cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dose-dependent effects of ethyl pyruvate in mice subjected to mesenteric ischemia and reperfusion.

We previously showed that infusing rats with a solution of ethyl pyruvate ameliorates intestinal mucosal injury after mesenteric ischemia and reperfusion. Ethyl pyruvate also has been shown to inhibit the expression of various pro-inflammatory cytokines in several animal models of critical illness, but dose-response relationships have not been investigated. Anesthetized C57BL/6 mice were subjected to 60 min of mesenteric ischemia followed by 60 min of reperfusion. After 55 min of ischemia, groups of mice were treated with normal saline or graded bolus doses of ethyl pyruvate dissolved in a calcium-containing balanced salt solution. Some animals (i.e., those in the sham group) were subjected to the anesthetic, but not mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion. Gut mucosal permeability was assessed using an everted gut sac technique. University research laboratory. Mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion significantly increased ileal mucosal permeability to the hydrophilic macromolecule, fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (molecular mass 4,000 Da). Whereas the lowest dose of ethyl pyruvate evaluated (17 mg/kg) had no effect on gut mucosal permeability, the two highest doses tested (50 and 150 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated the development of ischemia/reperfusion-induced mucosal hyperpermeability to about the same extent. The two highest doses of ethyl pyruvate also significantly ameliorated deficits in ileal serosal and mucosal and hepatic surface microvascular perfusion induced by mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion. Ethyl pyruvate inhibited post-ischemia/reperfusion hepatic NF-κB activation and TNF mRNA expression in a dose-dependent fashion. Doses of ethyl pyruvate equal to or greater than 50 mg/kg ameliorate inflammation, microvascular hypoperfusion and gut mucosal damage induced by mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion in mice.
Regularity properties of H-graphs

It is proved that if H(u) is non-decreasing and if \( H (-\infty) \neq H (+\infty) \), then if u (x) describes a graph over a disk BR (0), with (upward oriented) mean curvature H(u), there is a bound on the gradient \( | Du(0) | \) that depends only on R, on u (0), and on the particular function H (u). As a consequence a form of Harnack's inequality is obtained, in which no positivity hypothesis appears. The results are qualitatively best possible, in the senses a) that they are false if H is constant, and b) the dependences indicated are essential.¶The demonstrations are based on an existence theorem for a nonlinear boundary problem with singular data, which is of independent interest.
Approach to Optimum Performance in Random Spreading CDMA by Linear-Complex LAS Detectors

In this paper, we first present a BER upper bound for the family of LAS detectors. Then the upper bound is applied to analyze the performance of local maximum likelihood (LML) detectors in large random spreading CDMA (LRS-CDMA) channels where user number A' and spreading gain N tend to infinity and KIN keeps a constant. The LRS-CDMA channels are shown to possess the LML characteristic. In the regime of K/N 1000, K/N < 1.0 and SNR ges 4 dB, while their average per-bit complexity is less than 0.79BK, the LAS detectors can achieve the BER indistinguishable from the large-system limit BER of the GML detector.
Using a frame-based language for information retrieval

With the advent of the information society, many researchers are turning to artificial intelligence techniques to provide effective retrieval over large bodies of textual information. In the CODER system, the mission of which is to provide an environment for experiments in applying AI to information retrieval, a factual representation language (FRL) serves as a tool for knowledge engineering and experimentation. the FRL is a hybrid AI language supporting strong typing for attribute values, a frame system, and Prolog-like relational structures. Inheritance is enforced throughout, and the semantics of type subsumption and object matching are formally defined. A collection of type and object managers called the knowledge administration complex implements this common language for storing knowledge and communicating it within the system. Storage of large numbers of complete knowledge objects (statements in the language) is supported by a system of external knowledge bases. Of the three types of knowledge structures in the language, the frame facility has proven most useful in the retrieval domain. This article discusses the frame construct itself, the implementation of the relevant portions of the knowledge administration complex and external knowledge bases, and the use of frames in retrieval research. It closes with a discussion of the utility of the FRL. (This material is based in part upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant Nos. IST-8418877 and IRI-8703580; by the Virginia Center for Innovative Technology under Grant No. INF-85-016; and by grants from Nimbus Records and AT&T. A more detailed version of this article is available from the VPI&SU Department of Computer Science as Technical Report TR-88-25. © 1989 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)
Morphology and functional relations of sex chromatin in cultured amnion cells

