cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Human iPSCs in Cardiovascular Research: Current Approaches in Cardiac Differentiation, Maturation Strategies, and Scalable Production.

Author(s): Thomas, Dilip; Cunningham, Nathan J; Shenoy, Sushma; Wu, Joseph C | Abstract: Abstract Manifestations of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in a patient or a population differ based on inherent biological makeup, lifestyle, and exposure to environmental risk factors. These variables mean that therapeutic interventions may not provide the same benefit to every patient. In the context of CVDs, human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) offer an opportunity to model CVDs in a patient-specific manner. From a pharmacological perspective, iPSC-CM models can serve as go/no-go tests to evaluate drug safety. To develop personalized therapies for early diagnosis and treatment, human-relevant disease models are essential. Hence, to implement and leverage the utility of iPSC-CMs for large-scale treatment or drug discovery, it is critical to (i) carefully evaluate the relevant limitations of iPSC-CM differentiations, (ii) establish quality standards for defining the state of cell maturity, and (iii) employ techniques that allow scalability and throughput with minimal batch-to-batch variability. In this review, we briefly describe progress made with iPSC-CMs in disease modelling and pharmacological testing, as well as current iPSC-CM maturation techniques. Finally, we discuss current platforms for large-scale manufacturing of iPSC-CMs that will enable high-throughput drug screening applications.
BROAD TRANSCRIPTIONAL FIRING REPRESSES BACTERICIDAL ACTIVITY IN HUMAN AIRWAY NEUTROPHILS

Neutrophils are often considered terminally differentiated and poised for bacterial killing. In chronic diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF), an unexplained paradox pits massive neutrophil presence against prolonged bacteria infections. Here, we show that neutrophils recruited to CF airways in vivo and in an in vitro transmigration model display rapid and broad transcriptional firing, leading to an upregulation of survival and anabolic genes, and a downregulation of antimicrobial genes. Newly transcribed RNAs are mirrored by the appearance of corresponding proteins, confirming active translation in these cells. Remarkably, treatment by the RNA polymerase II and III inhibitor α-amanitin restored expression of key antimicrobial genes, and increased bactericidal capacity of CF airway neutrophils in vitro and in short-term sputum cultures ex vivo. Broadly, our findings show that neutrophil plasticity is regulated at the terminal organ via RNA and protein synthesis, leading to adaptations that profoundly impact their canonical functions (i.e., bacterial clearance).
Elemental Testing Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry in Clinical Laboratories.

OBJECTIVES This review aims to describe the principles underlying different types of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and major technical advancements that reduce spectral interferences, as well as their suitability and wide applications in clinical laboratories. METHODS A literature survey was performed to review the technical aspects of ICP-MS, ICP-MS/MS, high-resolution ICP-MS, and their applications in disease diagnosis and monitoring. RESULTS Compared to the atomic absorption spectrometry and ICP-optical emission spectrometry, ICP-MS has advantages including improved precision, sensitivity and accuracy, wide linear dynamic range, multielement measurement capability, and ability to perform isotopic analysis. Technical advancements, such as collision/reaction cells, triple quadrupole ICP-MS, and sector-field ICP-MS, have been introduced to improve resolving power and reduce interferences. Cases are discussed that highlight the clinical applications of ICP-MS including determination of toxic elements, quantification of nutritional elements, monitoring elemental deficiency in metabolic disease, and multielement analysis. CONCLUSIONS This review provides insight on the strategies of elemental analysis in clinical laboratories and demonstrates current and emerging clinical applications of ICP-MS.
Defining Telepresence as Experienced in Telehealth Encounters: A Dimensional Analysis.

PURPOSE: Telehealth's uptake has increased substantially in recent years, with an especially large jump in 2020 due to the emergence of COVID-19. This article provides background on and explores "telepresence" in healthcare literature. Telepresence strongly impacts the patient experience, but it is poorly defined in current research. The aim was to conceptually define telepresence using qualitative methods. DESIGN: Dimensional analysis was used to analyze telepresence in clinical literature and create a clearer definition of telepresence as a concept. Multiple databases were searched for articles related to telepresence. Thirteen international articles related to telepresence were selected for analysis. METHODS: Dimensional analysis allowed for multiple viewpoints to be explored within each distinct context and perspective. FINDINGS: Twenty-five dimensions were discovered within the articles, which were synthesized to seven core dimensions of telepresence: connection, technological mediation, experienced realism, trust, being supportive, collaboration, and emotional consequence. CONCLUSIONS: Telepresence is highly impactful on the patient's experience of telehealth care visits. The conceptual map produced by this dimensional analysis provides direction for clinicians to improve their ability to be present with patients during telehealth care. Potential implications include a starting point for future qualitative research, and the use of this dimensional analysis to inform clinical guidelines, improve clinician training, and assist in the development of new care models. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A telepresence definition brings clarity to an ill-defined concept. COVID-19 magnifies the need for a better understanding of telepresence, which allows clinicians to improve telehealth encounters.
New genera for two poorly-known millipeds from Bahia (Polydesmida: Chelodesmidae)

