cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Targeting exosome-associated human antigen R attenuates fibrosis and inflammation in diabetic heart.

RNA-binding proteins like human antigen R (HuR) are key regulators in post-transcriptional control of gene expression in several pathophysiological conditions. Diabetes adversely affects monocyte/macrophage biology and function. It is not known whether diabetic milieu affects cellular/exosome-HuR and its implications on cardiac inflammation and fibrosis. Here, we evaluate in vitro and in vivo effects of diabetic milieu on macrophage cellular/exosome-HuR, alterations in intercellular cross talk with fibroblasts, and its impact on cardiac remodeling. Human failing hearts show higher HuR levels. Diabetic milieu activates HuR expression in cardiac- and cultured bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMO) and stimulates HuR nuclear-to-cytoplasmic translocation and exosome transfer. Exosomes from macrophages exposed to diabetic milieu (high glucose or db/db mice) significantly increase inflammatory and profibrogenic responses in fibroblast (in vitro) and cardiac fibrosis in mice. Intriguingly, Exo-HuR deficiency (HuR knockdown in macrophage) abrogates the above effects. In diabetic mice, macrophage depletion followed by reconstitution with BMMO-derived HuR-deficient exosomes inhibits angiotensin II-induced cardiac fibrosis response and preserves left ventricle function as compared to control-exosome administration. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that diabetes activates BMMO HuR expression and its transfer into exosome. The data suggest that HuR might be targeted to alleviate macrophage dysfunction and pathological fibrosis in diabetes.
Free Speech in Public Employment: Has the Supreme Court Clarified Matters? An Empirical Analysis of the Impact of Lane v Franks

We employ a counterfactual treatment effect analysis to evaluate whether U.S. Courts of Appeals judges have changed their propensity to vote against plaintiffs in public employment free speech disputes following the Supreme Court’s 2015 Lane v Franks decision. In order to ensure a like-for-like comparison of votes before and after the Lane decision we employ a variant of the “straddle” approach, which entails identifying cases caught in the crosshairs of the upper court’s ruling and then comparing the votes with those of cases already decided. Our results underscore the importance of paying close attention to selection effects when evaluating the impact of legal changes on judicial behavior.
In Vitro Selection of Peptides and Proteins—Advantages of mRNA Display

mRNA display is a robust in vitro selection technique that allows the selection of peptides and proteins with desired functions from libraries of trillions of variants. mRNA display relies upon a covalent linkage between a protein and its encoding mRNA molecule; the power of the technique stems from the stability of this link, and the large degree of control over experimental conditions afforded to the researcher. This article describes the major advantages that make mRNA display the method of choice among comparable in vivo and in vitro methods, including cell-surface display, phage display, and ribosomal display. We also describe innovative techniques that harness mRNA display for directed evolution, protein engineering, and drug discovery.
Reinforcing Supramolecular Bonding with Magnetic Dipole Interactions to Assemble Dynamic Nanoparticle Superlattices.

Assembling superparamagnetic particles into ordered lattices is an attractive means of generating new magnetically responsive materials, and is commonly achieved by tailoring interparticle interact...
Uncommon presentation of lichen planopilaris during paclitaxel chemotherapy: Case report

Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is an uncommon scalp disorder of unknown etiology and prevalence. It may be an autoimmune process triggered by unknown genetic and/or environmental factors that attack hair follicles of the scalp. LPP can present in association with various autoimmune diseases and immunomodulatory therapies. We present an atypical case of LPP occurring during the treatment of breast cancer with paclitaxel, after complete resolution of alopecia areata and anagen effluvium. Shortly after initiation of the paclitaxel therapy, the patient experienced a pruritic acneiform facial eruption and hair loss that was localized to her frontal scalp with complete loss of eyebrows and significant loss of her eyelashes. The lesions were biopsied revealing LPP. LPP should be considered among other causes of alopecia in patients treated with paclitaxel.
Total and Stroke Related Imaging Utilization Patterns During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract During the COVID-19 pandemic, radiology practices are reporting a decrease in imaging volumes. We review total imaging volume, CTA head and neck volume, critical results rate, and stroke intervention rates before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Total imaging volume as well as CTA head and neck imaging fell approximately 60% since the beginning of the pandemic. Critical results fell 60-70% for total imaging as well as for CTA head and neck. Compared to the same time frame a year prior, the number of stroke codes at the early impact of the pandemic had decreased approximately 50%. Proportional reductions in total imaging volume, stroke-related imaging, and associated critical result reports during the COVID-19 pandemic raise concern for missed stroke diagnoses in our population.
Analytic Hierarchy Process

This chapter reviews the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method and explains how this method is applied to generate the weights for each category on the DDSC assessment.
5-Azacytidine Transiently Restores Dysregulated Erythroid Differentiation Gene Expression in TET2-Deficient Erythroleukemia Cells.

DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTI) like 5-Azacytidine (5-Aza) are the only disease-modifying drugs approved for the treatment of higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), however less than 50% of patients respond, and there are no predictors of response with clinical utility. Somatic mutations in the DNA methylation regulating gene tet-methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 (TET2) are associated with response to DNMTIs, however the mechanisms responsible for this association remain unknown. Using bisulfite padlock probes, mRNA sequencing, and hydroxymethylcytosine pull-down sequencing at several time points throughout 5-Aza treatment, we show that TET2 loss particularly influences DNA methylation (5mC) and hydroxymethylation (5hmC) patterns at erythroid gene enhancers and is associated with downregulation of erythroid gene expression in the human erythroleukemia cell line TF-1. 5-Aza disproportionately induces expression of these down-regulated genes in TET2KO cells and this effect is related to dynamic 5mC changes at erythroid gene enhancers after 5-Aza exposure. We identified differences in remethylation kinetics after 5-Aza exposure for several types of genomic regulatory elements, with distal enhancers exhibiting longer-lasting 5mC changes than other regions. This work highlights the role of 5mC and 5hmC dynamics at distal enhancers in regulating the expression of differentiation-associated gene signatures, and sheds light on how 5-Aza may be more effective in patients harboring TET2 mutations. Implications: TET2 loss in erythroleukemia cells induces hypermethylation and impaired expression of erythroid differentiation genes which can be specifically counteracted by 5-Azacytidine, providing a potential mechanism for the increased efficacy of 5-Aza in TET2-mutant patients with MDS. Visual Overview: http://mcr.aacrjournals.org/content/molcanres/00/00/0000/F1.large.jpg.
Pattern of head circumference growth following bidirectional Glenn in infants with single ventricle heart disease

Background: Infants with single ventricle congenital heart disease demonstrate increasing head growth after bidirectional Glenn; however, the expected growth trajectory has not been well described. Aims: 1) We will describe the pattern of head circumference growth in the first year after bidirectional Glenn. 2) We will determine if head growth correlates with motor developmental outcomes approximately 12 months after bidirectional Glenn. Methods: Sixty-nine single ventricle patients underwent bidirectional Glenn between 2010 and 2016. Patients with structural brain abnormalities, grade III–IV intra-ventricular haemorrhage, significant stroke, or obstructive hydrocephalus were excluded. Head circumference and body weight measurements from clinical encounters were evaluated. Motor development was measured with Psychomotor Developmental Index of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, Third Edition. Generalised estimating equations assessed change in head circumference z-scores from baseline (time of bidirectional Glenn) to 12 months post-surgery. Results: Mean age at bidirectional Glenn was 4.7 (2.3) months and mean head circumference z-score based on population-normed data was −1.13 (95% CI −1.63, −0.63). Head circumference z-score increased to 0.35 (95% CI −0.20, 0.90) (p 1 from baseline to 12 months post-surgery, was present in 46/69 (66.7%) patients. There was no difference in motor Psychomotor Developmental Index scores between patients with and without accelerated head growth. Conclusion: Single ventricle patients demonstrated a significant increase in head circumference after bidirectional Glenn until 10–12 months post-surgery, at which time growth stabilised. Accelerated head growth did not predict sub-sequent motor developmental outcomes.
Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a recognized cause of perioperative complications, including skin necrosis, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, venous sinus thrombosis, and stroke. HIT must be recognized in order to treat and prevent potentially catastrophic complications.
Blowing hot and cold over asthma hospitalisations.

Climate change is among the greatest public health challenges in the 21st century. While there is a general consensus on the rising of global mean temperature,1 whether this warming has caused surface temperatures more or less variable remain under debate.2 Changes of temperature variability in the warming world can vary significantly depending on region and timescale. Emerging evidence has reported increased mortality associated with elevated temperature variability within neighbouring days3 and within a season.4 A few studies have reported links of temperature variability with morbidity.5 6 Accurate estimates of public health burden associated with global warming require better understanding on the health effects of temperature variability. Writing in Thorax , Wu et al 7 provide …
Intestinal parasitic infection within a wealthy nineteenth century household from rural New England: Evidence from Dartmouth College, New Hampshire

Abstract Previous archaeoparasitology research in the eastern United States suggests that parasitic infection was most widespread in urban areas and among communities of lower socioeconomic status, a pattern attributed to poor sanitation, dense populations of humans and animals, and limited medical care access. The present study documents parasitic disease in a rural, wealthy, and highly educated community of northern New England through the analysis of fecal samples collected from a privy once attached to a 1786 house located on the campus of Dartmouth College, New Hampshire. Three solidly formed organic samples dating to the 1830 s–1840 s were recovered from secure contexts during excavations in 2019. The samples were rehydrated in 0.5% trisodium phosphate solution for 72-hours, and were washed through 230 µm, 120 µm, and 25 µm mesh sieves to remove large particulates and trap parasite eggs on the smallest sieve. The trapped material was collected, centrifuged, and examined using light microscopy for signs of parasite eggs. All three samples were positive for both tapeworm (Taenia spp.) and whipworm (Trichuris trichiura) eggs, suggesting that parasitic infection affected the Dartmouth community during the early nineteenth century. These results indicate that despite cold winters inhospitable to most parasite species, relatively good sanitation, accessible medical care, and the low population densities of rural New England, parasite infection was likely a concern even within affluent households. It therefore appears that nineteenth century parasite infection was not limited to low-income households in urban settings, but may also have been an important health concern for Dartmouth community members.
A comparative study of gasoline skeletal mechanisms under partial fuel stratification conditions using large eddy simulations

