cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
AML-430: Utility of End-of-Induction Bone Marrow Biopsy in APL Patients Treated with ATRA/ATO Regimen

Background: Significant variations exist related to end-of-induction (EOI) practices in APL management. These include fixed dose/duration ATRA/ATO vs continuation of ATRA/ATO until hematologic complete remission (CR) and performance vs omission of EOI bone marrow biopsy (BMBx) to confirm CR. These variations arise from the original protocols (notably, APL0406), as well as ELN-2019 and NCCN-2020 guidelines. Objectives: To assess utility of EOI BMBx morphologic findings in APL patients treated with a 28-day ATRA/ATO induction regimen. Methods: Patients ≥ 18 years treated for APL with ATRA/ATO ± cytoreductive agent at a tertiary center from 12/2012 to 03/2020 were identified. Patients who received >30 doses of ATO or those who died in the first 4 weeks of treatment were excluded. Demographics, hematologic parameters, treatment details, and BMBx results were collected. Time-to-event endpoints were calculated from day 1 of ATO. Results: Sixty-one patients (42 low/intermediate-risk, 19 high-risk) were included in the study. Median age at diagnosis was 51 years (21–81 years); 47 (77%) were Caucasian. No low/intermediate-risk APL patients received gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO); 2 received anthracycline. Five high-risk APL patients received GO; 10 received anthracycline. Median time-to-dose 28 ± 2 of ATO was 28 days (27–40). Day 28 hematologic parameters showed that 38 (62.3%) patients had ANC Conclusions: A 28-dose fixed ATO-containing ATRA/ATO regimen delivers excellent outcomes. Our data suggest that EOI-BMBx can be safely omitted, irrespective of hematologic parameters.
Supplemental nitrite increases choroidal neovascularization in mice.

Low doses of nitrite, close to physiological levels, increase blood flow in normal and ischemic tissues through a nitric oxide (NO) dependent mechanism. Given that nitrite therapy and dietary supplementation with vegetables high in nitrate (e.g. beets) are gaining popularity we decided to determine if low doses of nitrite impact the development of choroidal neovascularization (CNV), a key feature of wet age related macular degeneration (AMD). Sodium nitrite (at 50 mg/L, 150 mg/L, and 300 mg/L), nitrate (1 g/L) or water alone were provided in the drinking water of C57BL/6 J mice aged 2 or 12 months. Mice were allowed to drink ad libitum for 1 week at which time laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (L-CNV) was induced. The mice continued to drink the supplemented water ad libitum for a further 14 days at which point optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed to determine the volume of the CNV lesion. Blood was drawn to determine nitrite and nitrate levels and eyes taken for histology. CNV volume was 2.86 × 107 μm3 (±0.4 × 107) in young mice on water alone but CNV volume more than doubled to >6.9 × 107 μm3 (±0.8 × 107) in mice receiving 300 mg/L nitrite or 7.34 × 107 μm3 (±1.4 × 107) in 1 g/L nitrate (p < 0.01). A similar trend was observed in older mice. CNV volume was 5.3 × 107 μm3 (±0.5 × 107) in older mice on water alone but CNV volume almost doubled to approximately 9.3 × 107 μm3 (±1.1 × 107) in mice receiving 300 mg/L nitrite or 8.7 × 107 μm3 (±0.9 × 107) 1 g/L nitrate (p < 0.01). Plasma nitrite levels were highest in young mice receiving 150 mg/L in the drinking water with no changes in plasma nitrate observed. In older mice, drinking water nitrite did not significantly change plasma nitrite, but plasma nitrate was increased. Plasma nitrate was elevated in both young and old mice provided with nitrate supplemented drinking water. Our data demonstrate that the CNV lesion is larger in older mice compared to young and that therapeutic levels of oral nitrite increase the volume of CNV lesions in both young and older mice. Therapeutic nitrite or nitrate supplementation should be used with caution in the elderly population prone to CNV.
Google Search Analysis: What Do People Want to Know About Rhinoplasty and Where Do They Find the Answers?

Background: During online search queries, Google uses machine learning algorithms to provide frequently associated (“People Also Ask” [PAA]) questions with corresponding websites answering the ques...
The K18-hACE2 Transgenic Mouse Model Recapitulates Non-Severe and Severe COVID-19 in Response to Infectious Dose of SARS-CoV-2 Virus.

