cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of common storage temperatures and container types on urine protein : creatinine ratios in urine samples of proteinuric dogs.

Background Preanalytic protein adsorption to polymer and glass container surfaces may decrease urine protein concentration measurements and urine protein: creatinine ratios (UPC). Hypothesis/objectives Urine stored in PC or glass containers will have lower UPC than urine stored in HP containers. The specific objective was to determine whether clinically relevant differences in UPC would be detected after storage in glass, PC, or HP containers using common storage times and temperatures. Animals Twelve client-owned dogs with proteinuria. Methods Prospective, nonmasked study, divided into 2 phases. The first phase was a pilot study involving multiple (n = 5) measurements at each storage condition using 24-hours urine samples from 2 dogs with persistent renal proteinuria of different magnitude. The second phase used urine samples from 10 dogs with proteinuria of variable magnitude. Sample aliquots were stored in HP, PC, and glass containers at 24°C for 4 hours, 4°C for 12 hours, and -20°C for 72 hours. The UPC of each was measured after storage and compared with baseline. Results Statistically significant but clinically irrelevant differences were found in phase 1. In phase 2, storage conditions did not affect urinary protein or creatinine concentrations or UPC. Conclusions and clinical importance Collection and storage of canine urine samples in clean HP, PC, or glass containers at 24°C for 4 hours, 4°C for 12 hours, or -20°C for 72 hours is unlikely to result in clinically relevant decreases in measured UPC values.
Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of persons who experienced spontaneous hepatitis C viral clearance.

In the United States Hepatitis C virus (HCV) viral clearance is estimated to range between 20 and 30%. The objective of this study was to estimate the frequency of HCV clearance and identify correlates of viral clearance among patients newly identified as HCV antibody positive in a large urban health system in Los Angeles, California. We identified patients between November 2015 and September 2017 as part of a newly implemented HCV screening and linkage-to-care program at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Health System. All patients were eligible for screening, though there were additional efforts to screen patients born between 1945 and 1965. We reviewed Medical records to categorize anti-HCV antibody positive patients as having spontaneously cleared HCV infection (HCV RNA not detected) or not (HCV RNA detected). We excluded those with a prior history of anti-HCV positivity or history of HCV treatment. We compared differences between those with and without detectable HCV RNA using chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, and t-test as appropriate. We assessed factors associated with HCV clearance using logistic regression analysis. Among the 320 patients included in this study, 56% were male. Baby boomers (52–72 years of age) comprised the single largest age group (62%). We found spontaneous HCV clearance in 58% (n = 185). HCV viral clearance was slightly higher among women as compared to men (63% vs. 53%; p value = 0.07) and varied by race/ethnicity: clearance among Blacks/African Americans was 37% vs. 58% among whites (p value = 0.02). After adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, and sex we found that those diagnosed with chronic kidney disease had a tendency of decreased HCV viral clearance (adjusted OR = 0.34; 95% CI 0.14–1.03). Of those patients newly identified as anti-HCV positive, 58% had cleared HCV virus, while the rest showed evidence of active infection. In addition, we found that clearance varied by race/ethnicity and clinical characteristics.
Introduction to the Applied Probability Society’s “Open Problems in Applied Probability” Session at the INFORMS Annual Meeting, Phoenix, Arizona, November 4–7, 2018

This Special Section of Stochastic Systems includes a number of open problems that were presented at a session organized by the Applied Probability Society during the INFORMS Annual Meeting held in...
Early Comparative Toxicity Outcomes of Patients With Prostate Cancer Receiving Initial Cryotherapy and Radiotherapy Salvage.

Abstract Background Prostate cancer is a common malignancy with treatments including whole gland cryotherapy. For those who fail cryotherapy, we investigate the genitourinary (GU) or gastrointestinal (GI) toxicities associated with dose-escalated salvage external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), drawing comparisons to patients receiving de novo EBRT. Materials and Methods The clinical data of localized prostate cancer patients receiving EBRT from 2004 to 2010 was analyzed. Patients were divided into cohorts based on prior cryotherapy status, and acute and late GU/GI toxicities were recorded using Radiation Therapy Oncology Group grading. Patients receiving upfront EBRT were further divided into 75.6 Gy and 81 Gy cohorts, and all groups were matched with respect to age, stage, GL score, and treatment factors. Fischer’s exact test was used to compare toxicity rates. Results 201 patients were divided into three cohorts: cryotherapy followed by salvage EBRT (cryo+EBRT) (n=11), upfront EBRT at 75.6 Gy (n=120), and upfront EBRT at 81 Gy (n=70). For the cryo+EBRT cohort, the mean dose of EBRT was 74.5 Gy. This cohort experienced lower acute grade 2 GU (36%) and GI (27%) toxicities compared to the 75.6 Gy group (53% and 69%) and 81 Gy group (73% and 56%). No patients developed acute grade 3 GI/GU toxicities. The cryo+EBRT cohort experienced higher late grade 2 GU toxicities than the 75.6 Gy or 81 Gy groups (64% vs. 18% vs. 35%, p Conclusion Following cryotherapy failure, dose escalated salvage EBRT is well tolerated with a comparable toxicity profile to upfront EBRT.
Gestalt: a Stacking Ensemble for SQuAD2.0

