cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The impact of stroke on psychological and physical function outcomes in people with long-term physical disability.

Abstract Background An increased number of people who have a long-term physical disability (LTPD) are aging. Similar to older adults without previous disability, individuals with LTPD may experience age-related comorbidities secondary to aging. A leading cause of disability in the United States among older adults is stroke. Limited evidence supports that individuals with LTPD are at higher risk of a stroke compared to those without disability. Stroke may negatively impact physical, cognitive, and/or psychosocial function. For those who have lived longer with LTPD, the impact of stroke may differ. Objective To determine the impact of stroke on health outcomes in people with LTPD. Methods Thirty-three individuals with both LTPD and self-reported stroke were identified in a national purposive sample of adults reporting physical disability associated with LTPD (Group A). Group A was compared to an age matched sample of 33 individuals with the same conditions but no stroke (Group B). Group A participants were also compared to national norms based on age cohort from a national sample of 182 stroke survivors (Group C). Results Age range of all participants = 65–74 years. Combine sample among three groups = 248. Group A did not differ from Group B. However, Group A reported significantly higher pain interference (p Conclusions The study informs how the impact of acquiring another condition after living with a LTPD differs among a general stroke population and those who are living with LTPD.
Clay-fraction strontium and neodymium isotopes in the Indus Fan: implications for sediment transport and provenance

Reconstructing the provenance of siliciclastic marine sediment is important for understanding sediment pathways and constraining palaeoclimate and erosion records. However, physical fractionation of different size fractions can occur during sediment transport, potentially biasing records derived from bulk sediment. In this study, records of radiogenic Sr and Nd isotopic composition and K/Al ratio of the separated clay fraction, as well as bulk grain size, are presented, measured from deep-sea sediments recovered from International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Sites U1456 and U1457 in the Arabian Sea. These new records are compared with published bulk sediment records to investigate the influence of sediment transport on these proxies and to constrain provenance evolution and its relationship to climate variability since middle Miocene time. Correlations between grain size and the bulk sediment isotopic composition confirm that transport processes are influencing the bulk sediment record. This relationship, although present, is not as strong in the clay-fraction isotopic records. Heterogeneity of bulk sediment likely drives differences between bulk and clay records, thought to be largely controlled by sediment transport processes. The isotopic records reveal variations in provenance that correlate with climatic change at 8–7 Ma, as well as an increase in overall provenance variability beginning at c. 3.5 Ma, likely linked to monsoon strength and glacial–interglacial cycles. The clay-fraction records highlight the potential value of measuring proxy records from multiple size fractions to help constrain provenance records as well as investigate sediment transport and/or weathering and erosion processes recorded in deep-sea sediment archives.
Reconsidering American Political Thought: A New Identity: by Saladin Ambar, New York, NY, Routledge, 2020, 178 pp., $54.95 (softcover), ISBN: 978-1-138-34389

While marketed as a textbook, Saladin Ambar’s Reconsidering American Political Thought is an engaging read for anyone with an interest in making American political thought relevant. Ambar opens Rec...
Discovering Associations: Kawasaki Disease and COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in over 3.6 million confirmed cases and over 254,000 deaths worldwide. It has been theorized that children who are asymptomatic or who do not display significant respiratory symptoms are potential vectors for community transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This is incompletely understood due to the current lack of widespread testing in the pediatric population. We describe a case of a 2-year-old female who presented with symptoms of prolonged fever, conjunctivitis, extremity edema, rash, dry/cracked lips, fussiness and fatigue, and a notable absence of respiratory symptoms. She was diagnosed with and treated for Kawasaki disease. Due to her prolonged fever, she was tested for COVID-19 which was positive; however, she did not develop respiratory symptoms during her illness. At the time of manuscript submission, this is the second case report to our knowledge showing an association between Kawasaki Disease and SARS-CoV-2 virus, both of which are poorly understood diseases in the pediatric population. This case highlights the value of testing pediatric patients for COVID-19 who present with fever in the absence of other symptoms to improve epidemiologic measures during the ongoing pandemic, and it also adds to a foundation of cases for future research on the presence of a link between Kawasaki Disease and COVID-19.
Arginase II Plays a Central Role in the Sexual Dimorphism of Arginine Metabolism in C57BL/6 Mice.

