cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Management of Oral Mucositis in Patients Who Have Cancer

Oral mucositis is a clinically important and sometimes dose-limiting complication of cancer therapy. Mucositis lesions can be painful, affect nutrition and quality of life, and have a significant economic impact. The pathogenesis of oral mucositis is multifactorial and complex. This review discusses the morbidity, economic impact, pathogenesis and clinical course of mucositis. Current clinical management of oral mucositis is largely focused on palliative measures such as pain management, nutritional support and maintenance of good oral hygiene. However, several promising therapeutic agents are in various stages of clinical development for the management of oral mucositis. These agents are discussed in the context of recently updated evidence-based clinical management guidelines.
Adolescent Medicine and Gynecology

Automobile and motorcycle accidents are the leading causes of adolescent morbidity and mortality.
SU-E-T-301: Dosimetric Comparison Between Adaptive and Rectilinear Template-Based Prostate Seed Implants

Purpose: To compare the dosimetry of a standard rectilinear and an adaptive technique used in I125 prostate seed implants. Methods: To achieve favorable dosimetry in prostate implants we used adaptive needle updates to match actual positions in real-time. The seed locations were optimized based on actual needle locations. The seeds were delivered automatically with a robotic device seedSelectron™ (Elekta Brachytherapy). In this study, we evaluated the former approach against the standard rectilinear technique in which the needles have a parallel distribution. The treatment plans for 10 patients were analyzed. For comparison, the actual treatment plans were revised so each needle was repositioned to its original parallel location through the template. The analysis was performed by comparing the target coverage and dose to the organs at risk. The comparison was done using the following planning goals: the target D90> 90%, V100% > 90%, V50% <70% and V200% <30%; the urethra V125% < 1cm3 and V150%= 0cm3; and the Rectum V100%<1cm3 and V69% < 8cm3. The prescription dose to the target was 145Gy. Results: The average target volume and number of seeds were 44.39cm3(SD=11.14) and 74(SD=12), respectively. The D90 for adaptive and rectilinear plans was 159.9Gy(SD=2.99) and 155.53Gy(SD=4.04) resulting in a 2.74% difference for the average target coverage. A similar difference (1.75%) was noticed in the target V100[%]. No significant difference was noticed in the dose to the urethra and rectum. All planning goals were met with both the adaptive and rectilinear approach for each plan. Conclusion: The study reveals enhanced coverage of the target when using the adaptive needle adjustments as compared to the rectilinear approach for the analyzed cases. However, the differences in dosimetry did not translate to meaningful clinical outcomes.
Happiness and Education

Part I. Happiness as an Aim of Life and Education: 1. Happiness 2. Suffering and unhappiness 3. Needs and wants 4. The aims of education Part II. Educating for Personal Life: 5. Making a home 6. Places and nature 7. Parenting 8. Character and spirituality 9. Interpersonal growth Part III. Educating for Public Life: 10. Preparing for work 11. Community, democracy, and service 12. Happiness in schools and classrooms Notes Bibliography Index.
Ribonucleotide reductase induced by varicella zoster virus. Characterization, and potentiation of acyclovir by its inhibition.

Abstract An enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of CDP to 2′-dCDP in the presence of dithiothreitol (DTT) was detected in ammonium sulfate fractionated-extracts of varicella zoster virus (VZV)-infected cells. This ribonucleotide reductase was antigenically distinguishable from the isofunctional eucaryotic enzyme as well as the ribonucleotide reductases induced by herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2). The VZV-induced enzyme was purified to the extent that most of the contaminating enzymes, which would significantly deplete the substrate, were removed. The VZV-induced ribonucleotide reductase exhibited maximum activity in the absence of ATP and/or magnesium and was only weakly inhibited by 2'-deoxynucleoside triphosphates. Furthermore, ADP, UDP and GDP competitively inhibited CDP reduction with Ki (Km) values of 15, 20, 1.8 and 0.88 μM, respectively. These kinetic properties were very similar to those of the correspondingly purified ribonucleotide reductases induced by HSV-1 [Averett et al., J. biol. Chem. 258, 9831 (1983)]and HSV-2 [Averett et al., J. Virol. 52, 981 (1984)]and were dissimilar to the allosterically regulated mammalian enzyme. A723U, an inactivator of HSV-1 ribonucleotide reductase that potentiates the anti-HSV-1 activity of acyclovir [Spector et al., Proc. natn. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 82, 4254 (1985)], also appeared to inactivate this VZV-induced ribonucleotide reductase and to potentiate the anti-VZV activity of acyclovir.
Diethyl Bis(hydroxymethyl)malonate

Diethyl bis(hydroxymethyl)malonate product: diethyl bis(hydroxymethyl)malonate Keywords: condensation, carbonyl-active methylene condensations
Estrogen regulation of the rat anterior pituitary gland proteome

Estrogen Is known to affect the regulation of all six of the established anterior pituitary gland (AP) hormones, but little is known of the specifics of its regulation of the AP hormones, their iso...
Self-Similarity in Abrasiveness of Hard Carbon-Containing Coatings