We propose a deep-learning system -- for the SQuAD2.0 task -- that finds, or indicates the lack of, a correct answer to a question in a context paragraph. Our goal is to learn an ensemble of heterogeneous SQuAD2.0 models that, when blended properly, outperforms the best model in the ensemble per se. We created a stacking ensemble that combines top-N predictions from two models, based on ALBERT and RoBERTa, into a multiclass classification task to pick the best answer out of their predictions. We explored various ensemble configurations, input representations, and model architectures. For evaluation, we examined test-set EM and F1 scores; our best-performing ensemble incorporated a CNN-based meta-model and scored 87.117 and 90.306, respectively -- a relative improvement of 0.55% for EM and 0.61% for F1 scores, compared to the baseline performance of the best model in the ensemble, an ALBERT-based model, at 86.644 for EM and 89.760 for F1.
Society in Peril? How Distance Media Communication Could Be Undermining Symbolic Interaction

An abrupt societal shift toward increasingly impersonal, electronically mediated interaction contexts raises the question: how might such a change impact the process and outcomes of symbolic interaction? In this chapter we combine symbolic interactionist insights on role-taking with classical and contemporary scholarship on solidarity, interaction ritual chains, and bodily co-presence to advance a novel argument about how distance communication media may be undermining the microsocial foundations of human connectedness. We present results from a laboratory experiment in which we manipulated the communication medium between interaction partners and assessed vocal convergence—a non-consciously controlled, real-time indicator of group solidarity (i.e., interpersonal closeness). Results indicate that groups who interacted face-to-face experienced significantly greater solidarity than those who interacted in electronically mediated contexts. We discuss the implications of our findings and outline a research agenda that focuses on the promise of a neuro-interactionist approach, in particular, to provide a clearer understanding of the impact of distance media communication on symbolic interaction and social organization.
The Key Duplicator: A Congruence Machine.

ALTHOUGH it is one of the most famil iar practical exafnples of the replication process, the key duplicator is a "con gruence machine" whose functioning prop erties are for the most part unfamiliar. Capitalizing on the curiosity aroused by the machine, we can study its operation and develop a general definition of congruence for all geometric figures. A common key duplicator has two verti cal bars (see fig. I), a scanner (5) and a cutter (C); they are connected by a rigid rod, so that the distance between them al ways remains fixed and equal to the dis tance (d) between the two keys (K and K\ the duplicate), which are clamped into a frame to assure that their separation is con stant. While the scanning bar traces the key, the cutting bar cuts along the same path into the blank key, shaping it into a dupli cate. (Actually, in use, the clamped keys are moved against the rigid bars.) The cutting bar C keeps cutting into the duplicate K' until the scanning bar S reaches point of key K, causing the cut ting to stop at the corresponding point B' of K'. Thus, when S is at a trough of K, C is at the corresponding trough of K't and like wise with the crests. Since the distance be tween S and C is fixed and equal to the distance between corresponding points of and K\ we have the following result:
A new terrestrial trace fossil Feoichnus martini n. isp. from the Upper Cretaceous Two Medicine Formation (USA)

A new trace fossil, Feoichnus martini new ichnospecies, from the Two Medicine Formation is here described. This ichnotaxon is reported from the upper Campanian deposits of the Egg Mountain locality (Montana) and consists of a hemispherical to hemiellipsoidal structure with a truncated upper edge, and a regular, rounded lower edge marked by a lined border composed of stained layers. The trace maker likely impregnated the border using organic fluids. The simple lined wall observed in F. martini n. isp. suggests that the structure was produced by an invertebrate soil-dwelling organism, likely an insect. Specimens are preserved as casts in calcitic Inseptisols alongside an abundant vertebrate fossil record composed by dinosaurian and nondinosaurian fossil remains, dinosaur eggs and nest structures, and pervasive insect bioturbation. Feoichnus martini n. isp. represents an additional, minor component of the impoverished Celliforma ichnofacies reported at Egg Mountain and expands the paleogeographical distribution of the ichnogenus Feoichnus Krause et al., 2008 to the Upper Cretaceous deposits of Montana, USA. UUID: http://zoobank.org/7c1a5026-7f27-4f12-a9fb-1eb8daa93baf
The Role of Religion and Spirituality in Disengagement from Gangs

