cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
B-Flow and B-Mode Ultrasound Imaging in Carotid Fibromuscular Dysplasia.

Background and purpose Previous ultrasound studies in fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) have largely reported on color flow imaging, power Doppler, and Doppler flow augmentation. We here report on arterial wall imaging findings by B-flow and B-mode in patients with carotid FMD. Methods We retrospectively reviewed ultrasonographic findings in subjects with known or suspected FMD. All patients were evaluated with a standardized imaging protocol including Doppler, B-mode, and B-flow. Vessel wall abnormalities were classified as normal, luminal irregularities, or classical beading (fusiform dilatations). Results We identified 23 patients and 33 carotid arteries were found to be abnormal, of which 10 had classical beading and 23 showed endoluminal irregularities. Bilateral disease was present in 10/23 patients. In the classical beading cases, B-mode revealed isoechoic ridges, which protruded into the lumen, alternating with dilated arterial segments, which were also clearly demonstrated by B-flow imaging. In cases with endoluminal irregularities, B-mode and B-flow showed isoechoic subendothelial irregular thickening, which did not lead to a fusiform dilatory appearance of the artery. The average distal internal carotid artery peak systolic velocity of arteries with classical beading (123 ± 29 cm/second) was significantly greater than that of arteries with mild irregularities (94 ± 34 cm/second) (P = .024). Conclusion Morphological arterial wall changes of FMD were well depicted by careful B-flow and B-mode imaging of the distal internal carotid artery. We would like to emphasize the utility of B-flow and B-mode in the noninvasive evaluation of FMD.
Quantification of Weed Seed Contamination and Weed Development in Container Nurseries

Abstract An investigation was conducted at seven North Carolina nurseries to evaluate the possibility that container substrates serve as weed infestation sources. Container substrate treatments consisted of sand/pasteurized bark, bark/pasteurized sand, pasteurized bark/pasteurized sand, and bark/sand. No differences were observed between numbers of weed seedlings found in the four substrate combinations. Differences were observed across nursery sites and the nursery by date interactions. Five weed species most frequently observed were yellow woodsorrel (Oxalis stricta L.), hairy bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta L.), common groundsel (Senecio vulgaris L.), spotted spurge (Euphorbia maculata L.), and mouseear chickweed (Cerastium vulgatum L.).
Additional Evidence on the Use of Trade Credit by Small Firms: The Role of Trade Credit Discounts

This paper uses firm-level data from the 1995 Credit, Banks and Small Business Survey, conducted by the National Federation of Independent Business, to analyze the role of trade credit in the financing of small businesses. A unique attribute of this data set is that it can distinguish between the perceived importance of trade credit to a firm, and the percent of purchases the firm makes on credit. As in previous studies, we find that trade credit use is, at least partially, the result of credit rationing. We extend previous studies by giving a more in-depth analysis of the role played by trade credit discounts. Firms facing credit rationing are less likely to take trade credit discounts, suggesting that credit rationing imposes costs on a firm. Across the entire sample, though, firms that rank trade credit as an important source of funds take discounts as frequently as do other firms. In addition, those firms that have the most discounts available also take discounts more frequently than do other firms. These results suggest that small firms recognize the high cost of foregone discounts, and attempt to avoid these costs.
Purification of exonuclease (phosphodiesterase) from the venom of Crotalusadamanteus

Abstract A four step procedure, including chromatography on Concanavalin-A Sepharose, and leading to a 350 fold purification of exonuclease from venom of Crotalus adamanteus is described. The yield is about 35%. The enzyme is essentially free of 5′-nucleotidase, the nonspecific monophosphatase, and endonuclease. The preparation is homogeneous on disc electrophoresis without and with sodium dodecyl sulfate.
Effects of Diabetes and Insulin Resistance on Endothelial Functions

Cardiovascular complications have been the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in patients with diabetes and affect a variety of tissue and organs including retina, myocardium, nerves, skin, and kidney (1, 2, 3). The incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with diabetes or insulin-resistance syndrome is increased in subjects older than 30 years (4,5). The Framingham study, which surveyed longitudinally more than 5000 patients with 18 years of follow-up indicated that major clinical manifestation of CAD were increased in diabetic patients, especially in women (2). The risk of CAD increases with duration, reflecting the effect of the aging process, whereas in diabetic patients, both aging and duration of diabetes increased the risk of cardiac mortality: more than 50% of mortality in diabetic patients is related to cardiovascular disease (CVD). The incidence of cardiac or cerebrovascular disease is two to four times higher in diabetic patients than those of the general population (6,7).
Label-retaining cells are preferentially located in fornical epithelium: implications on conjunctival epithelial homeostasis.