Partial fuel stratification (PFS) is a low temperature combustion strategy that can alleviate high heat release rates of traditional low temperature combustion strategies by introducing composition...
Rapid Scan EPR Oxygen Imaging in Photoactivated Resin Used for Stereolithographic 3D Printing

Oxygen plays a critical role in the photopolymerization process resulting in the formation of solid structures from liquid resins during three-dimensional (3D) printing: it acts as a polymerization...
Combined endoscopic robotic surgery for complex colonic polyp resection: case series.

The study objective was to evaluate combined endoscopic and robotic surgery, a novel surgical technique modifying traditional combined endoscopic laparoscopic surgery through robotic assistance, and characterize a series of patients who underwent the modified operative technique. A retrospective case series was performed. The first thirty-seven consecutive patients who underwent combined endoscopic robotic surgery by a single colorectal surgeon from March 2018 to October 2019 were included. Main outcome measures included operative time, intra-operative complication, 30-day post-operative complication, and hospital length of stay. Combined endoscopic and robotic surgery was performed in 37 cases, 32 (86.5%) of which saw the technique through to completion. Median operative room time was 73 min (range 31–184 min). No intraoperative complications occurred and 2 (6.3%) experienced 30-day post-operative complications. Median hospital length of stay was 1.1 days (range 0.2–2.0 days). Median polyp size was 35 mm (range 20–130 mm). Polyps were resected from the following locations: cecum (37.5%), ascending colon (28.1%), transverse colon (21.9%), descending colon (3.1%), sigmoid colon (6.3%), and rectum (3.1%). Pathology demonstrated 77.4% tubular adenoma, 12.9% sessile serrated adenoma, 6.5% dysplasia, and 3.2% signet cell adenocarcinoma. Combined endoscopic robotic surgery was associated with decreased operative time, complication rates, and hospital length of stay compared to literature-reported statistics for combined endoscopic laparoscopic surgery. Increased confidence with 3-dimensional visualization and intracorporeal suturing using combined endoscopic and robotic surgery was noted. Additional studies are needed to further define the role of robotics in combined endoscopic surgery.
Atlas of Needle Electrode Examination (NEE)

The needle electrode examination (NEE) requires that electromyographers employ a bedside manner and skill set that minimize patient anxiety and discomfort, as well as maximize patient cooperation. With experience and the appropriate diligence, the NEE will model a successful combination of art and science in electrodiagnostic medicine.
Immunosensory Signaling: Role of Cytokines

Traditional conceptualizations of neural-immune interactions focused on mechanisms by which the brain modulates immune functions, for instance how stress, and/or personality variables can affect immune function. However, it is now well established that the converse is also true: immune activation, following infection or during neoplastic or autoimmune conditions, exerts profound influences upon brain function. Thus, neural- immune interactions are bi-directional.
Troxis necrosis, a novel mechanism for drug-induced hepatitis secondary to immunomodulatory therapy.

Abstract Objectives A case of drug-induced hepatitis mediated by troxis necrosis, a form of autoimmune hepatitis, is described. Methods Clinical data, light and electron microscopy of an ultrasound-guided core needle liver biopsy specimen, were examined to investigate the cause of transaminitis in a 26 year old male patient on Cellcept and Plaquenil for the treatment of lupus erythematosus. A systematic PUBMED review of troxis necrosis as the underlying mechanism for drug-induced hepatitis was performed. Results Liver function tests (LFTs) were significant for elevated AST (305) and ALT (174); the autoimmune workup was significant for anti-ANA positivity and α-SMA negativity. On light microscopy, the liver biopsy shows focal areas of lymphocytic infiltrates surrounding and forming immunologic synapses with lobular hepatocytes, indicating lobular hepatitis of autoimmune nature. Electron microscopy confirmed the presence of immunologic synapses. Upon cessation of the offending medications, the LFTs returned to baseline with no further intervention. Literature search yielded 7 previously reported cases of drug-induced hepatitis mediated by troxis necrosis. Conclusion Troxis necrosis is a novel mechanism for drug-induced hepatitis, including immunomodulatory medications including a monoclonal anti-TWEAK antibody and Cellcept and Plaquenil, two widely used immunosuppression/anti-rejection medications.
Iran's Water Crisis: Cultural, Political, and Ethical Dimensions