Despite increased attention to the process of disengagement from gangs, there is still much to learn. Recent research has underscored the importance of religious beliefs and practices in the process of disengaging from membership in gangs and desisting from involvement in crime. Using a large sample of prison inmates (N = 802), 301 of whom were former gang members, we examine the role that religion played in both the motives and methods for leaving a gang. Data come from the LoneStar project, the Texas Study of Trajectories Associations and Reentry. First, we examine the role of motives for leaving the gang and methods of leaving that have a religious component. We do not find that religion functions as a primary motivation or method for disengaging from gangs. However, in combination with other variables, it plays an important role, particularly for gang exits in prison. Second, using multiple measures of religiosity and spirituality we compare current and former gang members, finding rather large and consistent differences. Former gang members were more religious and spiritual, both in beliefs and practices. Finally, based on the temporal proximity to leaving a gang, religiosity and spirituality increase as individuals continue to transition away from the gang. Overall, our results point to religion and spirituality as a viable although irregular pathway out of gangs, one that is employed more frequently in prison than on the street.
Medical student education in the time of COVID-19: A virtual solution to the introductory radiology elective.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: During the COVID-19 pandemic, medical educators and students are facing unprecedented challenges while navigating the new virtual landscape that social-distancing policies mandate. In response to these challenges, a new virtual introduction to radiology elective was established with unique online resources and curriculum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A previously in-person 2-week introductory radiology elective was converted into a completely virtual experience using an internally developed, open-source, peer-reviewed, web-based teaching modules combined with virtual lectures, interdisciplinary conferences, and readout sessions of de-identified cases loaded to a DICOM viewer. Students from the first four months of course enrollment completed a multiple choice pre- and post-course knowledge assessments and a 5-point Likert Scale survey as part of their educational experience. RESULTS: In total, 26 4th-year medical students participated over 4 separate 2-week sessions from July to October of 2020. This included 12 students from the home intuition and 14 visiting students. On average, students scored 62.2% on the 55-question pre-test and 89.0% on the same test upon completion of the course, a statistically significant increase (p < 0.001). All 26 students felt engaged throughout the course. All 26 agreed (23 "strongly agreed") that they were more comfortable looking at imaging studies following the course. All 26 also agreed (21 "strongly agreed") that the course helped them prepare for their future clinical rotations and careers. CONCLUSION: Initial pilot program using unique web-based resources and student encounters during a two-week virtual introductory radiology elective proved to be a positive educational experience for the first 26 students enrolled.
Individual Differences in Cerebral Perfusion as a Function of Age and Loneliness.

Loneliness is defined as the subjective feeling that one's social needs are not satisfied by both quantity and quality of one's social relationships. Loneliness has been linked to a broad range of adverse physical and mental health consequences. There is an interest in identifying the neural and molecular processes by which loneliness adversely affects health. Prior imaging studies reported divergent networks involved in cognitive, emotional, and social processes associated with loneliness. Although loneliness is common among both younger and older adults, it is experienced differently across the lifespan and has different antecedents and consequences. The current study measured regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) using pulsed arterial spin labeling imaging. Forty-five older (Mage = 63.4) and forty-four younger adults (Mage = 20.9) with comparable degrees of loneliness were included. Whole-brain voxel-wise analysis revealed a main effect of age (in superior temporal and supramarginal gyri), but no main effect of loneliness. Furthermore, the age effect was only observed among people who reported higher level of loneliness. These regions have previously been implicated in social- and attention-related functions. The moderation of loneliness on age and regional CBF suggests that younger and older individuals present differential neural manifestations in response to loneliness, even with comparable levels of loneliness.
Scalability of Hybrid Full Wave/Asymptotic EM Solver Techniques for Naval Antennas

Analysis of naval antennas is very challenging due to the electrical size of the ship structures and the presence of sea surface. Advances in electromagnetic (EM) simulations have significantly improved the design process for such systems, resulting in reduced testing and costs. In this paper, we will review hybrid computational techniques that are becoming popular to analyze and optimize antenna designs and antenna placement on naval structures. Accuracy of simulations using hybrid full wave and asymptotic techniques will be presented.
A Retrospective Chart Review of the Safety and Tolerability in Ocrelizumab in Pediatric and Young-Adult Onset Multiple Sclerosis (4568)

Objective: To determine the safety and tolerability of ocrelizumab in young multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Background: Pediatric and young adult-onset MS often has a more aggressive course early than adult-onset MS, and evidence is accumulating supporting the use of early highly-effective therapy, such as anti-CD20. While OPERAI/II evaluated adverse events (AE) and infusion related reactions (IRR) with ocrelizumab, the mean age was 37. Design/Methods: The electronic medical record (EMR) in a single comprehensive MS center was queried for patients with MS infused with antiCD20 under the age of 22 from 8/1/2014 to 10/1/2019. AEs were queried in the EMR and classified using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5. Results: We found 27 patients meeting inclusion criteria, all received ocrelizumab. Median age at diagnosis was 17.5 (range 12.4–21.6; IQR 3.3) and median age at OCR start was 19.2 (range 15–21.9; IQR 3.1). Cumulatively 96 infusions were given, and 22 patients (81%) experienced at least 1 AE. Grade 1 AEs were the most common (86%), then grade 2 (11%) and grade 3 (3%); 0 grade 4 (serious). Of the AEs, 68% were IRRs: 19 patients (70%) with the first infusion. Intervention (alone or in combination) was needed in 6 (14%) cases: infusion rate slowed 3 times, infusion stopped briefly twice, medications given twice, and one ED evaluation. Common IRRs included bradycardia (22%), hypotension (17%), fatigue (13%), headache (10%), throat irritation (9%), with a mean of 2.2 symptoms/patient. The most common non-IRR AEs were fatigue and headache. Conclusions: We found similar rates of AEs but a greater proportion of IRRs in our young population compared to OPERA I/II. The majority of AEs were mild and none prompted discontinuation of therapy. Bradycardia appeared to be a unique and unexpected IRR in these young patients. Overall, ocrelizumab appears to be safe and well tolerated in this population. Disclosure: Dr. Goldschmidt has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rensel has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Advisory Board or panel: Serono, Biogen. Consultant: Biogen, Teva, Genzyme and Novartis. Speaker’s Bureau: Novartis, Genzyme, Biogen, Multiple Sclerosis Association of America.. Dr. Rensel has received research support from Grants/Research support: She has received commercial research support from Medimmune, Novartis, Biogen (MS Paths) and Genentech. She has received foundation/society research support from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. She has received educationa. Dr. Mahajan has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Genentech/Roche. Dr. Amin has nothing to disclose.
Nutrient constraints on carbon storage in forested ecosystems