Abstract About 25 per cent of sex chromatin clumps in female amnion cells in tissue culture may be distinguished from comparable male clumps solely by virtue of the characteristic morphology of the female clump. Peripheral chromatin clumps in male nuclei are significantly less than half the size of female clumps. Non-peripheral chromatin masses of size comparable to sex chromatin occur in the nuclei of both sexes, but with a higher incidence in female cells. Sex clumps of characteristic form are seldom evident at any stage of mitosis; and the incidence of peripheral sex clumps varies inversely with the number of mitoses in the culture. Clear spaces in the nucleoplasm adjacent to the clumps or extending from clumps to nucleoli may sometimes represent invaginations of the nuclear membrane. Apparent chromatin strands extending from sex chromatin to nucleoli may sometimes represent the walls of such invaginations; in other cases the strands may represent actual threads. After treatment with hypotonic saline sex chromatin is no longer seen. Nucleoli are often seen close to or merged with sex clumps. Occasional appearances suggest excretion of material through the nuclear membrane in the vicinity of the sex chromatin.
Indications pour la chirurgie, index de risque cardiaque révisé et mortalité à un an

Rationnelle Les patients qui ont une intervention de chirurgie vasculaire sont a plus haut risque de morbidite et de mortalite cardio-vasculaires peri-operatoire. L'index revise de risque cardiaque (IRRC) est un outil valide et couramment employe au chevet du patient pour estimer le risque d'evenement myocardique defavorable majeur peri-operatoire. Nous avons suppose que l'inclusion de l'indication pour la chirurgie ajouterait une information independante et pronostique a l'IRRC dans la prediction de la mortalite de toute cause a 30 jours et a un an lors les procedures vasculaires chirurgicales sous inguinales ouvertes. Methodes Il s'agit d'une etude retrospective de 603 patients qui ont eu une chirurgie vasculaire ouverte par pontage sous inguinal entre janvier 2002 et janvier 2008 dans un centre medical de soin tertiaire. L'IRRC et l'indication de la chirurgie etaient determines. Les criteres d'evaluation principaux etaient la mortalite de toute cause a 30 jours (incluant toute la mortalite hospitaliere, independamment du temps) et a un an. Resultats La mortalite globale a 30 jours etait de 32 (5,3%). Les facteurs de risque independants de deces precoce etaient le score IRRC, l'âge ≥80 ans, la classe 4 de statu physique de l'American Society of Anesthesiologists, et la chirurgie en urgence. La mortalite globale a un an, incluant les deces precoce, etait de 114 (18,9%). L'indication chirurgicale, le score IRRC, l'âge, la classe 4 de statu physique de l'American Society of Anesthesiologists, le sexe feminin, et la chirurgie en urgence etaient tous des facteurs predictifs independants de la mortalite a un an. Conclusions Les scores d'IRRC etaient associes a la mortalite a 30 jours et a un an chez les patients ayant une chirurgie de pontage du membre inferieur. L'indication pour la chirurgie etait predictive de la mortalite a un an mais pas de la mortalite a 30 jours.
On a characterization of analytic compactifications for ℂ* × ℂ*

Let M be a minimal compact surface, let Γ ⊂ M be a compact analytic sub-variety. Assume that X:= M \ Γ is Stein. Then we will show that X admits algebraic compactifications Mi (resp. non algebraic compactifications \( \mathbb{M}_i \)) which are not birationally equivalent (resp. not bimeromorphically equivalent) iff X is biholomorphic to Open image in new window := ℂ* × ℂ*, a toric surface. However in contrast with Open image in new window , we shall show that there exist compactifiable Stein surfaces which do not admit any affine structure. Also as applications, we shall characterize the algebraic structures of arbitrary compactifiable surfaces X according to the topological type of Γ.
Toxicity of coal-tar and asphalt sealants to eastern newts, Notophthalmus viridescens.

Abstract Between 1970 and 2000 the concentration of total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (TPAH) in several lakes across the country increased whereas those of other persistent organic pollutants (POPs) tended to remain stable or declined. Urbanized watersheds experienced greater rises in TPAH concentration compared to non-urban lakes. Sources for urban PAHs include industrial wastes, vehicular exhausts and oil leaks and sealants from pavement surfaces. Both coal–tar and asphalt sealants are used to protect surfaces but runoff from surfaces coated with coal–tar can have mean concentrations of 3500 mg TPAHs kg−1, much higher than runoff from asphalt-sealed or cement surfaces. Unaltered parent compounds of PAHs can have many lethal and sublethal toxic effects, but oxidation and UV radiation can alter the toxicity of these compounds, sometimes creating degradates that are many times more toxic than parent compounds. The purposes of this study were to determine if coal–tar sealants can be toxic to adult eastern newts (Notophthalmus viridescens) and to compare the toxicity of coal–tar sealant to that of asphalt sealant. Newts were exposed to sediments containing dried sealants ranging from 0 mg kg−1 to 1500 mg kg−1 under simultaneous exposure to UV radiation and visible light to determine concentration/response relationships. No significant mortality occurred with any treatment. Significant effects due to sealants included decreased righting ability and diminished liver enzyme activities. Coal–tar sealant was more effective in inducing these changes than was asphalt sealant.
Concepts of experience and evaluation as educative processes in registered nurse baccalaureate school program

