmyelinated fibers form fascicles enveloped by specialized connective tissue sheath (perineurium) which produces blood-nerve barrier (analogous to blood-brain barrier) C. Muscle is composed of multiple muscle fibers enclosed by fascial connectivec tissue sheath; muscle fibers are multinucleate cells containing thousands of cytoplasmic (sarcoplasmic) myofibrils composed of actin and myosin (contractile apparatus); each muscle fiber has single acetylcholine receptorrich endplate opposite motor nerve terminal; muscles are mosaics of two distinctive fiber types 1. Type 1 muscle fibers — slow twitch, red, aerobic, oxidative, and fatigue-resistant 2. Type 2 muscle fibers — fast twitch, white, anaerobic, glycolytic rapidly-fatiguing
Relationship between HMO market share and the diffusion and use of advanced MRI technologies.

Abstract Background Financial incentives associated with managed care may shift incentives associated with the adoption of new medical technologies. This study examined whether managed-care activity was associated with the adoption rate of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment during the 1990s. Data and methods Data from three nationwide "censuses" of MRI sites conducted in 1993, 1997, and 1999 were used. The number of MRI sites and magnets; magnet field strength; MRI procedures; the use of contrast media; and the presence of power injectors, echoplanar imaging, cardiac MRI, and interventional MRI were measured in each of 322 metropolitan statistical areas each year. Regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between area MRI availability and overall area health maintenance organization (HMO) market share, controlling for potential confounders. Results Areas with higher HMO activity had markedly lower adoption and use of MRI. By 1999, high-HMO areas had about 40% fewer MRI scanners per 100,000 people than low-HMO areas (1.02 vs. 1.73, P P Conclusions The fact that managed care is associated with the slower adoption of MRI and less availability of some of the most advanced MRI equipment suggests the need for attention to the potential for managed care to have important effects on the quality of care and health care spending by influencing technology growth.
The role of low-angle normal faulting and isostatic response in the evolution of the Suez rift, Egypt

Abstract A new geometric model for the Suez rift suggests that isostatic uplift of an underlying low-angle normal fault system accompanying early block faulting localized subsequent deep-seated extension. This, in turn, created a superimposed late-stage graben system offset to the east from an earlier locus of extension. Initial extension in the Oligocene and earliest Miocene drove minor rotation on wide tilt blocks over an eastward-dipping low-angle normal fault system and formed a series of wide half-grabens. With increasing extension, more closely spaced faults formed smaller rotating tilt blocks, fragmenting the larger, earlier half grabens and creating numerous sub-basins. In response to this brittle thinning of the upper crust, isostatic uplift of the lower crust arched the underlying low-angle fault surface, limiting gravity-driven tilt-block movement in the west by flattening the low-angle fault surface and creating a broad gulf-parallel high in the fault surface and Moho under the eastern portions of the rift. This process diminished faulting in the west and localized continuing deep-seated extension under the crest of the arch, possibly through induced mantle convection. Through-going faults thus initiated cut the old low-angle fault system and bound a system of down-dropped grabens offset to the east of the most extended portions of the older tilt-block array. In the Red Sea, immediately to the south, this process has continued, with the increased separation allowing the formation of mantle-derived oceanic crust. This model suggests that early movement over low-angle detachments and accompanying isostatic response may play an important role in localizing deformation within rifts, and are probably critical elements in the early formation of passive margins.
Adolescent girls and pid: Treatment in the pediatric emergency department

Background Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are epidemic among adolescents. Girls suffer more serious health consequences than boys yet they are often inadequately treated. Many girls with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) are initially evaluated in Pediatric Emergency Departments. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend hospital admission for adolescents with PID, a leading cause of infertility, reflecting the need for aggressive management in these patients. This study surveyed physician members of the Section on Pediatric Emergency Medicine of the American Academy of Pediatrics by telephone and mail to determine attitudes and practices related to the management of PID in adolescent girls. Methods Of a total membership of 501, 96 pediatricians were randomly selected and 54 (56%) completed the survey (78% by telephone & 22% by follow up mail questionnaire); most (95%) had teaching responsibilities and were fellowship trained (61%). Geographic distribution included: East 33%;South 24%; Midwest 28%; West 15%. All saw patients up to age 18 years and 31% saw patients to age 21; most (70%) worked in an urban setting and estimated that the large majority of their patients were from poor minority groups. Results 51 (94%) had diagnosed PID within the past 2 years and 37 (69%) diagnosed PID, on average, once a month or more. Nearly two thirds of physicians surveyed indicated that they thought that the care of an adolescent with an STD should be different from that of an adult and that this age group was more prone to medical complications. However, the majority, 28 (52%), did not routinely admit girls with PID. Among those treating on an outpatient basis, just over half arrange follow up within 72 hours of initial treatment as recommended in CDC guidelines for adults, and most do this by providing a phone number. While most emergency physicians routinely suggest condom use (87%) and HN testing (63%) after diagnosing an STD, a minority routinely provide contraceptive counseling (43%) or partner notification (32%). Conclusions The results of this survey suggest that pediatric emergency department physicians frequently diagnose PID in adolescent girls yet many do not follow CDC management guidelines for inpatient admi and provide less than optimal counseling for high risk adolescents. Physician education regarding CDC guidelines and an appreciation of the concerns which lead to their formulation may improve the care of adolescent girls with PID.
Edward (Ted) G. Jones, a neuroscientist and prolific neuroanatomist