Carbon (C) cycling in terrestrial ecosystems is inextricably linked to the cycles of essential nutrients like nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) (Bolin and Cook 1983; Melillo and Gosz 1983; Hobbie et al. 1984; Vitousek et al. 1988; Rastetter et al. 1991, 1992; Rastetter and Shaver 1992). Consequently, ecosystem C uptake and storage should be tightly constrained by the availability of these nutrients. In particular, both vegetation and soil micro-organisms must maintain a nutritional balance to survive. This nutritional balance sets limits on the amount of C that can be sequestered in an ecosystem with limited nutrient capital. From this perspective, changes in the amount of C sequestered in ecosystems must be accompanied by at least one of the following changes in the chemical properties of ecosystems (Rastetter et al. 1992):
The effect of phase scintillations on the accuracy of phase screen simulation using deterministic screens derived from GPS and ALTAIR measurements

[1] Radio receivers capable of high-rate sampling such as GPS scintillation monitors and the ALTAIR VHF/UHF tracking radar can measure ionospheric phase fluctuations suitable for scintillation modeling using phase screen techniques. For modeling purposes, the phase variations caused by the refractive effects of electron density irregularities encountered along the propagation path are desired. The phase fluctuations measured by ground-based receivers, however, also include the unwanted effects of diffraction (phase scintillations). In this paper, we investigate the effect of phase scintillations on the accuracy of phase screen simulation when using the phase measured on the ground as a proxy for the ionospheric screen. Using stochastic and deterministic (measured) phase screens, we quantitatively assess the accuracy of this approach by cross-correlating the predicted and measured intensity fluctuations. We find that the intensity cross-correlation is less than unity even in the weak scatter limit, due to the presence of weak phase scintillations. This correlation decreases rapidly with increasing irregularity strength once rapid transitions in the phase (strong phase scintillations) develop. We demonstrate that, when using the measured phase on the ground as a proxy for the ionospheric screen, both the temporal structure of simulated fluctuations and their statistics deviate increasingly from those of the measurements as the turbulence strength increases, especially when strong phase scintillations are present. We also demonstrate that back-propagating the complex signal up to ionospheric altitudes prior to the forward propagation calculation yields improved results, but some errors still remain as a consequence of neglecting amplitude fluctuations which develop inside the random medium.
Multi-antenna systems for the cdma2000/spl reg/ F-PDCH

Several multiple antenna technologies have been proposed in various forms to the 3GPP2 standards body for the 1xEV-DV (1x EVolution for Data and Voice) standard. While open loop transmit diversity has been standardized for the fundamental and supplemental channels, no multiple antenna scheme has been standardized for the packet data channel. Therefore, it is important to understand the performance benefits of multiple antennas for the forward packet data channel (F-PDCH) of 1xEV-DV. This document provides a comparison of several multiple antenna technologies from an information theory perspective and through link level simulations. In addition, the performance benefits of minimum mean squared error (MMSE) equalizers are discussed. It is shown that open loop diversity schemes provide marginal gain over single antenna systems, while closed loop diversity systems provide significant gains. Further, it is shown that MMSE equalizers provide significant gains for multi-path channels.
Adult phosphorylase b kinase deficiency

Phosphorylase b kinase deficiency affecting muscle has been observed infrequently in children with weakness and hepatomegaly, and in 2 adults with cramps on exertion. We observed 2 additional adults with phosphorylase b kinase deficiency: Patient 1, aged 58, had progressive, predominantly distal weakness since age 46 but no cramps on exertion; Patient 2, aged 26, had cramps on exertion since age 6 but no weakness. Lactate production on ischemic exercise was impaired only in Patient 1. The serum creatine kinase level was elevated in both. Muscle specimens showed focal glycogen excess in both, and a necrotizing myopathy and mild denervation atrophy in Patient 1. Muscle phosphorylase b kinase activity was 0.5% and 8.9% of the lowest control value in Patients 1 and 2, respectively; erythrocyte phosphorylase b kinase activity was normal in both; liver phosphorylase b kinase activity, measured in Patient 1, was also normal. Other glycolytic enzymes in muscle were preserved in both.
Infection in the intensive care unit