Abstract A learning experience for registered nurses in a baccalaureate program consisted of an opportunity for the students to engage in systematically assessing their own learning needs in utilizing the nursing process. While involved in giving individualized nursing care, they continued to evaluate their own clinical competencies and to ‘learn how to learn’ as active participants with their instructors, peers, and clinical personnel.
Soil development under legume tree canopies

Abstract Tree legumes influence soil development by altering the physical and chemical properties of the soil beneath the plant canopy. The accumulation of extractable NO 3 and PO 4 in soil beneath the Sonoran Desert woody legumes Prosopis glandulosa and Dalea spinosa was compared to soil from the tree interspaces. Measurements of natural 15 N abundance indicate both these plants symbiotically fixN 2 at the sites studied. Nutrient accumulation was related to the water regime of the site. High concentrations of symbiotically fixed N and P as NO 3 and PO 4 were found in the surface 60 cm of soil beneath a Prosopis stand utilizing groundwater. Relatively little NO 3 or PO 4 accumulated in the moist soil above the water table at 5 m. In contrast, NO 3 and PO 4 did not accumulate in the surface soil beneath Dalea growing in a sandy wash. Soil NO 3 concentrations were lower beneath Dalea canopies than in the nonvegetated wash. The mecanisms by which tree legumes alter soil properties are reviewed. The direction and potential magnitude of soil changes in managed tree legume systems may be inferred from an understanding of the function of native plant—soil systems.
Panel reactive antibody screening practices prior to heart transplantation.

Abstract Background Evaluation of humoral sensitization, commonly determined by the panel-reactive antibody (PRA) screen, is accepted as an important part of pre-transplant assessment. A variety of definitions and approaches to sensitization have been described in the literature but no analyses of actual practice have been reported. Methods We sent surveys to 108 adult heart transplant program directors and 20 tissue-typing laboratories to obtain information about their approaches to PRA and crossmatch determination and management of sensitized patients. Results Among 65 responding directors (60%), 63.1% were cardiologists and 36.9% surgeons. The most common threshold to consider PRA as positive is ≥10%. Fifty-five of the respondents consider reactivity with T or B lymphocytes to be significant, whereas 34% consider only T-lymphocyte reactivity. Timing of PRA determination varies considerably among programs. Conversion to positive PRA results in more frequent PRA assessments and often therapy aimed to decrease the degree of sensitization. The most commonly utilized approaches are administration of immunoglobulin and plasmapheresis. The complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) assay is the most commonly used method for PRA determination, but other techniques including flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) are also used. Crossmatches are performed utilizing CDC and flow cytometry methods. Many laboratories employ more than one technique. Conclusions PRA screening, crossmatch determinations and management of sensitized patients vary considerably from center to center. Uncertainty exists about the importance of PRA values, threshold for treatment and clinical implications of sensitization. Important questions about the impact of sensitization on outcomes following heart transplantation may not be resolved until the measurement and management of sensitization becomes more uniform.
Proton magnetic resonance line widths of some paramagnetic octahedral nickel(II) and cobalt(II) complexes

Abstract The observed relatively narrow nmr linewidths of Mpy 4 X 2 where M is either Ni or Co and X is a halogen or pseudohalogen are rationalized in terms of the factors leading to appropriate correlation times. For MNi, the marked dependence of the correlation time upon the nature of X is interpreted by mechanism involving electron-spin relaxation induced by modulation of the zero-field splitting by molecular tumbling. The situation is more complex for MCo, since electron-spin relaxation in this case is primarily determined by the energy separations amongst the components of the ground state manifold. The variation in these energy separations from compound to compound are poorly understood.
Iodinated contrast media exposure and incident hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism in a community-based cohort

Recent data suggest iodinated contrast media (ICM) exposure is associated with increased risk of incident hyperthyroidism among patients receiving care from two tertiary care medical centers. We sought to confirm and generalize these findings by conducting a case-control study among a broadly-representative community-based cohort of patients receiving care within Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates from 1996 to 2012. Incident hyperthyroid and hypothyroid cases were defined by change in thyrotropin (TSH) from normal (at baseline), to low or high (at follow-up), respectively. In parallel analyses, hyper- and hypothyroid cases were matched to euthyroid controls using incidence density sampling, and ICM exposure was ascertained using claims data. Secondary analyses examined associations with incident overt hyperthyroidism and overt hypothyroidism (follow-up TSH≤0.1 mIU/L and TSH>10 mIU/L, respectively). We observed that ICM exposure was associated with increased risk of incident hyperthyroidism [odds ratio, 1.61 (95% CI) 1.27-2.04], incident overt hyperthyroidism [odds ratio, 1.62 (95% CI) 1.08-2.43], and incident overt hypothyroidism [odds ratio 2.01 (95% CI) 1.25-3.23]. These data confirm that ICM exposure is associated with increased risk of incident thyroid functional disease in a community-based cohort of patients in an iodine-sufficient region.
Characterization of the Interaction between Manganese and Tyrosine Z in Acetate-Inhibited Photosystem II†