PURPOSE: To determine the cell kinetic properties of epithelial cells from various zones of the conjunctiva. METHODS: The morphology and cell kinetics of bulbar, fornical, and palpebral conjunctival epithelium were studied in neonatal and adult SENCAR mice. To examine the proliferative rate of the conjunctival epithelium, a single administration of tritiated thymidine (3H-TdR) was used to detect cells in "S" phase. Proliferative rates were also assessed by determining mitotic activity after an intraperitoneal injection of colchicine to arrest cells in mitosis. To detect slow-cycling cells, mice received 3H-TdR continuously for 1 week. After a 4-week chase, animals were sacrificed and eyes were surgically removed. All tissues were immediately fixed in formalin and processed for histology and autoradiography. RESULTS: Slow-cycling cells, detected as label-retaining cells (LRCs), were identified in bulbar, fornical, and palpebral epithelia, as well as in limbal epithelium. The greatest number of LRCs was found in fornical epithelium. In addition, we found a number of label-retaining goblet cells. This cell population was shown to incorporate 3H-TdR after a single pulse administration, and mitotic figures were seen in goblet cells after colchicine treatment, indicating that conjunctival goblet cells have proliferative capabilities. CONCLUSIONS: These findings are consistent with earlier in vitro data that the fornical epithelium may be a zone enriched in conjunctival epithelial stem cells. This has important implications in conjunctival epithelial development and is relevant in wound repair. Furthermore, the concept that goblet cells are slow-cycling cells with proliferative capabilities provides new insights into the area of conjunctival homeostasis.
Kinetics of Oxidation of Hexakis (P-chloroaniline) Cobalt (II) Chloride by Potassium Iodate

Vit B12 is an important complex of cobalt3 . The rate of oxidation of the Synthesized complex Hexakis(p-chloral aniline) cobalt((II) chloride follows first order kinetics with respect to the complex and oxidant potassium iodate1,2,4-8 in aqueous medium. Increasing in the concentration of complex solution increases the rate of the oxidation. The rate of the reaction is studied by changing the acid concentrations of the medium , by changing the temperature and by introducing the neutral salt (NaCl) in the Medium. From this study the kinetic parameters Ea, A,∆S#,∆G#,∆H# are found out. From the observed fats it is inferred that the reaction follows three steps.
The Role of Ethylene in Banana Fruit Ripening

Bananas, plantains, and cooking bananas are crops of vital importance to the food security of hundreds of millions of people in developing countries. Nearly all inhabitants in the tropics of all continents benefit directly or indirectly from Musa crops as a source of food or cash export. The food value of bananas and plantains is widely recognized. They are high in carbohydrates (about 35%) and fiber (6-7%) [1], and are an important source of major elements, such as potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and iron as well as vitamins A and C [2].
Requirements for Supervisors of Counselor Licensure Candidates in the United States

The study collected and analyzed state requirements for supervisors of counselor licensure candidates to determine which regulatory changes have occurred since the last published study on superviso...
An estimate of the inclusive branching ratio to B¯c in Ξbbq decay

Abstract We estimate the branching ratio for the inclusive decays Ξ b b q → B ¯ c ( ⁎ ) + X c , s , q to be approximately 1%. Our estimate is performed using non-relativistic potential quark model methods that are appropriate if the bottom and charm quarks are heavy compared to the strong interaction scale. Here the superscript ( ⁎ ) denotes that we are summing over spin zero B ¯ c and spin one B ¯ c ⁎ mesons and the subscript q denotes a light quark. Our approach treats the two bottom quarks in the baryon Ξ b b q as a small color anti-triplet. This estimate for the inclusive branching ratio to B ¯ c and B ¯ c ⁎ mesons also holds for decays of the lowest lying T b b q ¯ q ¯ tetraquark states, provided they are stable against strong and electromagnetic decay.
Bridging the Gulf between Executive Characteristics and Organizational Outcomes: The Intertwined Roles of Cognition, Aggregation Structure, and the Environment

This paper presents a theory about how firm performance depends on cognition, aggregation structure, and the environment. The theory is developed as a formal model, and it characterizes: cognition in terms of managers' experience and mental representations (whether they apprehend the environment from a specialist's versus a generalist's viewpoint); aggregation structure as decision rules (whether the firm's decisions are made by one manager or by several managers); and the environment as the projects --- of varying complexity and uncertainty --- considered by the firm. The results show that, in environments of low uncertainty or high complexity, an inexperienced generalist outperforms groups of experienced specialists at managing firms; yet when the environment is uncertain but not complex, groups of experienced specialists do better. The model is used to identify industry conditions under which it may be advantageous to use co-CEOs, inexperienced CEOs, or specialist CEOs. The paper also discusses whether management education should focus on training specialists or generalists and whether firms should follow simple or complex rules.
Factors Associated With Receipt of Training Among Caregivers of Older Adults.

This study uses data from the 2015 National Health and Aging Trends Survey to investigate whether family and unpaid caregiver characteristics are associated with the receipt of caregiver training.
Treatment patterns and survival differ between early-onset and late-onset colorectal cancer patients: the patient outcomes to advance learning network.