Intensive care units (ICUs) have contributed significantly to the outcome of patients with trauma, shock states, and other life-threatening conditions, but are associated with a greatly increased risk of nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infection. Rates of nosocomial infection in patients requiring >1 week of advanced life support within an ICU are 3-5-fold higher than in hospitalized patients who do not require ICU care, and approach 20–25%. Sepsis – occasionally from community-acquired infection, more often from infection acquired in the ICU – is the most frequent cause of multiple-organ dysfunction syndrome, and the leading cause of death in non-coronary care ICUs in the USA at the present time.
Analog control of AC link universal power converters: The key to very high frequency AC link conversion systems

The ac-link universal power converters have been proposed as an alternative to the conventional power converters. These converters, which can be configured as dc-ac, ac-dc, dc-dc, ac-ac and hybrid power conversion systems, offer numerous advantages over the other types of converters, including higher power density. The link current and voltage in these converters are alternating with no dc component, and this eliminates the need for dc electrolytic capacitors or large dc inductors. Despite being single-stage, these converters can change the level of voltage or frequency in a wide range. Moreover, regardless of the input or output form or their number of phases, galvanic isolation can be provided by a single-phase high frequency transformer. The other advantage of these converters is that they can benefit from the soft switching. Therefore, the switching losses are negligible, and there is no need for adding the snubber circuits. The soft-switching feature of the universal power converters allows the switching frequency, which is proportional to the link frequency, to be increased without affecting the efficiency, and this can further increase the power density. However, the complicated control of these converters, which necessitates using microcontrollers or FPGAs, has limited the maximum link frequency. This paper proposes a simple analog circuit for implementing the closed-loop control as well as a new open-loop control scheme for these converters. This allows significant increase in the frequency of operation at a low cost, and leads to very high power density universal power converters. The proposed control scheme is evaluated in this paper.
Mandatory Retirement Policies for CEOs

In this paper, we examine the motivation behind mandatory retirement policies that force CEOs to retire. Consistent with these policies being effective ways to ease out CEOs, we find that firms without mandatory retirement policies are valued lower and have poorer operating performance than other firms. We also find that mandatory retirement policies help “smooth” CEO successions. We do not observe a relation between CEO age and firm performance, suggesting that firms can increase mandatory retirement age without an adverse impact on firm value.
A Pattern of Precision

The amazing precision with which different cell types find their correct locations in developing tissues has fascinated biologists for decades. Models of cell fate patterning during development emphasize the contrast between spatial gradients of developmental signals that act at long range and cell-to-cell signaling events that act locally. Development of the vulva in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans provides an elegant model system for examining the patterning of cell fate in an animal. There is strong evidence that two different intercellular signals contribute to the relatively simple induction of cell fate among vulval precursor cells (VPCs): a long-range spatial gradient of epidermal growth factor (EGF) mediated by the EGF receptor (1, 2) and a cell-to-cell lateral signal mediated by the Notch-like receptor LIN-12 (3–5).
Computational probing of all-boron Li2nB2nH2n+2 polyenes

Abstract We tested if the analogues of the polyacetylene chains with the general formula Li 2 n B 2 n H 2 n +2 ( n = 2–7) are viable species. We performed searches for the global minimum structures of two stoichiometries Li 4 B 4 H 6 and Li 6 B 6 H 8 . It was shown that Li 4 B 4 H 6 global minimum structure contains cis-planar B 4 H 6 4 - kernel. We probed the stability of two different types of cis-isomers of the all-boron polyenes on the example of Li 6 B 6 H 8 and Li 8 B 8 H 10 molecules with the similar spatial arrangement of lithium atoms and kernel of boron atoms as in the case of the smallest model fragment Li 4 B 4 H 6 global minimum structure. It was established that the trans–cisoid form of these all-boron polyenes is much more stable than the cis–transoid form, though they are all local minima. Though it was proved that trans–cisoid polymer chains Li 2 n B 2 n H 2 n +2 ( n = 2–7) are minima on the potential energy surface, the trans–cisoid form of cis-Li 6 B 6 H 8 was found to be a high-energy isomer. Based on these results we believe that such all-boron polyene structures are not viable species for synthesis since they are not among the most stable structures. Though lithiation of B 2 n H 2 n +2 failed to produce proposed polyene chains, we do not exclude neither the use of the other main group metals nor transition metals for producing such polyene nor even the all-boron polyacetylene chains.
Thermal protection with 5% dextrose solution blanket during radiofrequency ablation

A serious complication for any thermal radiofrequency ablation is thermal injury to adjacent structures, particularly the bowel, which can result in additional major surgery or death. Several methods using air, gas, fluid, or thermometry to protect adjacent structures from thermal injury have been reported. In the cases presented in this report, 5% dextrose water (D5W) was instilled to prevent injury to the bowel and diaphragm during radiofrequency ablation. Creating an Insulating envelope or moving organs with D5W might reduce risk for complications such as bowel perforation.
Calcium and lymphocyte activation.