When acetate-inhibited photosystem II (PSII) membranes are illuminated at temperatures above 250 K and quickly cooled to 77 K, a 240 G-wide electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signal is observed at 10 K. This EPR signal arises from a reciprocal interaction between the spin 1/2 ground state of the S2 state of the Mn4 cluster, for which a multiline EPR signal with shifted 55Mn hyperfine peaks is observed, and the oxidized tyrosine residue, YZ•, for which a broadened YZ• EPR spectrum is observed. The S2YZ• EPR signal in acetate-inhibited PSII is the first in which characteristic spectral features from both paramagnets can be observed. The observation of distinct EPR signals from each of the paramagnets together with the lack of a half-field EPR transition indicates that the exchange and dipolar couplings are weak. Below 20 K, the S2YZ• EPR signal in acetate-inhibited PSII is in the static limit. Above 20 K, the line width narrows dramatically as the broad low-temperature S2YZ• EPR signal is converted to a ...
The Concept of Problem Complexity

Abstract Recognizing the impact of system complexity on the success of a system's development has created significant research efforts towards measuring system complexity. In particular, the research community has proposed techniques to measure three types of system complexity: (1) structural complexity, which measures the complexity resulting from physical interconnection of components; (2) functional complexity, which measures the complexity resulting from interconnection of system functions; and (3) organizational complexity, which measures the contractual interconnection of the different organizations developing the system. The majority of these metrics focus on measuring aspects of the complexity of an existing system or design. However, a metric to anticipate the complexity induced by the problem itself on a system's development is lacking. We therefore present the concept of Problem Complexity as the complexity level that a set of requirements can impose to any system fulfilling them. In addition, we mathematically demonstrate using the concept of joint entropy how problem complexity defines the minimum level of complexity a system can achieve for a given set of requirements. The paper suggests an analytic formulation to measure the complexity induced by a set of requirements in a system's development that is based on a set of heuristics that facilitate identification of conflicts between requirements. The use of such analytical formulation is showcased on a notional case-study.
Sequestration of GPI-anchored proteins in caveolae triggered by cross-linking

Glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins have been reported to reside in clusters collected over small membrane invaginations called caveolae. The detection of different GPI-anchored proteins with fluorescently labeled monoclonal antibodies showed that these proteins are not constitutively concentrated in caveolae; they enter these structures independently after cross-linking with polyclonal secondary antibodies. Analysis of the cell surface distribution of the GPI-anchored folate receptor by electron microscopy confirms these observations. Thus, multimerization of GPI-anchored proteins regulates their sequestration in caveolae, but in the absence of agents that promote clustering they are diffusely distributed over the plasma membrane.
Biological Warfare and Scientific Responsibility

As we approach the 21st century, the threat of nuclear Armageddon has lessened somewhat, but a new threat has emerged: biological warfare. The splitting of the atom eventually led to the detonation of atomic bombs, and the discovery of DNA may soon lead to the use of genetic weapons. This article argues that the scientific community has a responsibility to help protect the world against the threat of biological weapons.
Classification of acoustic-emission waveforms for nondestructive evaluation using neural networks

Neural networks were applied to the classification oftwo types ofacoustic emission (AE) events crack growth andfretting a simulated aiiframejoint specimen. Signals were obtainedfromfour sensors at different locations on the test specimen. Multilayered neural networks were trained to classify the signals using the error backpropagation learning algorithm enabling AE events arisingfrom crack growth to be distinguishedfrom those caused by fretting. In thispaper we evaluate the neural network classWcationperformancefor sensor location dependent and sensor location independent training and testing sets. Further we present a new training strategy which signcantly reduces the time required to learn large training sets using the error backpropagation learning algorithm and improves the generalization performance of the network. 1.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Valid inequalities for MIPs and group polyhedra from approximate liftings

In this paper, we present an approximate lifting scheme to derive valid inequalities for general mixed integer programs and for the group problem. This scheme uses superadditive functions as the building block of integer and continuous lifting procedures. It yields a simple derivation of new and known families of cuts that correspond to extreme inequalities for group problems. This new approximate lifting approach is constructive and potentially efficient in computation.
Traditional and Bayesian Statistical Models in Fluvial Sediment Transport

AbstractThe characterization of sediment transport is an important problem that has been actively studied for some time. Numerous approaches have been demonstrated in the literature, including mechanistic models, probabilistic arguments, machine learning algorithms, and empirical formulations. Most implementations of sediment transport relations are deterministic in nature and require the specification of model parameters. These parameters are traditionally assumed fixed (i.e., a single value), and subsequent predictions are not necessarily representative because of uncertainty because they are fixed (i.e., a line). In this paper, a Bayesian statistical sediment transport model is presented, and its ability to infer critical shear values from observations to nonlinear regression is compared. This approach provides several advantages, namely (1) parameters are not constrained to be normally distributed as is required in many traditional approaches; (2) estimates of parameter variability are easily obtained...
Scalable Distributed Communication Architectures to Support Advanced Metering Infrastructure in Smart Grid