The abrasiveness of hard carbon-containing thin films such as diamond-like carbon (DLC) and boron carbide (nominally B4C) towards steel is considered here. First, a remarkably simple experimentally observed power-law relationship between the abrasion rate of the coatings and the number of cycles is described. This relationship remains valid over at least 4 orders of magnitude of the number of cycles, with very little experimental scatter. Then possible models of wear are discussed. It is assumed that the dominant mechanism of steel wear is its mechanical abrasion by nano-scale asperities on the coating that have relatively large attack angles, i.e. by the so-called sharp asperities. Wear of coating is assumed to be mainly due to physical/chemical processes. Finally, models of the abrasion process for two basic cases are presented, namely a coated ball on a flat steel disk and a steel ball on a coated flat disk. The nominal contact region can be considered as constant in the former case, while in the latter case, the size of the region may be enlarged due to wear of the steel. These models of the abrasion process are based on the assumption of self-similar changes of the distribution function characterizing the statistical properties of patterns of scattered surface sharp asperities. It is shown that the power-law relationship for abrasion rate follows from the models.
Rates of Traffic Fatalities and Homicides

Using data for 50 states (1980–1996), regression analyses with control for population size showed homicide rates predicted traffic fatality rates and traffic fatalities predicted homicide rates. Po...
Rationale and Design of the Vitamin D and Type 2 Diabetes (D2d) Study: A Diabetes Prevention Trial

OBJECTIVE Observational studies suggest that vitamin D may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, data from long-term trials are lacking. The Vitamin D and Type 2 Diabetes (D2d) study is a randomized clinical trial designed to examine whether a causal relationship exists between vitamin D supplementation and the development of diabetes in people at high risk for type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS D2d was designed with support from a U34 planning grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The final protocol was approved by the D2d Research Group, the data and safety monitoring board, and NIDDK. Key eligibility criteria are age ≥30 years, BMI of 24 (22.5 for Asian Americans) to 42 kg/m2, increased risk for diabetes (defined as meeting two of three glycemic criteria for prediabetes established by the American Diabetes Association [fasting glucose 100–125 mg/dL (5.5–6.9 mmol/L), 2-h postload glucose after 75-g glucose load 140–199 mg/dL (7.7–11.0 mmol/L), hemoglobin A1c 5.7–6.4% (39–46 mmol/mol)]), and no hyperparathyroidism, nephrolithiasis, or hypercalcemia. D2d participants are randomized to once-daily vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol 4,000 IU) or placebo and followed for an average of 3 years. The primary end point is time to incident diabetes as assessed by laboratory criteria during the study or by adjudication if diagnosed outside of D2d. Recruitment was initiated at the end of 2013. CONCLUSIONS D2d will test whether vitamin D supplementation is safe and effective at lowering the risk of progression to diabetes in people at high risk for type 2 diabetes.
A Novel Approach to Measure Flip-flop of Very Long Chain Saturated Fatty Acids (VLCFA) in Model Membranes

VLCFA (>18 carbons) are normally present in very low proportions compared to other FA in humans, and their elevation accompanies debilitating and sometimes lethal neurological disorders. To understand whether VLCFA are causative agents or biomarkers requires detailed knowledge of their transport and metabolism, studies of which are often impeded by their extremely low aqueous solubility. Here we focus on how rapidly VLCFA can move across a protein-free phospholipid bilayer. To overcome the solubility limitation, we prepared aqueous complexes of VLCFA with methyl-β-cyclodextrin (CD), and tested whether VLCFA dissociate rapidly enough to study the kinetics of their transport in membranes. This VLCFA/CD complex was used for delivering VLCFA to small and large unilamellar vesicles (phosphatidylcholine) containing fluorescent probes, pyranine and fluorescein-phosphatidylethanolamine (FPE). Pyranine, a water-soluble pH probe, was trapped inside vesicles, and FPE, a membrane surface potential probe, was added to the outer monolayer of the vesicles. Using spectrofluorometry, FPE detected rapid binding of VLCFA (half-time <4 sec), which established that desorption from the CD carrier was at least this rapid. Pyranine detected the transbilayer movement (flip-flop) of VLCFA by a rapid decrease in pH (t1/2 <4 sec). Together these experiments demonstrate rapid binding and flip-flop of VLCFA with 20 to 26 carbons across the bilayer. The magnitude of the intensity changes were dependent on the concentration of VLCFA added. The kinetics of flip-flop was independent of temperature, media viscosity and lipid composition of phospholipid bilayer. Our results suggest that putative proteins such as Adrenoluekodystropy protein (ALDP) are not required for the flip-flop of VLCFA between membrane leaflets and that other mechanisms for the physiological role(s) of ALDP in neuropathophysiology require investigation.
Scheduling approaches for the batch process industries