Abstract The role of ionized calcium in the early phases of activation of human peripheral blood lymphocytes was evaluated by stimulating the cells with a calcium ionophore A23187 (Lilly) or with mitogenic lections over a broad range of extracellular calcium concentrations ( 1000 μ M ). A number of biochemical parameters shown previously to be altered during stimulation of these cells by mitogenic lectins were studied including: 1) amino acid transport, 2) phosphatidylinositol turnover, 3) cyclic nucleotide accumulation, and 4) calcium uptake. The ionophore (0.1–0.5 μg/ml) was shown to produce stimulatory effects in all of these systems with the changes closely simulating those produced by the lectins themselves both in regard to time course and magnitude. A23187 also produced 5–10 fold increases in DNA synthesis as measured at 48–72 hr after exposure of the cells to this agent. The responses to A23187 were shown to be almost completely dependent on the presence of ionized calcium. Since mitogenic lectins are known to stimulate calcium uptake and DNA synthesis appears to require extracellular calcium, the early responses to A23187 suggested that calcium was important both during the early and later phases of lymphocyte activation. However, short time course studies of amino acid transport, cyclic AMP accumulation, and phosphatidylinositol turnover in calcium deficient media failed to provide convincing evidence of calcium dependency in lectin stimulation since the three responses were well preserved ( M ethylene bis (ethylene oxynitrilo) tetraacetic acid (EGTA) (an estimated final Ca 2+ concentration of M ). Greater than 50% inhibition of the lectin response was seen only when the cells were incubated in calcium free, EGTA-containing medium for 30 min prior to stimulation with lectin. Thus despite the striking ability of A23187 complexed with calcium to mimic the action of mitogenic lectins, its effects may involve more than simple transport of calcium into the cell. A23187 may also exert a direct membrane action as suggested by its ability to produce rapid increases in cAMP and the occurrence of cytotoxicity at 5–10 fold higher concentrations (2–4 μg/ml). However, these data do not entirely exclude a mechanism of ionophore action whereby: 1) mobilization of intracellular stores of calcium and 2) diminished intracellular transport of ionized calcium at extracellular concentrations less than or equal to 1 μ M combine to provide an effective stimulus for cellular activation.
Covalent attachment of ω-hydroxyacid derivatives to epidermal macromolecules: A preliminary characterization

The present report establishes that fatty acids, omega-hydroxyacids and omega-hydroxyacylsphingosines are covalently attached to macromolecules in mammalian epidermis. Extensive extraction of pig epidermis yielded 11.2% lipid on a dry weight basis. Reextraction of the epidermal residue did not yield additional lipid; however, a mild saponification of the delipidized residue followed by acidification and extraction yielded an additional 0.5% by weight of lipid-soluble material. The major components of this residual lipid fraction are omega-hydroxyacylsphingosine (60% of the total), free fatty acids (24%) and free omega-hydroxyacids (7%).
Thin- and thick-film solid ionic devices

Abstract Solid ionic devices, such as sensors, fuel cells and electrochromic systems, could be prepared by thin-and thick-film techniques. Downscaling and possibility for miniaturization are the main advantages. Existing difficulties are still film preparation, materials compatibility and cell construction.
CYCLO-OXYGENASE-1 INHIBITION INCREASES ACID SECRETION BY MODULATING H+,K+-ATPase EXPRESSION AND ACTIVATION IN RABBIT PARIETAL CELLS

1. In the present study, we evaluated the role of cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 on gastric acid secretion in rabbit isolated parietal cells and gastric glands by examining [(14)C]-aminopyrine uptake, prostaglandin (PG) E(2) synthesis and COX-1, COX-2 and proton pump expression at baseline and after treatment with various concentrations of specific COX-1 (SC-560), COX-2 (5,5-dimethyl-3-(3-fluorophenyl)-4-(4-methyl-sulphonyl)phenyl-2 (5H)-furanone; DFU) and non-specific COX (indomethacin) inhibitors. 2. In parietal cells, SC-560 and indomethacin, over the concentration range 10(-8) to 10(-4) mol/L, dose-dependently increased basal and 10(-4) mol/L histamine-stimulated aminopyrine uptake and inhibited PGE(2) synthesis, whereas DFU (10(-8) to 10(-5) mol/L) had no effect. However, at 10(-4) mol/L, DFU augmented histamine-stimulated aminopyrine uptake by 135% and inhibited PGE(2) synthesis by 39%, indicating an inhibition of COX-1 at this higher concentration. 3. The SC-560-, DFU- and indomethacin-induced augmentation of histamine-stimulated aminopyrine uptake was reduced to basal levels after 10(-5) mol/L lansoprazole treatment in parietal cells and gastric glands, whereas 10(-4) mol/L ranitidine only partially inhibited such augmentation. 4. Only COX-1 was detected in parietal cells. However, both COX-1 and COX-2 were expressed in gastric glands, with relative protein density of COX-1 being sixfold higher than that of COX-2. Protein levels of COX-1 in parietal cells and those of COX-1 and COX-2 in gastric glands remained unchanged, regardless of inhibitor treatment, either alone or with histamine. 5. Parietal cell proton pump expression was significantly enhanced by 10(-5) mol/L SC-560 and 10(-4) mol/L indomethacin (by 29 and 31%, respectively) and pump activity was enhanced by 61 and 65%, respectively. In contrast, 10(-5) mol/L DFU had no effect. 6. In conclusion, the data indicate that inhibition of COX-1- but not COX-2-derived PGE(2) synthesis is involved in augmentation of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced gastric acid secretion in parietal cells by enhancing expression and activation of the proton pump.
Destruction of the sympathetic nervous system in neonatal rats and hamsters by vinblastine: prevention by concomitant administration of nerve growth factor.