A comprehensive analysis and characterization of a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection model that mimics non-severe and severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in humans is warranted for understating the virus and developing preventive and therapeutic agents. Here, we characterized the K18-hACE2 mouse model expressing human (h)ACE2 in mice, controlled by the human keratin 18 (K18) promoter, in the epithelia, including airway epithelial cells where SARS-CoV-2 infections typically start. We found that intranasal inoculation with higher viral doses (2×103 and 2×104 PFU) of SARS-CoV-2 caused lethality of all mice and severe damage of various organs, including lung, liver, and kidney, while lower doses (2×101 and 2×102 PFU) led to less severe tissue damage and some mice recovered from the infection. In this hACE2 mouse model, SARS-CoV-2 infection damaged multiple tissues, with a dose-dependent effect in most tissues. Similar damage was observed in post-mortem samples from COVID-19 patients. Finally, the mice that recovered from infection with a low dose of virus survived rechallenge with a high dose of virus. Compared to other existing models, the K18-hACE2 model seems to be the most sensitive COVID-19 model reported to date. Our work expands the information available about this model to include analysis of multiple infectious doses and various tissues with comparison to human post-mortem samples from COVID-19 patients. In conclusion, the K18-hACE2 mouse model recapitulates both severe and non-severe COVID-19 in humans being dose-dependent and can provide insight into disease progression and the efficacy of therapeutics for preventing or treating COVID-19. Importance The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has reached nearly 240 million cases and caused nearly 5 million deaths worldwide as of October 2021, has raised an urgent need for the development of novel drugs and therapeutics to prevent the spread and pathogenesis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). To achieve this goal, an animal model that recapitulates the features of human COVID-19 disease progress and pathogenesis is greatly needed. In this study, we have comprehensively characterized a mouse model of SARS-CoV-2 infection using K18-hACE2 transgenic mice. We infected the mice with low and high doses of SARS-CoV-2 to study the pathogenesis and survival in response to different infection patterns. Moreover, we compared the pathogenesis of the K18-hACE2 transgenic mice with that of the COVID-19 patients to show that this model could be a useful tool for the development of anti-viral drugs and therapeutics.
A Paradox and Its Aftermath

The scientific community was not the only one to rejoice in the expanding horizons. Philosophers and authors, naturalists and poets—their imagination fired by the new vistas that the telescope has opened before them—now set to work to describe the new cosmology. Indeed, their imagination carried them to realms which even the most powerful telescope could not reach. Echoing Bruno, the English philosopher and poet Henry More (1614–1687) wrote his version of the plurality of worlds: The Centre of each sever all world’s a Sunne… About whose radiant crown the Planets runne, Like reeling moths around a candle light; These all together, one world, I conceit, And that even infinite such worlds there be, That inexhausted Good that God is hight, A full sufficient reason is to me.
Asparagine Repeat Peptides: Aggregation Kinetics and Comparison with Glutamine Repeats.

Amino acid repeat runs are common occurrences in eukaryotic proteins, with glutamine (Q) and asparagine (N) as particularly frequent repeats. Abnormal expansion of Q-repeat domains causes at least nine neurodegenerative disorders, most likely because expansion leads to protein misfolding, aggregation, and toxicity. The linkage between Q-repeats and disease has motivated several investigations into the mechanism of aggregation and the role of Q-repeat length in aggregation. Curiously, glutamine repeats are common in vertebrates, whereas N-repeats are virtually absent in vertebrates, but common in invertebrates. One hypothesis for the lack of N-repeats in vertebrates is biophysical; that is, there is strong selective pressure in higher organisms against aggregation-prone proteins. If true, then asparagine and glutamine repeats must differ substantially in their aggregation properties despite their chemical similarities. In this work, aggregation of peptides with asparagine repeats of variable length (12–24)...
Isolation and sequencing of a cDNA encoding the decarboxylase (E1)alpha precursor of bovine branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase complex. Expression of E1 alpha mRNA and subunit in maple-syrup-urine-disease and 3T3-L1 cells.

Abstract A cDNA clone encoding the entire decarboxylase (E1)alpha precursor of the bovine branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase complex has been isolated from a lambda ZAP library prepared from bovine liver poly(A)+ RNA. Nucleotide sequencing indicates that this E1 alpha cDNA clone is 1821 base pairs (bp) in length with an open reading frame of 1365 bp and a 3'-untranslated region of 356 bp. A polyadenylation signal of the type AATAAA is located 27 bp upstream of the start of a poly(A)+ tail. There is a pair of identical 32-bp direct repeats of unknown function at the 5'-end of the cDNA. The bovine E1 alpha cDNA encodes a leader peptide of 55 residues including three candidate initiation methionines, and a mature E1 alpha of 400 amino acids with a calculated Mr of 45,385. The deduced primary structure shows the published peptide sequences flanking the two phosphorylation sites and the amino-terminal sequence (residues 1-32) of bovine E1 alpha determined in this study. The phosphoserine-bearing regions appear to be homologous between bovine E1 alpha and human pyruvate decarboxylase-alpha subunits, with respect to both amino acid identity and the position in each polypeptide chain. Northern blot analysis using the bovine E1 alpha cDNA as probe shows the presence of a single species of E1 alpha mRNA (2 kilobase pairs) in bovine liver, human placenta, and skin fibroblasts. Moreover, the E1 alpha mRNA exists in normal size and quantity in cultured fibroblasts derived from a maple-syrup-urine-disease homozygote deficient in E1 activity. The results preclude a defect in the transcription and processing of E1 alpha mRNA in these maple-syrup-urine-disease cells. Studies with 3T3-L1 cells show that a single species of E1 alpha mRNA (2 kilobase pairs) is expressed in the cells and that contents of the murine E1 alpha mRNA and subunit are markedly elevated during the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes into adipocytes. The results indicate that the induction of murine E1 activity during adipocyte differentiation occurs at the pretranslational level.
The many mechanisms of viral membrane fusion proteins.