Abstract The elements of scheduling, a decision methodology which is appropriate whenever competing activities must be assigned resources over time so as to achieve desired performance objectives, are outlined. The key difficulty of such problems, namely their characteristically high combinatorial complexity, is reviewed and the range of approximate as well as exact methodologies which have been advanced for their solution are highlighted. Batch process scheduling problems are shown to be highly structured and resource constrained and thus not readily amenable to the full range of generic solution approaches. Model-based optimization approaches, validation using detailed simulation models, are proposed as the most appropriate decision support technologies for this domain. The optimization models use simplified product recipes, time discretization constructions, linear material and other resource balance constraints, and application specific economic objective functions. The core solution methodology consists of mixed integer and linear programming methods, specialized to exploit model structure. The role of combined continuous-discrete simulation models is to allow adjustment of the scheduling information obtained from deterministic, linear models to account for the detailed recipes, fine grained representation of time, nonlinear state dependent effects, and stochastic operational and order information, which are characteristic of plant operations. It is proposed that the model-based optimization and simulation approaches are inherently complementary and offer the best prospects for the routine creation and validation of robust and economical operational schedules for the batch environment. Work in progress to integrate these methodologies is noted and some open issues discussed.
Association of human papillomavirus type 16 integration in the E2 gene with poor disease-free survival from cervical cancer

To determine the clinical relevance of human papillomavirus (HPV) integration and E2 function suggested by in vitro studies, we investigated 50 patients with HPV 16-positive primary cervical carcinoma (stage Ib-IV) diagnosed and treated at one institution. The physical state of HPV was determined by colorimetric in situ hybridization and was not found to vary by stage. Overall, 62% of tumors had integrated HPV, 16% had episomal and 22% had both integrated and episomal. The E1/E2 region was evaluated by 8 separate polymerase chain reactions, which resulted in overlapping products. There was no significant variation in ability to amplify the E1/E2 region with stage. E1/E2 amplification correlated with physical state. Nearly all tumors with episomal or mixed HPV 16 DNA amplified all 8 E1/E2 fragments. Half of the tumors with integrated HPV 16 DNA failed to amplify one or more E1/E2 fragments. Disruptions were most frequent in the E2 region. For all 46 patients receiving curative therapy, the Kaplan-Meier estimate of disease-free survival was determined for those whose primary tumors had amplifiable E2 compared with those lacking one or more E2 DNA fragments. Disruption of E2 was associated with significantly shortened disease-free survival. Int. J. Cancer 74:50–56. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Laser Hair Removal in a Patient with Hypertrichosis Lanuginosa Congenita

background Hypertrichosis lanuginosa congenita (HLC) is a cutaneous disorder marked by diffuse lanugo-like hair present at birth. Although affected individuals are usually healthy, the excessive hair creates an extraordinary appearance. Permanent eradication of their superfluous hair is therefore a priority. However, a procedure that would achieve this objective is not currently available. objective To evaluate the efficacy of a new laser technique for hair reduction in a patient with HLC. methods Selected sites were repeatedly treated with a neodymium: YAG (Nd: YAG) laser subsequent to application of a topical carbon-based solution. results Forty to eighty percent hair reduction was noted in the sites treated. conclusion Topical solution-assisted Q-switched Nd: YAG laser hair removal is a safe and effective method for reducing hair density in cases of extensive hypertrichosis. It is an attractive method for children because the low fluencs used minimize the associated pain.
Major ionic compositions of fine particulate matter in an animal feeding operation facility and its vicinity

Animal feeding operations (AFOs) produce particulate matter (PM) and gaseous pollutants. Investigation of the chemical composition of PM2.5 inside and in the local vicinity of AFOs can help to understand the impact of the AFO emissions on ambient secondary PM formation. This study was conducted on a commercial egg production farm in North Carolina. Samples of PM2.5 were collected from five stations, with one located in an egg production house and the other four located in the vicinity of the farm along four wind directions. The major ions of NH4+, Na+, K+, SO42−, Cl−, and NO3− were analyzed using ion chromatography (IC). In the house, the mostly abundant ions were SO42−, Cl−, and K+. At ambient stations, SO42−, and NH4+ were the two most abundant ions. In the house, NH4+, SO42−, and NO3− accounted for only 10% of the PM2.5 mass; at ambient locations, NH4+, SO42−, and NO3− accounted for 36–41% of the PM2.5 mass. In the house, NH4+ had small seasonal variations indicating that gas-phase NH3 was not the only...
Hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance in Wrn null mice fed a diabetogenic diet

Werner syndrome (WS) is an autosomal recessive progeroid syndrome caused by mutations in the Werner (Wrn) gene. WS patients have increased incidence of a number of chronic conditions including insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Since ingestion of foods that are high in fat and sugar is associated with increased incidence of diabetes, we examined if Wrn mutations might affect metabolic response to a diabetogenic diet. Four-month-old mice with a null mutation for the Wrn gene were fed a diet consisting of 36% fat (lard), 33% table sugar, and 20% protein plus balanced vitamins and minerals. Wrn null mice had significantly increased body weights, increased serum insulin levels, impaired glucose tolerance, and insulin resistance during 4 months of eating the diabetogenic diet. Diffuse fatty infiltration of the liver and pancreatic islet hyperplasia was characteristic morphological features. These observations suggest that Wrn null mice have impaired glucose homeostasis and fat metabolism, and may be a useful model to investigate metabolic conditions associated with aging.
Characterization ofClostridium bifermentans and its biotransformation of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and 1,3,5-triaza-1,3,5-trinitrocyclohexane (RDX)

We have determined that an organism able to degrade both RDX and TNT in a pure culture is a strain ofClostridium bifermentans. The consortium from which this organism is derived also degrades these compounds, and we suspect thatC. bifermentans is also the responsible organism within that consortium. The bioconversion of RDX and TNT occurs under anaerobic conditions both in the consortium and in pure culture without the need of an added reductant. The presence of co-metabolites speeded these biotransformations.
Formation of dioxins: Competing rates between chemically similar precursors and de novo reactions