Two chelodesmid millipeds described by Brolemann (1903) from the interior of Bahia have not been reported for over 100 years despite their large size and bright coloration. Originally described as Leptodesmus gounellei and Leptodesmus carminatus, neither species is referable to Leptodesmus as currently defined nor any other established genus. Both have been studied from the type specimens, and are here designated the type species of two new genera, Plectrogonodesmus for gounellei and Baianassa for carminatus. Diagnostic characters are illustrated for both taxa. Intergeneric relationships are at present not evident, and are not suggested pending better understanding of the chelodesmid fauna of eastern Brazil.
The influence of fetal sex on patterns of change in anti-Mullerian hormone during pregnancy

Maternal anti-mullerian hormone declines sharply between 13-15 weeks, likely as a result of feto-placental signaling. Fetal AMH levels are known to be widely disparate after the first trimester, with high levels in male and absent levels in female. However, it is unclear as to whether differing fetal AMH levels influence the pattern of change of maternal AMH. Our objective was to examine AMH throughout gestation to determine if the maternal concentration varies according to the gender of the fetus.
Moment inequalities for real and vector p-stable stochastic integrals

Abstract : This paper describes moment inequalities for single and double stochastic integrals with respect to p-stable motion. The proofs are based on the author's work on the structure of single and multiple p-stable integrals and inequalities for moments of exit times of a p-stable motion in previous works. Its results do not apply directly to the situation in which the author's want to use them, in particular, because one dimensional processes are explicitly excluded there. So they offer the needed variation of their result. The author's propose an extension of the theory of stochastic integration with respect to a p-stable motion, to the case when the latter takes values in a Banach space.
Stability of Motion Near Sun-Perturbed Earth-Moon Triangular Libration Points

An extension is presented of an analysis by Schechter [1] of sun-perturbed motion near the earth-moon L 4 point. In the present paper motion is confined to two dimensions. With the help of computerized symbolic manipulation and some new recurrence formulae [6] inspired by Deprit [4], a canonical perturbation treatment is carried to 4th order in the small quantities: lunar eccentricity, distance from L4/earth-moon distance, moon mass/earth mass, solar mean motion/lunar mean motion; (earth-moon distance/earth-sun distance) is included as a second order small quantity. Ignoring lunar eccentricity, stable one-month periodic orbits, synchronized with the sun, are found, from the 3rd-order Hamiltonian, somewhat larger than in Schechter’s second order treatment, and in very good agreement (3%) with Kolenkiewicz and Carpenter. Unstable three-month periodic orbits are also found in fairly close proximity to the stable one-month orbits, and the limited extent of the region of the stability is estimated in suitable phase coordinates. The inclusion of the 4th-order terms gave a slight deterioration rather than a further improvement in the agreement on the stable orbits. The inclusion of the lunar eccentricity up to 3rd-order yielded stable quasi-periodic orbits slightly larger than the previous stable orbits.
The Importance of CYP2E1 in the Pathogenesis of Alcoholic Liver Disease and Drug Toxicity and the Role of the Proteasome

The chapter discusses about the critical role of CYP2E1 in ethanol mediated liver injury and its association with NASH. Ethanol metabolism by CYP2E1 generates hydroxyethyl radicals which promote ethanol hepatotoxicity. Greater induction of CYP2E1 and hence greater liver injury occurs with co-administration of ethanol and drugs. Induction of CYP2E1 leads to prominent epigenetic effects and CYP2E1 polymorphism may be associated with alcoholic liver disease. These are some aspects of CYP2E1, amongst many others which account for its importance in the context of drug metabolism and disease development and have been reviewed in the chapter.
Dermatology Clinical Trials

Dermatology is a wonderful field for conducting clinical trials, as there are many advantages to studying the skin. First, it is an accessible organ that can be easily seen, touched, measured, and sampled. An additional benefit to conducting dermatology clinical trials is that diseases of the skin manifest in both adults and children, so there is a demographic of patients from which to draw a study subject population. This article describes some of the distinctive aspects involved in designing and conducting dermatology clinical trials. Keywords: dermatology; clinical trials; skin; acne vulgaris
A literature review: Polypharmacy protocol for primary care