In this paper, we investigate the scalability of three communication architectures for advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) in smart grid. AMI in smart grid is a typical cyber-physical system (CPS) example, in which large amount of data from hundreds of thousands of smart meters are collected and processed through an AMI communication infrastructure. Scalability is one of the most important issues for the AMI deployment in smart grid. In this study, we introduce a new performance metric, accumulated bandwidthdistance product (ABDP), to represent the total communication resource usages. For each distributed communication architecture, we formulate an optimization problem and obtain the solutions for minimizing the total cost of the system that considers both the ABDP and the deployment cost of the meter data management system (MDMS). The simulation results indicate the significant benefits of the distributed communication architectures over the traditional centralized one. More importantly, we analyze the scalability of the total cost of the communication system (including MDMS) with regard to the traffic load on the smart meters for both the centralized and the distributed communication architectures. Through the closed form expressions obtained in our analysis, we demonstrate that the total cost for the centralized architecture scales linearly as O(λN), with N being the number of smart meters, and λ being the average traffic rate on a smart meter. In contrast, the total cost for the fully distributed communication architecture is O(λ2/3 N2/3), which is significantly lower.
A direct product theorem

Gives a general setting in which the complexity (or quality) of solving two independent problems is the product of the associated individual complexities. The authors then derive from this setting several concrete results of this type for decision trees and communication complexity. >
Organizations in a Changing World.

Organizations today are under challenge as a result of the break with traditional authority, the growth of democratic ideology, economic affluence and consequent changes in needs and motive pattern...
PSYCHOLOGICAL CHANGES AND PSYCHOGENESIS IN THYROID HORMONE DISORDERS.

Twenty-four thyrotoxic patients were compared with 15 euthyroid and 11 hypothyroid subjects to determine the incidence of psychological factors allegedly etiologic in Graves' disease. Guided interviewing was employed to elicit information. Methods of arriving at judgments are spelled out in detail. No evidence was found to support the hypotheses which have been advanced in the literature. Heuristic difficulties in the evaluation of such hypotheses are discussed. Attention is drawn to the prevalence of symptoms of insomnia and increased distractibility in our thyrotoxic group.
Spatiotemporal Control of MicroRNA Function using Light-Activated Antagomirs

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that act as post-transcriptional gene regulators and have been shown to regulate many biological processes including embryonal development, cell differentiation, apoptosis, and proliferation. Variations in the expression of certain miRNAs have been linked to a wide range of human diseases – especially cancer – and the diversity of miRNA targets suggests that they are involved in various cellular networks. Several tools have been developed to control the function of individual miRNAs and have been applied to study their biogenesis, biological role, and therapeutic potential; however, common methods lack a precise level of control that allows for the study of miRNA function with high spatial and temporal resolution. Light-activated miRNA antagomirs for mature miR-122 and miR-21 were developed through the site-specific installation of caging groups on the bases of selected nucleotides. Installation of caged nucleotides led to complete inhibition of the antagomir-miRNA hybridization and thus inactivation of antagomir function. The miRNA-inhibitory activity of the caged antagomirs was fully restored upon decaging through a brief UV irradiation. The synthesized antagomirs were applied to the photochemical regulation of miRNA function in mammalian cells. Moreover, spatial control over antagomir activity was obtained in mammalian cells through localized UV exposure. The presented approach enables the precise regulation of miRNA function and miRNA networks with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution using UV irradiation and can be extended to any miRNA of interest.
The effect of substrate resistivity on threshold voltage shifts due to radiation-induced damage in IGFET

This paper describes the dependence of the radiation-induced threshold voltage shift (δVt) of n-channel IGFET devices on the substrate doping concentration and the concentration of segregated boron atoms in the oxide. Substrate resistivities of 0.1 and 0.5 Ω/cm were used. The thicknesses of the investigated gate oxides varied from 17.0 to 50.0 nm. The devices were irradiated with Al Kα (1.49 keV) X-rays to different radiation doses at identical dose rates. The threshold voltages were measured before and after irradiation, employing an optically assisted hot electron injection technique. Following irradiation and hot electron injection, the threshold voltage shifts due to fixed positive charge (ΔVFPC) and neutral electron traps (ΔVNET) were determined. The radiation-induced threshold voltage shifts due to FPCs were greater for the 0.5 Ω/cm wafer than for the 0.1 Ω/cm wafer, and the threshold voltage shifts due to NETs were greater for the 0.1 Ω/cm substrate. The interface concentration of boron in the oxide at different depths obtained from Suprem-III simulations was related to induced threshold voltage shifts.
Maternal side effects of prenatal dexamethasone therapy for fetal congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Prenatal treatment of virilizing congenital adrenal hyperplasia in female fetuses via maternal dexamethasone (Dex) therapy (1-1.5 mg/day) from first trimester to birth was associated with excessive weight gain (47-56 pounds at 35-37 weeks gestation), Cushingoid facial features, severe striae resulting in permanent scarring, and hyperglycemic response (8-11.7 nmol/L) to oral glucose administration in all our experience (three cases). Other symptoms included hypertension, gastrointestinal intolerance, or extreme irritability. Previous pregnancies were uncomplicated by these problems. In each case, first or second trimester amniotic fluid 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP, 17-41 nmol/L; normal less than 0.4 nmol/L), androstenedione (22-31 nmol/L, normal less than 5 nmol/L), and testosterone levels (0.54-0.7 nmol/L, normal less than 0.4 nmol/L) during Dex treatment were elevated regardless of the newborn genital outcome. Maternal serum estriol (E3) levels in one mother (normal newborn genitalia) were consistently...
Intracerebral hemorrhage associated with use of an imported medication.