Abstract The formation of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/F) on fly ash was investigated using polychlorinated phenols (principally 2,3,4,6-tetrachlorophenol) in competition with the de novo synthesis reaction (e.g., synthesis from native, nonextractable carbon in the fly ash). At the relatively high gas-phase concentrations employed, 38–370 ng ml −1 , the chlorophenol pathway was up to 100 times faster than the de novo pathway. For short reaction times (t ≤5 min) chlorophenols do not yield PCDF, suggesting that the formation of PCDF in incinerators is not controlled by this reaction over short time scales.
Fatty acids and diacylglycerols from elaiosomes of some ant-dispersed seeds

Abstract Lipids were isolated from the elaiosomes of four ant-dispersed herbaceous plants ( Jeffersonia diphylla , Sanguinaria canadensis , Trillium sessile , Dicentra cucullaria ) found in Northern Virginia. Fatty acid methyl esters and trimethysilyl derivatives of diacylglycerols were separated and identified by capillary GC/MS. Oleic acid and palmitic acid are significant components of the lipid fractions from all four species, and 1,2-diolein is the major diacylglycerol of Jeffersonia diphylla . These results support previous studies which had found oleic acid in elaiosomes and suggested 1,2-diolein to be an ant attractant.
Marginalization of Fatherhood in Western Countries

The globalization of the world economy since the 1970s has placed existing definitions of fatherhood under extreme pressure throughout the western world. At the high as well as at the low end of the social scale, men have found it difficult to fulfill the traditional breadwinner role. In all developed countries, there has been a growing incidence of what some have called `fatherless families' due to this and other causes. Many see this as a major crisis, requiring intervention and coercive measures. But, before we endorse these, it would be well to place this latest round of worries about `fatherlessness' in historical context and realize that the relationship between fathers and children has always been problematic.
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy of pyridine adsorbed on rhodium modified silver electrodes

Abstract Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has been observed from pyridine adsorbed on a silver electrode modified by electrodeposited rhodium films. Intense vibrational modes, attributed to pyridine adsorbed at rhodium sites, are detected at 1020, 1046 and 646 cm −1 , clearly distinct from the 1010, 1036 and 625 cm −1 bands due to pyridine adsorbed on unmodified silver. These bands slowly decrease in intensity with increasing thickness of the rhodium film, but are still visible at deposition of up to 20 or more equivalent monolayers of rhodium. The extent of bonding between pyridine and the rhodium sites is potential dependent.
High-Energy Density Flow Battery Validation

A zinc-alkaline flow cell was used to validate a new type of flow battery in which all reagents and products remain as solids on the electrodes. In every case, flow of electrolyte reduced overpotential losses when compared with operation without electrolyte flow. Large separation distances between the electrodes resulting from larger sections of separating tubing led to increased overpotential losses. A mass transfer mechanism is proposed that substantiates increasing overpotential with increasing electrode separation distances. Based on this mechanism, it was hypothesized that ion exchange packing would reduce the overpotential losses; this hypothesis was experimentally validated. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Interleukin-10 in combination with M-CSF and IL-4 contributes to development of the rare population of CD14+CD16++ cells derived from human monocytes

Peripheral blood CD14(+)CD16(++) monocytes (Mo) are a rare Mo subpopulation known to undergo expansion in various diseases. We show here that IL-10 in the presence of M-CSF and IL-4 triggers the generation of CD14(+)CD16(++) cells from highly purified human cord blood (CB) and adult blood Mo. CB Mo were more sensitive to this cytokine combination than adult Mo. IL-10-induced CD14(+)CD16(++) cells that expressed dendritic cell markers: CD80, CD86, HLA-DR, and CD83 and initiated significantly decreased allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLRs). Blockage of CD86, but not CD80, further down-modulated MLRs induced by CD14(+)CD16(++)cells. CD14(+)CD16(++) cells had similar features to CD14(+)CD16(++) Mo in that they expressed increased level of CCR5, efficiently produced TNF-alpha, and displayed higher MLR than CD14(+)CD16(-) Mo. Together, these results demonstrate that M-CSF, IL-4, and IL-10 drive Mo into CD14(+)CD16(++) cells similar to those identified in vivo, and CB Mo, due to their increased responsiveness, may be a useful starting cell source to study differentiation of CD14(+)CD16(++) cells.
Price Responsiveness, Efficiency, and the Impact of Structural Adjustment on Egyptian Crop Producers

Abstract This paper examines the role of prices and the impact of the structural adjustment reforms undertaken by the Government of Egypt in 1986 on the producers of five major crops. The results indicate that the program had a positive net impact on the welfare of individual crop producers, evaluated as a gain in production efficiency. Crop profitability was also found to be highly responsive to input and output prices. The results highlight the importance of market based prices in agricultural development.
CONTROL OF SEISMICALLY EXCITED CABLE-STAYED BRIDGE USING RESETTING SEMIACTIVE STIFFNESS DAMPERS