The purpose of this literature review is to critically evaluate published protocols on polypharmacy in adults ages 65 and older that are currently used in primary care settings that may potentially lead to fewer adverse drug events. A review of OVID, CINAHL, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, Medline, and PubMed databases was completed using the following key words: protocol, guideline, geriatrics, elderly, older adult, polypharmacy, and primary care. Inclusion criteria were: articles in medical, nursing, and pharmacology journals with an intervention, protocol, or guideline addressing polypharmacy that lead to fewer adverse drug events. Qualitative and quantitative studies were included. Exclusion criteria were: publications prior to the year 1992. A gap exists in the literature. No standardized protocol for addressing polypharmacy in the primary care setting was found. Mnemonics, algorithms, clinical practice guidelines, and clinical strategies for addressing polypharmacy in a variety of health care settings were found throughout the literature. Several screening instruments for use in primary care to assess potentially inappropriate prescription of medications in the elderly, such as the Beers Criteria and the STOPP screening tool, were identified. However, these screening instruments were not included in a standardized protocol to manage polypharmacy in primary care. Polypharmacy in the elderly is a critical problem that may result in adverse drug events such as falls, hospitalizations, and increased expenditures for both the patient and the health care system. No standardized protocols to address polypharmacy specific to the primary care setting were identified in this review of the literature. Given the growing population of elderly in this country and the high number of medications they consume, it is critical to focus on the utilization of a standardized protocol to address the potential harm of polypharmacy in the primary care setting and evaluate its effects on patient outcomes.
Location Contributions Determined via GGE Biplot Analysis of Multienvironment Sugarcane Genotype-Performance Trials

Selection for productive sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) cultivars in Florida has been more successful for organic than for sand soils. The objectives of this study were to assess the contributions of a sand-soil location to the final stage of multienvironment testing of sugarcane genotypes in Florida, and to identify locations with organic soils that, if replaced with a sand-soil location, would be least likely to compromise superior cultivar selection for organic soils in Florida. Sixteen genotypes were harvested in two or three crop cycles from 2002 to 2005 at nine locations. Traits analyzed were cane and sucrose yields (Mg ha−1) and theoretical recoverable sucrose (TRS) (g kg−1). The sand-soil location, Lykes, was generally neither highly representative of locations nor highly discriminating of genotypes. Results revealed the desirability of replacing an organic-soil location with a sand-soil location in the final testing stage of this sugarcane breeding and selection program. Caution must be exercised, however, to ensure that such action would not compromise genotype discrimination for TRS and sucrose yield. Ability to identify productive cultivars on organic soils by the Florida sugarcane selection program would be least compromised by replacing either Osceola or Knight with a sand-soil location
Response of plasma vasopressin to ethanol in congestive heart failure.

Abstract Plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) levels are frequently increased in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). Further, AVP does not respond normally to certain osmotic and nonosmotic manipulations in this condition. As a test of the central suppressibility of AVP in CHF, an oral ethanol challenge was given (0.7 ml/kg body weight) to 10 patients with CHF and 10 normal control subjects, and the response of AVP, osmolality, heart rate and blood pressure was measured over the next 2 hours. In the CHF group, AVP was 9.6 ± 3.9 pg/ml (± standard deviation) at control and remained unchanged throughout the protocol. In the normal group, AVP was 6.9 ± 2.9 pg/ml at control and declined significantly to 4.9 ± 2.0 pg/ml at 20 minutes (p
Suppression of proprioceptor—motor neuron interactions by proprioceptors in crayfish claw

Crayfish claw proprioceptors and slow closer exciter and opener inhibitor motor neurons were monitored simultaneously during imposed claw displacements. With increasing displacement velocity and decreasing joint angle, the activity of closing sensitive receptors increased, while dynamic-static opening sensitive receptor activity decreased during claw closing. Motor neuron activity evoked by claw opening varied inversely as a function of preceding closing velocity, and directly with preceding pause duration at the closed position. This dependence on closing history cannot be accounted for by changes in opening sensitive receptor activity. Data demonstrate that closing sensitive receptors can suppress excitatory interactions between claw proprioceptors and motor neurons.
Partial purification and characterization of the isocitric dehydrogenase from Trypanosoma cruzi.

Abstract A TPN-linked iso citric dehydrogenase was demonstrated in homogenates, cellular fractions, and extracts of acetone powder from Trypanosoma cruzi . The enzyme was purified 45- to 52.5-fold from the combined mitochondrial and soluble fractions of T. cruzi . In the reaction between TPN and iso citrate, stoichiometric relationship was found between TPNH and KG formed. TPNH could be reoxidized upon addition of oxalosuccinate with the use of extracts from acetone powders as source of enzyme, which do not require added Mn ++ for activity. The purified and crude preparations are absolutely dependen on Mn ++ for activity. K m was approximately 5 M , and optimum pH, 7.4.
Applications of fuzzy logic to the prediction of soil erosion in a large watershed

