cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Even Keel: The Judicial Example of John Marshall Harlan

Norman Dorsen, who clerked for John Marshall Harlan II, did not adopt the same judicial philosophy as the Justice he worked for. He did, however, develop a strong respect for his one-time mentor. The desire of Justice Harlan to provide balance in all things, "to keep things on an even keel," as Dorsen remembers him saying, well represents the judicial philosophy of Harlan. 1 Harlan came from a family of some political and legal prestige, and his upper class background, his commitment to federalism and the separation of powers, and his desire to hold to neutral principles on the Court shaped his judicial philosophy.
Parathyroid Nodular Hyperplasia and Responsiveness to Drug Therapy in Renal Secondary Hyperparathyroidism: An Open Question

The goal of the pharmacological therapy in secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is to reduce serum levels of parathyroid hormone and phosphorus, to correct those of calcium and vitamin D, to arrest or reverse the parathyroid hyperplasia. However, when nodular hyperplasia or an autonomous adenoma develops, surgery may be indicated. We reviewed the literature with the aim of defining if the echographic criteria predictive of unresponsiveness of SHPT to calcitriol therapy are valid also in the cinacalcet era and if drug therapy may reverse nodular hyperplasia of parathyroid gland (PTG). The responsiveness to therapy and regression of the nodular hyperplasia of PTG remains an open question in the calcimimetic era as well as the cutoff between medical and surgical therapy. Prospective studies are needed in order to clarify if an earlier use of cinacalcet in moderate SHPT might arrest the progression of parathyroid growth and stabilize SHPT.
Improving Sleep Quality Assessment Using Wearable Sensors by Including Information From Postural/Sleep Position Changes and Body Acceleration: A Comparison of Chest-Worn Sensors, Wrist Actigraphy, and Polysomnography.

Study Objectives:To improve sleep quality assessment using a single chest-worn sensor by extracting body acceleration and sleep position changes.Methods:Sleep patterns of 21 participants (50.8 ± 12...
Social Media: A rich resource for understanding patients’ disease and treatment frame and building (on) patient-centricity models

Research and initiatives within healthcare are increasingly focused on integrating the voice of patients with the recognition that understanding patients’ experiences and values are essential to providing meaningful treatment and treatment programs. In this paper, I address the nature of existing research relative to the concepts of Patient Centered Care and Patient Reported Outcomes as well as the degree to which that research integrates patients’ voices as heard through social media. The article argues that while there is increasing recognition of the internet as a location through which to reach patients - such as for delivery of information and healthcare management tools - there are great opportunities for conducting significantly more and much deeper analyses of patients’ (and healthy people’s) vantage point via the discussions they have online with peers in social media. Social media locations range from open communities within Facebook and Reddit to much smaller open-access .org and .com communities. Analyses can provide insight into a range of questions from patients’ cognitive orientation and ways of making sense of or working with their disease to the physician-patient relationship as signaled by patients’ positioning of the physician.
Ubiquitin Modulates Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation of UBQLN2 via Disruption of Multivalent Interactions

Under stress, certain eukaryotic proteins and RNA assemble to form membraneless organelles known as stress granules. The most well-studied stress granule components are RNA-binding proteins that undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) into protein-rich droplets mediated by intrinsically disordered low-complexity domains (LCDs). Here we show that stress granules include proteasomal shuttle factor UBQLN2, an LCD-containing protein structurally and functionally distinct from RNA-binding proteins. In vitro, UBQLN2 exhibits LLPS at physiological conditions. Deletion studies correlate oligomerization with UBQLN2's ability to phase-separate and form stress-induced cytoplasmic puncta in cells. Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, we mapped weak, multivalent interactions that promote UBQLN2 oligomerization and LLPS. Ubiquitin or polyubiquitin binding, obligatory for UBQLN2's biological functions, eliminates UBQLN2 LLPS, thus serving as a switch between droplet and disperse phases. We postulate that UBQLN2 LLPS enables its recruitment to stress granules, where its interactions with ubiquitinated substrates reverse LLPS to enable shuttling of clients out of stress granules.
A new high accuracy meshfree method to directly simulate fluid dynamics and heat transfer of weakly compressible fluids

Abstract A Tayler series expansion based high accuracy meshfree method (TS-HAMM) is developed to calculate first and second derivatives of property values stored in dispersed particle clouds. Compared with other meshfree methods such as smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH), TS-HAMM can (a) systematically increase accuracies in gradient, derivative and Laplacian calculations with similar computational cost; (b) provide boundary conditions directly from conservation equations at the fluid/solid interfaces with guaranteed order of accuracy; (c) simulate fluid dynamics and heat transfer of low viscous weakly compressible fluid (e.g. water) directly without making incompressible assumptions. Through numerical verifications with water-like low viscous low compressible fluid in Couette flow, lid-driven flow inside a cavity, and natural convection inside an enclosure, we justify the validity of TS-HAMM in simulating fluid dynamics and heat transfer of water-like low viscous weakly compressible fluid, which are challenging with other meshfree methods such as smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH).
Specificity of P2 for prophage site. 1. On the chromosome of Escherichia coli strain C2.