BACKGROUND Sex differences in plasma concentration of arginine and arginase activity of different tissues have been reported in mice. In addition, male but not female C57BL/6 mice have a dietary arginine requirement for growth. OBJECTIVE The goal of this research was to test the hypothesis that arginase II is a key factor in the sexual dimorphism of arginine metabolism. METHODS Young adult male and female wild type (WT), and heterozygous and arginase II knockout mice on a C57BL/6 background mice were infused with labeled citrulline, arginine, ornithine, phenylalanine, and tyrosine to determine the rates of appearance and interconversion of these amino acids. Tissue arginase activity was measured in the liver, heart, jejunum, kidney, pancreas, and spleen with an arginine radioisotope. The effect of genotype, sex, and their interaction was tested. RESULTS Female mice produced ∼36% more citrulline than their male littermates, which translated into a greater arginine endogenous synthesis, flux, and plasma concentration (42, 6, and 27%, respectively; P < 0.001). Female mice also had a greater phenylalanine flux (10%) indicating a greater rate of whole protein breakdown; however, they had a lower protein synthesis rate than males (18%; P < 0.001). The ablation of arginase II reduced the production of citrulline and the de novo synthesis of arginine in females and increased the rate of appearance of arginine and plasma arginine concentration in male mice (16 and 22%, respectively; P < 0.001). No effect of arginase II deletion, however, was observed for whole-body protein kinetics. Arginase II activity was present in the pancreas, kidney, jejunum, and spleen; WT females had a ∼2-fold greater renal arginase activity than their WT counterparts. CONCLUSIONS A clear sexual dimorphism exists in the endogenous synthesis of arginine and its disposal. Female mice have a greater arginine availability than their male littermates. The ablation of arginase II increases arginine availability in male mice.
Will It Teach Them a Lesson? Validating a Measure of Retributive Efficacy in Social Issue Activism

The public and policymakers have increasingly recognized the role that industry plays in contributing to societal issues, such as climate change and childhood obesity. In fact, many people now support punitive action against major corporations. The question then becomes: What beliefs factor into a person’s willingness to take political action against industry actors? I argue that one important predictor may be beliefs about whether the action will be effective at punishing the wrongdoer—a new concept I introduce called retributive efficacy. The goal of this investigation was to assess the psychometric properties of a novel measure of retributive efficacy. Across three studies and two social issues (climate change, childhood obesity), I demonstrate the reliability and validity of a retributive efficacy survey instrument. Specifically, I show that retributive efficacy is associated with (but is distinct from) other types of efficacy. I also provide evidence that retributive efficacy predicts intentions to participate in social issue activism and support for social policies, even when adjusting for the influence of demographics, covariates, and other forms of efficacy.
Acyloxyacyl Hydrolase Modulates the Gut Microbiome Through Transcriptional Regulators of Corticotropin-Releasing Factor

Gut microbiome-host interactions play a crucial role in health and disease. Altered gut microbiome composition has been observed in patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), a disorder characterized by pelvic pain, voiding dysfunction, and often co-morbid with anxiety/depression. We recently showed that mice deficient for acyloxyacyl hydrolase (AOAH) mimic pelvic pain symptoms and comorbidities of IC/BPS and also exhibit gut dysbiosis. In addition, we previously identified that the conditional knockout (cKO) of two transcriptional regulators of the gene encoding corticotropin-releasing factor, Crf, that are downstream of AOAH, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-{gamma} (PPAR{gamma}), alleviate anxiety/depressive and voiding phenotypes of AOAH-deficient mice. Here, we examined the effects of AhR and PPAR{gamma} in CRF-expressing cells on the dysbiosis of AOAH-deficiency. AOAH-deficient mice with cKO of PPAR{gamma} and AhR/PPAR{gamma} exhibited reduced pelvic allodynia compared to AOAH-deficient mice, suggesting a role for PPAR{gamma} in regulating pelvic pain. 16S rRNA sequencing of fecal stool from female AOAH-deficient mice with a cKO of AhR and/or PPAR{gamma} in CRF-expressing cells identified altered gut microbiota distinct from AOAH-deficient stool. The cKO of AhR and PPAR{gamma} showed improved cecum barrier function in females compared to AOAH-deficient mice, whereas males were primarily affected by PPAR{gamma}, suggesting sex differences in gut responses. Pair-wise comparison of microbiota also suggested sex differences in response to AOAH-deficiency and conditional knockout of AhR and PPAR{gamma}. Our findings suggest that the dysbiosis and leaky gut of AOAH deficiency is mediated by AhR and PPAR{gamma} in CRF-expressing cells and reveal a novel mechanism and therapeutic targets for pelvic pain.
Longitudinal assessment of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and uptake among frontline medical workers in Los Angeles, California.