There is a need in many emerging nations to develop simple methods for predicting areas of extensive soil erosion using imprecise, but real-world, input data at low cost with considerable accuracy. The objectives of this study are to (1) develop fuzzy logic models that predict soil erosion in a relatively large watershed using a limited number of input variables, (2) determine the effects of scale and grid-size variations in input data on fuzzy logic model output, and (3) compare the predictions of soil erosion using fuzzy logic methodologies with those of the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE). Two fuzzy-logic rule bases were constructed: (1) a two-variable-based model which required inputs of slope angle and landuse ratio or landuse, and (2) a three-variable-based model which required inputs of slope length (FLS), soil erodibility (FK) and vegetative cover (FC). Reducing the grid size of input data resulted in a decrease in the areal extent of predicted high soil erosion. The more dispersed pattern of soil erosion, observed with a 4-mile grid at a scale of 1:250,000, became more clustered in the 2-mile grid and even more clustered in a 2-mile grid at a scale of 1:24,000. The trend of clustering towards smaller areas of high erosion potential as map scale increased was also found at the grid sizes 1 and 0.4 miles. Soil erosion, predicted with the two-variable fuzzy logic model using 30 m resolution GIS-based data sets of slope and landuse, was similarly distributed among the low, moderately low and moderate soil erosion categories. This was attributed to the lack of inherent fuzziness in the input data obtained from raster format. The areal extent and locations of soil erosion predicted by the USLE model and by the two-variable-fuzzy logic model were similar. Differences between the predictions of the USLE model and the three-variable fuzzy logic model were primarily in the moderately low and moderate soil erosion categories and were attributed to the effects of the two non-fuzzy variables used in the USLE model, annual rainfall erosivity and cropping practices, which were not used in the fuzzy logic model. Compared with the USLE model predictions, the fuzzy logic-soil erosion prediction models were successful at locating and differentiating areas of soil erosion with minimum input data.
Chinua Achebe (1930-2013) : tribute

Chinua Achebe's place as one of Africa's greatest writers is not contestable. He bestrode the African literature world like a colossus and he would be remembered not only by us but by generations to come in Africa and elsewhere. In his work he restored pride to the African whose postcolonial condition had tried to rob him of human dignity because of Western colonial policies denigrating African culture.
Prenatal or postnatal indomethacin exposure and neonatal gut injury associated with isolated intestinal perforation and necrotizing enterocolitis

Prenatal or postnatal indomethacin exposure and neonatal gut injury associated with isolated intestinal perforation and necrotizing enterocolitis
Genetic dissection of complex traits: guidelines for interpreting and reporting linkage results

Genetic studies are under way for many complex traits, spurred by the recent feasibility of whole genome scans. Clear guidelines for the interpretation of linkage results are needed to avoid a flood of false positive claims. At the same time, an overly cautious approach runs the risk of causing true hints of linkage to be missed. We address this problem by proposing specific standards designed to maintain rigor while also promoting communication.
Look who's talking: speech style and social context in language input to infants are linked to concurrent and future speech development

Language input is necessary for language learning, yet little is known about whether, in natural environments, the speech style and social context of language input to children impacts language development. In the present study we investigated the relationship between language input and language development, examining both the style of parental speech, comparing ‘parentese’ speech to standard speech, and the social context in which speech is directed to children, comparing one-on-one (1:1) to group social interactions. Importantly, the language input variables were assessed at home using digital first-person perspective recordings of the infants’ auditory environment as they went about their daily lives (N =26, 11- and 14-months-old). We measured language development using (a) concurrent speech utterances, and (b) word production at 24 months. Parentese speech in 1:1 contexts is positively correlated with both concurrent speech and later word production. Mediation analyses further show that the effect of parentese speech-1:1 on infants’ later language is mediated by concurrent speech. Our results suggest that both the social context and the style of speech in language addressed to children are strongly linked to a child’s future language development.
Reconstruction of the Eyelid Using A Myocutaneous Island Flap

Traditionally, skin flaps have been based upon a contiguous skin pedicle. Recently the concept has re-emerged that the important blood supply frequently lies subjacent to the flap. A temporally based island flap composed of skin and orbicularis muscle, nourished only by its subjacent pedicle, has been successfully used in the reconstruction of 91 eyelid defects.
Real-time pseudocolour-encoding using a low-cost liquid crystal television

Abstract The capability of utilizing a low-cost LCTV to encode the brightness of an object and the density of a transparency into pseudocolour is discussed and shown in this note.
Polarization-modulated second harmonic generation in collagen.

Collagen possesses a strong second-order nonlinear susceptibility, a nonlinear optical property characterized by second harmonic generation in the presence of intense laser beams. We present a new technique involving polarization modulation of an ultra-short pulse laser beam that can simultaneously determine collagen fiber orientation and a parameter related to the second-order nonlinear susceptibility. We demonstrate the ability to discriminate among different patterns of fibrillar orientation, as exemplified by tendon, fascia, cornea, and successive lamellar rings in an intervertebral disc. Fiber orientation can be measured as a function of depth with an axial resolution of ∼10 μm. The parameter related to the second-order nonlinear susceptibility is sensitive to fiber disorganization, oblique incidence of the beam on the sample, and birefringence of the tissue. This parameter represents an aggregate measure of tissue optical properties that could potentially be used for optical imaging in vivo.
Millimeter wave scattering from ice crystals and their aggregates: Comparing cloud model simulations with X- and Ka-band radar measurements