Our objective was to describe differences in treatment patterns and survival between early-onset ( 12 lymph nodes examined (OR 1.60, CI 1.37–1.87), to receive systemic therapy (chemotherapy or immunotherapy) within 6 months of diagnosis (OR 2.84, CI 2.40–3.37), and to have a reduced risk of CRC-specific death (HR 0.66, CI 0.56–0.79). Early-onset CRC is associated with aggressive tumor characteristics, distal location, and systemic therapy use. Despite some adverse risk factors, these patients tend to have better survival than older onset patients.
Chronic Kidney Disease Among Workers: A Review of the Literature:

For the past two decades, agricultural workers in regions of Central America have reported an epidemic of chronic kidney disease of undetermined etiology (CKDu) that is not associated with establis...
Are Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Prescribing Fewer Opioids and More Non-Narcotic Analgesics for Postoperative Pain After Third Molar Removal?

Purpose In response to the national opioid epidemic crisis, the purpose of this study was to measure changes in opioid and non-narcotic analgesia (NNA) prescribing practices over time after third molar (M3) removal. Materials and Methods A retrospective double cohort study was utilized enrolling 2 samples of patients who had M3s removed during 2 different 3-month intervals. The primary predictor variable was prescribing practice, divided into cohorts: 1) previous prescribing practice (PPP) occurring early during the evolving opioid epidemic (2014); and 2) current prescribing practice (CPP) (2018). The outcome measures were morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs), NNA prescriptions, and refill MMEs for inadequate pain control (IPC). Other variables were age, gender, payor, provider, anesthesia, procedure, and number of M3s removed. Descriptive, bivariate, and multiple linear and logistic regression models were computed. Results The sample included 330 subjects with a mean age of 23.1 ± 8.1 years; 42.4% were male. Of the 330 subjects, 147 were in the PPP cohort (44.5%) and 183 in CPP cohort (55.5%). Mean MMEs were 130.1 ± 42.4 and 68.5 ± 32.0 in the PPP and CPP cohorts, respectively (P ≤ .001). An adjusted linear regression model showed differences in MMEs prescribed persisted (P ≤ .001). The frequency of postoperative NNA prescriptions written increased from 2.7 to 71.6% (P ≤ .001). An adjusted logistic regression model also revealed that NNA prescriptions had significantly increased (odds ratio, 242.00; P ≤ .001). No difference was found in the frequency of refills for IPC (P = .13) or mean refill MME prescriptions between the cohorts (P = .48). Conclusions Within our academic practice, fewer opioids and more NNAs are being prescribed for postoperative pain after M3 removal without an increase in IPC. Increased awareness through prescribing regulations, non-narcotic research findings, and organizational guidelines could have contributed to these changes.
Focus on Chronic Variable Immunodeficiency for Primary Care Practitioners, the Gatekeepers to Optimal Health Outcomes for Primary Immunodeficiency Syndromes

This review sought to assess the extent and causes of suboptimal healthcare outcomes for chronic variable immunodeficiency (CVID). Significant improvements in diagnostic technology and treatment protocols over time were found, leading to reduced morbidity and mortality for those accessing therapies. Treatments continue to be largely non-curative with financing (mainly insurance coverage) an obstacle. Symptom recognition by primary care practitioners (PCP) remains a gating factor to treatment and a widespread and persistent barrier to optimal health outcomes. CVID is a subtype of primary immunodeficiency (PIDD) associated with under-diagnosis. It has emerged as a health issue more prevalent than historically known. No symptom-recognition framework for early detection of CVID has been generally accepted; those proposed for primary immunodeficiencies have shown low sensitivity, low specificity or both. Positive trends in cases diagnosed have been aided by awareness campaigns and international collaborations. However, treatments for CVID will not realize full potential without effective, accepted frameworks for timely identification in the clinic.
Arbiters of truth, then and now

In the 1970s, sociologist Bruno Latour wanted to observe how scientific facts emerged in real time. Preferring not to rely on researchers9 own accounts of how discoveries were made, he was keen to witness scientists work in situ. To achieve this, he served for 2 years as a resident anthropologist in Roger Guillemin9s laboratory at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. The account of his stay, coauthored with Steve Woolgar and published 40 years ago under the title Laboratory Life: The Social Construction of Scientific Facts, raised contentious questions about the nature of scientific truths.
Application of IMM/MHT tracking with spectral features to ground targets

ABSTRACT This paper considers the problem of tracking dim unresolved ground targets and helicopters in heavy clutter with aground based sensor. To detect dim targets the threshold must be set low which results in a large number of false alarms. Thetracker typically uses the target dynamics to prevent the false alarms from forming false tracks. The interesting aspect of thisproblem is that the targets may be or may become stationary. The tracks of stationary targets are difficult to discriminate fromtracks formed by persistent false alarms.Keywords: MHT, 1MM, multispectral detection, passive ranging 1. INTRODUCTION This paper describes IRST system algorithms that are being developed to utilize advanced multispectral signalprocessing, Multiple Hypothesis Tracking (MHT) data association and interacting multiple model (1MM) filtering for thedetection and tracking of ground targets and helicopters. The measured signal-to-clutter ratio (SCR) is used in the track scorein order to aid track confirmation for dim targets. Also, the target's dynamics models used by the 1MM filtering method arechosen based upon the estimated track SCR.Section 2 outlines the multispectral signal processing methods that are described in more detail in a companion paper[1]. Section 3 describes the IMMIMHT tracker that is discussed in more detail in [2-5.
Income Segregation and Access to Healthy Food.