Abstract Introduction: The importation of medications is strongly discouraged in the United States. However, with the cost of prescription medications on the rise, an increasing number of patients are seeking alternative ways of obtaining drugs. Although medication errors involving imported drugs have been described in the literature, there is little available information on the prevalence of such problems. Case summary: A 74-year-old woman who had been taking warfarin therapy for >2 years presented to the emergency department with new-onset headache. She was found to have a small subdural hematoma on computed tomography and a prothrombin time >120 seconds. Warfarin was stopped and anticoagulation was corrected with fresh frozen plasma. At follow-up testing, the international normalized ratio (INR) continued to be >2 despite vitamin K therapy and the patient's insistence that she had discontinued warfarin. Further evaluation by a hematologist detected warfarin in the blood. Subsequent inspection of her medications revealed unmarked white tablets labeled “phenytoin” that had been dispensed by a pharmacy in another country. The INR normalized after these tablets were discarded and a new prescription for phenytoin was started. Discussion: Application of the Naranjo scale to this case suggested a high likelihood of an adverse drug reaction (ADR). Potential causes of the ADR included the placement of warfarin in a bottle mislabeled “phenytoin” and contamination of phenytoin with warfarin. Conclusions: Obtaining medications from pharmacies in or by mail order from other countries means that patients miss the opportunity to ask questions and receive counseling from a pharmacist. Physicians and pharmacists should inspect patients' medications to ensure product legitimacy and confirm that the indications, dispensing, and labeling are accurate.
Effects of psychosocial stress on episodic memory updating

When a consolidated memory is reactivated, it becomes labile and modifiable. Recently, updating of reactivated episodic memory was demonstrated by Hupbach et al. (Learn Mem 14:47–53, 2007). Memory updating involves two vital processes—reactivation followed by reconsolidation. Here, we explored effects of psychosocial stress on episodic memory updating. Based on prior research, we hypothesized that stress before reactivation or stress before reconsolidation would impair memory updating. Participants learned a set of objects (list 1) on day 1. On day 2, some participants were reminded of list 1 before learning a second set of objects (list 2). Memory for list 1 was tested on day 3. Stress was administered either before reactivation of list 1 on day 2 (exp 1) or before reconsolidation of list 1, i.e., after reactivation and learning list 2 on day 2 (exp 2). Memory updating involves the incorporation of list 2 items into list 1 memory, contingent upon the reactivation of list 1 memory. In exp 1, the reminder groups had higher intrusions than the no-reminder groups, but contrary to our predictions, stress did not reduce this reminder effect. Stress effects were, however, found in exp 2: the reminder group that was stressed after reactivation and new learning showed fewer intrusions than the control reminder group. The findings suggest that stress before reactivation does not impair memory updating but stress at the onset of reconsolidation can. Timing may determine the effects of stress on memory processing.
ECM1 Expression in Thyroid Tumors—A Comparison of Real-Time RT-PCR and IHC

Background Increased extracellular matrix 1 (ECM1) expression, as determined by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), has been recently proposed as a novel and independent diagnostic marker for malignant thyroid nodules. However ECM1 protein expression has not been previously evaluated in thyroid tumors. Real-time RT-PCR is not widely available and this has important implications for the widespread use of the expression of this gene for diagnosis. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate and compare ECM1 expression by real-time RT-PCR with immunohistochemistry (IHC) as diagnostic aids in thyroid neoplasms. Materials and Methods ECM1 expression was studied in normal thyroid tissues (n = 14) and primary thyroid tumors (19 benign, 30 malignant) using both techniques. The performance characteristics of ECM1 expression were examined with receiver operating characteristic curves and the resulting area under the curve. Results ECM1 was highly expressed in thyroid carcinomas, compared with benign thyroid tissues, both at the mRNA (P Conclusions We confirm that ECM1 expression has potential utility as an independent diagnostic marker for thyroid cancer, although, performance characteristics were lower than previously published. Furthermore, IHC was not as sensitive as real-time RT-PCR in identifying malignant lesions. Prospective studies are needed to further clarify the role of ECM1 expression as a diagnostic marker.
A Computer Program for Optical Matching Systems