[1] Arctic clouds are often mixed-phase, such that the radiative properties of the clouds are a strong function of the relative amounts of cloud liquid and ice. Modeling studies have shown that the poorly understood ice phase processes are the regulators of the liquid water fraction. However, evaluating the fidelity of the model ice parameterizations has proven to be a difficult task. This study evaluates results of different ice microphysics representations in a cloud resolving model (CRM) using cloud radar measurements. An algorithm is presented to generate realistic ice crystals and their aggregates from which radar backscattering cross sections may be calculated using a generalized solution for a cluster of spheres. The aggregate is composed of a collection of ice crystals, each of which is constructed from a cluster of tiny ice spheres. Each aggregate satisfies the constraints set by the component crystal type and the mass-dimensional relationship used in the cloud resolving model, but is free to adjust its aspect ratio. This model for calculating radar backscattering is compared to two spherical and two spheroidal (bulk model) representations for ice hydrometeors. It was found that a refined model for representing the ice hydrometeors, both pristine crystals and their aggregates, is required in order to obtain good comparisons between the CRM calculations and the radar measurements. The addition of the radar-CRM comparisons to CRM-in situ measurements comparisons allowed conclusions about the appropriateness of different CRM ice microphysics parameterizations.
Waveform fusion for sonar detection and estimation

The selection of a proper transmitted sonar waveform is critical for target detection and parameter estimation. The focus here is on constant-frequency (CF) and chirp (LFM) waveforms, and it is readily seen that these have characteristics that are complementary, both with respect to their accuracies and in regard to their sensitivity to the blind zero-Doppler ridge. We hence explore the use of fused information from different waveforms: a fused system is not only more robust, but is also in some cases outright preferable.
The year in epidemiology, health services, and outcomes research.

The field of outcomes research continues to grow in its sophistication, scope, and importance. Our ability to track patterns of disease and health care and patient outcomes continues to build on stronger methodological approaches, advances in computing technology, and the coordination of talented
The dissociation dynamics and thermochemistry of the acrolein ion studied by threshold photoelectron–photoion coincidence spectroscopy

Abstract Threshold photoelectron–photoion coincidence spectroscopy has been used to investigate the dissociation dynamics of the acrolein ion (CH2CHCHO +). The two lowest energy dissociation channels to C2H4 ++CO and C3H3O++H are observed at photon energies between 10.0 and 12.0 eV. The C2H4 + ion time-of-flight distributions exhibit characteristics of a two-component reaction rate. A three-well-two-channel model is proposed to explain the multi-component dissociation rate. The simulation that fits both the time-of-flight distributions and the breakdown diagram shows that the slow component of the reaction rate for C2H4 + production is dominantly caused by tunneling through the isomerization barrier connecting the acrolein ion (A) and the distonic ion, CH2CH2CO+ (B). After being produced, only small amounts of B isomerize to the lowest energy conformer, the methylketene ion (C). The energy barrier heights of the isomerization from A to B and the C3H3O+ ion production are 0.87±0.02 and 0.92±0.02 eV, respectively. The 0 K appearance energy of the C3H3O+ ion is determined to be 11.03±0.02 eV. Using the acrolein heat of formation of −69±10 kJ/mol, the 298 K heat of formation of the CH2CHCO+ ion is determined to be 783±10 kJ/mol.
Organic nanoparticles for drug delivery and imaging

Nanotechnology has had a huge impact on the development of therapeutics over the last couple of decades. To date, a large number of organic nanoparticles have been developed to encapsulate and deliver therapeutic and imaging agents. These nanoparticles have allowed encapsulation and targeted release of drugs. A few nanoparticle-based drugs are already being used in patients, and several others are making excellent progress toward clinical translation. The strong pipeline of therapeutic nanoparticles is fueled by advances in novel materials and design features, new applications, and a better understanding of fundamental hurdles that limit the utility of nanoparticles. The articles in this issue of MRS Bulletin are focused on some of the significant recent advances in the use of organic nanoparticles for drug delivery and imaging.
The effects of centrifugation on the morphology of the lateral vestibular nucleus in the rat: a light and electron microscopic study.

Summary Very little is known about structural changes in the central nervous system following exposure to increasedg forces. Sprague-Dawley rats were centrifuged at Ames Research Center at2.76–4.15 × g for periods ranging from 4 days to 21 months. The lateral vestibular nuclei were processed for electron microscopy and examined for evidence of structural alteration as a result of centrifugation. The number of filamentous nuclear inclusions, varicosities, and relative number of axosomatic synaptic terminals containing flattened vesicles (presumed inhibitory in function) increased in centrifuged rats. Altered mitochondria also were noted in the cell bodies of Deiters' neurons. Neuroaxonal dystrophy (NAD) was found in long-term centrifuged rats and was characterized by axons filled with reticulated mitochondria. The NAD found in the lateral vestibular nuclei of centrifuged rats is different from that seen in the dorsal column nuclei of aged mice.
In-situ infrared spectroscopy of the lithium electrode surface in a model lithium battery by internal reflection and photothermal beam deflection