Abstract P 2 was found to exhibit either a high site I specificity (= wild-type specificity) or a low site I specificity. Reduction from high to low site I specificity occurs apparently as the result of interaction between the P 2 genome and site II on the bacterial chromosome, restoration of high site I specificity as the result of interaction between the P 2 genome and site I on the bacterial chromosome. The observed mode of inheritance of the determinant(s) of the site I specificity can be interpreted in terms of an extension of Campbell's model of lysogeny. So far, a total of nine nonallelic P 2 prophage sites can be distinguished in bacterial crosses. No change in the site I specificity of P 2 was observed upon establishment of highly site I specific P 2 at any site other than II. Next to site I, site II seems to be the most likely choice for the establishment of a prophage by a highly site 1 specific P 2.
Small intestine pathogens in AIDS: conventional and opportunistic

The small intestine, coming in direct contact with ingested potential pathogens, depends on active mucosal immunity to withstand invasion and damage. In patients with AIDS and severe impairment of immunoregulatory lymphocytes, proliferation of protozoal, viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens produces diarrhea and malabsorption. When noninvasive tests of stool and blood fail to identify responsible organisms, endoscopy can reveal mucosal lesions which are suggestive if not diagnostic. Cryptosporidium, cf2E. intestinalis, cf1CMV, MAC, and other infections can be identified by intestinal biopsy quicker and often at lower overall cost than they can be by culture.
Thin-Walled Structures

The thin-walled structures of interest in this chapter are generally enclosed regions, as typified by an aircraft fuselage. They are modeled as combinations of folded plates and cylindrical shell segments as shown in Figure 8.1. Other examples of structures which fall into this category include plates with stringers, corrugations, channels, ducts, troughs, open and closed thin-walled tubes with one or more cells.
Roles of scientists, engineers and the public in the resolution of societal issues

Publisher Summary This chapter examines the roles of scientists, engineers, and the public in resolving societal issues. A catalogue of the societal issues of concern to a nation or a local community can be compiled by noting the issues addressed by governmental bodies, the issues that bring people to form action groups and the issues championed in the mass media. Today, societal issues are diverse and far-reaching, extending beyond the primary needs of food, clothing, shelter and national defense. Other roles of both scientists and engineers, as scientists and engineers, include the identification of societal issues, the assessment of the nature and magnitude of selected societal issues and the development of technological options to solve or to ameliorate selected societal issues. An important role of scientists, engineers and specialists in technological assessment is the articulation of the nature of each technological option, and the assessment of the probable benefits and burdens inherent in the implementation of that option to communicators, to the public and to the surrogates of the public in such a manner that the intended audience can understand the nature and probable impact of each option under consideration.
A Scaled Mesh/Nodal Formulation of Magnetic Equivalent Circuits With Motion

In this paper, the focus is on the efficient solution of magnetic equivalent circuits that include relative motion between components. It is shown that by combining the use of mesh and nodal analysis, one can avoid the need to restructure the circuit topology, which is a step encountered in strictly mesh-based approaches. In addition, one can overcome the poor convergence properties observed in strictly nodal-based formulations. A scaling of variables is introduced to ensure the condition that the number of the mixed mesh/nodal matrices remains relatively low. The proposed scaled model structure is then extended to magnetic equivalent circuits that are coupled to electrical systems for the analysis of dynamic performance. It is shown that the numerical properties of the coupled scaled model remain strong.
Techniques for measuring stress-strain relations at high strain rates

The qualitative dependence of the mechanical behavior of some materials on strain rate is now well known. But the quantitative relation between stress, strain and strain rate has been established for only a few materials and for only a limited range. This relation, the so-called constitutive equation, must be known before plasticity or plastic-wave-propagation theory can be used to predict the stress or strain distribution in parts subjected to impact stresses above the yield strength. In this paper, a brief review of some of the experimental techniques for measuring the stress, strain, strain-rate relationship is given, and some of the difficulties and shortcomings pointed out. Ordinary creep or tensile tests can be used at plastic-strain rates from 10−8 to about 10−1/sec. Special quasi-static tests, in which the stress- and strain-measuring devices as well as the specimen geometry and support have been optimized, are capable of giving accurate results to strain rates of about 102/sec. At higher strain rates, it is shown that wave-propagation effects must be included in the design and analysis of the experiments. Special testing machines for measuring stress, strain and strain-rate relationships in compression, tension and shear at strain rates up to 105/sec are described, and some of the results presented. With this type of testing machine, the analysis of the data requires certain assumptions whose validity depends upon proper design of the equipment. A critical evaluation of the accuracy of these types of tests is presented.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease as a High-Value Predictor of Postoperative Hyperglycemia and Its Associated Complications in Major Abdominal Surgery.