Introduction Differences in diet quality across socioeconomic groups are a key contributor to health gradient. An agent-based model was developed to explore how income segregation affects food access for poor households under idealized circumstances where the poor have the same knowledge of and preferences for healthy food as the nonpoor. Methods The agent-based model featured households with heterogeneous incomes and automobile ownership characteristics on the basis of 2016 U.S. Census Bureau data. Households had identical preferences and were perfectly informed about the prices and availability of food products in different grocery stores. The model featured 2 fully informed competing grocery stores that chose their locations, product lines, and prices to maximize profits. The model was simulated for different levels of income segregation. The model in this article was created and analyzed in 2019. Results With no segregation, the rich and the poor households had comparatively equal access to grocery stores (in terms of travel distance) and healthy food (in terms of availability). With high segregation, poor households were forced to travel farther for groceries and may find healthy food unavailable at the grocery stores closest to their homes. Incentivizing grocery stores to locate equitably would require offering them substantial subsidies. Conclusions The model demonstrates that even under idealized conditions of perfect information and fully rational consumers, income segregation leads to adverse consequences for healthy food access by the poor. Agent-based modeling is useful to explore important hypothetical scenarios and should be considered as one of many worthwhile complementary frameworks to study complex topics.
Patient reactions to receiving negative genomic screening results by mail.

As genomic screening is incorporated into a wider array of clinical settings, it is critical that we understand how patients may respond to a various screening results. Although multiple studies have examined how patients understand positive genomic screening results, few data exist regarding patient engagement with negative screening results. An 82-item survey was administered to 1712 individuals who received negative genomic screening results by mail following evaluation of 109 medically actionable genes. Genetic counselors were available to assist with the interpretation of screening results. One thousand four hundred forty-two participants completed the survey (84.2%). The vast majority of respondents valued the information they received, with 98% of respondents reporting that negative genomic screening results were valuable and 72% indicating they would recommend genomic screening to others. Nonetheless, many respondents had questions about their genomic screening results (28%) and would have preferred to receive their screening results in person (18%). These data suggest most patients value receiving negative genomic screening results and are comfortable receiving their results by mail. Nevertheless, a significant proportion of patients also reported difficulty understanding some aspects of their results. This finding challenges the idea that communicating genomic screening results by mail alone is sufficient to meet patients’ needs.
Music Information Retrieval and Contemporary Classical Music: A Successful Failure

This paper is about the story of my relationship, as a contemporary music composer, with computational tools that are situated in the areas of signal processing, machine learning and music information retrieval (MIR). I believe that sharing this story can be useful to the MIR community since it illustrates the problems that can arise when you try to use these techniques in the context of contemporary music creation. Since this is a personal story, I will refer to experiences that I had during about fifteen years of usage of MIR-related technologies. I will show how these technologies tried to (unsuccessfully) shape my musical thinking and why I believe that some of them have come to an end. Finally, I will propose new possible directions for the future of MIR.
Transcranial imaging of phase change contrast agents (PCCAs) through the temporal bone using ultrafast interframe activation ultrasound sequence

Nanoscale low boiling point phase-change contrast agents (PCCA) have been demonstrated as a useful tool for ultrasound-mediated transcranial therapy. Due to the low vaporization threshold, diagnostic ultrasound has been demonstrated for activating and imaging the PCCAs and guiding the focused ultrasound therapy, but the highly attenuating skull poses a challenge for transcranial applications. In this study, an ultrafast interframe activation ultrasound (UIAU) imaging sequence was tested and used for transcranial activation and imaging of low boiling point PCCAs. Results indicate that low boiling point PCCAs can be activated and imaged at low frequencies including through the temporal bone using the UIAU sequence. The UIAU imaging approach provides higher contrast than the nonlinear transcranial amplitude modulation pulse inversion (AMPI) imaging with and without the skull.
Abstract PO-252: Exploratory study of cervical cancer screening among Latinas in a remote agricultural community