In situ spectra of the surface species that form on the electrode in a model secondary lithium battery have been measured. The techniques used were ATR and step-scan PBDS.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Salt effects on transplant mortality, growth and rubber yields of guayule

Because of the strategic and industrial importance of natural rubber, there has been renewed interest in cultivating guayule (Parthenium argentatum). This study was performed for assessing feasibility of guayule cultivation with waters high in dissolved salts. The test materials included six USDA selections (11591, 11605, 11619, 11646, 12229 and N576), one cultivar (593) and one hybrid (4265XF). Seedlings were grown for l0 weeks in a greenhouse and transplanted in the spring and in the summer into lysimeters (unit surface dimension of 6 x 7 m) containing loamy sand or silt loam. They were grown with simulated irrigation waters having four levels of salinity (0.8, 2.4, 4.6 and 7.2 dSm−1 with SAR < 13) and an additional water containing 5 mmol L−1 of Mg at 2.4 dSm−1. In the spring planting, over 90% of the transplants survived when furrow irrigated weekly with waters of 4.6 dSm−1 or less. However, transplant growth for the first several months was reduced by half at irrigation water salinity of 4.6 dSm−1. In the summer planting, several fold increases in mortality and growth reduction occurred. Dry top Shrub yields after the two growing seasons following the spring planting averaged 10 Mg ha−1 at 0.8 dSm−1 and declined on the average 15 and 51 % when irrigated with waters of 4.6 and 7.2 dSm−1 respectively. The amount of water used to produce one ton of dry shrub was 1,600 m3 with waters of 0.8 and 4.6 dSm−1, and 1,900 m3 with water of 7.2 dSm−1. The contents of rubber in the shrubs averaged 61 g kg−1 at 0.8 dSm−1 and increased to 70 g kg−1 at 7.2 dSm−1. whereas resin contents were not affected by the salt treatments. Resulting rubber yields were reduced on the average by 8.5 and 44% at 4.6 and 7.2 dSm−1. respectively, because of the reduction in shrub yields. Selection N576 produced the largest rubber yields with the highest rubber content at all levels of salinity. Increasing Mg concentrations from 0.5 to 5 mmol L−1 in the irrigation waters reduced neither yields nor transplant survival. Yield reductions observed here appeared to be related to Na, but not Mg.
Should the actual or the corrected serum sodium be used to calculate the anion gap in diabetic ketoacidosis

The two values have different uses: use the measured value to calculate the anion gap and the corrected value to assess dehydration.
Recent Advances in Parallel Advancing Front Grid Generation

The quest for scalable, parallel advancing front grid generation techniques now spans more than two decades. A recent innovation has been the use of a so-called domain-defining grid, which has led to a dramatic increase in robustness and speed. The domain-defining grid (DDG) has the same fine surface triangulation as the final mesh desired, but a much coarser interior mesh. The DDG renders the domain to be gridded uniquely defined and allows for a well balanced work distribution among the processors during all stages of grid generation and improvement. In this way, most of the shortcomings of previous techniques are overcome. Timings show that the approach is scalable and able to produce large grids of high quality in a modest amount of clocktime. These recent advances in parallel grid generation have enabled a completely scalable simulation pipeline (grid generation, solvers, post-processing), opening the way for truly large-scale computations using unstructured, body-fitted grids
Double knockout Nme1/Nme2 mouse model suggests a critical role for NDP kinases in erythroid development

Nm23/NDP kinases A and B encoded by the Nme1/Nme2 genes are multifunctional enzymes responsible for the majority of NDP kinase activity in mammals. This review summarizes recent studies on their physiological roles using a mouse model in which both Nme1 and Nme2 genes have been deleted. The double knockout mice are stunted in growth and die perinatally. Additionally, these mice display hematologic phenotypes, including severe anemia, abnormal erythroid cell development, loss of the iron transport receptor molecule TfR1, and reduced iron uptake by Nme1 −/− /Nme2 −/− erythroid cells. We hypothesize that Nm23/NDP kinases regulate TfR1 gene expression in erythroid cells in some manner, and that defective iron transport into these cells is responsible for the anemia and death. This Nme1/Nme2 mouse model also links nucleotide metabolism with erythropoiesis, suggesting alternative or additional mechanisms that may explain the observed phenomena.
On the mode of action of selenium sulfide.