Abstract If the primary mechanism by which nerve growth factor (NGF) gains access to the cell body is a specific uptake and retrograde transport from the periphery, then an inhibitor of axoplasmic transport would be expected to produce cell death. Such an inhibitor was administered to neonatal and adult rats and hamsters. A single injection of vinblastine (0.25–0.5 mg/kg s.c.) to 2-day-old rats produced massive cell death in the superior cervical ganglia (SCG). The levels of tyrosine hydroxylase in the SCG were reduced 80% at doses of 0.4 mg/kg, a dose which was uniformly fatal. Doses of 0.25 mg/kg at two days of age resulted in a 50% mortality rate and the survivors showed a permanent, partial sympathectomy. The adrenal medulla and sensory neurons did not appear to be affected. Administration of a single injection of vinblastine at maximally tolerated doses did not destroy sympathetic neurons in animals 14 days of age or older. Chronic administration of vinblastine (0.5 mg/kg every other day for two weeks) to adult rats did not destroy sympathetic neurons. Similar results were obtained in hamsters. Concomitant administration of NGF appeared to completely prevent the cytotoxic effects of vinblastine assessed by both morphological and enzymatic criteria. Several explanations are discussed which might explain these results. The similarities in the effects of vinblastine, other drugs, and axonal crush on sympathetic neurons are noted. It is proposed that all drugs which destroy sympathetic neurons (guanethidine, 6-hydroxydopamine, vinblastine) as well as anti-NGF and axonal ligation destroy the neurons by depriving the cell body of NGF from the periphery.
A note of effluent charges

Ferrar in[1] discussed some of the problems in the implementation of an effluent taxation structure. Two of the problems discussed in his paper were that (1) damage from effluents is very difficult to quantify, and (2) often the offenders have little motivation to clean up the effluent at all, much less give "honest" answers to questions for necessary data.
Magnetic Nanoparticle Supported Catalyst for Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization

Magnetic nanoparticles were used to support an ATRP catalyst for the polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) for minimized adverse effect of catalyst support and easy catalyst separation. The n...
Risk evaluation and mitigation strategies: a focus on the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors.

Objective—To review the history of risk evaluation and mitigation strategies (REMS) with the mammalian target of rapamycin (mToR) inhibitors, evaluate their required REMS elements, and delineate the reasons for them being released from their REMS requirements.Data Sources and Extraction—Articles were identified through a literature search of MEDLINE and EMBASE (January 2007-July 2012) using the search terms: risk evaluation and mitigation strategies, REMS, everolimus, sirolimus and organ transplant (individual organs also were searched). Information from the Federal Register, the Food and Drug Administration, and the manufacturers of the mToR inhibitors was also evaluated.Data Synthesis—REMS are strategies implemented to manage known or potential risks associated with medications and to ensure ongoing pharmacovigilance throughout the life of a pharmaceutical product. The mToR inhibitors have been associated with several potential risks, including proteinuria, graft thrombosis, and wound-healing complicati...
Role of trastuzumab in adjuvant therapy for locally invasive breast cancer.

Purpose. The role of trastuzumab in adjuvant therapy for locally invasive breast cancer is discussed. Summary. Trastuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to the extracellular domain of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2). Currently, trastuzumab is indicated for use in HER2-positive patients with metastatic breast cancer. Because trastuzumab specifically targets a receptor that is overexpressed in tumor cells, it is less likely to cause the cytotoxic adverse effects of traditional chemotherapy. Cardiotoxicity has been a major concern, however. Several trials were started to evaluate trastuzumab in the adjuvant setting in patients diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. The interim results of these trials have shown a promising effect of adjuvant therapy with trastuzumab in improving overall survival, disease-free survival, relapse-free survival, and distant-disease-free survival. Conclusion. The use of trastuzumab as adjuvant therapy in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer can lead to increased survival. The appropriateness of trastuzumab therapy should be considered based on HER2 status, cost, and risk of toxicity.
Effects of 17β-estradiol on bone maturation in mice

Abstract 17β-Estradiol dipropionate, in doses of 2 to 4 mg/kg/day, increased the rate of bone maturation in intact mice of either sex, by 44 to 65%. The doses used caused some interference with body weight gain. 17β-Estradiol was more active in the bone maturation test than either testosterone or 3β-hydroxy-5-androsten-17-one.
Individual T cells hold unexpected clues to the nature of anergy and memory

The primary interest of our laboratory is understanding how the signals that a T cell receives influence its behavior during an immune response. Recently, we have focused our attention on the examination of T cell responses at an individual cell level. This article outlines our approach, presents our initial findings, and discusses the implications of these findings relative to our current models of T cell activation.
Bridge to transplant using the MicroMed DeBakey ventricular assist device in a child with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