Background: Cancer is the leading cause of death among Latinos. Compared to non- Hispanic Whites, Latinos are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced stages of disease and to experience poorer outcomes and quality of life after a cancer diagnosis. Latino women (Latinas) have among the highest cervical cancer incidence rates. Overall, the cervical cancer incidence rate among US Latinas is about 44% higher than among non-Hispanic Whites. Low rates of screening and poor adherence to recommended follow-up after an abnormal test are thought to contribute to the higher cervical cancer mortality rates among Latinas. The lack of timely cancer screening negates the benefits otherwise afforded by early detection of cancer. Limitations in the research contributes to our lack of understanding of the potential web of factors that likely influences cervical cancer screening in Latinas. Purpose: This study aimed to identify and describe potential modifiable factors in the participants that would explain the lack of cervical cancer screening utilization. Methods: In this exploratory study, we recruited Latinas in Monterey County who received primary care in a local community clinic from January 2014 to December 2018. We conducted 7 in-depth interviews to identify the stages of change, health behaviors, health beliefs, perceptions of cancer risk, and self-efficacy to complete recommended cancer screening. All interviews were conducted in Spanish and were audio-recorded. The transcripts were translated from Spanish to English for analysis. Preliminary Findings: The mean age of participants was 52.0 years (SD, 13.7; range, 29-63 years) and all were of Mexican origin. The predictors of cancer screening were identified through the analysis of the transcripts. The lack of income to see a doctor, lack of insurance, lack of knowledge about cancer prevention and risk, and the absence of primary care utilization in their native country, created barriers to cervical cancer screening. Healthy foodways, positive outlook on life, and attending Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) classes facilitated cancer screening use. Religion and cultural factors expressed as “male machismo”, as well as the use of home remedies, and having family support mediated cancer screening behaviors. Conclusion: This exploratory study informs the direction for future intervention research that ultimately can increase community knowledge of the benefits afforded by cancer early detection and timely treatment. Such interventions may result in an increase in cervical cancer screening rates in Latinas. Citation Format: Meng-Han Tsai, Daramola N. Cabral. Exploratory study of cervical cancer screening among Latinas in a remote agricultural community [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: Thirteenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2020 Oct 2-4. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(12 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-252.
Exploring the Impacts of State 4-H Council Service on Career Readiness

The State 4-H Council of Missouri 4-H is an experiential leadership opportunity that engages youth as valued, contributing partners and ambassadors of the 4-H organization. While several state programs have a state 4-H council, there is little research regarding these councils or the impacts of state 4-H council service. This study employed a hermeneutic phenomenological approach to explore the experience of State 4-H Council service among alumni within a framework of positive youth development theory. Council membership was found to carry expectations for lasting relationships and a sense of connectedness. In the area of leadership, State 4-H Council service was found to enhance understanding, develop strategies, and foster specific skills that allowed members to utilize these abilities in the early stages of their careers.
Multiple sclerosis in the COVID-19 era: Vocational rehabilitation strategies to meet the needs of a growing and immune-vulnerable clientele

BACKGROUND: This article describes people with multiple sclerosis (MS) as an emerging vocational rehabilitation (VR) clientele OBJECTIVE: Following an overview of the incidence, prevalence, and impact of MS, the authors suggest strategies to meet the employment and career development needs of Americans with MS across the phases of the VR process The importance of individualized case planning, employer consultation, workplace accommodations, and interface with medical and mental health professionals is emphasized throughout the article CONCLUSION: Implications related to the COVID-19 pandemic are discussed
Single Cell Heterogeneity is Absent in the Transgenic Paradigm of an Inherited Cataract

We have shown recently that highly variable transcriptional activity in single cortical fiber cells mediates the transition from nascent to terminally differentiated fiber cells in the developing ocular lens. The lens is composed of only two cell types, the anterior epithelium and the fiber cells derived from it; the fiber cell morphogenesis proceeds in an order that positions terminally differentiated oldest fiber cells in the center and the youngest nascent fiber cells, entering differentiation, at the periphery of the lens. This pattern of growth produces layers of cells, which when isolated as single cells retain their molecular and spatial context. Here, working with an inherited cataract paradigm, we demonstrate a remarkable absence of transcriptional heterogeneity concomitant with the absence of terminal differentiation. The spatial context of the data, obtained from single isolated fiber cells suggests that homogenization of gene activity may be a prelude to impending pathology when a mutation disrupts development. Funding: This work was supported the Gerald Oppenheimer Family Foundation for the Prevention of Eye Disease Endowment Fund and by the NIH grant (1R01EY024929) to SPB. Declaration of Interest: Authors declare no competing interests. Ethical Approval: All the work with animals followed the institutional guidelines and protocols approved by Animal Research Committee (UCLA).
The Philosophy of Biology: An Episodic History

Is life different from the non-living? If so, how? And how, in that case, does biology as the study of living things differ from other sciences? These questions are traced through an exploration of episodes in the history of biology and philosophy. The book begins with Aristotle, then moves on to Descartes, comparing his position with that of Harvey. In the eighteenth century the authors consider Buffon and Kant. In the nineteenth century the authors examine the Cuvier-Geoffroy debate, pre-Darwinian geology and natural theology, Darwin and the transition from Darwin to the revival of Mendelism. Two chapters deal with the evolutionary synthesis and such questions as the species problem, the reducibility or otherwise of biology to physics and chemistry, and the problem of biological explanation in terms of function and teleology. The final chapters reflect on the implications of the philosophy of biology for philosophy of science in general.
Broadening Education for Freedom