By the summer of 2001, most of Iranhad been suffering a three-year drought, theworst in recent history. Water rationing was inplace in Tehran and other cities, and largeproportions of the country's crops andlivestock were perishing. Yet many academicsand other experts in Iran insist that the watercrisis is only partly drought-related, andclaim that mismanagement of water resources isthe more significant cause. Underlying thisdiscussion is a complex of overlapping yetoften conflicting ethical systems – Iranian,Islamic, and modernist/industrialist – whichare available to inform water policy in Iran. Areview of the various arguments about thenature of the crisis and the range of solutionsthat have been proposed, including precedentsfrom traditional Iranian water management andthe ethics of water use in Islamic law,suggests that Iran's own cultural heritageprovides alternatives to wholesale adoption ofWestern models.
Photochemical and microbial degradation of 2,4,5-trichloroaniline in a freshwater lake

Surface waters from a eutrophic lake in northern Georgia were incubated with C-labeled 2,4,5-trichloroaniline to study the disappearance of the parent compound and production of CO(2). There was no degradation of the compound in the dark. Under 12 h of sunlight and 12 h of darkness, 28% of the trichloroaniline was degraded in both poisoned and untreated samples. Mineralization after 24 h in poisoned and untreated lake water was 5.5 and 6.8%, respectively. Thus, 81% of the mineralization was attributable to photochemical processes, and 19% was attributable to microbial processes. Most biological mineralization was due to microbes of bacterial size (<1.0 mum). Approximately 90% of the trichloroaniline bioaccumulated was associated with organisms larger than 1.0 mum, e.g., algae. When algae were removed by filtration, the amount of trichloroaniline mineralized increased to 9.4%, compared with 6.8% in the presence of algae. The excretion of organic compounds by algae may have inhibited bacterial mineralization of photoproducts.
UNIFORMLY QUASIREGULAR SEMIGROUPS IN TWO DIMENSIONS

Let G be a semigroup of K-quasiregular or K-quasimeromorphic functions map- ping a given open set U in the Riemann sphere into itself, for a fixed K, the semigroup operation being the composition of functions. We prove that if G satisfies an algebraic condition, which is true for all abelian semigroups, then there exists a K-quasiconformal homeomorphism of U onto an open set V such that all the functions in f ◦G◦f −1 are meromorphic functions of V into itself. In particular, if U is the whole sphere then the elements of f ◦G ◦f −1 are rational functions. We give an example of a semigroup generated by two functions on the sphere, each quasiconformally conjugate to a quadratic polynomial, that cannot be quasiconformally conjugated to a semigroup of rational functions. We give another such example of a semigroup of K-quasiconformal homeo- morphisms. These results extend and complement a similar positive conjugacy result of Tukia and of Sullivan for groups of K-quasiconformal homeomorphisms.
IR thermal emission from an array of plasmonic coated spheres

We explore the degree to which infrared thermal emission can be tailored using an array of dielectric spheres coated with a negative permittivity material. The spheres themselves have absorption peaks in the IR. The emission spectrum is then modified using the arrangement of the spheres.
Optimizing net energy gain in algal cultivation for biodiesel production.

Abstract An approach based on energy gain was utilized to optimize algal cultivation in bubble columns. Net energy gain was estimated considering the energy input for mixing and providing carbon dioxide, and the energy that can be generated from the lipids extracted from the algal biomass. Energy input for sparging was minimized based on the gas-to-culture volume ratio and energy output from lipid production was maximized based on nitrate and CO2 levels. Sparging at a gas-to-culture volume ratio of 0.18 min−1 with CO2-enrichment of 0.5% and initial nitrate concentration of 1 mM was optimal for improving net energy gain with Nannochloropsis salina. Sparging with CO2-enriched air of 0.5% along with nitrogen starvation resulted in 50% more lipid productivity than sparging with ambient air.
Acquisition of appetitively and aversively motivated tasks in rats following lesions of the mammillary bodies

Rats with bilateral electrolytic damage to the mammillary bodies were impaired in the acquisition of a DRL-20 schedule and on the 1st day of an operant, passive avoidance task. Performance of lesioned animals on high FR schedules and on an operant task of active avoidance was indistinguishable from that of unoperated and control subjects. The pattern of results was judged incompatible with interpretations of appetitive motivational changes, or the inhibition deficit often reported following damage to septum and hippocampus. The results suggest that the mammillary bodies make a behavioral contribution unique from other limbic structures.
Inhibition of antibody production by irradiated reticulum cell sarcoma cells in sjl mice.