Background Sentiments of vaccine hesitancy and distrust in public health institutions have complicated the government-led COVID-19 vaccine control strategy in the United States. As the first to receive the vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine attitudes among front line workers are consequential for COVID-19 control and public opinion of the vaccine. Methods This study employed a repeated cross-sectional survey administered at three time points between September 24 - February 6, 2021 to a cohort of employees of University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Health and the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD). The primary outcome of interest was COVID-19 vaccination intent and vaccine uptake. Results Confidence in COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine uptake rose significantly over time. At Survey 1, confidence in vaccine protection was 46.4% among healthcare workers (HCW) and 34.6% among first responders (FR); by Survey 3, this had risen to 90.0% and 75.7%, respectively. At Survey 1, about one-third of participants intended to receive a vaccine as soon as possible. By Survey 3, 96.0% of HCW and 87.5% of FR had received a COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusions Attitudes towards vaccine uptake increased over the study period, likely a result of increased public confidence in COVID-19 vaccines, targeted communications, a COVID-19 winter surge in LA County, and ease of access from employer-sponsored vaccine distribution.
Association of inflammatory markers and lipoprotein particle subclasses with progression of coronary artery calcium: The multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Atherosclerosis is a complex phenomenon manifesting several features typical of chronic inflammation and disorders of lipid metabolism. We assessed association of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) lipid variables and inflammatory markers with incident coronary artery calcium (CAC) and CAC progression among participants with baseline CAC ≥0. METHODS MESA is a longitudinal cohort study of 6,814 participants (aged 45-85). 3,115 had CAC = 0 and 2,896 had CAC>0 at baseline. Repeat CAC measurements were obtained (mean duration of follow up, 6.5 years). RESULTS IL-6 (log pg/mL) and fibrinogen (50 mg/dL) were associated with a higher relative risk (RR) of incident CAC (HU) (RR = 1.09, p=0.010 & RR 1.05, p=0.004, respectively). Small LDL (100 nmol/L) (RR = 1.03, p 0, progression of CAC was positively associated with hsCRP (log mg/L) (β = 1.99), IL-6 (log pg/mL) (β = 2.9), fibrinogen (50 mg/dL) (β = 1.0), large VLDL (log nmol/L) (β = 2.2), and small LDL (100 nmol/L) (β = 0.36) (all p values < 0.05) in a model adjusted for scanner type, age, gender and race. Relationships with inflammatory markers and NMR lipoprotein particles lost significance after adjustment for traditional risk factors and statin use. Traditional risk factors were strongly associated with both CAC incidence and progression with the exception of cholesterol parameters not associated with CAC progression in adjusted model. CONCLUSIONS Inflammatory markers and lipoprotein particles were associated with CAC incidence and progression in minimally adjusted models, but not after adjustment for traditional risk factors.
Measurement Error when Estimating Covenant Violations

Prior research often estimates covenant slack and violations using financial data from Compustat and covenant thresholds from Dealscan, which may induce measurement error since covenants are commonly based on non-GAAP numbers and Dealscan often fails to capture threshold changes associated with contractual amendments. Using a hand-collected sample of actual covenant thresholds and realizations from SEC filings, we find that estimated covenant slack measures grossly overstate the frequency of covenant violations. Although Type I errors (overestimation) are common, Type II errors (underestimation) are rare, suggesting the measurement error is not random. We show Type I errors are responsible for previous findings that suggest lenders fail to “enforce” approximately 90% of covenant violations (Bird et al. 2020). We identify differences between true covenant realizations and estimated realizations from Compustat data as the primary source of measurement error and propose measurement adjustments to reduce measurement error when estimating covenant slack.
Drosophila transposable elements: mechanisms of mutagenesis and interactions with the host genome.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the transposable elements of Drosophila . The chapter also discusses the mechanisms of mutagenesis and interactions with the host genome. Most spontaneous mutations in yeast and Drosophila are caused by the insertion of transposable elements. There are many examples of transposon-induced mutations in vertebrates and several recent reports have shown de novo insertions of transposable elements resulting in inheritable genetic defects or neoplastic transformation in humans. Therefore, the generation of mutant phenotypes by the insertion of transposable elements may be an evolutionarily general phenomenon that deserves study for both basic and practical considerations. In Drosophila, transposable elements may insert into genes and cause mutant phenotypes by a variety of mechanisms, the nature of which depends on the location of the insertion site with respect to the different structural and functional domains of the affected gene. Transposable elements may contain splice consensus sequences that when inserted into the transcription unit of a gene could result in aberrant processing patterns, or they may contain transcription termination signals that could cause premature termination of transcription of the mutant gene. Transposable elements also carry sequences necessary for transcription initiation—such as enhancers—that could alter the pattern of expression of adjacent genes.
Women Warriors and Kidnapped Kids: Girl Soldier/Brides in Sierra Leone