Cable-stayed bridges are prone to exhibit large amplitude oscillations because of their large flexibility, small mass, and small inherent damping. Hence, the reduction of seismic or wind-induced vi...
No association between the APOE gene and autism

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by stereotypic and repetitive behavior and interests, together with social and communicative deficiencies. The results of several genomic screens suggest the presence of an autism susceptibility locus on chromosome 19p13.2-q13.4. The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene on chromosome 19 encodes for a protein, apoE, whose different isoforms (E2, E3, E4) influence neuronal growth. APOE participates in lipid transport and metabolism, repair, growth, and maintenance of axons and myelin during neuronal development. The APOE protein competes with the Reelin protein for VLDL/APOER2 receptor binding. Several studies have reported evidence for an association between autism and the Reelin gene. Based on these data we tested for association between APOE and autism using family-based association methods in a data set of 322 autism families. Three promoter, one intronic, and one 3′ UTR single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the APOE gene (−491a/t, −427c/t, −219g/t, 113c/g, and 5361c/t) as well as the APOE functional polymorphism (E2, E3, E4) were examined and failed to reveal significant evidence that autism is associated with APOE. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
α1-Adrenoceptors in the adult rat barrel field: effects of deafferentiation and norepinephrine removal

Abstract Norepinephrine (NE), acting on brain adrenoceptors, plays an important role in barrel field neuronal activity and plasticity. For this reason, the distribution ofα1- andα2-adrenoceptors in the somatosensory cortex barrel field was studied by autoradiographic techniques in rats undergoing plastic change or NE depletion. In layers IV and V of the cortex, the pattern ofα1-adrenoceptors (assessed by [3H]prazosin binding) varied across the barrel field. There was relatively low binding within the barrels themselves, with 21% higher binding in the sorrounding septa.α2-Adrenoceptor binding (assessed with [3H]paraminoclonidine) was almost homogeneous across the entire barrel field. Two weeks after noradrenergic deafferentiation by unilateral lesioning of the locus coeruleus, there was a 16% upregulation of [3H]prazosin binding. This then returned to control levels by 8 weeks. Peripheral deafferentiation of sensory input to the barrel field produced the opposite effect onα1-adrenoceptors. Unilateral removal of all but the central (C3) vibrissa (which induces plastic changes in the cortical representation of the spared vibrissa) caused a 12% decrease in [3H]prazosin binding in the whole barrel field at 2 weeks after surgery which returned to normal by 8 weeks. Therefore,α1-adrenoceptors in the barrel field of the rat are affected in opposite ways by changes in NE content and afferent sensory input. We hypothesize thatα1-adrenoceptor levels are modulated after vibrissectomy through either an indirect reaction to reduce cortical γ-aminobutyric acid levels, or by a reordering of metabolic priorities during plastic change of the cortical neuronal network.
Computerized Design and Analysis of Face-Milled, Uniform Tooth Height Spiral Bevel Gear Drives

A new method for design and generation of spiral bevel gears of uniform tooth depth with localized bearing contact and low level of transmission errors is considered. The main features of the proposed approach are as follows: (1) The localization of the bearing contact is achieved by the mismatch of the generating surfaces. The bearing contact may be provided in the longitudinal direction, or in the direction across the surface; and (2) The low level of transmission errors is achieved due to application of nonlinear relations between the motions of the gear and the gear head-cutter. Such relations may be provided by application of a CNC machine. The generation of the pinion is based on application of linear relations between the motions of the tool and the pinion being generated. The relations described above permit a parabolic function of transmission errors to be obtained that is able to absorb almost linear functions caused by errors of gear alignment. A computer code has been written for the meshing and contact of the spiral bevel gears with the proposed geometry. The effect of misalignment on the proposed geometry has also been determined. Numerical examples for illustration of the proposed theory have been provided.
A construction worker with recent confusion, disorientation, and somnolence.

What is the cause of this patient’s symptoms: the bump on the head he received at work, or his “occasional” drinking?
Submission of the entire lymph node dissection for histologic examination in gynecologic-oncologic specimens. Clinical and pathologic relevance

Abstract Background and aims Lymph node (LN) status in gynecologic malignancies plays an important role in patient staging, management, and prognosis. Therefore, an adequacy of LN harvest is crucial. The aim of this study is to determine whether the submission of the entire LN dissection for histologic examination will affect patients' outcome or clinical stage. We also evaluated the time required and cost-effectiveness for the laboratory. Materials and methods A prospective study of 134 surgical cases from various gynecologic malignancies was conducted. The LN dissection specimen was performed using a conventional manual node dissection method with all the remaining fat being submitted in additional cassettes. One pathologist evaluated (1) the number and status of palpable LNs identified by the conventional method as well as the number of tissue cassettes and (2) the number, size, and status of the non-palpable LNs as well as the number of tissue cassettes. Results The palpable LNs ranged from 0 to 36 with average 14.8 LNs per case (Poisson 95% CI: 14.1–15.4). The additional non-palpable LNs ranged from 0 to 16 with an average of 3.1 (Poisson 95% CI: 2.8–3.4). In only one case, a 3-mm non-palpable LN with metastasis was identified; however, it did not affect tumor staging or patient management. Conclusion The impact on patient outcome is minimal and it does not prove to be cost and time effective when submitting the entire LN dissection specimen in gynecologic malignancies. However, this method could be justified in selective cases in which the manual node dissection does not reveal an adequate number of LNs.
Automatic image analysis process for the detection of concealed weapons