Every enveloped virus fuses its membrane with a host cell membrane, thereby releasing its genome into the cytoplasm and initiating the viral replication cycle. In each case, one or a small set of viral surface transmembrane glycoproteins mediates fusion. Viral fusion proteins vary in their mode of activation and in structural class. These features combine to yield many different fusion mechanisms. Despite their differences, common principles for how fusion proteins function are emerging: In response to an activating trigger, the metastable fusion protein converts to an extended, in some cases rodlike structure, which inserts into the target membrane via its fusion peptide. A subsequent conformational change causes the fusion protein to fold back upon itself, thereby bringing its fusion peptide and its transmembrane domain—and their attached target and viral membranes—into intimate contact. Fusion ensues as the initial lipid stalk progresses through local hemifusion, and then opening and enlargement of a fusion pore. Here we review recent advances in our understanding of how fusion proteins are activated, how fusion proteins change conformation during fusion, and what is happening to the lipids during fusion. We also briefly discuss the therapeutic potential of fusion inhibitors in treating viral infections.
Building Responsibility for Self Through Meaningful Roles

Abstract This article describes the development of an occupational therapy sheltered workshop program, Opportunities Promoting Self-Responsibility (O.P.S.), for criminal offenders with mental illness. The program promotes the patient's social participation with regard to community that could perhaps reduce re-incarceration. The most significant of these participatory functions is the ability to fulfill meaningful occupational roles with regard to community and work. The program was created to provide criminal offender patients with therapeutically directed opportunities to develop increased self-responsibility. The definition of role responsibilities, assessment, and treatment approaches are illustrated through case examples of eleven actual workshop participants. The workshop was found to promote patients' technical skills, performance behavior, social skills, and independent functioning within the occupational role of worker.
Sp1 and Sp3 activate transcription of the human dopamine transporter gene.

The dopamine transporter is a plasma membrane protein that controls extracellular concentrations of the neurotransmitter dopamine. The physiological importance of the DAT provides the impetus for studies aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying regulation of the DAT gene. In this study, we identified a DAT-expressing neuroblastoma cell line (SK-N-AS) and employed it to investigate the transcriptional regulation of the human DAT gene. Two GC boxes (located at −130 and −60, respectively, relative to the transcriptional start site) were identified as important cis-acting elements mediating DAT promoter activity in dopaminergic SK-N-AS cells. Utilizing Sp-deficient Drosophila Schneider line (SL-2) cells, we showed that both Sp1 and Sp3 are strong activators of DAT transcriptional activity. Differential binding of Sp1 and Sp3 to the two GC boxes was demonstrated by electrophoretic mobility shift assays and super-shift assays. Our results indicate that the Sp1 family of proteins plays an important role in controlling the expression of the dopamine transporter gene within dopaminergic neurons.
Mining machine orientation using inertial, magnetic, and gravitational sensors

An onboard navigation system is under investigation for mining machines. The system is intended for use in autonomous mining operations. The system provides heading information using a gyroscope, two flux-gate sensors, and clinometers. Testing has shown that the flux-gate sensors exhibit a static error when mounted on the mining machine. Recalibration of the sensor improved this situation. The gyroscope operated properly when mounted on the machine but required resetting with the flux-gate sensors or with data from the mobile control systems (MCS) every 14 min, due to inherent drifts. >
Design analysis of adaptive digital filter for reference current detection in active power filter

Severe power quality problems, due to nonlinear and dynamic loads, have been reported in recent years. These issues become more significant in high penetration of power electronics devices and renewable power systems. Thus, this paper deals with the control design of the shunt active power filter (SAPF), as one of the outstanding solution for these issues. The paper proposes an adaptive reference current detection technique for SAPF applications. The proposed technique is based on the adaptive interference cancelling (AIC) theory. The way to design and evaluate the performance of the proposed adaptive filter, is explained in details. The proposed methodology and design is simulated and tested in MatLab software. The results certified the ability of the technique to extract the compensating current in case of stationary and non-stationary situations.
QED contribution to the color-singlet J/ψ production in Υ decay near the endpoint

A recent study indicates that the {alpha}{sup 2{alpha}}{sub s}{sup 2} order QED processes of {Upsilon}{yields}J/{psi}+X decay are compatible with those of QCD processes. However, in the endpoint region, the nonrelativistic QED calculation breaks down since the collinear degrees of freedom are missing under the framework of this effective theory. In this paper we apply the soft-collinear effective theory (SCET) to study the color-singlet QED process at the kinematic limit. Within this approach we are able to sum the kinematic logarithms by running operators using the renormalization group equations of soft-collinear effective theory, which will lead to a dramatic change in the momentum distribution near the endpoint and the spectrum shape consistent with the experimental results.
The origin of serotoninergic afferents to the cat's cerebellar nuclei