Chapter 5 continues to scale down a detailed presentation of archaeological survey and excavation data from the Koksu River Valley in the Semirech’ye region. Frachetti’s collaborative fieldwork in this region has identified 382 archaeological sites (p. 127) that date to more than a 4,000-year period, with the settlement of Begash yielding the earliest date (2460 BCE) for mobile pastoralism in the Semirech’ye region (p. 130). Analysis of the survey data and absolute dating of archaeological features has produced a highly effective model of temporal-spatial change connected with symbolic landscapes and rock art, the construction and reuse of settlements and seasonal habitations, and the placement of stone and/or earthen tombs within the Koksu Valley. Chapter 6 continues to explore data collected from the Koksu River Valley project and models various economic, ritual, and social landscapes through the use of geographic information systems technology. What emerges from this study is a vertically transhumant form of pastoralism for Bronze Age populations wherein they moved sheep, goats, and cattle from lowland pastures in the winter to upland pastures in the spring and summer. Frachetti’s study provides a clear view of seasonal ecology for the Koksu Valley and indicates that mobile pastoralists did not have to range outside of the local region to meet their yearly pasture and fodder needs for livestock. The concluding chapter synthesizes the many strengths of the volume, especially in terms of working between the localscale processes, such as the Koksu Valley, and the larger macroscale processes, such as migration, territorial expansion, and interregional trade and exchange, that have formed such a significant part of Bronze Age scholarship in Eurasia. Few scholars have focused on providing more detailed archaeological histories of local landscapes and how structured patterns of movement may have contributed to what are perceived as larger macroscale processes. In this respect, Frachetti has emerged as one of the most promising scholars of a new generation of foreign archaeologists working closely in collaboration with regional specialists to overcome such limitations. The product of this work, much of which is detailed in this book, indicates that the study and interpretation of early pastoralist societies are now on a new trajectory of development—one that seeks to contribute to not only new interpretations of macroscale change but also local landscapes and the seasonal rhythms of ancient lifeways.
Finite-data algorithms for approximate stochastic realization

This chapter deals with the problem of constructing a state-space model for a stochastic process from a finite number of estimated covariance lags. The approach is to first obtain a high-order model which exactly matches the estimated covariance sequence, and then use balanced model reduction techniques to obtain a lower order model which approximates the given sequence. It is shown that balanced models can be obtained from a realization algorithm which uses an infinite covariance sequence. Scaling ideas are then introduced so that balanced realizations can be obtained from finite covariance sequences.
How to remove multiple scattering from core-excitation spectra: II. Non-zero scattering angles

Abstract A new mwthod for removing multiple scattering artifacts from electron energy-loss data at any scattering angle is presented. We have applied the method to the aluminum K-edge. In the forward scattering direction the results agree with a previously described, one-dimensional deconvolution method.
A Quasi-Newton Quadratic Penalty Method for Minimization Subject toNonlinear Equality Constraints

We present a modified quadratic penalty function method for equality constrained optimization problems. The pivotal feature of our algorithm is that at every iterate we invoke a special change of variables to improve the ability of the algorithm to follow the constraint level sets. This change of variables gives rise to a suitable block diagonal approximation to the Hessian which is then used to construct a quasi-Newton method. We show that the complete algorithm is globally convergent. Preliminary computational results are reported.
Lack of Safety Equipment

This case involves severe brain injury to a high school athlete after he abruptly collapsed during a soccer game and was not resuscitated until 23 minutes after the 911 call, despite there being an automated external defibrillator near the soccer field's end zone.
Management of contacts of children in day care with invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b disease.

Haemophilus influenzae type b (HIB) is the most common cause of serious bacterial disease in children in the United States with 20,000 cases occurring annually. In 1979, it was convincingly reported that this pathogen could spread in households, resuiting in a significantly increased risk of subsequent disease in household contacts.1 Confusion resulting from changing recommendations of the Committee on Infectious Diseases of the American Academy of Pediatrics regarding rifampin prophylaxis for HIB disease2,3 and the recent advent of the HIB vaccine4 prompt this commentary on the management of contacts of children with invasive HIB disease with special emphasis on the day-care setting.
Lupus: Vocational aspects and the best rehabilitation practices

BACKGROUND: Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus; SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder, and is usually diagnosed initially in early to middle adulthood, which is the prime career-building phase of individual’s life. Persons with lupus report considerable financial burden not only because of healthcare costs but also because of compromised ability to engage in paid work due to illness as lupus can have a significantly negative impact on a person’s work participation, including loss of employment and reduced working hours. Rehabilitation counselors must be knowledgeable about the critical physical and psychosocial impacts of the illness and potential employment problems that the illness may cause. With this knowledge base, rehabilitation counselors can better assist individuals with lupus with obtaining and maintaining employment, economic independence, and balancing their life demands with their changing health care needs. OBJECTIVE: This paper first provides an overview of lupus and functional limitations that it may impose, followed by relevant vocational rehabilitation interventions, including workplace accommodations and education. CONCLUSIONS: We emphasize consumer advocacy, anticipatory coping and illness management, accommodations on the job, and need of active involvement of employers in problem solving as key elements of successful vocational rehabilitation for people with lupus.
Reduced Length of Hospitalization in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty Patients Using an Updated Enhanced Recovery After Orthopedic Surgery (ERAS) Pathway