A computer program has been developed for finding an optical matching system of particle beams in the transverse (x-x', y-y') phase space. It is well-known that the two sets of symmetric quadrupole triplets could be easily obtained for this purpose starting from a thin lens approximation. However, a system composed of only four lenses (with a fixed geometry) is often desirable in order to save the available space. Four simultaneous algebraic equations for four unknowns (magnet strength) are solved numerically starting from a thin lens approximation and the solutions are improved successively. In general, the program finds the strength of each magnet in less than one minute. (IBM 7094.) Maximum beam excursion is also computed to find the best solution when there are several possible combinations.
Automated Text Binary Classification Using Machine Learning Approach

The increased number of documents in digital format available on the Web and its useful information for different purposes entail an essential need to organize them. However, this task must be automated in order to save costs and manpower. In the community research, the main approach to face this problem is based on the application of machine learning techniques. This article studies the main machine learning approaches to reach an automated text classification.
Some Old Questions for the New Cross‐Cultural Psychiatry

The WHO cross-cultural studies of schizophrenia exemplify both the achievements and the pitfalls of large-scale psychiatric epidemiology. Their logistical and technical advances have been justly celebrated; the consistent—and unexpected—finding of better outcome in the developing than in the developed world continues to vex analysts. At the same time, anthropological critics have not been shy about pointing up the limitations and blind spots of such research. Criticisms range from charges of ethnocentrism and category errors in the psychiatric research enterprise itself especially the inapplicability of its disease taxonomy to some non-Western cultures, to translation difficulties, the suspect and “thin” quality of questionnaire-generated accounts of illness, disregard for variant understandings of the “self,” and the naivete of treating culture as a set of variables. Not all of these objections, I argue, are well-founded; some more properly reflect persisting instabilities in anthropological theory. This critical commentary all but ignores the striking epidemiological findings in the West that dispute the received wisdom of chronicity as the natural trajectory of schizophrenia. A natural alliance awaits realization between clinicians—newly alerted to ill-understood factors affecting course and outcome—and fieldworkers—bent on close ethnographic analysis of the configurations and roles of beliefs, work, kin-based support, the uses of public space, and “the natives”‘ own understanding of what ails them.
Cause-and-effect analysis of risk management files to assess patient care in the emergency department.

Objectives: Identifying the etiologies of adverse outcomes is an important first step in improving patient safety and reducing malpractice risks. However, relatively little is known about the causes of emergency department‐related adverse outcomes. The objective was to describe a method for identification of common causes of adverse outcomes in an emergency department. This methodology potentially can suggest ways to improve care and might provide a model for identification of factors associated with adverse outcomes. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 74 consecutive files opened by a malpractice insurer between 1995 and 2000. Each risk-management file was analyzed to identify potential causes of adverse outcomes. The main outcomes were rater-assigned codes for alleged problems with care (e.g., failures of communication or problems related to diagnosis). Results: About 50% of cases were related to injuries or abdominal complaints. A contributing cause was found in 92% of cases, and most had more than one contributing cause. The most frequent contributing categories included failure to diagnose (45%), supervision problems (31%), communication problems (30%), patient behavior (24%), administrative problems (20%), and documentation (20%). Specific relating factors within these categories, such as lack of timely resident supervision and failure to follow policies and procedures, were identified. Conclusions: This project documented that an aggregate analysis of risk-management files has the potential to identify shared causes related to real or perceived adverse outcomes. Several potentially correctable systems problems were identified using this methodology. These simple, descriptive management tools may be useful in identifying issues for problem solving and can be easily learned by physicians and managers. Key words: adverse outcomes; risk management; patient safety; emergency department. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2004; 11:1035‐1041.
RELATION OF THE PARTICLE SIZES OF THE FRIT AND COLOR OXIDES TO THE COLOR PROPERTIES OF PORCELAIN ENAMELS

The effect of variations in the particle size of typical green and blue color stains in sized fractions of a representative clear frit was studied. Microscopic examinations were made of the sized fractions, and photomicrographs of the respective fields are presented. The color characteristics of the enameled panels were determined on a continuously recording spectrophotometer. Frit particles of 45 to 75 μ, combined with color particles of less than 5μ, were found to give the optimum or most efficient color characteristics, and color particles larger than 5 μ, seriously impaired the resulting color.
Central Vein Stenosis: Current Concepts