In the cat, serotoninergic (5HT) axons and terminals form a dense plexus that is present throughout the granule cell and Purkinje cell layers of the cerebellar cortex and all of the cerebellar nuclei. The intent of the present study was to identify the source of 5HT fibers in the cerebellar nuclei. The medial, interposed, and lateral cerebellar nuclei were selectively injected with either rhodamine or fluorescein-labeled latex microspheres that were retrogradely transported to brainstem neurons. Transverse sections of the brainstem were processed with a primary antibody to 5HT and secondary antibody tagged with either rhodamine or fluorescein. The location of neurons containing both serotonin-like immunoreactivity and retrogradely transported microspheres was plotted. All three of the cerebellar nuclei receive 5HT afferents from the nucleus locus coeruleus, the dorsal raphe nucleus, and the dorsal tegmental nucleus. In addition, the medial nucleus receives projections from the superior central nucleus, the nucleus raphe obscurus, the nucleus raphe magnus, and the periolivary reticular formation. The interposed nuclei receive additional projections from the nucleus raphe magnus, whereas the lateral nucleus receives additional projections from the superior central nucleus. In conclusion, the 5HT projections to the cerebellar nuclei do not appear to be collaterals of those projecting to the cortex (Kerr and Bishop, J Comp Neurol 304:502-515, 1991). These findings suggest that, although the cortex and nuclei are anatomically and physiologically related, they do not process all information in parallel.
808-3 Reentrant Wavefronts During Wiggers’ Stage II Ventricular Fibrillation in Dogs

The mechanisms of ventricular fibrillation (VF) are unknown. Reentrant wavefronts have been shown to underlie the onset (Wiggers’ stage I) of electrically induced VF in intact canine ventricles. These reentrant wavefronts, however, have a limited lifespan (1–2 s) while VF persists. Using computerized mapping techniques, we studied the mechanism by which VF is maintained beyond the initial few seconds (Wiggers’ stage II), both in normal and subendocardium-ablated canine ventricles. Eleven open-chest dogs were studied. In 6 of the dogs, the RV subendocardium was ablated with lugol's solution. A plaque electrode array with 317–509 bipolar recording electrodes was sutured on the RV epicardium. VF was induced by a strong premature stimulus (S 2 ). Starting 2.5 s after the onset of VF, 2–5 s of data were analyzed. The activation patterns were visualized via dynamic display. Conventional isochronal maps were also constructed. Of the 15 runs of VF in dogs with intact ventricles, 3 episodes of reentrant wavefronts were detected. The mean lifespan was 4.5 ± 2.1 rotations. The mean cycle length was 102.5 ± 5.5 msec. The incidence of reentry was 0.018 ± 0.048 rotations/sec-cm 2 . Of the 18 runs of VF in dogs with ablated ventricles, 8 episodes of reentry were detected. The mean lifespan was 3.6 ± 1.1 rotations (p = 0.39 compared with intact ventricles). The mean cycle length was 107.2 ± 9.6 msec (p = 0.16). The incidence of reentry was 0.075 ± 0.097 rotations/sec-cm 2 (p = 0.048). In both groups of dogs, dynamic displays of the activation patterns demonstrate that the reentrant wavefronts spiral rather than follow a simple circular pathway. Conclusions (a) reentrant wavefronts are consistently present during Wiggers’ stage II VF, (b) ablation of the subendocardium and Purkinje fibers results in an increased incidence of reentrant wavefronts on the epicardium, and (c) the reentrant wavefronts are compatible with spiral waves of excitation.
Chemotaxis of alveolar macrophages in response to signals derived from alveolar epithelial cells

Abstract We have postulated that alveolar epithelial cells (AEC) play a critical role in local regulation of alveolar macrophage (AM) recruitment and activation for host defense in the lung. The present study explores the effects of conditioned medium from AEC (AEC-CM) on the migration of AM, using a Boyden chamber assay. AECCM was chemotactic for AM, with peak activity observed with a 1:10 dilution. We previously showed that rat AEC express the chemokines RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T expressed and secreted) and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) as well as granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GMCSF). Neutralizing antibodies to RANTES and to MCP-1 and immunoprecipitation of GM-CSF decreased the chemotactic activity of AEC-CM by 58%, 29%, and 47%, respectively. Similar levels of chemotaxis were found in response to recombinant RANTES, MCP-1, and GM-CSF. In each instance the optimal dose was very low (0.01 to 0.1 ng/ml), with diminished chemotaxis at higher doses. Peritoneal macrophages (PM) also migrated in response to AEC-CM and each of the recombinant cytokines; however, AM were much more sensitive to AEC-CM, RANTES, and GM-CSF than were PM. AM migrated preferentially from medium conditioned by unstimulated AEC toward supernatants from interleukin 1α-stimulated AEC. Therefore, AEC may control the distribution of AM through the creation of local chemotactic gradients and are likely to play a critical role in the host response to low-level antigen entry into the peripheral lung.
Somigliana dislocations and internal stresses; with application to second phase hardening

Abstract A general integral theory for an important class of internal stress problems in anisotropic elastic media has been obtained. The basic problem that was solved was that of the stress field which arises when a certain region within the interior of a crystal undergoes a change in shape while constrained by the bulk of the crystal. The problem assumes that the shape change, whatever its physical origin, can be represented by a polynomial of arbitrary degree in the three spatial variables. When the transformed region is ellipsoidal in shape the following useful theorem has been indicated: If, in the absence of the matrix, the shape change were given by a polynomial of degree N in the spatial variables, then the state of internal strain, within the region, caused by the constraint of the matrix is given by a polynomial of degree N−1. This fact enables us to recast this above internal strain problem to include those cases where the ellipsoidal region is different elastically than the matrix. The theory is applied to a model of dispersion hardening.
Mass transfer and dynamic liquid-liquid interfacial tension. I. Experiment