Although selenium sulfide shampoo (Selsun®) is widely used in the treatment of dandruff and seborrhea, the mode of action of selenium sulfide is unknown. The literature on this subject is contradictory. The fact has been stressed that locally applied selenium sulfide in Selsun has no toxic effect. In support of this assumption it has been pointed out that after use of the shampoo the urinary selenium levels were in the normal range (1). This argument does not carry much weight, because in well-established cases of selenium poisoning the urinary selenium levels were often normal (2, 3). It has been also claimed that the action of selenium was related to that of sulfur on account of its proximity to this element in the periodic table (1, 4). However, the pharmacologic actions of selenium resemble more closely those of arsenic (5). Finally, the possibility has been also suggested that the effect of selenium sulfide was essentially due to the sulfur released from this combination (6).
On the independence and interdependence of syntactic and morphological properties: English aspectual come and go

The English verbscome andgo in the ‘aspectual’ use exhibit a curious restriction: they may not appear in any overtly inflected form. We argue that this inflectional restriction is due to syntactic and thematic considerations which are independent of word formation, supporting the claim that the basic properties of inflectional morphology are to be analyzed by making reference to the syntax proper. Our analysis has implications for several other topics, including the structure of INFL, the mechanisms involved in affix lowering, the ban on unbound affixes, the LF properties of primary vs. secondary ϑ-role assigners, and the role played by pleonasticdo.
Hyperdynamic state in chronic liver diseases

Reduced splanchnic arteriolar resistance and increased portal venous outflow have been associated with chronic portal hypertension. This hyperdynamic splanchnic circulatory state is accompanied by a hyperdynamic systemic circulation characterized by a high cardiac index and low systemic vascular resistance. The systemic phenomenon occurs earlier than the regional one, possibly because the increased outflow resistance induced by portal hypertension delays the effect of circulating humoral vasodilators on the splanchnic bed. Several vasoactive substances have been advanced as the vasodilator responsible for the hyperdynamic circulation. Glucagon and bile acids have been found to be potent splanchnic vasodilators in animal studies. However, neither consistently dilates other vascular beds. For example, bile acids are splanchnic--but not systemic--vasodilators. Several studies suggest a role in chronic liver disease for nitric oxide, a potent endogenous vasodilator secreted by endothelial cells. Prostaglandins have also been proposed as the responsible vasodilator. However, mixed results have been seen with experimental suppression of prostaglandin synthesis. For a hyperdynamic state to develop and persist requires not only reduced cardiac afterload, but also an increased venous return. Recently, we found an expanded plasma volume after initial vasodilation in rats with portal hypertension. This 'refill' of the circulation may be intrinsic to development of the hyperdynamic state. Furthermore, this blood volume expansion may be the link between vasodilation and the hyperdynamic circulation.
Asymbiotic germination of ornamental Vanda: in vitro germination and development of three hybrids

The majority of potted flowering orchids sold in the United States are Phalaenopsis hybrids. However, demand for other genera will undoubtedly increase as consumers become accustomed to growing orchids in the home. The objective of this study was to compare the germination and development of three Vanda hybrids, a genus with mass market potential. Specifically, we evaluated whether hybrids with different pedigrees have significantly different culture requirements. After 12 weeks culture, differences in germination and development were found among the three hybrids screened. Generally, seeds of Vanda Motes Primrose × Ascocenda Tavivat (hybrid S014) showed higher germination (82.0–95.3%) than seeds of V. Paki × (V. tessellata × V. cristata; hybrid S005) or (V. Joan Warne × V. Paki) × V. Loke (hybrid S013) when cultured on Knudson C, half-strength Murashige & Skoog, or PhytoTechnology Orchid Seed Sowing Medium under three photoperiods (8/16 h, 12/12 h, 16/12 h; light/dark). Protocorms of S005 and S013 did not develop beyond Stage 3 (first leaf present) under any of the conditions tested, while S014 seeds cultured on PhytoTechnology Orchid Seed Sowing Medium developed to Stage 4 (one leaf and ≥1 roots present; 0.5–0.6%) and 5 (two leaves and ≥1 roots present; 2.7–5.6%) under all photoperiods tested. All hybrids appeared to undergo similar early development (Stages 0–3). Limited advanced development of Hybrids S005 and S013 may be due either to inadequate culture conditions or low vigor of these hybrids. These data indicate that commercial production of some Vanda hybrids may be limited by slow growth and development. Efforts to breed hybrids which germinate and develop rapidly may be required to improve the mass market potential of Vanda hybrids.
Recrudescence of cervical dysplasia among women who are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus: a case-control analysis.