Central vein stenosis (CVS) is a common complication of the central venous catheter (CVC) placement. The prevalence of CVS has mostly been studied in those who present with symptoms such as swelling of the extremity, neck and breast. CVS compromises arteriovenous access and can be resistant to treatment. A previous history of CVC placement is the most important risk factor for the development of CVS later. Pacemaker and defibrillator wires are associated with a high incidence of CVS. Increasingly liberal use of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) is likely to increase the incidence of CVS. The trauma and inflammation related to the catheter placement is thought to result in microthrombi formation, intimal hyperplasia and fibrotic response, with development of CVS. Treatment of CVS by endovascular procedures involves angioplasty of the stenosis. An elastic or recurrent stenosis may require a stent placement. The long-term benefits of the endovascular procedures, although improved with newer technology, remain modest. Surgical options are usually limited. Future studies to explore the pathogenesis and the use of novel therapies to prevent and treat CVS are needed. The key to reducing the prevalence of CVS is in reducing CVC placement and placement of arteriovenous accesses prior to initiating dialysis. Early referral of the patients to the nephrologists by the primary care physicians is important. Timely vein mapping and referral to the surgeon for fistula creation can obviate the need for a CVC and decrease incidence of CVS.
An access authorization model for relational databases based on algebraic manipulation of view definitions

A model of access authorization is described for relational databases. In this model access permissions are a form of database knowledge, from which access permissions that apply to specific requests are inferred. Database access is specified in terms of views: a set of views is defined, and each user is granted permission to access one or more views. Users direct queries at the actual database, not at any particular view. When a request to access a view is presented to the database system, the system derives views of the request that are views of the views to which the user has access permission and presents the user only with these views. The model represents the definitions of views in special metarelations and extends standard algebraic operators to these relations. >
Cerebral Botryomycosis: Case Study

After oral surgery, a 32-year-old man developed a brain abscess. Actinomycosis was suspected due to history, clinical findings, response to penicillin therapy, and demonstration of "sulfur granules" in the surgical specimen, but anaerobic cultures were negative for Actinomyces. Aerobic cultures yielded Streptococcus sanguis and Pseudomonas cepacia. Coccoid organisms demonstrated histologically reacted positively with periodic acid-Schiff, Gomori's methenamine silver, and Brown and Brenn stains, were Ziehl-Neelsen-negative, and did not include branching filaments. Fluorescent antibody assay for Actinomyces israelii was also negative. Electron microscopy revealed cell wall morphology and pattern of cell division characteristic of gram-positive cocci. These findings led to a final diagnosis of botromycosis due to S. sanguis. This third report of cerebral botryomycosis emphasizes the differential diagnosis with actinomycosis, the association with intermittently treated jaw disease, and identification of the causative agent by histologic, immunologic, and electron microscopic methods.
Ultraviolet‐A1 (340–400 nm)‐mediated receptor and cytokine changes of transformed lymphocytes

Background: Ultraviolet-A1 (340–400 nm) (UVA1) radiation causes singlet-oxygen damage that depolarizes mitochondrial membranes triggering immediate apoptosis (T≤4 h), while it also causes oxidative damage to DNA inducing delayed apoptosis (T≥24 h). In this study, we examined some potential therapeutic endpoints associated with UVA1-mediated immediate and delayed apoptosis, such as receptor and cytokine changes. Methods: We quantified the number of membrane-bound CD3 receptors on transformed T lymphocytes (Jurkat) and the number of membrane-bound CD19 receptors on transformed B lymphocytes (Daudi) using flow cytometry. We also quantified the release of the cytokines interferon γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results: Out of the entire population of cells, only the apoptotic Daudi cells immediately decreased CD19 expression via capping, while only the apoptotic Jurkat cells increased CD3 receptor expression 24 h post-exposure. Both receptor changes occurred in a UVA1 dose-dependent manner. We also examined other T-cell receptors, such as CD4, CD25, and CD69, but they did not change for up to 24 h following exposure. During UVA1-triggered immediate apoptosis of Jurkat T cells, IFN-γ levels increased in a dose-dependent manner at 4 h, but returned to baseline levels at 24 h post-exposure, whereas, there was no significant change in IL-2 at 4 or 24 h. Conclusion: Thus, UVA1-triggered immediate apoptosis causes a rapid decrease in the number of CD19 receptors on Daudi B cells and release of IFN-γ from Jurkat T cells at 4 h, and UVA1-mediated delayed apoptosis causes an increase in the number of CD3 receptors on Jurkat T cells.
Medical Therapy for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Not All Treatments Are Equal!

In this issue of theArchives, Sabesin et al1report on the efficacy of famotidine twice-daily (BID) vs nocturnal therapy vs placebo in controlling the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and in healing reflux esophagitis. The authors demonstrate that dosing BID is more effective than the other regimens in relieving daytime heartburn and results in greater symptom relief as manifested by reduced antacid consumption. The authors also conclude that while both doses of famotidine were more effective than placebo in relief of reflux symptoms and healing erosive esophagitis, the BID dose results in better symptom control. The proposed mechanism of this improvement seen with BID dosing was thought to be better 24-hour pH control of esophageal acid exposure time. Although the authors conclude that famotidine is effective in relieving symptoms of GERD and in healing esophagitis, only about half of the patients were symptom free or healed at