Abstract Three things have become apparent in our interfacial tension measurements on systems that are relevant in enhanced oil recovery. One is that the interfacial tension and volume of drop varied with time, after changes in pressure, in a way that indicated that mass transfer was occurring. The second is that there is a strong correlation between increments of drop volume ( ΔV ) and increments of interfacial tension ( Δγ ), between measurements: ( dγ / dV ) T = 35 ± 3 dyn/cm 4 . The third is that pressurization leads to an increase in mutual miscibility in oil-brine-surfactant systems that are relevant to enhance oil recovery.
Preparation and properties of esters of polyorthotitanic acid

In studies of the synthesis of alkyl titanates from anhydrous butyl alcohol and titanium tetrachloride employing ammonia or an amine to neutralize the hydrogen chloride formed, Speer has reported uniformly unsuccessful results in repeating the examples of Nelles' patents on this process. Kraitzer, Winter, and others followed Nelles' process successfully employing a large excess of anhydrous butyl alcohol. Repetition of Nelles' patent examples is awkward because the ammonium chloride formed in the reaction produces a thick slurry too inconvenient to handle. However, if this slurry was diluted or extracted with an anhydrous hydrocarbon solvent, i.e., toluene, yields of 80% were achieved. Furthermore, since it is difficult to obtain rigorously anhydrous alcohols, it is more convenient to carry out the synthesis of alkyl titanates using an inert anhydrous solvent, i.e., toluene or carbon tetrachloride, as a reaction medium along with the stoichiometric quantity of alcohol instead of using a large excess of the alcohol as the reaction medium. The formation of nonvolatile residues was avoided. If the proper quantity of water dissolved in a low-boiling alcohol is added slowly with stirring to a solution of the corresponding ester of orthotitanic acid, it is possible to obtain esters of polyorthotitanic acid of controlled average molecular weight. If less than 1 mole of water per mole of orthotitanate esters is employed, the amount of cross-linked polymer derived is vanishingly little. When the butylorthotitanate was treated with 1.5–2.25 moles of water per mole of titanium, 1.4–1.5 moles of water were consumed per mole of titanium. Water was recovered from the system. Water in excess of 2.25-3 moles of water per mole of titanium caused complete conversion of butylorthotitanate to titanium dioxide. The polyorthotitanates were soluble in benzene, toluene, and butyl alcohol. The uncross-linked polymers vary in appearance from very viscous liquids to waxy solids. The polyorthotitanates enter into ester interchange reactions with alcohols in which one to all of the lower boiling alkyl groups may be replaced by the higher one. Long-chain organic acids react with the alkyl polyorthotitanates or the alkyl titanates to replace one to all of the alkyl groups.
Parameters for shear strength prediction of exterior beam–column joints without transverse reinforcement

Abstract The paper presents key parameters to determine the shear strength of exterior beam–column joints without transverse reinforcement in the joint region (referred to as unreinforced exterior joints). A large experimental data set of these joints is collected from published literature based on consistent criteria for data selection. The parametric study from the database indicates that the shear strength of unreinforced exterior joints is mainly influenced by two parameters: (1) joint aspect ratio which is defined as the ratio of beam to column cross-section heights and (2) joint shear index which is dependent on the beam longitudinal tension reinforcement ratio and its strength. The effect of these two parameters on the joint shear strength is investigated using proposed equations that are verified by comparison with the database. Using the parametric equations of the two key parameters, an empirical shear strength model is proposed in this study and validated by accurate shear strength predictions of the test specimens collected in the database. The proposed shear strength model can be adopted to assess the seismic performance of non-ductile reinforced concrete buildings with deficient seismic details in the joint region.
Patterned arrays for the efficient detection of whole cells

Surface-Enhanced-Raman-Spectroscopy (SERS) is potentially a very sensitive technique for the detection of biological agents (i.e., proteins, viruses or whole cell bacteria). However, since initial reports, its utility has not been realized. Its limited acceptance as a routine analysis technique for both chemical and biological agents is largely due to the lack of reproducible SERS-active substrates. Most established SERS substrate fabrication schemes are based on selfassembly of the metallic (typically, Au, Ag, Pt, Pd or Cu) surfaces responsible for enhancement. Further, these protocols do not lend themselves to the stringent control over the enhancing feature shape, size, and placement on a nanometer scale. SERS can be made a more robust and attractive spectroscopic technique for biological agents by developing quantifiable, highly sensitive, and highly selective SERS-active substrates. Recently, novel SERS-active substrates, fabricated from nano-patterned Si and Au have been commercialized and are easily obtained in the marketplace. Commercialized Au SERS-active substrates fabricated using semiconductor manipulation and routine metal vapor deposition techniques used for the spectral analysis of intact bacterial cells. This talk will focus on the substrate characterization (microscopic and spectral) and application towards whole cells.
Aspergillus flavus keratomycosis in a cat treated with topical 1% voriconazole solution