Background For patients undergoing major abdominal operations, acute postoperative hyperglycemia (POHG) is associated with suboptimal outcomes and higher costs of care. This study was performed to determine whether CT-derived indices of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis) or visceral adiposity may serve as predictors of POHG and its consequences in such patients. Study Design We reviewed records and preoperative abdominal CT images of 129 patients undergoing complex open ventral hernia repair (cVHR) from 2012 to 2016, with 90-day follow-up. Univariate and multivariate regressions were performed to estimate associations between CT-detected steatosis or visceral adiposity with POHG (serum glucose > 140 mg/dL within 48 hours), surgical site occurrence (SSO), and subsequent interventions (SSO-I). Results Type-2 diabetes (T2D) was present in 23% and POHG in 52%; SSO events occurred in 28% and SSO-I in 21%. Highest-effect associations with POHG were observed for T2D (odds ratio [OR] 21.54; 95% CI 4.85, 95.58), hepatic steatosis (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.07, 4.52), and waist circumference-to-height ratio (WCHR > 0.65; OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.16, 4.83). After multivariate analysis, the effects of T2D (OR 16.73; CI 5.42, 73.87; p Conclusions Image-based indices of chronic metabolic disturbance in the liver and adipose tissues may offer novel opportunities for identifying patients at risk for POHG and those who would benefit from preoperative metabolic optimization.
Personal oral hygiene and dental caries: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE To conduct a systematic review of randomised trials assessing the association between personal oral hygiene and dental caries in the absence of the confounding effects of fluoride. BACKGROUND Dental caries continues to affect close to 100% of the global population. There is a century-old conflict on whether dental caries is caused by poor oral hygiene or poorly formed teeth (ie, teeth with dental defects). Resolving this conflict is of significant public health importance as these two hypotheses on dental caries aetiology can lead to different prevention strategies. METHODS A systematic search for randomised trials was conducted using predefined criteria in 3 databases. The impact of personal oral hygiene interventions on coronal dental caries incidence was evaluated using random-effects models. RESULTS Three randomised studies involving a total of 743 participants were included. Personal oral hygiene interventions failed to influence the incidence of dental caries (Δ Decayed, Missing and Filled Surfaces (DFMS) = -0.11; 95% confidence interval: (-0.91, 0.69; P-value < .79)) despite meticulous deplaquing of teeth. There was no significant heterogeneity in the trial results (heterogeneity chi-squared = 1.88, P = .39). The findings were robust to sensitivity analyses, including consideration of the results of nonrandomised studies. CONCLUSION Personal oral hygiene in the absence of fluorides has failed to show a benefit in terms of reducing the incidence of dental caries.
SM 05-0932 Training child passenger safety technicians beyond us borders: using subject matter experts to protect families on roadways

According to WHO, road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death among people aged 15 and 29 years. More than 1.25 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes. The newly adopted 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has set a target to halve global deaths and injuries from road traffic crashes by 2020. This goal is unachievable unless the country is focused on roadway users of all ages. A proven 3 year plan to train and certify subject matter experts to inform stakeholders and educate families can shape a safety culture, identify partners and initiate a coordinated plan. Over that three-year period, Safe Kids Worldwide, the certifying body for child passenger safety (CPS), conducts one class per year (15 technicians) while simultaneously trainig 3–4 technicians as instructors. In just three years, a country could certify 45 strategic CPS technicians and 3–4 instructors who will serve as champions, conduct training and help build infrastructure. This certification plan has been tested in China, Latin America and the Middle East where instructors conduct certification classes. Safe Kids Worldwide has a training curriculum that is ready for translation once an instructor is certified in that native language. A national sponsor is needed to initiate this process. Since 1998, 160 000 certified technicians have taken the course in the U.S. with 41 000 current technicians in the field. The evaluated program demonstrates the value to increase knowledge, skills and ability among caregivers with child passengers through certified technicians. Meeting the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal requires a strategic plan to safely train nationals as subject matter experts.
A conditioning technique for projection-based reduced order models

Abstract A conditioning technique for projection-based reduced order models (ROMs) in structural dynamics is presented together with examples of applications. Conditioning can be necessary especially when the projection vectors used to construct the ROMs are not guaranteed to be linearly independent numerically. This method is based on the reduced mass matrix , and it is particularly advantageous because all the conditioning is carried out in the ROM space. The computational effort and time required are thus substantially lower and with no accuracy loss compared to conditioning the entire transformation matrix in the full order space. An error metric is also introduced with the aim of helping the conditioning process. The method is tested using a simple example first, and then applied to the more complex case of ROMs for blended bladed disks (blisks). To evaluate the computational savings, the new method is directly compared to another state-of-the-art technique.
Integrated e-Learning Paradigm in the Twenty-First Century: Management Education