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the recurrence rates of cervical dysplasia after ablation therapy and hysterectomy for women who are positive for the human immunodeficiency virus and for women who are negative for the human immunodeficiency virus. Study Design: Forty-three women who were positive for the human immunodeficiency virus were compared with 103 patients who were negative for the human immunodeficiency virus after cryotherapy, laser ablation, loop electrosurgical excision procedure, conization, and hysterectomy for cervical dysplasia. All patients were followed up for at least 24 months. Patients with preexisting cervical cancer or with positive margins after treatment were excluded. Results: Recurrence was higher in the HIV positive group for all modalities (73% vs 27%; P =.019). Higher recurrence rates were seen with CD4 counts 3 (55% vs 26%). Conclusion: Hysterectomy fared better than standard therapy (50% vs 86%), but recurrences were significant. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;186:880-2.)
Intrinsic neuromuscular defects in the neurogenic bladder. III. Transjunctional, short‐ and long‐term ultrastructural changes in muscle cells of the decentralized feline bladder base following unilateral sacral ventral rhizotomy

We have shown previously that vesicourethral decentralization by unilateral sacral ventral rhizotomy in the cat results in sequential degenerative and regenerative ultrastructural changes in intrinsic nerves of the bladder base. The present study in the same model provides evidence that these neural changes are associated with both degenerative and regenerative ultrastructural changes in smooth muscle cells of the feline base, representing the first example of transjunctional postdecentralization change in an effector tissue to be documented in a mammalian autonomically innervated smooth muscle system. The nature of the observed changes in the sarcoplasm, sarcoplasmic organelles, sarcolemma, and cell-to-cell relationships will be discusssed, and their physiologic significance as well as implications in the phenomenon of neurogenic muscular supersensitivity will be presented.
Appraisal‐Based Real Estate Returns under Alternative Market Regimes

In this article we use Monte Carlo simulation to study the statistical properties of real estate returns. We set up a model where transactions prices are noisy signals of true prices. We then consider a number of appraisal rules, derived from Bayesian and non-Bayesian theory, to estimate the current true price and rate of return. The class of exponential smoothing and Kalman filter rules perform well at both the disaggregate (returns on an individual property) and aggregate (returns on a real property portfolio) levels. A special case of exponential smoothing (α= 1.0) places all weight on current market data. Since this case eliminates smoothing, our results suggest that appraisers should place all weight on current data (no weight on past data) provided that they want to estimate returns rather than values. However, these results should be used with caution if sales prices are very noisy.
Managing political differences in social media

Most people associate with people like themselves, a process called homophily. Exposure to diversity, however, makes us more informed as individuals and as a society. In this paper, we investigate political disagreements on Facebook to explore the conditions under which diverse opinions can coexist online. Via a mixed methods approach comprising 103 survey responses and 13 interviews with politically engaged American social media users, we found that participants who perceived more differences with their friends engaged less on Facebook than those who perceived more homogeneity. Weak ties were particularly brittle to political disagreements, despite being the ties most likely to offer diversity. Finally, based on our findings we suggest potential design opportunities to bridge across ideological difference: 1) support exposure to weak ties; and 2) make common ground visible while friends converse.
Fast-tracking pulmonary resections

Abstract Objective: We streamlined our care after pulmonary resection for quality and cost-effectiveness. Methods: A single surgeon performed 500 consecutive pulmonary resections through a thoracotomy over a 2¾-year period in a university setting. Patients were extubated in the operating room and sent directly to their hospital room. Chest tubes were placed to water seal and removed on postoperative day 2 if there was no air leak and drainage was less then 400 mL/d. Epidural catheters were used and removed by postoperative day 2. The plan for each day and discharge on postoperative day 3 or 4 was reviewed with the patients and families daily during rounds. The patient went home the day the last chest tube was removed. Persistent air leaks were treated with Heimlich valves. Results: There were 500 patients (338 men), with a median age of 58 years (range, 3-87 years). Of these patients, 293 had pre-existing conditions. Seventy-three (15%) patients had been denied operations by at least one other surgeon. Four hundred nineteen (84%) patients had successful placement of a functioning preoperative epidural catheter. Pneumonectomy was performed in 32 (6%) patients, segmentectomy was performed in 16 (3%) patients, and lobectomy, sleeve lobectomy, and/or bilobectomy was performed in 194 (39%) patients. Nonanatomic resections were performed for metastasectomy. This included a single wedge resection in 161 (32%) patients and multiple wedge resections in 97 (19%) patients. A total of 482 (96%) patients were extubated in the operating room, and 380 (76%) patients were sent to their hospital room. The remaining 120 patients went to the intensive care unit for a median of 1 day (range, 1-41 days). Complications occurred in 107 (21%) patients, and operative mortality was 2.0%. Median day of discharge was postoperative day 4 (range, 2-119 days). A total of 327 (65%) patients left the hospital on postoperative day 4 or sooner. By survey, 97% of patients had excellent or good satisfaction with their care at hospital discharge, and 91% were extremely happy or satisfied at the 2-week follow-up contact. Conclusions: Most patients who undergo elective pulmonary resection can be extubated immediately after the operation, go directly to their room and avoid the intensive care unit, be discharged on postoperative day 3 or 4, and have minimal morbidity and mortality with high satisfaction both at discharge and at the 2-week follow-up contact. Techniques that seem to accomplish this include the following: the use of a water seal, removal of epidural catheters on postoperative day 2, early chest tube management, treatment of persistent air leaks with Heimlich valves, and daily reinforcement of the planned events for each day, as well as on the date of discharge with the patients and their families. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2001;122:318-24