Abstract Intravenous injection at proper time of irradiated reticulum cell sarcoma cells into SJL mice immunized with dinitrophenylated (DNP) keyhole limpet hemocyanin inhibits the production of anti-DNP IgG 1 and IgG 2 antibodies.
Organizational Change: A Way to Increase Colon, Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening in Primary Care Practices

Screening tests for colon, cervical and breast cancer remain underutilized despite their proven effectiveness in reducing morbidity and mortality. Stone et al. concluded that cancer screening is most likely to improve when a health organization supports performance through organizational changes (OC) in staffing and clinical procedures. OC interventions include the use of separate clinics devoted to prevention, use of a planned care visit, designation of non-physician staff for specific prevention activities and continuous quality improvement interventions. Objectives To identify specific elements of OC interventions that increases the selected cancer screening rates. To determine to which extent practices bought into the interventions. Methods Eleven randomized controlled trials from January 1990 to June 2010 that instituted OC to increase cancer screening completion were included. Qualitative data was analyzed by using a framework to facilitate abstraction of information. For quantitative data, an outcome of measure was determined by the change in the proportion of eligible individuals receiving cancer screening services between intervention and control practices. The health prevention clinic intervention demonstrated a large increase (47%) in the proportion of completed fecal occult blood test; having a non-physician staff demonstrated an increase in mammography (18.4%); and clinical breast examination (13.7%); the planned care visit for prevention intervention increased mammography (8.8%); continuous quality improvement interventions showed mixed results, from an increase in performance of mammography 19%, clinical breast examination (13%); Pap smear (15%) and fecal occult blood test (13%), to none or negative change in the proportion of cancer screening rates. Conclusions To increase cancer screening completion goals, OC interventions should be implemented tailored to the primary care practice style. Interventions that circumvent the physicians were more effective. We could not conclude whether or not continuous quality techniques were effective. Further research is needed to evaluate cost-effectiveness of these interventions.
Emergency Department Evaluation and Treatment of the Shoulder and Humerus

Shoulder injuries are among the most common musculoskeletal complaints seen in US emergency departments (EDs). ED evaluation of the shoulder must account for the broad range of potential fracture patterns seen in the clavicle, scapula, and humerus. Acromioclavicular dislocation is often encountered in the ED and treatment varies by severity. Dislocation of the shoulder is frequently seen, and the ED physician must be skilled in several reduction techniques to optimize a successful reduction. An understanding of when orthopedic consultation is appropriate and when patients can be dispositioned with timely follow-up are integral to complete patient recovery.
Doublet craters on Venus

Abstract Of the impact craters on Earth larger than 20 km in diameter, 10–15% (3 out of 28) are doublets, having been formed by the simultaneous impact of two well-separated projectiles. The most likely scenario for their formation is the impact of well-separated binary asteroids. If a population of binary asteroids is capable of striking the Earth, it should also be able to hit the other terrestrial planets as well. Venus is a promising planet to search for doublet craters because its surface is young, erosion is nearly nonexistent, and its crater population is significantly larger than the Earth's. After a detailed investigation of single craters separated by less than 150 km and “multiple” craters having diameters greater than 10 km, we found that the proportion of doublet craters on Venus is at most 2.2%, significantly smaller than Earth's, although several nearly incontrovertible doublets were recognized. We believe this apparent deficit relative to the Earth's doublet population is a consequence of atmospheric screening of small projectiles on Venus rather than a real difference in the population of impacting bodies. We also examined “splotches,” circular radar reflectance features in the Magellan data. Projectiles that are too small to form craters probably formed these features. After a careful study of these patterns, we believe that the proportion of doublet splotches on Venus (14%) is comparable to the proportion of doublet craters found on Earth (10–15%). Thus, given the uncertainties of interpretation and the statistics of small numbers, it appears that the doublet crater population on Venus is consistent with that of the Earth.
Robust tracking of articulated human movements through Component-Based Multiple Instance Learning with particle filtering

We present a robust approach for tracking human subjects as their limbs and torso are engaged in large articulated movements while the entire body is executing a large translational motion with respect to the pointing angle of the camera. While the articulated movements can be handled by the recently proposed Component-Based Multiple Instance Learning (CMIL) tracker, the large translational motions by the target require that we also use a motion prediction framework to more accurately estimate the most probable positions of the target in the next frame of a video sequence. In the work we report here, this prediction is carried out with a particle filter. This coupling between CMIL based tracking and particle filtering yields a much more accurate estimate of candidate positions of the target in the next frame given the position of the target in the current frame. We validate this new approach by demonstrating results on videos of human subjects that are simultaneously executing large articulated movements with their limbs and torso while the subjects themselves are in some translational motions with respect to the pointing angle of the camera.
Prevalence and correlates of burden among caregivers of patients with bipolar disorder enrolled in the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder.