Since the early 2000s, online degree programs have been rapidly growing nationally and globally. Even traditional universities have been adopting learning-management systems to offer flexible, hybrid, and online classes. Concomitantly, textbook publishers have been improving e-Learning platforms and add-ons. The plethora of interactive e-Learning materials has produced a profound shift in the ways today’s students acquire and apply knowledge, and poses growing challenges for online programs, instructional designers, and instructors to customize e-Learning materials for different learning styles. To fit students’ learning needs, tailored instruction should be equipped with high-performing adaptable multimedia tools. We see the growing impact of live e-Learning and web collaboration technologies on the constructivist- and connectivist-based pedagogies. Accordingly, curricula of the twenty-first century digital age should foster collaborative learning, experiential learning, multimedia learning, and active learning. This chapter proposes a learner-centered integrated e-Learning paradigm that consists of these four interwoven learning components. Using the example of a global online MBA course, we also closely examine innovative e-Learning strategies that are vital to cultivating highly engaging and applied learning in the twenty-first century. Finally, we consider the implications of an integrated e-Learning paradigm in management education, discussing the most effective uses of pedagogical techniques.
Multimodal approach to the management of malignant pleural effusions: role of thoracoscopy with pleurodesis and tunneled indwelling pleural catheters

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is associated with a median survival of 3-6 months and causes significant symptoms affecting the overall quality of life in patients with advanced malignancies. Despite the high incidence of recurrent MPE, less than 25% of patients undergo a definitive pleural intervention as recommended by guidelines. In this review, we summarize the latest guidelines for management of MPE by various societies and discuss a multimodal approach in these patients using thoracoscopy with pleurodesis using talc insufflation and placement of tunneled indwelling pleural catheters (TIPC). We also address the role of diagnostic thoracoscopy for histologic and molecular diagnosis and outline our approach to patients with known or suspected MPE.
Update on the pathologic diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma is an uncommon tumor that may be difficult to diagnose. The International Mesothelioma Interest Group has been writing guidelines for pathological diagnosis that are periodically updated. The guidelines are being updated based on published literature in the last 3 years, and experience of more than 20 leading international pathologists in the field who will be co-authors. Updates were discussed by attendees of the Pulmonary Pathology Society Biennial Meeting (Dubrovnik, Croatia, June 2019). Areas with significant advancements/changes include utilization of immunohistochemistry (establishing mesothelial lineage and benign versus malignant), prognosis and nuclear grading, biphasic malignant mesothelioma, transitional pattern, malignant mesothelioma in situ, and therapeutic/molecular targets.
Prevention, Diagnosis, and Management of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: a Comparison of International Guidelines

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP)—gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia—are a leading cause of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes internationally. Prevention, timely diagnosis, and prompt management can reduce associated morbidity. The purpose of this review is to compare international guidelines pertaining to HDP. Fourteen HDP guidelines were compared relative to guidelines for the United States (US) where the authors practice. Aspirin is universally recommended for high-risk women to reduce preeclampsia risk. Recommended dose and gestational age at initiation vary. Diagnoses of chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia in pregnant women are similar, although blood pressure (BP) thresholds for antihypertensive medication initiation and treatment targets vary due to the limitations in high-quality evidence. There are differences among international HDP guidelines related to dose and timing of aspirin initiation, thresholds for antihypertensive medication initiation, and BP targets. However, all guidelines acknowledge the significant morbidity associated with HDP and advocate for timely diagnosis and management to reduce associated morbidity and mortality. More research is needed to understand optimal BP thresholds at which to initiate antihypertensive medication regimens and BP targets in pregnancy.
Nebuchadnezzar and the animal mind (Daniel 4)

The case of King Nebuchadnezzar’s animal episode in Daniel 4 has typically been read in ways that pathologize animality. I argue, however, that the Hebrew Bible demonstrates at least two views of a...
Predicting which patients may benefit from the hybrid intracavitary+interstitial needle (IC/IS) applicator for advanced cervical cancer: A dosimetric comparison and toxicity benefit analysis.