Decreasing hospital length of stay may attenuate costs associated with total knee arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to determine if updates to an existing orthopedic enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway would improve length of hospitalization. Clinical and demographic data were collected on 252 primary total knee arthroplasties between January 2012 and July 2013. Pre-updated and post-updated ERAS pathway cohorts were analyzed for length of stay, clinical outcomes, and re-admissions. The mean length of stay decreased from 76.6 hours to 56.1 hours after implementation of the evidence-based orthopedic enhanced recovery after surgery pathway (P<0.001). This improvement was possible without a concomitant increase in readmission rates.
The Nrf2/SKN-1-dependent glutathione S-transferase π homologue GST-1 inhibits dopamine neuron degeneration in a Caenorhabditis elegans model of manganism

Exposure to high levels of manganese (Mn) results in a neurological condition termed manganism, which is characterized by oxidative stress, abnormal dopamine (DA) signaling, and cell death. Epidemiological evidence suggests correlations with occupational exposure to Mn and the development of the movement disorder Parkinson's disease (PD), yet the molecular determinants common between the diseases are ill-defined. Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) of the class pi (GSTπ) are phase II detoxification enzymes that conjugate both endogenous and exogenous compounds to glutathione to reduce cellular oxidative stress, and their decreased expression has recently been implicated in PD progression. In this study we demonstrate that a Caenorhabditis elegans GSTπ homologue, GST-1, inhibits Mn-induced DA neuron degeneration. We show that GST-1 is expressed in DA neurons, Mn induces GST-1 gene and protein expression, and GST-1-mediated neuroprotection is dependent on the PD-associated transcription factor Nrf2/SKN-1, as a reduction in SKN-1 gene expression results in a decrease in GST-1 protein expression and an increase in DA neuronal death. Furthermore, decreases in gene expression of the SKN-1 inhibitor WDR-23 or the GSTπ-binding cell death activator JNK/JNK-1 result in an increase in resistance to the metal. Finally, we show that the Mn-induced DA neuron degeneration is independent of the dopamine transporter DAT, but is largely dependent on the caspases CED-3 and the novel caspase CSP-1. This study identifies a C. elegans Nrf2/SKN-1-dependent GSTπ homologue, cell death effectors of GSTπ-associated xenobiotic-induced pathology, and provides the first in vivo evidence that a phase II detoxification enzyme may modulate DA neuron vulnerability in manganism.
Error-Prone DNA Polymerases: Novel Structures and the Benefits of Infidelity

Studies on several recently discovered error-prone DNA polymerases reveal novel structures that may explain the low fidelity of this general class of enzymes, a number of which are involved in the replicative bypass (translesion synthesis) of base damage in DNA.
Properties of primary motor cortex output to hindlimb muscles in the macaque monkey.

The cortical control of forelimb motor function has been studied extensively, especially in the primate. In contrast, cortical control of the hindlimb has been relatively neglected. This study asse...
Long-term analysis of patients having surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome.

This retrospective study of 100 patients who had surgical treatment for their carpal tunnel syndrome was performed to determine what factors.were associated with long-term success or failure. One hundred thirty hands were treated surgically with an average follow-up of 4 years (range, 2 to 6 years). All patients were given a course of conservative treatment that included steroid injection(s) and splinting until the patients were refractory to such therapy. Over 250 injections were given (117 wrists), with the average benefit time of 27 weeks (range 0 to 330). Most patients received two to three injections (maximum of nine). Variables associated with a failure to have long-term benefit after operation included weakness or atrophy of the abductor pollicis brevis muscle, presence of a predisposing condition, and failure to benefit from the initial steroid injection. Conversely, all 51 hands that had relief from median nerve paresthesia for more than 6 months by conservative therapy alone received long-term relief after surgery. Steroids were least effective in hands that had muscle involvement. Fifteen of the 40 hands with muscle involvement regained their muscle mass by the time of the final examination.
Automatic Extraction of Manhattan-World Building Masses from 3D Laser Range Scans

We propose a novel approach for the reconstruction of urban structures from 3D point clouds with an assumption of Manhattan World (MW) building geometry; i.e., the predominance of three mutually orthogonal directions in the scene. Our approach works in two steps. First, the input points are classified according to the MW assumption into four local shape types: walls, edges, corners, and edge corners. The classified points are organized into a connected set of clusters from which a volume description is extracted. The MW assumption allows us to robustly identify the fundamental shape types, describe the volumes within the bounding box, and reconstruct visible and occluded parts of the sampled structure. We show results of our reconstruction that has been applied to several synthetic and real-world 3D point data sets of various densities and from multiple viewpoints. Our method automatically reconstructs 3D building models from up to 10 million points in 10 to 60 seconds.
Antibodies specific for gp40 inhibit cell‐cell adhesion by cross‐linking the protein on the surface of Dictyostelium purpureum