Objectives: Caring for a relative with schizophrenia or dementia is associated with reports of high caregiver burden, symptoms of depression, poor physical health, negligence of the caregiver's own health needs, elevated health service use, low use of social supports, and financial strain. This study presents the design and preliminary data on the costs and consequences of caring for a relative or friend with bipolar disorder from the Family Experience Study, a longitudinal study of the primary caregivers to 500 patients enrolled in the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder. Methods: Subjects were primary caregivers of 500 patients with bipolar disorder diagnosed by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview and the Affective Disorder Evaluation. Caregivers were evaluated within 1 month after patients entered Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program using measures of burden, coping, health/mental health, and use of resources and costs. Results: Eighty-nine percent, 52%, and 61% of caregivers, respectively, experienced moderate or higher burden in relation to patient problem behaviors, role dysfunction, or disruption of household routine. High burden caregivers reported more physical health problems, depressive symptoms, health risk behavior and health service use, and less social support than less burden caregivers. They also provided more financial support to their bipolar relative. Conclusions: Burdens experienced by family caregivers of people with bipolar disorder are associated with problems in health, mental health, and cost. Psychosocial interventions targeting the strains of caregiving for a patient with bipolar disorder are needed.
The endoscopic forehead lift

Aging in the upper third of the face is often first noted as wrinkling and ptosis of the forehead with deepening frown lines and forehead muscle imbalance. Correcting the ptosis of the forehead and eyebrows and removing or smoothing of the transverse forehead and vertical glabellar frown lines are the primary goals of the forehead lift. The forehead lift has traditionally been performed through an open coronal incision. The endoscopic forehead lift affords corrugator, procerus, and frontalis muscle modification and lateral brow elevation through direct visualization while minimizing the complications associated with a coronal scar.
Family and twin strategies as a head start in defining prodromes and endophenotypes for hypothetical early-interventions in schizophrenia

In an effort to share the experiences of 'genotype-hunters'-who have approached the difficult task of forecasting future schizophrenia in the young offspring or other relatives of index cases, in new samples guided by the prior probabilities of 15% in offspring or 50% in identical co-twins-with 'early-interventionists'-who focus on purported prodromal symptoms in children who would be treated pharmacologically to prevent the development of schizophrenia-we provide a focused review that emphasizes the hazards of false positives in both approaches. Despite the advantages prospective high-risk strategies have had from clinical and laboratory findings that implicate some prodromal signs and endophenotypes, e.g. attention, memory, and information processing evaluations, the yields are not sufficient for practical applications involving antipsychotic drugs for undiagnosed children. Even more caution than usual is required, given the suggestions that the developing neocortex is vulnerable to dopaminergic exposure.
Drifting fields of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis lesions in the vicinity of granulomata (diffusion of autoantigens

Abstract Intracerebral granulomata around dead larvae of the rat lung worm, Angiostrongylus cantonensis , induced in their vicinity fields of hyperacute experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) in properly sensitized rats. The temporoparietal cortical fields of EAE lesions drifted into deeper parts of the telencephalon with increasing age of the granulomata. This is being interpreted as the result of an interplay between a fast buildup of encephalitogenic substances in and around granulomata and their much slower removal by radial diffusion through the cerebral interstitial fluid and elution at the brain surface. The role of damaged blood-brain barrier versus that of a physiological threshold in the vascular walls for encephalitogenic substances is considered.
Effect of carbon source and nitrogen on urease activity in a sphagnum peat medium

Abstract Sphagnum peat moss was supplemented with 0, 0.01, 0.1, or 1.0 mg as C/cm3 of medium using glucose, galactose, succinate, or acetate as a carbon source. These treatments were factorially combined with 0, 30, or 60 μg N/cm3 using ammonium sulfate as the nitrogen source. Medium treatments were then incubated at 20°C and 40% water holding capacity. Urease activity was determined immediately prior to treatment (day = 0), and 7, 14, and 21 days following treatment. In another study, sphagnum peat was treated with 1.0 mg C/cm3 of medium using galactose as a carbon source. These treatments were factorially combined with 0 or 60 μg N cm3 medium using either ammonium sulfate or urea as a nitrogen source. Treatments were incubated and assayed for urease activity as described for the previous experiment. In the first experiment, the addition of carbon stimulated urease activity with activity being greatest for the highest rate of carbon. Treatments receiving the two monosaccharides, glucose and galactose, sh...
TU-EE-A4-03: A Comparison of Anatomical Noise Properties Between Breast CT and Projection Breast Imaging

Purpose: To compare the statistical properties of the anatomical noise present in breast images.Images from a dedicated breast CT scanner are compared with mammographic projection images.Method and Materials: A dedicated breast CT (bCT) scanner was used to image the breasts of volunteers and patients. Twenty‐five of the available 105 patient datasets were selected for analysis.Noise power spectra (NPS) calculations were performed on the datasets for the right breast of the 25 patients in order to examine the statistical nature of the anatomical background of the breast. The projection images acquired at 80 kVp during the cone beam breast CT acquisition were analyzed using NPS calculations. Approximately 50 projection images and 50 bCT slice images were analyzed per patient. Three regions of interest (ROIs ) were used per image. The ROIs were randomly distributed within the boundary of the breast. The 2D NPS was calculated for each ROI and the average 2D NPS was computed and averaged radially yielding a 1D NPS. A power law expression of the form αf−β was computed from the results of the projection and bCT images, and the β values were compared. Theoretical development suggests that the β for bCT should be one less than that of the projection images, i.e. β [bCT] = β [proj] − 1. Results: The β values for the bCT slice images were consistently less than those for the projection images. The difference ranged from 0.90 to 2.15, with the average difference being 1.34. The β values for projection images were consistent with the 2.8 value described by Burgess (2001). Conclusion: Lower β values from the NPS results of the bCT images could quantitatively indicate potential improvement in detection ability. More work is needed to conclusively say if this is the case.
Pharmacokinetics of nitrate in humans: role of gastrointestinal absorption and metabolism