Philosophers have long concerned themselves with freedom and, unsurprisingly, freedom figures prominently in discourses about educating citizens in a liberal democratic society. Indeed, freedom insinuates itself into discourses in a liberal democracy concerning the relationship between citizen and government. What is the appropriate relationship between government power and individual freedom? What freedoms must be maintained if democracy is to function? Is freedom necessarily an individual concept in a democracy? Although philosophers have pondered these questions and more, there is much work more work to do if this is to impact our understanding of what educating citizens for freedom means.
Practices associated with ABO-incompatible platelet transfusions: a BEST Collaborative international survey

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of evidence for guiding the best strategy for ABO selection of platelet (PLT) transfusions. As a baseline for future studies, the BEST Collaborative performed an international survey of current practices in this area. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: An international survey was sent via BEST members to transfusion services and hospitals requesting the demographics of the transfused patient population, ABO matching policies, anti-A and anti-B measurements in PLT concentrates (PCs), and practices regarding ABO-incompatible PC transfusions to adult and pediatric patients. RESULTS: We received 126 responses from 14 countries, 59% from Europe. Most of them were from local/community (42%) and university hospitals (39%) serving between 500 and 1500 beds; 50.4% transfused fewer than 1000 PCs per year. One-fifth of respondents (19.4%, mainly local/community hospitals) did not have a written policy for selecting ABO-incompatible PCs. Significant practice variation was reported when ABO-mismatched PLTs were given to adults: for PCs suspended in 100% plasma, 29% to 43% of respondents selected any ABO group available; 52% to 61% selected units with compatible supernatant; and, in the case of minor ABO incompatibility, 43% to 54% did not take any specific action. In contrast if ABO-identical PCs were not available for a pediatric recipient, for PCs resuspended in 100% plasma, 71% to 82% selected PCs so the supernatant plasma would be compatible with patient's red blood cells. CONCLUSION: Considerable practice variation exists when transfusing ABO-incompatible PCs, suggesting an opportunity for research to inform evidence-based practices.
Applications of site-specific chemical modification in the manufacture of biopharmaceuticals : I. An overview

The chemical modification of proteins has long been a useful approach to elucidating structure-function relationships. Recently, these same chemistries have been finding application in the preparation of proteins for both diagnostic and therapeutic use. These applications include alterations to introduce new properties, such as improved stability, or new traits, such as drug binding and transport, that take advantage of both broad and narrow ranges of selectivity. Site-specific chemical modification of proteins, when combined with the powerful advantages of site-specific mutagenesis, can yield protein agents superior to those generated by either approach alone.
High-Efficiency Conversion of Pyruvate to Acetoin by Lactobacillus plantarum during pH-Controlled and Fed-Batch Fermentations.

The influence of pH on the type and concentration of metabolites produced from pyruvate by Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 8014 was examined in pH-controlled fermentors at pH values of 4.5 to 6.5. Specific growth rates, cell dry weights, and diacetyl concentrations were highest at pH 5.5, with values of 0.78 h−1, 190 mg/liter, and 1.2 mM, respectively. While the conversion efficiency (millimoles of acetoin formed per millimoles of pyruvate utilized) was highest (94.6%) at pH 4.5, acetoin levels were similar (20 mM) between pH 4.5 and 5.5. Feeding stationary-phase cells exogenous pyruvate increased acetoin levels to 78 mM.
Illusory Consent: When an Incapacitated Patient Agrees to Treatment

Medical treatment requires informed consent, which in turn requires decision making capacity. When a patient with questionable capacity does not resist treatment, these requirements are often neglected: treatment is administered with no assessment of capacity and no consideration of alternative decision making. A variety of ethical and legal forces contribute to this neglect. The practical effect is that patients are treated when, if they had capacity, they would refuse treatment. This subverts the dominant interest in health care decision making: patient autonomy. After surveying current law and practice, this article addresses the following issues: (1) when to test patients for capacity; (2) how to test capacity; and (3) what to do when capacity is lacking. The guiding principle throughout is that treatment decisions should correspond as closely as possible to patients' true preferences. On the first question, existing data and new theory are marshaled in support of mandatory capacity assessment in various circumstances. Second, this article argues that standardized instruments rather than physician discretion should be used to assess capacity. Third, when capacity is lacking and the patient does not resist treatment, a familial surrogate should make the medical decision because family predict patient preferences better than doctors.
Why is core spine integrity related to low back pain