We have previously suggested a role for gp40 in cell-cell adhesion in Dictyostelium purpureum from the fact that antibodies specific for this protein inhibited adhesion in an in vitro assay [Springer: Dev Biol 133:447–455, 1989]. To further confirm this role mutants lacking the protein were isolated and characterized. To our surprise, the mutants had normal adhesive properties both in vitro and in situ. These results lead us to the conclusion that gp40 is not necessary for the cell-cell adhesions observed and may not be a molecule which directly participates in these adhesions. When studied further, we found that adhesion-inhibitory antibodies were only effective as divalent IgG. Monovalent Fab fragments of the same antibodies could not inhibit adhesion. The inhibitory antibodies also caused the cells to remain rounded and incapable of attaching to plastic surfaces. We conclude that when divalent antibodies specific for gp40 cross-link this protein on the cell surface a cytoskeletal change prevents them from attaching to substratum as well as to other cells, thereby inhibiting cell-cell adhesion. We suggest that an alternative mechanism for inhibition of cell-cell adhesion by divalent antibodies exists and should be considered before proposing a direct role for a protein in adhesion.
Theory of overdispersion in counting statistics caused by fluctuating probabilities

Abstract It is shown that the random Lexis fluctuations of probabilities such as probability of decay or detection cause the counting statistics to be overdispersed with respect to the classical binomial, Poisson, or Gaussian distributions. The generating and the distribution functions for the overdispersed counting statistics are derived. Applications to radioactive decay with detection and more complex experiments are given, as well as distinguishing between the source and background, in the presence of overdispersion. Monte-Carlo verifications are provided.
Influence of cell-free Hb on local tissue perfusion and oxygenation in acute anemia after isovolemic hemodilution.

BACKGROUND: Oxygen-carrying solutions are intended to eliminate the blood transfusion trigger. Their ability to maintain microvascular perfusion and to deliver oxygen to tissue when they replace the RBCs as oxygen carriers has not been directly measured. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Microvascular response to exchange transfusion with a polymerized bovine cell-free Hb (PBH) solution after acute isovolemic hemodilution with a plasma expander was investigated by using the hamster window model. In vivo functional capillary density (FCD), blood flow, and high-resolution oxygen distribution in microvascular networks were measured by noninvasive methods. RESULTS: Exchange transfusion of PBH solution after a 60-percent isovolemic hemodilution with dextran 70 (MW, 70 kDa) resulted in a Hct of 11 percent and a Hb content of 6.7 g per dL. FCD was 0.37 of baseline. Interstitial pO2 was reduced from 21.0 mm Hg to 0.3 mmHg. Arteriolar and venular blood flows were ratios of 0.75 and 0.76 relative to baseline. In a previous study, tissue pO2 after hemodilution to 5.6 g of Hb per dL with dextran 70 was 23.0 mmHg. Hypervolemic injection of PBH solution increased blood pressure and caused vasoconstriction. CONCLUSION: Using PBH solution to replace RBC oxygen-carrying capacity during low Hb content conditions (<50%) causes abnormally low tissue oxygenation and FCD, while the same level of hemodilution with dextran maintains normal microvascular conditions.
[5,10,15,20-Tetrakis(4-((pentaammineruthenio)- cyano)phenyl)porphyrinato]cobalt(II) Immobilized on Graphite Electrodes Catalyzes the Electroreduction of O2 to H2O, but the Corresponding 4-Cyano-2,6-dimethylphenyl Derivative Catalyzes the Reduction Only to H2O2

Cobalt porphyrins in which Ru(NH3)52+ groups are coordinated to four cyanophenyl ligands pendant to the porphyrin ring act as catalysts for the electroreduction of O2 when adsorbed on the surface of graphite electrodes. The parent 4-cyanophenyl derivative catalyzes the four-electron reduction of O2 to H2O, but the 4-cyano-2,6-dimethylphenyl derivative catalyzes only the two-electron reduction of O2 to H2O2.
An Observational Study of Junior Neurosurgery Resident Call at a Large Teaching Hospital

To -date, few studies have attempted to understand resident workload while on call by quantifying individual duty requirements, such as new patients seen, procedures performed, distance walked, or pages received. Theoretically, residents who are required to return more pages, walk greater distances, see more new patients, and sleep less while on call are more likely to suffer from fatigue than those who have less intense responsibilities, regardless of the length of shift. From a practical perspective, it can be argued that increased workload may stimulate residents while on duty and help prevent the performance effects of fatigue. There are few published studies that have attempted to characterize resident fatigue while on call by quantifying workload, scope, and contextual factors. From April to June 2011, the primary author (a postgraduate year-3 neurosurgery resident) recorded workload data during 15 consecutive call shifts in a large neurosurgery program. The author wore a pedometer to record the total number of miles walked during the shift. An average 24-hour neurosurgical call shift at our institution entailed walking 9.6 miles, being responsible for an inpatient census of 62 patients, evaluating 8 new patients, returning 65 pages, performing one minor procedure, eating one sit-down meal, and sleeping 35 minutes with a median sleep time of zero minutes. This report from an individual resident is a first attempt at quantifying the experiences of overnight resident call at a large program to further understand the rigors facing neurosurgical trainees. There are few recent data evaluating the workload of residents or fellows, and only a few studies have quantified the distance walked while on call.1,2 Although these data are limited given their single-center, single-resident origin, we believe the study is interesting, particularly with regard to long distances walked during call (one call period entailed 13 miles of walking). This suggests a need for further investigation into the call experiences of resident physicians, to more fully understand the relationship between the physical demands of call, resident fatigue, and the quality of care that is provided. We encourage other centers to engage in similar, yet more robust, efforts so that we can obtain a broader understanding of the relationship between workload and physician fatigue while on call.
Spinal epidural abscess: a ten-year perspective.