A model to describe the response of the blood pool to an oral dose of nitrate in humans has been developed. The permeability-area product of the small intestine to nitrate was estimated by comparing simulations from a three-compartment model with published data for blood nitrate concentration following nitrate ingestion. The transport of nitrate from the bloodstream to the lumen of the large intestine and the metabolism of nitrate by enteric bacteria were examined by including an additional compartment representing the large bowel. The simulations indicate that the bacteria of the large intestine may be responsible for about half of the extrarenal removal of nitrate from the body. This prediction was tested experimentally by comparing the urinary recoveries of 15NO3- in conventional and germfree rats following an i.p. dose of Na15NO3. The mean urinary recovery in germfree rats (71% of dose) substantially exceeded that in rats with conventional bacterial flora (54%). This suggests that of the 40-45% of a nitrate dose that is metabolized in the body rather than excreted in urine as nitrate, approximately half is metabolized by mammalian processes and approximately half by enteric bacteria. This conclusion is consistent with that obtained from our pharmacokinetic model of nitrate in humans.
A Conserved Pathway That Controls c-Myc Protein Stability through Opposing Phosphorylation Events Occurs in Yeast

The c-Myc transcription factor is a key regulator of cell proliferation and cell fate decisions. c-Myc overexpression is observed in a variety of human tumors, revealing the importance of maintaining normal levels of c-Myc protein. c-Myc protein stability in mammalian cells is controlled by interdependent and sequential phosphorylation and dephosphorylation events on two highly conserved residues, serine 62 and threonine 58. Here we show that these sequential phosphorylation and dephosphorylation events and their effect on c-Myc stability also occurs in the model system Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These results suggest the presence of a conserved pathway in yeast that controls protein turnover in response to a specific phospho-degron sequence. These findings have implications regarding conserved pathways for regulated protein degradation, and they validate the use of genetically tractable yeast for the study of the turnover of proteins such as c-Myc that contain this motif.
Supervisory control for co-ordination of multiple robots†

Abstract This paper deals with a solution of supervisory control problem for co-ordination of multiple robots. The application of two or more robots employed in a co-operating mode can increase the level of flexibility and productivity in an automated manufacturing environment. However, as the number of robots or the intricacy of task to be performed increases, the control requirements also increase substantially. Co-operating robots can be used in typically complex assembly operations where the payload may be too heavy for a single arm to handle; the object to be manipulated may be irregularly shaped and provide only limited access for physical handling, or the two parts to be assembled together may require simultaneous orientation and unique positioning. The co-ordination control strategies developed were applied to two IBM 7540 SCARA robots. Several control schemes were devised to achieve concurrent robot co-ordination and trajectory tracking. A digital computer program operable on an IBM PS/2 System 8...
Burden and health outcomes of family caregivers of hospitalized bone marrow transplant patients

Twenty-four family caregivers of bone marrow transplant (BMT) patients were interviewed to describe the burden of care and health outcomes (anxiety, depression, symptom distress and fatigue). A descriptive correlational research design with repeated measures was used. Data were collected in a conference room in the oncology unit of a midwestern university hospital using a battery of questionnaires. Questionnaires were administered pre-BMT (prior to the patient's hospitalization) and 5 and 20 days post-BMT. Objective burden remained at a similar level throughout the study (mean range 31.4 to 32.9), whereas subjective burden was highest pre-BMT (mean range 25.3-21.7). Significant correlations were found between objective burden and all health outcomes (P < 0.01 to P < 0.001) on day 5. Symptom distress was significantly correlated to subjective burden pre-BMT and to both types of burden on days 5 and 20. Results of this study suggest that family caregivers of BMT patients may experience more objective burden than subjective burden, and that burden of care may contribute to negative health outcomes, especially on day 5 post-BMT. Interventions designed to reduce sources of caregiver burden and negative health outcomes should be planned according to critical time periods of the BMT patient's hospitalization.
The rapid assessment of fatigue severity in cancer patients: use of the Brief Fatigue Inventory.