Low back pain (LBP) is the most commonly encountered medical condition in health care. There is growing scientific evidence supporting exercise programs as an effective means of achieving lasting relief from pain. However, understanding the mechanism of spinal integrity with a sensitive measurement is still lacking. There were two purposes of the research highlights: (1) To compare the effects of stabilization and flexibility intervention for subjects with LBP with a combined approach of spinal integrity exercise (SIE) and (2) To measure spinal integrity and outcome assessment by kinetic and kinematic assessment with a core spine model for postural adaptation. The current outcome assessment for the stabilization and flexibility intervention was reviewed based on the disability/pain level, quantification of balance sway, muscle response time in the sudden load environment, and fatigability of trunk muscles from electromyography (EMG). The level of pain and disability did not demonstrate convincing evidence of treatment differences, although the flexibility group demonstrated better scores. For balance sway, there was a significant treatment, hand dominance, trial, and time interaction in the anterior/posterior plane. For the muscle response time, there was a significant hand dominance, muscle group, assessed side, and time interaction. The hand dominance contributed significantly greater fatigue on their non-dominant side of the erector spinae muscles. However, these results needed to clarify interactions on musculoskeletal changes with neuromuscular adaptation in subjects with LBP. Exercise interventions that consider the kinetic and kinematic indices may enhance these interactions, quality of care, measurement of spinal function, and modify specific rehabilitation strategies. The combined kinetic and kinematic indices analyzed proprioceptive responses with visual input and core spinal control during one leg standing. The core spine model was also used to compare motor control and sensory feedback for the ability to refine postural adaptations as indicated by diminished motor control in the LBP group. Furthermore, these combined indices could be utilized to gain a better understanding of new concepts of compensation for integrated balance performance in order to enhance evidence-based rehabilitation strategies. Clinician need to apply these indices for optimal injury prevention by core spine training and pain control in subjects with LBP. o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/> Paul Sung
8. Orbital Cellulitis

Orbital cellulitis secondary to sinusitis has been the most common cause of proptosis in children. A case report is presented which emphasizes that the signs and laboratory findings in orbital cellulitis may be confusing, especially when modified by prior antibiotics. When orbital cellulitis is a possibility, adequate antibiotic therapy should be instituted while diagnostic studies are being performed. CT scanning is a new and useful modality for the evaluation of these patients, but cautious and experienced interpretation is essential. In patients who do not respond promptly to appropriate medical therapy, surgical intervention is indicated for drainage and biopsy.
Ratio of free-to-total prostate specific antigen correlates with tumor volume in patients with increased prostate specific antigen.

Purpose: We evaluated the relationship between the ratio of free-to-total prostate specific antigen (PSA) and prostate pathology, including grade, stage and tumor volume, among patients with prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy.Materials and Methods: We prospectively analyzed 54 consecutive patients with prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy and in whom frozen serum was available for assessment of free-to-total PSA ratio. Pathological review was done with whole mount sections, and total tumor volume was determined by planimetry. Comparison between free-to-total PSA ratio and pathological parameters was performed using the Pearson correlation coefficient.Results: Among the 54 patients mean total and free-to-total PSA ratio were 5.81 and 14.2 ng./ml., respectively, and free-to-total PSA ratio directly correlated with prostate volume (p = 0.037), and inversely correlated with Gleason score (p = 0.012) and extracapsular disease (p = 0.0074). Furthermore, there was a significant re...
Volatilisation of terpenes from Salvia mellifera

The study demonstrates significant terpene volatilisation from Salvia mellifera. Net photosynthesis and dark respiration were measured in an intact branch of a potted plant using a gas analysis system. Photosynthesis and respiration rates were determined for various temperatures. The rates were directly proportional to leaf temperature and were the same in both light and dark reactions. Using the temperature curve for the steady-state rate of terpene volatilisation and the gas exchange characteristics, the daily carbon gain and terpene loss were calculated.
Amplidyne voltage regulator for turbine generators

THE USE AND DEVELOPMENT of voltage regulators over the past 50 years has produced the modern amplidyne voltage regulator. This regulator includes a voltage-sensitive circuit composed of static elements, such as transformers, reactors, resistors, capacitors, and metallic rectifiers. These are all reliable, conservatively designed components with long life expectancy. The voltage-sensitive circuit controls the voltage introduced by a rotating amplifier, called an amplidyne, into the shunt field circuit of the self-excited exciter for a large turbine generator. The regulator controls exciter voltage, by varying the amplidyne voltage to aid or oppose the flow of current through the exciter shunt field, to maintain the generator terminal voltage essentially constant. A minimum excitation limit circuit is employed to guard against reduction of generator excitation below values which will safely avoid loss of synchronism. This limit circuit responds to generator underexcited reactive current, and it can be adjusted to allow larger values of this current at low kilowatt loads than at high kilowatt loads. The limit circuit is composed of static components similar to those used in the voltage-sensitive circuit.
Use of a Generic sensor format to store multibeam data