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study is to compare the predicted rate of local control and bladder and rectum toxicity rates for image-guided adaptive brachytherapy plans using a tandem and ovoid (T/O) applicator versus using a simulated hybrid intracavitary/interstitial tandem and ring applicator with needles (T/R + N) for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). Methods and Materials Patients with ≥ FIGO Stage IIB locally advanced cervical cancer treated with T/O from a single institution were included. Simulated treatment plans were created with a T/R + N applicator for the best high-risk clinical target volume (CTV) coverage and minimal dose to organs at risk. Three-year local control rate was estimated using published dose-volume effect relationships. Next, the high-risk CTV EQD2 D90 of T/R + N plans were calculated, and bladder and rectum toxicity rates were estimated. Analysis was performed in subpatient groups defined based on tumor volume and ratio of maximal and minimal tumor radii (RR) that reflects tumor shape asymmetry. Results Improvements in predicted local control rate for the T/R + N were 0.8, 4.1, 1.6, and 3.9% for groups with tumor volume Conclusions Cases with large tumor (volume ≥35 cc) or large tumor asymmetry (RR ≥ 2.0) would probably benefit more from the use of hybrid applicators.
A simple mass-action model predicts genome-wide protein timecourses from mRNA trajectories during a dynamic response in two strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract Although mRNA is a necessary precursor to protein, several studies have argued that the relationship between mRNA and protein levels is often weak. This claim undermines the functional relevance of conclusions based on quantitative analyses of mRNA levels, which are ubiquitous in modern biology from the single gene to the whole genome scale. Furthermore, if post-translational processes vary between strains and species, then comparative studies based on mRNA alone would miss an important driver of diversity. However, gene expression is dynamic, and most studies examining relationship between mRNA and protein levels at the genome scale have analyzed single timepoints. We measure yeast gene expression after pheromone exposure and show that, for most genes, protein timecourses can be predicted from mRNA timecourses through a simple, gene-specific, generative model. By comparing model parameters and predictions between strains, we find that while mRNA variation often leads to protein differences, evolution also manipulates protein-specific processes to amplify or buffer transcriptional regulation.
A pilot trial of human amniotic fluid for the treatment of COVID-19.

Vertical transmission from SARS CoV-2-infected women is uncommon and coronavirus has not been detected in amniotic fluid. Human amniotic products have a broad immune-mediating profile. Observing that many COVID-19 patients have a profound inflammatory response to the virus, we sought to determine the influence of human amniotic fluid (hAF) on hospitalized patients with COVID-19. A 10-patient case series was IRB-approved to study the impact of hAF on hospitalized patients with documented COVID-19. Nine of the 10 patients survived to discharge, with one patient succumbing to the disease when enrolled on maximal ventilatory support and severe hypoxia. The study design was altered by the IRB such that the last 6 patients received higher dose of intravenous hAF. In this latter group, patients that had observed reductions in C-reactive protein were associated with improved clinical outcomes. No hAF-related adverse events were noted. Acknowledging some of the inherent limitations of this case series, these results inform and catalyze a larger scaled randomized prospective trial to further investigate hAF as a therapy for COVID-19. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04319731; March 23, 2020
Six-Month Outcomes of Heart Transplant Recipients Infected by COVID-19

Purpose COVID-19 infection might be associated with higher mortality risk for transplanted patients, as a result of their multiple co-morbidities and their immunosuppressed status. We sought to describe the six-month outcomes of heart transplant (HT) recipients infected by COVID-19. Methods We retrospectively analyzed clinical and echocardiographic data from all HT recipients infected with COVID-19 between March and April 2020. All patients were followed for a minimum of 6 months or until death. Results Twenty-eight HT patients were studied, median age was 64 (range 59-69) and 22 were male. Co-morbidities included obesity (25%), diabetes (61%), HTN (71%), CKD (68 %) and chronic lung disease (36%). Eight patients died (29%) (non-survivors) and 20 survived (survivors) COVID-19 infection. All patients who survived the initial hospitalization period remained alive at 6 months (figure 1). There was no difference in the prevalence of co-morbidities between survivors and non-survivors. Survivors had lower peak ferritin (2185 ± 793 vs 18023 ± 16724, p= 0.04) and procalcitonin (0.8 ± 0.3 vs 104 ± 31, p Conclusion COVID-19 infection is associated with a high fatality rate (29%) among HT recipients, however, HT recipients that survive the acute COVID-19 infection have preserved allograft function and end-organ function has returned to baseline at 6 months follow-up.
Enhanced antibiotic prophylaxis and infection-related complications following prostate biopsy.

Sepsis after prostate biopsy is a costly and potentially lethal complication. We sought to assess whether enhanced antibiotic prophylaxis regimens combining oral and parenteral antibiotics may decrease the risk of post-biopsy urinary tract infection and sepsis compared to regimens with only oral antibiotics. We identified men with commercial insurance who underwent prostate biopsy (2009–2015) with prophylactic antibiotic coverage. Our primary exposure of interest was antibiotic regimen: enhanced, oral-only, and parenteral-only. Post-biopsy outcomes of interest included urinary tract infections and sepsis/bacteremia after prostate biopsy. We used bivariate testing to assess associations between outcomes, exposures, and other covariates of interest. Multivariable regression was used to estimate adjusted odds of infectious outcomes based on antibiotic regimen. We identified 163,831 men who underwent prostate biopsy. The proportion of men with infectious complications (5.5% in 2009 to 6.9% in 2015, p < 0.001) and sepsis (0.24% in 2009 to 0.30% in 2015, p = 0.327) increased over the timeframe of our analysis. Use of fluoroquinolones was associated with a decreased risk of infectious outcomes (5.8 vs 7.3% without, OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.79–0.88). Use of enhanced antibiotic regimens was associated with an increased risk of infectious outcomes (6.8 vs 5.7% oral, OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.16–1.31) and sepsis (0.34 vs 0.24% oral, OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.08–1.82) among our cohort. We did not observe a significant reduction in infectious complications among men who received enhanced antibiotics regimens before prostate biopsy. This may be due to increased antibiotic resistance or unmeasured risk factors among those receiving enhanced regimens.
Public Health Impacts of Underemployment and Unemployment in the United States: Exploring Perceptions, Gaps and Opportunities.