BACKGROUND Fatigue is a major disease and treatment burden for cancer patients. Several scales have been created to measure fatigue, but many are long and difficult for very ill patients to complete, or they are not easy to translate for non-English speaking patients. The Brief Fatigue Inventory was developed for the rapid assessment of fatigue severity for use in both clinical screening and clinical trials. METHODS The study enrolled 305 consecutive, consenting adult inpatients and outpatients with cancer who could understand and complete the self-report measures used in the study. The same instruments also were administered to 290 community-dwelling adults to obtain a comparison sample. Research staff completed a form that indicated the primary site and stage of the cancer, rated the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of the patient, described the characteristics of the pain, and described the current pain treatment being provided to the patients. RESULTS The BFI was shown to be an internally stable (reliable) measure that tapped a single dimension, best interpreted as severity of fatigue. It correlated highly with similar fatigue measures. Greater than 98% of patients were able to complete it. A range of scores defining severe fatigue was identified. CONCLUSIONS The BFI is a reliable instrument that allows for the rapid assessment of fatigue level in cancer patients and identifies those patients with severe fatigue. Cancer 1999;85:1186–96. © 1999 American Cancer Society.
Strategies for Making Social Studies Texts More Comprehensible for English-Language Learners

Reading in content areas is generally difficult for English-language learners (ELLs), but reading in social studies is particularly challenging for ELLs for several reasons. First, ELLs often lack background information that textbook authors assume readers have. Second, ELLs in the process of learning a new language do not have grade-level-appropriate vocabulary that is required for content learning; social studies vocabulary can be highly technical and abstract. Third, the discourse style of social studies texts can be cumbersome for ELLs. Together, these challenges slow ELLs' comprehension. In this article, the author illustrates the difficult nature of social studies texts and suggests concrete strategies to make social students texts more comprehensible for ELLs.
QTL mapping for seedling traits associated with low-nitrogen tolerance using a set of advanced backcross introgression lines of rice

Nitrogen (N) deficiency is a major yield-limiting factor in rice production. The objective of this study was to identify putative QTLs for low-N stress tolerance of rice, using an advanced backcross population derived from crosses between an indica cultivar ‘93-11’ and a japonica cultivar ‘Nipponbare’ and genotyped at 250 marker loci. Plant height, maximum root length, root dry weight, shoot dry weight and plant dry weight under two N conditions and their relative traits were used to evaluate low-N tolerance at the seedling stage. A total of 44 QTLs were identified on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9. Eight intervals on five chromosomes were identified to harbour multiple QTLs, suggesting pleiotropism or multigenic effects according to the contributor of alleles. Some QTL clusters were found in the nearby regions of genes associated with N recycling in rice, indicating that the key N metabolism genes might have effects on the expression of QTLs. Several unique QTLs for relative traits were detected, which suggested the specific genetic basis of relative performance.
Suggestions for graduated exposure to programming concepts using fading worked examples

The fading worked example has emerged from cognitive load theory as an effective strategy for lowering cognitive load in the novice phase of skill acquisition and has been shown to be effective in mathematics, engineering and psychology. This theoretical paper proposes the application of the fading worked example strategy to programming education.
Molecular weight of the protein from bovine liver ribosomes

Abstract Ribosomes from a great variety of sources have been isolated and characterized as to the sedimentation classes existing in various buffers. Relatively little work has been done on the size of the protein subunits of the ribosomes isolated from animal sources. In the present work, it has been found that 2M LiCl will degrade bovine liver ribosomes with the release of free protein.
Design and Implementation of the Harvard Fellowship in Patient Safety and Quality.

The Harvard Fellowship in Patient Safety and Quality is a 2-year physician-oriented training program with a strong operational orientation, embedding trainees in the quality departments of participating hospitals. It also integrates didactic and experiential learning and offers the option of obtaining a master’s degree in public health. The program focuses on methodologically rigorous improvement and measurement, with an emphasis on the development and implementation of innovative practice. The operational orientation is intended to foster the professional development of future quality and safety leaders. The purpose of this article is to describe the design and development of the fellowship.
Design and Construction of Fresnel Optics for Photoelectric Receivers

The design and construction of Fresnel-type optics particularly suitable for use with area-type photoelectric receivers are described. Such optics have several advantages over conventional lens and mirror systems; large aperture systems may be constructed cheaply and are light in weight, the radiant energy can be distributed uniformly over the sensitive surface to avoid local saturation, and the optics can be economically custom-made for each application. The design procedure is explained and a method given for the construction of these Fresnel-type lenses from plastic in a modestly equipped machine shop. The design predictions and experimental performance data are compared for lenses designed for three different applications.
The defect arrangement in (non-stoichiometric) β′-NiAl

Abstract X-ray scattering similar to that for the diffuse omega state in Ti and Zr alloys has been detected with Ni 1+(−) x Al 1± x , and is strongest for non-stoichiometric compositions. A new method of analyzing diffuse X-ray scattering has been applied to the data to separate the effects of local order and atomic displacements. The defects (Ni vacancies in Al-rich alloys, Ni atoms on the AI sublattice for Ni-rich compositions) are locally ordered, exhibiting a strong tendency to avoid the same species at the first neighbor distance of their sublattice. The proposed theories of homogeneous nucleation of omega phase do not satisfactorily explain the data. Heterogeneous nucleation by collapse around a point defect appears to be more appropriate (that is, the trapping of phonon states by such defects). This is similar to the proposal by Kuan and Sass for Ti and Zr alloys, but their requirement of one per cent quenched in vacancies is eliminated because it is shown that substitutional atoms provide suitable nucleation sites.