Bathymetric swath surveying systems have become the predominant tool for collection of high‐resolution bathymetry and imagery data. The success of these systems has resulted in a variety of data formats being established by manufacturers, integrators, and users. The increasing sophistication of these swath‐mapping sonars has resulted in an ever‐expanding stream of data and, at this point, a significant amount of effort must be spent determining which version of a particular sonar was used to collect a given set of data. There must be a standardization of these data, if they are to be preserved in a usable fashion. Earlier work was undertaken to develop a strategy for organizing swath‐mapping data in a logical, modular fashion. This presentation builds on previous work and illustrates how to use the Generic Sensor Format to store the complete data record of a modern, wide‐swath multibeam sonar system. In addition to serving a role in data collection, this format is designed to support efficient processing ...
Asymptotically efficient nonparametric estimation of regression and scale parameters

Estisators of regression parameters and of the ratio of scale parameters are found in the two sample problem when the form of the distribution function is unknown. These estimators are shown to be as efficient (asymptotically) as would be the best possible estimators based on the same observations if the distribution function were in fact known.
Cholinergic effect on rat proximal convoluted tubule.

The effect of cholinergic agents on proximal tubular absorption of bicarbonate and fluid were examined to investigate the possible role of the cholinergic receptor in the regulation of renal function. Proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) and peritubular capillaries were perfused with bicarbonate-Ringer's solution containing radioactive inulin. Bicarbonate (total CO2) was determined by microcalorimetry. The rates of bicarbonate absorption ( $$J_{HCO_3 } $$ ) and fluid absorption (Jv) were 143.3±7.2 pEq/min · mm and 2.52±0.23 nl/min · mm, respectively. Addition of carbachol (10−8 M) to the capillary perfusate reduced $$J_{HCO_3 } $$ by 17% and Jv by 32%. A higher dose of carbachol (10−6 M) did not further inhibit $$J_{HCO_3 } $$ or Jv. Simultaneous perfusion of atropine (10−5 M) together with carbachol (10−8 M) abolished the inhibitory effect of carbachol on PCT transport. Atropine itself, however, had no effect on PCT transport. The inhibitory effect of carbachol was also diminished by lanthanum chloride (10−4 M). Carbachol (10−6 M) had no effects from the luminal side. W-7, a calmodulin antagonist, inhibited carbachol-induced effects. Ionophore A-23187 also inhibited Jv and $$J_{HCO_3 } $$ . However, there was no additive effect when A-23187 and carbachol were combined in the capillary perfusate. These results suggest that there are functional cholinergic receptors on the basolateral side of the PCT that can regulate $$J_{HCO_3 } $$ and Jv. Calcium influx may play a role in mediating the cholinergic effects on PCT transport.
A cost comparison of heart transplantation versus alternative operations for cardiomyopathy.

Abstract Background . Heart transplantation is an established therapy for cardiomyopathy but is limited by organ shortage and expense. As a result, alternative operations have been proposed including coronary bypass, mitral valve repair, and left ventricular reconstruction. Because it is unknown whether alternative operations are less expensive than replacing the diseased heart, we compared in-hospital costs and early outcome of these operations with elective heart transplantation. Methods . We compared clinical and financial data of 268 patients with ejection fraction less than 30% who underwent elective heart transplantation (n = 52, UNOS status 2 only), coronary bypass (n = 176), mitral repair (n = 15), or left ventricular reconstruction (n = 25). Data were evaluated for between-group differences, with p less than 0.05 as significant. Results . Preoperative ejection fraction, although similar for heart transplantation (21.2% ± 1.3%), coronary bypass (25.8% ± 0.4%), mitral repair (22.9% ± 1.5%), and left ventricular reconstruction (24.2% ± 2.1%), was significantly different between the former two ( p p = 0.8). However, total hospital cost of heart transplantation was significantly greater than all others: $75,992 ± $5,380, $25,008 ± $1,446, $32,375 ± $2,379, and $26,584 ± $4,076, respectively ( p p = 0.86) Conclusions . Compared with heart transplantation, alternative operations yield a comparable early outcome and long-term survival, and are markedly less expensive. The cost of transplantation, which is largely due to procurement expenses, is yet another reason to attempt alternative operations for cardiomyopathy whenever feasible.
Neurorehabilitation outcome in moyamoya disease

Moyamoya is a disease characterized by occlusion of the internal carotid, anterior, and middle cerebral arteries with associated rich collateral flow that presents a cloudy appearance on angiogram resembling a puff of smoke. The disease is most often progressive with associated hemiparesis and cognitive impairment. The functional outcome of patients with moyamoya is not well described in the literature. We describe four women (ages 25-36) who were transferred to a rehabilitation service after an average 17 days (12-26 days) in an acute care setting. Initial functional impairment was estimated using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation (23-53 days) and was compared to the Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation (UDSMR) for "first stroke" patients. Average admission FIM scores were similar in the two groups. The patients with moyamoya had a higher discharge FIM, longer length of stay, and slower rate of progress. Data on long-term survival and functional level would be useful, but it appears patients with moyamoya disease may benefit from rehabilitation oriented toward neurological deficits.