Background: Unemployment, underemployment, and the quality of work are national occupational health risk factors that drive critical national problems; however, to date, there have been no systematic efforts to document the public health impact of this situation. Methods: An environmental scan was conducted to explore the root causes and health impacts of underemployment and unemployment and highlight multilevel perspectives and factors in the landscape of underemployment and unemployment. Methods: included a review of gray literature and research literature, followed by key informant interviews with nine organizational representatives in employment research and policy, workforce development, and industry to assess perceived needs and gaps in practice. Results: Evidence highlights the complex nature of underemployment and unemployment, with multiple macro-level underlying drivers, including the changing nature of work, a dynamic labor market, inadequate enforcement of labor protection standards, declining unions, wage depression, and weak political will interacting with multiple social determinants of health. Empirical literature on unemployment and physical, mental, and psychological well-being, substance abuse, depression in young adults, and suicides is quite extensive; however, there are limited data on the impacts of underemployment on worker health and well-being. Additionally, organizations do not routinely consider health outcomes as they relate to their work in workforce or policy development. Discussion and Conclusions: Several gaps in data and research will need to be addressed in order to assess the full magnitude of the public health burden of underemployment and unemployment. Public health needs to champion a research and practice agenda in partnership with multisector stakeholders to illuminate the role of employment quality and status in closing the gap on health inequities, and to integrate workforce health and well-being into labor and economic development agendas across government agencies and industry.
Restructuring Aspect Graphs into Aspect- and Cell-Equivalence Classes for Use in Computer Vision

A potential disadvantage of using aspect graphs as object models in a computer vision system is their large size. The upper bound on the number of nodes in the aspect graph of an N-face convex object is O(N⋆⋆3). In this paper we introduce the concepts of "aspect-equivalence" and "cell-equivalence" and present a method of using them to restructure a data base of aspect graphs. This process identifies an interconnected set of equivalence classes which we use to form an Equivalence Class Graph (ECG).
Implementing the Amphibian Conservation Action Plan

The Global Amphibian Assessment, completed in 2004, revealed that over 32% of the c. 6000 amphibian species known worldwide are threatened with extinction. This staggering figure exceeds rates of imperilment for both birds (12%) and mammals (23%). Amphibians face threats from traditional factors, such as habitat loss, unsustainable use, invasive species and pollution. These stresses are compounded by more novel threats, such as emerging infectious diseases and climate change, which are unimpeded by protected-area boundaries. A Summit was convened in September 2005 to devise a unified strategy for amphibian conservation in the form of the Amphibian Conservation Action Plan (ACAP; available at http://www.amphibians.org/). The ACAP outlines a 5 year plan to curtail the decline and extinction of amphibians, and focuses on 11 themes, each with an associated budget. The total estimated cost of abating the current trend comes to US $400 million over the next 5 years. While this may appear daunting, it serves to highlight the urgency of the situation and draws attention to the need to steer limited resources towards the conservation of this vulnerable group. The ACAP is a call for help to governments, zoos and aquariums, civilians and researchers alike. We need to work together if we are going to succeed in stemming a mass extinction spasm affecting an entire class of vertebrates. The IUCN/SSC (The World Conservation Union/Species Survival Commission) Amphibian Specialist Group (ASG; http://www.amphibians.org/), formed after the Summit, is working to implement the ACAP by stimulating, developing and executing practical programmes to conserve amphibians and their habitats around the world. In addition, the ASG is supporting a global web of partners to develop funding, capacity and technology transfer to achieve shared, strategic amphibian conservation goals.
Cholecystokinin-Octapeptidelike Immunoreactivity in Human Plasma