Edward G. (Ted) Jones, MD, PhD, internationally acclaimed neuroscientist and authority on the anatomy of the brain and central nervous system, died suddenly on June 6, 2011, at the age of 72.
Endo-polymethylgalacturonase of boll weevil larvae, Anthonomus grandis: An initiator of cotton flower bud abscission

Abstract Pectinases of boll weevil larvae were fractionated by gel filtration, (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 precipitation, and hydroxylapatite chromatography. A fraction rich in endo-polymethylgalacturonase (endo-PMG) was able to macerate anther tissue and initiate abscission when injected into cotton flower buds. By partially destroying the cuticular permeability barrier, ethyl acetate and other solvents enhanced the abscission-initiating ability of the enzyme fraction. Growth regulator imbalances and degradation products resulting from endo-PMG action are probably the ultimate causal agents of abscission in flower buds.
Solid‐phase microtiter radioimmunoassay for detection of the Norwalk strain of acute nonbacterial, epidemic gastroenteritis virus and its antibodies

The development of microtiter solid-phase radioimmunoassays for the detection of Norwalk antigen and its antibody is described. The tests are simple to perform and are sensitive and specific. The test for antigen can be used on crude stool filtrates and suspensions. Both tests are at least as sensitive as immune electron microscopy and more sensitive than immune adherence assay.
Mercury proxies and mercury dynamics in a forested watershed of the US Northeast.

Although many studies focus on mercury (Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg) dynamics in streams, challenges remain in identifying the relative importance of land cover and seasonality at regulating Hg and MeHg dynamics at the watershed scale. Developing robust proxies for Hg and/or MeHg determination also remains a challenge. Our study used Hg, MeHg, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration measurements and various DOC fluorescence indices to characterize Hg and DOC dynamics in a forested watershed of the US Northeast. Principal component analysis indicated that land cover/landscape position (i.e., headwater vs. wetland-influenced area vs. lake-influenced area) explained 44 % of the variance in Hg, MeHg, DOC concentrations, and DOC quality during the snow-free season, while seasonality (i.e., air temperature and discharge) explained only 21 % of the variance in the results. Furthermore, finding a good proxy for Hg that is valid across a range of landscape positions remains a challenge; however, regression analysis indicated that the fluorescence peak Humic C (excitation = 350 nm; emission = max (420–480)), which corresponds to the presence of melanoidins in water, explained 21 % of the variability in MeHg concentrations across both space and time (p = 0.001), and thus appears to be a possible proxy for MeHg determination in our study watershed. From a management perspective, land cover modifications (lake, reservoir, and wetland) are likely to play more important roles at regulating Hg, MeHg, and DOC exports at the watershed scale than long-term changes in the climate of this region.
Comparison of codes for sensory feedback using electrocutaneous tracking.

Ten electrocutaneous codes suitable for sensory feedback were systematically compared using a random tracking task. The representative sample of codes used single and multiple electrode displays, bipolar and monopolar electrocutaneous stimuli, and frequency, intensity, and spatial modulation. The experimental results from 2 preliminary studies using 4 subjects each, and a full scale study, using 21 subjects, suggested that electrocutaneous tracking was a reliable and sensitive indicator of a code's intrinsic effectiveness for transmitting information cutaneously. In addition, multiple electrode codes using spatial modulation were clearly and significantly superior to any single electrode codes examined. Single electrode codes using frequency modulation were superior to intensity modulation codes whether the pulse stimulus used was monopolar or bipolar. Although subjects rated bipolar stimulation as being slightly more comfortable than monopolar stimulation, they performed better when using monopolar stimulation. Furthermore, sensory adaptation to the monopolar stimulus was considerably less than to the bipolar stimulus. The most effective multiple electrode code was Seven Electrodes in a Linear Array on the Abdomen. The most effective single electrode code was the Low Pulse Rate Modulation Code, wherein the sensory information was embedded in pulse rates between 1 and 15 per second.
Inhibition of Sleep-Related Growth Hormone Release by Elevated Free Fatty Acids

ABSTRACT Growth hormone release was measured in four normal young men during normal sleep and during sleep in which free fatty acids (FFA) were elevated by the administration of oral Lipomul® and iv heparin. No correlation was found during normal sleep between plasma glucose and free fatty acid levels and the release of growth hormone coincident with control deep sleep periods. Elevation of FFA levels resulted in a suppression of growth hormone release with deep sleep with a mean peak level of 2.3 ± 0.7 ng/ml as compared to a mean peak of 29.4 ± 1.6 ng/ml obtained during normal sleep nights. Analysis of the data suggests that growth hormone secretion during deep sleep can be influenced by FFA which affect growth hormone secretion in the wake state.
Subtonsillar Approach to the Foramen of Luschka: An Anatomic and Clinical Study