The goal of this research is to develop a process, using current imaging hardware and without human intervention, that provides an accurate and timely detection alert of a concealed weapon and its location in the image of the luggage. There are several processes in existence that are able to highlight or otherwise outline a concealed weapon in baggage but so far those processes still require a highly trained operator to observe the resulting image and draw the correct conclusions. We attempted three different approaches in this project. The first approach uses edge detection combined with pattern matching to determine the existence of a concealed pistol. Rather than use the whole body of the weapon which varies significantly, the trigger guard was used since it is fairly consistent in dimensions. While the processes were reliable in detecting a pistol's presence, on any but the simplest of images, the computational time was excessive and a substantial number of false positives were generated. The second approach employed Daubechie wavelet transforms but the results have so far been inconclusive. A third approach involving an algorithm based on the scale invariant feature transform (SIFT) is proposed.
Intrinsic Epithelial Cells Repair the Kidney after Injury

Understanding the mechanisms of nephron repair is critical for the design of new therapeutic approaches to treat kidney disease. The kidney can repair after even a severe insult, but whether adult stem or progenitor cells contribute to epithelial renewal after injury and the cellular origin of regenerating cells remain controversial. Using genetic fate-mapping techniques, we generated transgenic mice in which 94%-95% of tubular epithelial cells, but no interstitial cells, were labeled with either beta-galactosidase (lacZ) or red fluorescent protein (RFP). Two days after ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), 50.5% of outer medullary epithelial cells coexpress Ki67 and RFP, indicating that differentiated epithelial cells that survived injury undergo proliferative expansion. After repair was complete, 66.9% of epithelial cells had incorporated BrdU, compared to only 3.5% of cells in the uninjured kidney. Despite this extensive cell proliferation, no dilution of either cell-fate marker was observed after repair. These results indicate that regeneration by surviving tubular epithelial cells is the predominant mechanism of repair after ischemic tubular injury in the adult mammalian kidney.
Lipid-lowering interventions in angiographic trials.

This analysis examines the pooled data from all 14 published randomized angiographic trials (with 16 treatment arms) by type of cholesterol-lowering intervention evaluated, and for all the trials combined. All interventions reduced low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels (average reduction, 26%), whereas the effects on high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglycerides varied by type of intervention. Meta-analyses of the angiographic outcomes indicated that treatment reduced the odds for disease progression by 49%, increased the odds for no change by 33%, and increased the odds for regression by 219%. Cardiovascular events were reduced by 47%. Thus, lipid reduction is effective for modifying the angiographic outcome and for reducing the incidence of coronary artery disease events. All types of intervention (lifestyle, drugs, or surgery) had overall favorable effects on angiographic and clinical outcomes. There was no class effect for the statin group of drugs. Surgery (partial ileal bypass) had the most favorable angiographic outcome, possibly because of a longer duration of therapy. Trials with higher baseline LDL levels tended to have more favorable angiographic outcomes. Analyses of in-trial levels of LDL were confounded by baseline levels, and analyses of change in LDL levels in the treatment groups were confounded by not including zero change (i.e., no treatment). It is hypothesized that lowering LDL levels by 30 mg/dl (0.8 mmol/liter) is sufficient on average to modify the angiographic outcome, with modest gains from further reductions in LDL levels.
Xenopus lipovitellin 1 is a Zn2+- and Cd2+-binding protein

This report discusses the identification of a Zn2+- and Cd2+-binding protein of Xenopus laevis that is abundant in vitellogenic oocytes and in embryos from fertilization to stage 46. Oocyte or embryo homogenates were fractionated by SDS-PAGE, blotted onto nitrocellulose, and probed with 65Zn2+ or 109Cd2+. The resulting autoradiograms showed binding of both radio-nuclides to a protein, designated pCdZn. Freon extraction of oocyte and embryo homogenates showed pCdZn to be a yolk protein. When pCdZn was isolated from oocyte homogenates by ammonium sulfate precipitation, delipidation, and chromatography, it co-purified with lipovitellin 1. The amino acid composition of pCdZn closely resembled the reported composition of lipovitellin 1 and the molecular weight of purified pCdZn (∼115 kD) corresponded to reported values for lipovitellin 1 (111–121 kD). Amino acid sequence analyses of five peptides derived from pCdZn yielded 94% identity to the reported sequence of lipovitellin 1, deduced from the DNA sequence of the Xenopus vitellogenin A2 precursor gene. Based on these findings, pCdZn was identified as lipovitellin 1. This study suggests that lipovitellin 1 is the major storage protein for zinc in mature oocytes and developing embryos of Xenopus laevis. © 1995 wiley-Liss, Inc.
Random copolymer/homopolymer interfacial widths as a function of copolymer composition