An 8-year-old male castrated Domestic Short-haired cat was examined for a 1-week history of blepharospasm and mucoid ocular discharge OS. Examination revealed ulcerative keratitis with stromal loss, stromal infiltrate, corneal edema, perilimbal vascularization and miosis. Cytology of the cornea revealed multiple dichotomously branching, septate fungal hyphae and severe, predominantly neutrophilic inflammation. PCR of the cytology samples confirmed the presence of Aspergillus flavus while fungal and bacterial cultures were negative. Treatment with topical 1% voriconazole solution was successful in resolving the keratomycosis.
The excitation spectrum of singly ionized zinc in germanium with and without uniaxial stress

Abstract The spacings and stress behavior of the excitation lines of singly ionized zinc in germanium confirm that this acceptor is ionized helium-like with T d site symmetry.
Kinetics of epsilon-aminocaproic acid distribution, elimination, and antifibrinolytic effects in normal subjects

The kinetics of epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) distribution and elimination were studied in six normal subjects after a single 10-gm iv dose. Steady-state distribution volume averaged 30.01 or 0.39 l/kg. Mean elimination t 1/2 was 294 min and the elimination clearance was 0.19 l/min. Renal excretion of unchanged EACA accounted for 68% of its elimination and renal EACA clearance averaged 115% of creatinine clearance. EACA antifibrinolytic effect kinetics were also characterized in five of the subjects by the monitoring of clot lysis times in whole blood and platelet-rich plasma. Peak antifibrinolytic effects were observed 15 to 60 min after peak EACA plasma concentrations were attained. A model of maximal fibrinolysis inhibition (Emax) was used to estimate a half-maximal inhibition (IC50) of 63 +/- 19.7 microgram/ml. This agrees with the value of 0.55 mM or 72 microgram/ml that has been reported for the dissociation constant of the EACA-plasminogen complex and is consistent with the proposed biochemical mechanism of EACA action.
p-Mode Intensity-Velocity Phase Differences and Convective Sources

We study the origin of the solar p-mode intensity-velocity phase differences at high degree (l > 100). Observations show phase differences that are very different from those derived from linear theory alone. The theory predicts a smooth variation with frequency, dependent only on atmospheric parameters, while observations show large fluctuations across modal frequencies. We support previous suggestions that fluctuations in the intensity-velocity phase differences and line asymmetries in the intensity and velocity power spectra are produced by "contamination" of the p-mode signal with noise correlated with the excitation sources. It is demonstrated that the qualitative shapes of the observed phase-difference and power spectra can be realized only if both temperature (intensity) and velocity (Doppler shift) observations contain correlated noise. Moreover, the details of the observed spectra allow only a limited choice of noise parameters and constrain well the convective process responsible for p-mode excitation. The inferred correlated noise signals are consistent with the (visible) formation of convective downflows accompanied by darkening (lowered emergent intensity) and subsequent acoustic excitation. An upward velocity pulse follows after the wave excitation, which suggests overshoot of inflowing material that fills in the evacuated volume in the wake of the new downflow.
Longitudinal Assessment of the Nevus Phenotype in a Melanoma Kindred

Phenotypic characteristics of members of a melanoma prone kindred with a V126D CDKN2A gene mutation were monitored over approximately 15 y. Thirty-eight previously studied subjects were recruited. Participants underwent a complete skin examination by the same dermatologist who examined them initially. The size and location of all nevi were recorded on a body map diagram. Total nevus number (TNN) and total nevus density (TND) were determined. CDKN2A sequencing verified 13 mutation carriers and 16 non-carriers. Nine participants were spouse controls without a history of melanoma and did not carry a CDKN2A mutation. Mutation carriers demonstrated a greater mean TNN and TND at initial and follow-up examinations compared with non-carriers and continued to develop nevi rather than show nevus regression seen in non-carriers and spouse controls. Non-carriers showed an intermediate nevus phenotype between mutation carriers and spouse controls. Four of the 13 mutation carriers and one non-carrier have developed invasive melanoma. Over a 15-y interval, TNN and TND were increased in mutation carriers compared with non-carriers and spouse controls. Continued accumulation of nevi in mutation carriers supports a nevogenic role for this CDKN2A mutation. An intermediate nevus phenotype in non-carrier family members suggests the presence of additional modifier genes.
Does minimal access mean minimal relationship? Defining the physician-patient relationship in postmodern culture.

Minimal access surgery is a good example of medicine in the postmodern era. It embodies the problems we see in both medicine and society that affect the way physicians and patients interact. The purpose of this article is to evaluate and assess the impact of these factors on the focused relationship between the physician and patient. We will discuss how minimal access surgery may be the start of a "new medicine" to benefit both patient and physician.
Toward defining the scope of psychosomatic medicine practice: psychosomatic medicine in an outpatient, tertiary-care practice setting.

Background Because psychosomatic medicine (PM) is increasingly practiced in outpatient settings, the scope of practice needs to be delineated from community psychiatry and inpatient psychiatry work. Objective The authors sought to address the question of whether outpatient activities are a definably part the scope of practice of PM. Method Three clinical groups were compared: 200 PM outpatients, 200 consultation–liaison (CL) inpatients, and 200 communitypsychiatry (CP) outpatients. Results The groups differed significantly in 49 of 112 demographic and clinical comparisons (43.8%). Analysis of individual measures validated the concept that PM outpatient practice requires traditional PM/CL expertise with medical-psychiatric differential diagnosis, unexplained physical symptoms, pain, and psychopharmacological management in medically ill and geriatric patients. Conclusion Outpatient PM experiences may also enhance training opportunities, given an expanded case-mix.
Trend, Risk Factors, and Costs of Clostridium difficile Infections in Vascular Surgery.