We report the implantation of the MicroMed DeBakey left ventricular assist device (MDBVAD) in a 10-year-old girl with cardiogenic shock secondary to an idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. This was the first pediatric implant of the MDBVAD in the United States and the youngest patient worldwide. The patient recovered well and subsequently underwent successful heart transplantation after 84 days of support.
Plasmons and rust for solar energy conversion

We will present progress towards the use of plasmonic metal nanostructures to enhance the efficiency of solar fuel generation [1]. In the past, solar-to-fuel-efficiencies have been limited because of a large mismatch in the length scales for optical absorption and carrier extraction. Future generations of photoelectrodes must employ cheap, earth-abundant absorber materials in order to provide a large-scale source of clean energy. These materials will likely have relatively poor electrical properties, so progress must be made in optimizing their absorption properties [2, 3]. We chose iron oxide (β-Fe 2 O 3 ; hematite) [4] as a prototype system that shares many features with other candidate materials for future large-scale solar fuel production, and therefore anticipate that the results obtained in this study will be applicable to other materials systems as well. Hematite has relatively weak absorption in the 500–600 nm range (0.1 – 1 µm absorption length), very long compared to its minority carrier diffusion length on the order of 2–4 nm [5] or 20 nm [6].
Impact of CAMEX-4 Datasets for Hurricane Forecasts Using a Global Model

This study explores the impact on hurricane data assimilation and forecasts from the use of dropsondes and remote-sensed moisture profiles from the airborne Lidar Atmospheric Sensing Experiment (LASE) system. We show that the use of these additional data sets, above those from the conventional world weather watch, has a positive impact on hurricane predictions. The forecast tracks and intensity from the experiments show a marked improvement compared to the control experiment where such data sets were excluded. A study of the moisture budget in these hurricanes showed enhanced evaporation and precipitation over the storm area. This resulted in these data sets making a large impact on the estimate of mass convergence and moisture fluxes, which were much smaller in the control runs. Overall this study points to the importance of high vertical resolution humidity data sets for improved model results. We note that the forecast impact from the moisture profiling data sets for some of the storms is even larger than the impact from the use of dropwindsonde based winds.
The molecular basis of P-M hybrid dysgenesis: the nature of induced mutations.

Abstract The molecular nature of mutations arising in dysgenic hybrids between P and M Drosophila melanogaster strains has been investigated. Seven independent mutations at the white locus were examined, and these fell into two classes on the basis of their genetic and structural properties. The five mutations comprising the first class were caused by DNA insertions of 0.5, 0.5, 0.6, 1.2 and 1.4 kb, respectively. The DNA insertions in four of these mutations were examined in detail. Although heterogeneous in size and pattern of restriction enzyme sites, they were homologous in sequence. We refer to members of this sequence family as P elements. Mutations caused by P elements appeared to be stable in the P cytotype, but had reversion rates greater than 10 −3 in the M cytotype. Phenotypic reversion to wild-type was accompanied by excision of the P element. The two mutations comprising the second class were caused by insertion of the 5.0 kb copia element and appeared to be stable in both P and M cytotypes.
Factors controlling the Pb(II) promoted dephosphorylation of nucleotides.

Abstract The conditions under which Pb(II) promotes dephosphorylation of nucleotides have been studied with the Pb(II) complexes of several isomers of AMP, dAMP, GMP, and dGMP. A number of factors which together control the dephosphorylation reaction have been identified. These include (1) the tendency of Pb(II)-induced nucleotide base stacking, as evidenced by large enhancement in ultraviolet circular dichroism, to occur in the complexes and limit the reaction; (2) hydroxylation of the metal, either with weakening of the lead-nucleotide binding, or eventually with displacement of the nucleotide; and (3) the solubility of the complexes, which limits the reaction, but is increased by raising the temperature and by hydroxylation of the complexes. The pH range in which both base stacking and metal hydrolysis are minimized can define a “reaction window” for the complexes.
Structure of unsolvated magnesium borohydride Mg(BH4)2

We have determined the structures of two phases of unsolvated Mg(BH4)2, a material of interest for hydrogen storage. One or both phases can be obtained depending on the synthesis conditions. The first, a hexagonal phase with space group P61, is stable below 453 K. Upon heating above that temperature it transforms to an orthorhombic phase, with space group Fddd, stable to 613 K at which point it decomposes with hydrogen release. Both phases consist of complex networks of corner-sharing tetrahedra consisting of a central Mg atom and four BH4 units. The high-temperature orthorhombic phase has a strong antisite disorder in the a lattice direction, which can be understood on the basis of atomic structure.
Vapor—liquid equilibrium studies for the carbon dioxide—methanol system

Abstract Experimental vapor—liquid equilibrium measurements of carbon dioxide and methanol have been conducted from 230 K (−43.15°C) to 330 K (56.85°C) at pressures to the very vicinity of the critical states. The consistency of the data sets are examined and compared to literature values. Unlike the methane—methanol system, which exhibits two liquid phases at low temperatures, the carbon dioxide—methanol system exhibits complete liquid phase miscibility. Accordingly, the effects of critical behavior on the vapor liquid equilibria behavior begin to manifest themselves at much lower pressures.