Abstract Neutron reflectivity experiments were performed on bilayer samples to determine interfacial widths between poly(styrene-ran-methyl methacrylate) copolymers (P[S-ran-MMA]) and deuterated polystyrene (dPS) or deuterated poly(methyl methacrylate) (dPMMA) as a function of copolymer composition. The copolymer composition, fs, varied from 0.49 to 0.85 mol% styrene. After a 4 h anneal at 150°C, the interfacial width between the compositionally symmetric random copolymer ( f s =0.49 ) and dPS was smaller than with dPMMA. Equal interfacial widths for the copolymer with dPS and with dPMMA was found at 〈f s 〉≈0.6. These reflectivity results are consistent with work by Kulasekere et al. and are discussed in relation to our previously published results on the fracture toughness of PS/PMMA joints reinforced with P[S-ran-MMA].
Functional Properties of Failing Human Ventricular Myocytes

Reduced peak systolic Ca2+ and slow decay of the Ca2+ transient are common features of the end-stage failing human ventricular myocyte and are thought to underlie abnormal ventricular contractility in congestive heart failure (CHF). Individual changes in the expression or activity of Ca2+ transport proteins of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR Ca2+ ATPase, SERCa) or the sarcolemmal (sodium-calcium exchanger, NCX) have not always been observed in CHF and cannot per se consistently explain these Ca2+ transient defects. We review recent data that suggests that the normal balance of transport activities of SERCa and NCX is deranged in failing human myocytes. We hypothesize that an increase in the NCX/SERCa transport capacity in failing myocytes can explain the abnormal Ca2+ homeostasis of the failing human ventricular myocyte.
Cerebral endovascular balloon catheter technic (Part I). Balloon catheter system and technic

The authors developed a balloon catheter system for cerebral endovascular navigation. The balloon is made from medical-grade silicone. Its outer diameter is 0.85 mm and its length is from 2.5 to 7.5 mm. It has a metal marker, either a silver pellet or a small stainless steel ball, to verify the position of the balloon under fluoroscopic control. There are two types of balloons—detachable and non-detachable. The catheter is made from polyamide with an outer diameter of 0.63 mm and of length from 40 to 50 cm. The introducer system consists of three parts; an introducer sheath of 15 gauge (inner diameter) Teflon tube, a stop cock and an introducer. The introducer is Y shaped, and has a blood reflux blocker and a side port for irrigation. To insert the introducer sheath into an arterial lumen percutaneously, a tip-bent 16 gauge Teflon needle is used coaxially. Release of the detachable balloon is effected by pulling off the catheter. Polymerizing silicone which contains fine silver powder for fluoroscopic recognition of the position and size of the balloon is used to fill the detachable balloon to prevent its deflation after detachment.
Comparison of clinical outcomes in nonintubated patients with severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome treated with continuous-infusion sedatives: dexmedetomidine versus benzodiazepines.

Study Objective To compare efficacy and safety outcomes in nonintubated patients with severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) who required a continuous infusion of a benzodiazepine or dexmedetomidine in addition to standard medical therapy for AWS. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Two hospitals within the same network that used different treatment strategies for AWS. Patients A total of 61 nonintubated adults who received a continuous infusion of either a benzodiazepine (BZD) (lorazepam or midazolam; 33 patients) or dexmedetomidine (DEX) (28 patients) for severe AWS between April 1, 2011, and October 31, 2012, as well as standard medical therapy for AWS. Measurements and Main Results The primary outcome was a composite end point including rates of respiratory distress requiring endotracheal intubation or occurrence of alcohol withdrawal seizures. No significant differences in the composite end point were noted between the BZD and DEX groups (9.1% and 7.1%, respectively, p>0.99) or its individual components of respiratory distress (9.1% and 7.1%, respectively, p>0.99) or alcohol withdrawal seizures (0% and 3.6%, respectively, p=0.46). The DEX group received a lower median total dose of lorazepam equivalents after initiation of the study drug (median [interquartile range] 105 [60–199.5] mg in the BZD group vs 3.5 [0–12] mg in the DEX group), but this did not translate into a reduced requirement for endotracheal intubation or decreased length of stay. DEX was associated with more adverse drug events including hypotension and bradycardia. Of concern, DEX may impair the ability to assess symptoms appropriately and administer BZDs in a symptom-triggered fashion. Although the total cost of hospitalization was similar between groups, DEX was associated with a higher study drug cost per patient. Conclusion DEX demonstrated a BZD-sparing effect in the treatment of AWS; however, this surrogate end point should be interpreted with caution. Although this study cannot disprove the possibility of a protective effect of DEX in preventing the requirement for endotracheal intubation in patients with AWS, an increased rate of adverse drug events and increased study drug costs were observed. If DEX is used in clinical practice, it should only be used as adjunctive therapy with BZDs that have a proven benefit in AWS.
Climate Change Adaptation Tool for Transportation: Mid-Atlantic Region Case Study

Transportation has contributed to climate change and will most likely be impacted by changes in sea level, temperature, precipitation, and wind, for example. As the risk of climate change impacts become more imminent, pressure for adaptation within transportation agencies to address these impacts continues to rise. The most logical strategy is to integrate consideration of adaptation projects into the long-range transportation planning (LRTP) process. To do this, tools and experience are needed to assist transportation agencies. The Climate Change Adaptation Tool for Transportation (CCATT) is a step-by-step method to evaluate climate change scenarios and impacts, inventory at-risk existing and proposed infrastructure, and assess mitigation practices to identify supporting adaptation efforts. This paper focuses on the application of CCATT to the Mid-Atlantic region using a case study on the Wilmington Area Planning Council (WILMAPCO), the Metropolitan Planning Organization for northern Delaware. The results of the application and case study demonstrate the importance of climate change adaptation practices in long-range transportation planning.
Understanding Gender Differences in Anxiety: The Mediating Effects of Instrumentality and Mastery.