A method for concentration and measurement of cholecystokininlike immunoreactivity in human plasma was developed and used to measure and to characterize the circulating forms of this hormone. Immunoreactive cholecystokinin was concentrated from 20–50-ml volumes of plasma by affinity chromatography and characterized by gel filtration and by radioimmunoassay with two antibodies that differed markedly in specificity for cholecystokinin and gastrin. About two-thirds of immunoreactive cholecystokinin eluted from G50 superfine columns in the same region as synthetic cholecystokinin-octapeptide and the remainder eluted between 33-peptide cholecystokinin and minigastrin. Measurable cholecystokininlike immunoreactivity was below the detection limit of 0.2 pmol/L in most fasting subjects, but 45 min after ingestion of a mixed meal mean plasma cholecystokinin-octapeptidelike immunoreactivity was increased significantly in normal subjects to 1.1 pmol/L and in patients with previous Billroth I gastrectomy and vagotomy to 2.9 pmol/L. Significantly higher mean plasma cholecystokinin-octapeptidelike immunoreactivity values (6.2 pmol/L) were found in normal subjects immediately after duodenal perfusion with 10.5 mmol sodium oleate for 30 min. In the same subjects, exogenous cholecystokinin-octapeptide was administered intravenously at three doses along with a low dose of secretion, 41 pmol·kg−1·h−1. Threshhold stimulation of pancreatic enzyme secretion was found when circulating cholecystokinin-octapeptide concentrations were 4–5 pmol/L and approximately half-maximal responses were found with cholecystokinin-octapeptide concentrations of about 10 pmol/L. Increases in plasma cholecystokinin-octapeptidelike immunoreactivity after duodenal fat were sufficient to account for substantial stimulation of pancreatic enzyme secretion but cholecystokinin-octapeptidelike immunoreactivity concentrations after ingestion of a meal were below the threshold for stimulation by exogenous cholecystokinin-octapeptide. It is likely that low concentrations of cholecystokinin peptides in the circulation interact with other factors such as enteropancreatic reflexes to produce normal postprandial stimulation of pancreatic enzyme secretion.
The longest micron; transporting poxviruses out of the cell

The large size of poxvirus virions (approximately 250-300 microm) makes them dependent on active transport for intracellular movement during infection. Several recent papers have reported the utilization of the microtubule network by poxviruses during viral egress and their use of conventional kinesin for intracellular transport. This review looks at recent reports of poxvirus intracellular transport for virion egress and their interaction with the microtubule network.
An integrated system for design automation of VLSI interconnects and packaging

The packaging design support environment (PDSE) is a software system being developed at the University of Arizona to facilitate the analysis and design of packaging structures for microelectronic integrated circuits, a subject which is becoming one of increasing importance with higher circuit integration and system performance. PDSE provides a platform for work in several active research areas including interconnect and packaging modeling and simulation in electrical, thermal, and thermal-mechanical aspects, CAD framework development and evaluations for performance, manufacturability, and reliability, etc. This paper describes the overall architecture and characteristics of the PDSE system in development, its implementation and applications. >
Cloning of the gene, speB, for streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin type B in Escherichia coli

The structural gene encoding streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin type B, designated speB, was cloned in Escherichia coli and localized onto a 4.5-kilobase BamHI-BglII DNA fragment. Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin type B, partially purified from E. coli clones, was immunologically related to streptococcus-derived toxin. Also, toxin derived from either E. coli or Streptococcus pyogenes had similar lymphocyte mitogenic activity and molecular weight (29,300) and displayed comparable microheterogeneity when evaluated by isoelectric focusing.
Distributed data clustering can be efficient and exact

Data clustering is one of the fundamental techniques in scientific data analysis and data mining. It partitions a data set into groups of similar items, as measured by some distance metric. Over the years, data set sizes have grown rapidly with the exponential growth of computer storage and increasingly automated business and manufacturing processes. Many of these datasets are geographically distributed across multiple sites, e.g. different sales or warehouse locations. To cluster such large and distributed data sets, efficient distributed algorithms are called for to reduce the communication overhead, central storage requirements, and computation time, as well as to bring the resources of multiple machines to bear on a given problem as the data set sizes scale-up. We describe a technique for parallelizing a family of center-based data clustering algorithms. The central idea is to communicate only sufficient statistics, yielding linear speed-up with excellent efficiency. The technique does not involve approximation and may be used orthogonally in conjunction with sampling or aggregation-based methods, such as BIRCH, to lessen the quality degradation of their approximation or to handle larger data sets. We demonstrate in this paper that even for relatively small problem sizes, it can be more cost effective to cluster the data in-place using an exact distributed algorithm than to collect the data in one central location for clustering.
Prointerleukin-18 Is Activated by Meprin β in Vitro and in Vivo in Intestinal Inflammation

Interleukin-18 (IL-18), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, is a key factor in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Caspase-1 activates this cytokine, but other proteases are likely involved in maturation. Because meprin metalloproteinases have been implicated in IBD, the interaction of these proteases with proIL-18 was studied. The results demonstrate that the meprin β subunit of meprins A and B cleaves proIL-18 into a smaller 17-kDa product. The cleavage is at the Asn51–Asp52 bond, a site C-terminal to caspase-1 cleavage. The cleavage occurred in vitro with a Km of 1.3 μm and in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells transfected with meprin β when proIL-18 was added to the culture medium. The product of meprin B cleavage of proIL-18 activated NF-κB in EL-4 cells, indicating that it was biologically active. To determine the physiological significance of the interactions of meprins with proIL-18, an experimental model of IBD was produced by administering dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to wild-type and meprin β knock-out (βKO) mice, and the serum levels of active IL-18 were determined. DSS-treated meprin βKO mice had lower levels of the active cytokine in the serum compared with wild-type mice. Furthermore, in meprin αKO mice, which express meprin β but not α, active IL-18 was elevated in the serum of DSS-treated mice compared with wild-type mice, indicating that the meprin isoforms have opposing effects on the IL-18 levels in vivo. This study identifies proIL-18 as a biologically important substrate for meprin β and implicates meprins in the modulation of inflammation.
Secondary reinforcement based on primary brain stimulation reward.