A retrospective study of spinal epidural abscess spanning 10 years and encompassing 40 patients was done. Epidemiology, clinical features, laboratory findings, radiographic imaging, therapy, and outcome were examined and compared with previous series. An increasing incidence of the disease (up to 1.
Guiding Polymers to Perfection: Macroscopic Alignment of Nanoscale Domains

Nanoscale diblock copolymer domains are aligned via top-down/bottom-up hierarchical assembly. Grating substrates template cylinder alignment with demonstrated 5000:1 aspect ratio for 100 μm domains extendable to arbitrary length scales. Depending on trough depth and amount of deposited polymer, aligned domains are (1) confined to the channels or (2) expanded across the grating frequently with (3) a complete absence of defects. This methodology can be exploited in hybrid hard/soft matter systems for electronics, catalysis, and sensors.
Phase behavior, density, and crystallization of polyethylene in n‐pentane and in n‐pentane/CO2 at high pressures

The phase behavior and volumetric properties of polyethylene (PE) in solutions of n-pentane and n-pentane/CO2 were studied in a temperature (T) range of 370–440 K at pressures up to 60 MPa. Measurements were conducted with a variable-volume view-cell system equipped with optical sensors to monitor the changes in the transmitted light intensity as the P or the T of the system was changed. Lower-critical-solution-temperature-type behavior was observed for all of the liquid–liquid (L–L) phase boundaries, which shifted to higher pressures in solutions containing CO2. The solid–fluid (S–F) phase boundaries were investigated over a P range of 8–54 MPa and took place in a narrow T range, from 374 to 378 K in this P interval. The S–F phase boundary showed a unique feature in that the demixing temperatures showed both increasing and decreasing trends with P depending on the P range. This was observed in both the PE/n-pentane and PE/n-pentane/CO2 mixtures. The density of these solutions were measured as a function of P at selected temperatures or as a function of T at selected pressures that corresponded to the paths followed in approaching the phase boundaries (S–F or L–L) starting from a homogeneous one-phase condition. The data showed a smooth variation of the overall mixture density along these paths. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 2201–2209, 2003
Sox2 expression defines a heterogeneous population of neurosphere-forming cells in the adult murine brain

The identification of neural stem cells (NSCs) in situ has been prevented by the inability to identify a marker consistently expressed in all adult NSCs and is thus generally accomplished using the in vitro neurosphere-forming assay. The high-mobility group transcription factor Sox2 is expressed in embryonic neural epithelial stem cells; because these cells are thought to give rise to the adult NSC population, we hypothesized that Sox2 may continue to be expressed in adult NSCs. Using Sox2:EGFP transgenic mice, we show that Sox2 is expressed in neurogenic regions along the rostral-caudal axis of the central nervous system throughout life. Furthermore, all neurospheres derived from these neurogenic regions express Sox2, suggesting that Sox2 is indeed expressed in adult NSCs. We demonstrate that NSCs are heterogeneous within the adult brain, with differing capacities for cell production. In vitro, all neurospheres express Sox2, but the expression of markers common to early progenitor cells within individual neurospheres varies; this heterogeneity of NSCs is mirrored in vivo. For example, both glial fibrillary acidic protein and NG2 are expressed within individual neurospheres, but their expression is mutually exclusive; likewise, these two markers show distinct staining patterns within the Sox2+ regions of the brain's neurogenic regions. Thus, we propose that the expression of Sox2 is a unifying characteristic of NSCs in the adult brain, but that not all NSCs maintain the ability to form all neural cell types in vivo.
Acute Mountain Sickness and Acetazolamide: Clinical Efficacy and Effect on Ventilation