Background Starting in December 2013, the Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program included Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) rates as a new publically reported quality measure. Our goal was to review the trend, hospital variability in CDI rates, and associated risk factors and costs in vascular surgery. Methods The rates of CDI after major vascular procedures including aortic abdominal aneurysm (AAA) repair, carotid endarterectomy or stenting, lower extremity revascularization (LER), and LE amputation were identified using Nationwide Inpatient Sample database for 2000–2011. Risk factors associated with CDI were analyzed with hierarchical multivariate logistic regression. Extra costs, length of stay (LOS), and mortality were assessed for propensity-matched hospitalizations with and without CDI. Results During the study period, the rates of CDI after vascular procedures had increased by 74% from 0.6 in 2000 to 1.05% in 2011, whereas the case fatality rate was stable at 9–11%. In 2011, the highest rates were after ruptured aortic abdominal aneurysm (rAAA) repair (3.3%), followed by lower extremity amputations (2.3%) and elective open AAA (1.3%). The rates of CDI increased after all vascular procedures during the 12 years. The highest increase was after endovascular LER (151.8%) and open rAAA repair (135.7%). In 2011, patients who had experienced CDI had median LOS of 15 days (interquartile range, 9–25 days) compared with 8.3 days for matched patients without CDI, in-hospital mortality 9.1% (compared with 5.0%), and $13,471 extra cost per hospitalization. The estimated cost associated with CDI in vascular surgery in the United States was ∼$98 million in 2011. Hospital rates of CDI varied from 0 to 50% with 3.5% of hospitals having infection rates ≥5%. Factors associated with CDI included multiple chronic conditions, female gender, surgery type, emergent and weekend hospitalizations, hospital transfers, and urban locations. Conclusions Despite potential reduction of infection rates as evidenced by the experience of hospitals with effective interventions, CDI is increasing among vascular surgery patients. It is associated with prolonged LOS, increased mortality, and higher costs.
A coupled channel quantum scattering study of alignment effects in Na( 2P3/2)+He→Na(2P1/2)+He collisions

In this paper we present results of coupled channel quantum scattering calculations of the alignment selected j=3/2→ j=1/2 fine structure changing integral cross section for Na(2P)+He. This cross section has in the past been written in terms of a coherent sum of partial wave amplitudes, but we have found that it can be expressed in terms of an incoherent sum of partial cross sections, each labeled by the total angular momentum J and by parity. It is also possible to define an alignment selected wave function for each J such that the azimuthal average of the square of this wave function projected onto each final state is proportional to the magnitude of the partial cross section into that state. This J labeled wave function is thus clearly related to the physical measurables, and we have used it to determine propensities for preservation of asymptotically prepared alignment during collisions. Using a potential surface based on Pascale’s ab initio calculations, we find that the alignment ratio σ⊥/σ∥ is an ...
LESBIAN AND TRADITIONAL MOTHERS' RESPONSES TO ADULT RESPONSE TO CHILD BEHAVIOR AND SELF-CONCEPT

Summary.-A purposive sample of 34 lesbian and 47 traditional mothers was located in the Denver-Fort Collins area. This pilot study was designed to determi.ne if statistically significant differences existed between the two groups of morhers on measures of maternal attitude and self-concept. The Adult Response to Child Behavior, a set of slides of children's behaviors and set responses, provided an indicacor of adult-, task-, and child-centered attitudes. Three personality aggregates, self-confidence, dominance, and nurturance, were computed from responses to the Adjective Checklist, a 300-item self-administered, selfevaluative instrument. Chi-square analyses confirmed that: there is no difference in response to children's behavior by lesbian and traditional mothers nor in self-concept of lesbian and traditional mothers. This conclusion can be generalized only ro the subjects and instruments used in the present study. Further research is needed to provide a data base on interaction of lesbian mothers and children. It seems probable that lesbian and traditional mothers are more similar than different in maternal attitudes and self-concept. Educators are only now beginning to realize che complexity of parental behavior. Two recurring themes stand out in research on parents and children. The first theme is a positive correlation between a mother's and a child's selfconcepc (Gordon, 1976; Walters & Scinnett, 1971). The second describes child-rearing as a product of maternal attitudes, values, and personality characteristics (Heilbrun & Norbert, 1970; Hoffman, 1975; Sears, Maccoby, & Levin, 1957; Walters & Scinnett, 1971). A search for literature on lesbian mothers evidenced little information. Although the liceramre contains articles discussing parental attitudes which contributed to a person's becoming homosexual, there seem to be no data on what role is played by overt parental homosexualicy in a child's later becoming homosexual or developing emotional disturbance (Weeks, Deredyn, & Langman, 1975). In this pilot study self-concepts and maternal attitudes of lesbian and traditional mothers were compared. Responses to self-concept and maternalatcitude measures for these two groups were compared. This pilot study was designed to determine if there were statistically significant differences between the cwo groups of mothers on measures of maternal attitude and self-concept. A purposive sample of 34 lesbian and 47 traditional mothers was located in the Denver-Fort Collins area. For the purpose of this study, a lesbian mother was defined as one who was psychologically, emotionally, and sexually attracted and interested in other women and who, from a previous relationship with a man, had conceived a
Keeping Science on Top in Drug Evaluation

The approval, prescribing, and safety surveillance of prescription drugs involve a complicated mix of science, regulatory law, clinical judgment, business, and politics. Dr. Jerry Avorn writes that though the quiet voice of science may often be no match for powerful vested interests or ideology, some encouraging signs may be in the air.
A physical characterization of sulfane sulfurtransferase.