Objective Conventional approaches to tumors of the foramen of Luschka are limited because the foramen is viewed from either the fourth ventricle laterally (transvermian approach) or the cerebellopontine angle medially (suboccipital approach). The definitive approach is subtonsillar, because the foramen of Luschka is actually the end of the natural cleavage plane between the cerebellar tonsil and the medulla. We describe the microsurgical anatomic features of the foramen of Luschka region and the operative technique for the subtonsillar approach to this region. Methods In the anatomic study, five formalin-fixed, silicone-injected, cadaveric heads were used. In the clinical study, the records for five patients treated via the subtonsillar approach were examined; several illustrative cases are presented. Results The foramen of Luschka is formed by the tela choroidea and the rhomboid lip and exists at the lateral end of the cerebellomedullary fissure, which is a natural cleavage plane between the cerebellar tonsil and the medulla. The subtonsillar approach is performed via a suboccipital craniotomy; the patient is positioned in the lateral decubitus position, with the tumor side down. After the cerebellar tonsil is freed from arachnoid adhesions, it can be retracted rostrodorsally from the medulla, to expose the cerebellomedullary fissure. Clinically, the tela choroidea and rhomboid lip are significantly attenuated by tumor expansion. Therefore, by dissecting in a subtonsillar manner around the tumor, one can reach the foramen of Luschka without traversing any neural tissue. Conclusion The subtonsillar approach yields a panoramic view to the foramen of Luschka laterally and up to the middle cerebellar peduncle superiorly. This approach minimizes the distance between the tumor and the surgeon, while maximizing neural preservation. We think this is the definitive approach to this difficult region of the posterior fossa.
Large Scale Geometry of Nilpotent-By-Cyclic Groups

We show quasi-isometric rigidity for a class of finitely generated, non-polycyclic nilpotent-by-cyclic groups. Specifically, let Γ1, Γ2 be ascending HNN extensions of finitely generated nilpotent groups N1 and N2, such that Γ1 is irreducible (see Definition 1.1). If Γ1 and Γ2 are quasi-isometric to each other then N1 and N2 are virtual lattices in a common simply connected nilpotent Lie group \({\tilde{N}}\). As a consequence, we show the class of irreducible ascending HNN extensions of finitely generated nilpotent groups is quasi-isometrically rigid.
Linkages between cigarette smoking outcome expectancies and negative emotional vulnerability.

Abstract The present investigation examined whether smoking outcome expectancies, as measured by the Smoking Consequences Questionnaire (SCQ; [Brandon, T.H., & Baker, T.B., (1991). The Smoking Consequences Questionnaire: The subjective expected utility of smoking in college students. Psychological Assessment, 3, 484–491.]), were incrementally related to emotional vulnerability factors among an adult sample of 202 daily cigarette smokers (44.6% women; M age = 23.78 years, SD = 9.69 years). After controlling for cigarettes smoked/day, past 30-day marijuana use, current alcohol consumption, and coping style, negative reinforcement/negative affect reduction outcome expectancies were significantly associated with greater levels of negative affectivity, emotional dysregulation, and anxiety sensitivity. The observed effects for negative reinforcement/negative affect reduction also were independent of shared variance with other outcome expectancies. Negative personal consequences outcome expectancies were significantly and incrementally related to anxiety sensitivity, but not negative affectivity or emotional dysregulation. Findings are discussed in terms of the role of negative reinforcement/negative affect reduction smoking outcome expectancies and clinically-relevant negative emotional vulnerability for better understanding cigarette smoking-negative mood problems.
On the abolition of grading

The author presents an alternative to traditional grading schemes. Instead of a point scoring system, feedback is a systematic set of comments. Formal grades are delayed until the end of the term. ...
Folding, trimerization, and transport are sequential events in the biogenesis of influenza virus hemagglutinin

Results from several systems indicate that correct protein folding and subunit assembly correlate with the transport of membrane and secretory proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the Golgi complex. Because the site of oligomer assembly and its precise relationship to intracellular transport remain unclear, we have studied in detail the folding and trimerization of the influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA0) relative to its transport from ER to Golgi. Trimerization and transport were analyzed using several different methods, including transport inhibitors, temperature blocks, semi-intact cells, in vitro protein translocation, and immunocytochemistry. Taken together, the results clearly demonstrate that trimerization occurs at a point prior to exit from the ER. Before assembly, HA0 monomers were extensively folded and possessed intramolecular disulfide bonds, but monomers were not transported to the cis Golgi compartment. Thus, hemagglutinin progresses through at least two intermediate states before transport to the Golgi: highly folded monomers and trimers that have not yet left the ER.