Sixty-four climbers participated in a randomized clinical trial of acetazolamide prophylaxis for acute mountain sickness (AMS) during rapid, active ascent of Mt Rainier. Twenty-nine (93.6%) of 31 climbers receiving acetazolamide and 25 (75.8%) of 33 receiving placebo attained the summit. Time spent ascending from sea level to the summit (4,394 m) averaged 33.5 hours (range, 23 to 48 hours). On the summit AMS was less common in climbers receiving acetazolamide, and they experienced less headache, nausea, drowsiness, shortness of breath, and dizziness and a greater sense of satisfaction and psychological well-being. Minute ventilation on the summit was significantly greater in subjects taking acetazolamide (24.9 ±2.0 L/min compared with 16.9 ±3.8 L/min). Expired vital capacity was also greater on the summit in the acetazolamide group (6.9±0.4 L compared with 5.8 ±0.4 L). We conclude that acetazolamide is effective in the prophylaxis of AMS for climbers attempting rapid, active ascent. Increased ventilation at altitude, producing an increased alveolar oxygen tension, may be related to the observed amelioration of symptoms. (JAMA1982;248:328-332)
In-Situ X-Ray Diffraction Observations of Low-Temperature Ag-Nanoink Sintering and High-Temperature Eutectic Reaction with Copper

Nanoinks, which contain nanometer-sized metallic particles suspended in an organic dispersant fluid, are finding numerous microelectronic applications. One characteristic of nanoinks is that they sinter at much lower temperatures than bulk metals due to their high surface area to volume ratio and small radius of curvature, which reduces their melting points significantly below their bulk values. The unusually low sintering temperatures have unique potential for materials joining, since their melting points increase dramatically afterward. In this article, the sintering kinetics of Ag nanoink is studied using in-situ synchrotron methods to determine diffraction peak characteristics during the sintering cycle, and to subsequently calculate particle size and growth during sintering. Ag nanoink is further explored as a eutectic bonding medium by tracking phase transformations between sintered Ag nanoink and a Cu substrate to high temperatures, where melting occurs at the Ag-Cu eutectic, demonstrating nanoinks as a viable eutectic bonding medium.
Graphical user interfaces for simulation of brain deformation in image-guided neurosurgery

In image-guided neurosurgery, preoperative images are typically used for surgical planning and intraoperative guidance. The accuracy of preoperative images can be significantly compromised by intraoperative brain deformation. To compensate for brain shift, biomechanical finite element models have been used to assimilate intraoperative data to simulate brain deformation. The clinical feasibility of the approach strongly depends on its accuracy and efficiency. In order to facilitate and streamline data flow, we have developed graphical user interfaces (GUIs) to provide efficient image updates in the operating room (OR). The GUIs are organized in a top-down hierarchy with a main control panel that invokes and monitors a series of sub-GUIs dedicated to perform tasks involved in various aspects of computations of whole-brain deformation. These GUIs are used to segment brain, generate case-specific brain meshes, and assign and visualize case-specific boundary conditions (BC). Registration between intraoperative ultrasound (iUS) images acquired pre- and post-durotomy is also facilitated by a dedicated GUI to extract sparse displacement data used to drive a biomechanical model. Computed whole-brain deformation is then used to morph preoperative MR images (pMR) to generate a model-updated image set (i.e., uMR) for intraoperative guidance (accuracy of 1-2 mm). These task-driven GUIs have been designed to be fault-tolerant, user-friendly, and with sufficient automation. In this paper, we present the modular components of the GUIs and demonstrate the typical workflow through a clinical patient case.
Practicing nephrology with a computerized medical record

The practice of medicine revolves around the collection, interpretation, and dissemination of data about patients. Clinical decisions are based upon information gathered from the patient in light of medical knowledge which has been gained from the physician's experiences while taking care of other patients. The didactic portion of medical education includes the transfer of the profession's cumulative clinical experience to beginners. The products of biomedical research are evaluated by acquiring focused clinical experience through trials of patient care. Payment for health care services, whether by government or third party payors, is obtained by detailed data reporting. The repository of the data associated with these events is the medical chart. Each of the variety of people who use medical data have a unique perspective. A medical administrator's files may appear to contain different data than a physician's, but both of their records will consist of data about patients, their evaluation, and treatment. The focus or emphasis is the only difference. Therefore, to address the diverse requirements of patient care, education, research, resource and financial management, and outside reporting, a computerized medical information system, like the practice of medicine itself, should logically have the working medical record as its centerpiece. A computerized medical information system, The Medical Record (TMR) [1, 2] has been developed at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, and installed in the nephrology service of the Durham Veteran's Administration Medical Center. TMR focuses on the capture and storage of patient care data, and all other needs, such as accounting, management, and research, are met by programming the computer to interpret or rearrange the data. This paper presents the manner in which the TMR medical record is used in the nephrology service. Note its impact on patient care and clinical research. The difficulties encountered in computerizing medical records will be discussed, and those features of TMR which are essential to its success will be pointed out.
Control sets on linear grammars

Control sets on linear grammars are used to define a generalization of the metalinear hierarchy within the context free languages. The families introduced are defined inductively by controlling labeled linear grammars with languages in one family, to yield languages in the next larger family, starting the induction with the metalinear families. The essential properties of these families are analogous to those of the context free family. In particular, decidability properties are the same and on one symbol alphabets member languages are regular. These are consequences of entirely new pumping results which provide a classification within the context sensitive languages, finer than the classical one.