The bacterial enzyme sulfane sulfurtransferase has been studied using spectroscopic techniques. The enzyme was characterized in terms of its near-UV absorption spectrum, molar ellipticity, intrinsic fluorescence spectra and the effects of general and ionic quenching reagents upon its fluorescence. Fluorescence model studies are consistent with sulfane sulfurtransferase having only a single tryptophan residue, which accounts for its low UV absorption coefficient and suggested that this residue is at least partially exposed to solvent. Second derivative absorption spectroscopy studies revealed that most of the bacterial enzyme's tyrosine residues are exposed to solvent. Unlike the better known sulfurtransferase, bovine liver rhodanese, sulfane sulfurtransferase does not undergo a detectable increase in quantum yield when shifting from the sulfur-containing covalent enzyme intermediate to the free enzyme form (which lacks sulfur) during catalysis. CD studies suggest that sulfane sulfurtransferase has a significantly higher proportion of alpha-helix than rhodanese. The renaturation of sulfane sulfurtransferase denatured in 6 M guanidine was shown to be rapid and complete provided that the enzyme had not been oxidized while in the denatured state. Sulfane sulfurtransferase, like rhodanese, catalyzes the transfer of sulfur from thiosulfate to cyanide via a persulfide intermediate, and displays remarkably similar kinetics in this process (Aird, B.A., Heinrikson, R.L. and Westley, J. (1987) J. Biol. Chem 262, 17327-17335). In light of this, the results of the structural studies with sulfane sulfurtransferase are compared and contrasted to data from similar experiments with rhodanese in hopes that they would provide insight about which phenomena observed with rhodanese are intrinsic to the process of transferring sulfur atoms.
Revision Strategies in Spinal Deformity With Hardware Failure: A Biomechanical Study

Failure of the posterior rods in long thoracolumbar deformity correction cases often requires revision surgery to treat the pseudoarthrosis and prevent loss of correction. While the entire rod can be replaced, this involves opening the entire incision which can lead to increased morbidity. Other clinically advantageous options include minimally invasive surgical approaches such as percutaneous insertion of connectors and additional rods.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Discrete Gradient Method in Solid Mechanics

A discrete method to boundary value problems in solid mechanics is presented. In this method, the unknown variable and its derivative are defined only at nodes. A discrete gradient operator is constructed with the aid of a tensorial identity on the Voronoi diagram. This operator is utilized in a weak form to derive a discrete Galerkin formulation for the boundary value problem. The theoretical underpins of the methodology are discussed, and the details of computational implementation in two-dimensional elasticity, both small strain and finite strain, are provided. Several benchmark tests are presented to demonstrate the accuracy, convergence, and other properties of the method. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Healthcare economics for the emergency physician.

Although the principles of healthcare economics are not usually part of the fundamental education of emergency physicians, an understanding of these elements will enhance our ability to contribute to improved health-care value. This article introduces the practical aspects of microeconomics, insurance, the supply-and-demand relationship, competition, and costs as they affect the practice of medicine on a daily basis. Being cognizant of how these elements create a dynamic interplay in the health-care industry will allow physicians to better understand the expanded role they need to assume in the ongoing cost and quality debate.
Magnetic transport properties of dipolar conducting liquids at ambient temperature

Abstract Ferromagnetic liquids at ambient temperature are characterized as dipolar, possessing magnetic properties that could be investigated through classical as well as quantum theories. Classical analysis identified the dipolar ions as loose enough to be considered freely rotating within the liquid continum while the quantum basical approach recognized the limited degrees of gyromagnetization with respect to the total angular momentum quantum number. Experimental work supported with rigorous analytical treatment identified the occurrence of ferroresonance for the gyromagnetic energy absorbed by the dipolar fluid at a unified level of magnetic field intensity, sudden and sharp reversal in the polarity of the dipole moment per unit volume at resonance, and the impulsive singularity nature for the magnetic susceptibility. Energy levels for Bloch walls distribution across a longitudinal channel of the dipolar liquid indicate reversible as well as irreversible locations.
Subject-determined postfeedback interval in auditory concept identification

In a two-category three-dimensional concept learning task, a free-choice postfeedback interval (PFI) was allowed in one group, while another group received a mandatory 2-sec PFI. No differences in performance were observed. When PFI latencies were analyzed, all latencies decreased on successive trials, were longer following errors than following correct classifications, and were longer for the more difficult-to-learn dimension. These data were interpreted as supporting the hypothesis that information processing follows both correct and incorrect classifications.