Summary.-15 rats were trained to run in a straight runway for rewarding brain stimulation (ESB). A consistent color of goal box-ESB reward pairing existed during runway training. When subsequently rested in a T-maze where the goal box associated with ESB was placed on the initially nonpceferred side, Ss learned to run to that side with only the goal-box color as the reward. The results are held to conclusively demonstrate that secondary reward can be based on ESB as a primary reward. Also, results appear to challenge the view that drive is necessary for the demonstration of secondary reward. Secondary reinforcement based on the primary reinforcement of electrical stimulation of the brain (ESB) has not yet been conclusively demonstrated. In the most compelling positive demonstration, Stein ( 1958) measiued the choice during extinction of a lever which produced a cue previously associated with ESB versus a lever which produced no cue. Ss who were reliable self-stimulators significantly chose the lever which produced the cue over that which produced nothing. No choice difference was displayed by Ss who were not self-stimulators. Knott and Clayton (1966) obtained similar results in a replication of this procedure. On the other hand, negative results have been reported by Seward, Uyeda, and Olds (1959) who measured resistance to extinction of pressing a lever which produced a cue which had previously been associated with ESB. Worse yet, Mogenson (1965), in replications of both the Stein and the Seward, et al. procedures, failed to show evidence for a secondary reinforcement effect in either situation. It has been suggested that one difficulty in establishing clear evidence for
Chemoimmunotherapy with hyper-CVAD plus rituximab for the treatment of adult Burkitt and Burkitt-type lymphoma or acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Background Adult Burkitt-type lymphoma (BL) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) are rare entities composing 1% to 5% of non-Hodgkin lymphomas NHL) or ALL. Prognosis of BL and B-ALL has been poor with conventional NHL or ALL regimens, but has improved with dose-intensive regimens. Methods To evaluate the addition of rituximab, a CD20 monoclonal antibody, to intensive chemotherapy in adults with BL or B-ALL, 31 patients with newly diagnosed BL or B-ALL received the hyper-fractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone (hyper-CVAD) regimen with rituximab. Their median age was 46 years; 29% were 60 years or older. Rituximab 375 mg/m(2) was given on Days 1 and 11 of hyper-CVAD courses and on Days 1 and 8 of methotrexate and cytarabine courses. Results Complete remission (complete response [CR]) was achieved in 24 of 28 (86%) evaluable patients; 3 had a partial response, and 1 had resistant disease. There were no induction deaths. The 3-year overall survival (OS), event-free survival, and disease-free survival rates were 89%, 80%, and 88%, respectively. Nine elderly patients achieved CR with all of them in continuous CR (except 1 death in CR from infection), with a 3-year OS rate of 89%. Multivariate analysis of current and historical (those treated with hyper-CVAD alone) groups identified age and treatment with rituximab as favorable factors. Conclusions The addition of rituximab to hyper-CVAD may improve outcome in adult BL or B-ALL, particularly in elderly patients.
Needles and needleless devices for infusion of anti‐haemophilic factor concentrate: impact on protein structure and function

A poor response to the infusion of anti-haemophilic factor (AHF) concentrates used to control acute bleeding or prevent haemorrhage during surgery may have many causes, including the lack of functional activity of the infused protein concentrate. It is generally recommended to follow the manufacturers' instructions when administering the factor intravenously. For convenience, infusion sets with 23 gauge butterfly needles are packaged with the major brands of AHF concentrate. In hospitals, blunt connectors for i.v. infusion are becoming more prevalent to reduce the risk of needle stick injuries to both patients and hospital staff. The integrity of AHF infused using such devices has not been examined. We examined the possibility that passage of complex proteins such as AHF through such devices may result in alteration of the protein, rendering it inactive. The results presented here suggest that this is not the case; neither the structure nor the function of AHF protein products was adversely affected by the use of the needleless transfer device (NTD) or the needle types and sizes commonly used in clinical practice. Samples of factor VIII and factor IX AHF concentrate were passed through the B-D Blunt Plastic Cannula or 23, 27 and 30 gauge needles. No significant changes in electrophoretic mobility or coagulation activity were detected. Samples generally showed slightly increased coagulation activity when compared with the control in which the sample was passed directly out of the syringe with no device attached. These data indicate that the NTD and various needle gauges are acceptable for the infusion of AHF concentrate in a clinical setting. Furthermore, the use of small gauge needles has advantages that may improve adherence to rigorous factor replacement programmes.
Cyclization studies of tetrapeptide homologs

Abstract A synthetic method of achieving enhanced yields of monomer cyclotetrapeptide homologs (all L configuration, 14 and 15 membered ring size) is reported.