Developing a better understanding of modifiable psychological factors that account for gender differences in anxiety may provide insight into interventions that can be used to target these risk pro...
Development of a kinetic model for bainitic isothermal transformation in transformation-induced plasticity steels

Abstract In this work, we modify existing models to simulate the kinetics of bainitic transformation during the bainitic isothermal transformation (BIT) stage of a typical two-stage heat treatment – BIT is preceded by an intercritical annealing treatment – for TRIP steels. This effort is motivated by experiments performed in a conventional TRIP steel alloy (Fe–0.32C–1.42Mn–1.56Si) that suggest that thermodynamics alone are not sufficient to predict the amount of retained austenite after BIT. The model implemented in this work considers the non-homogeneous distribution of carbon – resulting from finite carbon diffusion rates – within the retained austenite during bainitic transformation. This non-homogeneous distribution is responsible for average austenite carbon enrichments beyond the so-called T 0 line, the temperature at which the chemical driving force for the bainitic transformation is exhausted. In order to attain good agreement with experiments, the existence of carbon-rich austenite films adjacent to bainitic ferrite plates is posited. The presence of this austenite film is motivated by earlier experimental work published by other groups in the past decade. The model is compared with experimental results and good qualitative agreement is found.
Similarities in sunlight-induced mutational spectra of CpG-methylated transgenes and the p53 gene in skin cancer point to an important role of 5-methylcytosine residues in solar UV mutagenesis

In the p53 gene of human sunlight-associated skin cancers, 35 % of the mutations involve trinucleotide sequences with the rare base 5-methylcytosine (5'PymCG). In order to determine the involvement of 5-methylcytosine in sunlight-induced mutations, we have analyzed the cII transgene in mouse cells, a mutational target gene that we found is methylated at most CpG sequences. We report that the mutational spectra produced by irradiation with 254 nm UVC radiation and simulated sunlight, respectively, differ most dramatically by the much higher involvement of dipyrimidine structures containing 5-methylcytosine in the solar UV mutation spectrum (32 % versus 9 % of all mutations). A distinct mutational hotspot induced by simulated sunlight occurs at a sequence 5'TmCG and is associated with high levels of cis-syn cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer formation. A comparison of sunlight-induced mutational spectra of the cII and lacI transgenes, as well as the p53 gene in skin tumors, shows that 5-methylcytosine is involved in 25 to 40 % of all mutations in all three systems. The combined data make a strong case that cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers forming preferentially at dipyrimidine sequences with 5-methylcytosine are responsible for a considerable fraction of the mutations induced by sunlight in mammalian cells.
First records of rodent-infesting Cuterebra bot flies parasitizing raccoons (Procyon lotor) in North America

Larvae of Cuterebra spp. bot flies are specialized parasites of native species of either Rodentia (e.g., mice, rats, and tree squirrels) or Lagomorpha (e.g., rabbits and hares) in the Americas. However, they also infest other native and introduced wildlife, domestic animals, and humans, but which Cuterebra species parasitize these "atypical" hosts has seldom been determined, largely because the larvae are difficult to identify to species without first rearing them to adults. Here, we describe 2 Cuterebra spp. larvae removed from raccoons, Procyon lotor (Carnivora), in Washington (WA larva) and Florida (FL larva). These specimens belong to rodent-infesting species, which possess flattened, multipoint cuticular platelets in contrast to the typically single-pointed, spinelike platelets of lagomorph-infesting species. Based on the number and shape of points on these platelets, and the infestation dates and locations, we tentatively identify the species involved as Cuterebra grisea (WA larva) and C. fontinella (FL larva), which typically parasitize Peromyscus spp. mice. Uncertainty about these species' assignments arises from a lack of information on intraspecific variation in larval characteristics and the apparent lack of larval descriptions for 2 of the 7 Cuterebra species most likely to have parasitized these animals. This report seems to be the first published documentation of raccoons infested by larvae of Cuterebra spp. for the west and Gulf coasts of North America, and of rodent-infesting Cuterebra species parasitizing a species of carnivore.
The effect of sympatholytic agents on the cardiovascular responses produced by the injection of acetylstrophanthidin into the cerebral ventricles

Abstract The administration of acetylstrophanthidin into the left lateral ventricle of dogs anesthetized with alpha-chloralose produces ventricular arrhythmias and a marked pressor response. The pressorr response is not prevented by the intravenous or intraventricular administration of d , l -propranolol nor by reserpine-pretreatment. However, the centrally-induced pressor response is reversed by intravenously administered d , l -propranolol but not by d -propranolol. The mechanism by which d , l -propranolol exerts this effect is discussed. The ventricular arrhythmias did not occur after reserpine-pretreatment or after the intraventricular injection of d , l -propranolol. The arrhythmias were affected by neither the intravenous administration of d , l -propranolol nor the intraventricular injection of d -propranolol.