cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mining drug-drug interaction patterns from linked data: A case study for Warfarin, Clopidogrel, and Simvastatin

By nature, healthcare data is highly complex and voluminous. While on one hand, it provides unprecedented opportunities to identify hidden and unknown relationships between patients and treatment outcomes, or drugs and allergic reactions for given individuals, representing and querying large network datasets poses significant technical challenges. In this research, we study the use of Semantic Web and Linked Data technologies for identifying potential drug-drug interaction (DDI) information from publicly available resources, and determining if such interactions were observed using real patient data. Specifically, we apply Linked Data principles and technologies for representing patient data from electronic health records (EHRs) at Mayo Clinic as Resource Description Framework (RDF) graphs, and identify potential DDIs for three widely prescribed cardiovascular drugs: Warfarin, Clopidogrel and Simvastatin. Our results from the proof-of-concept study demonstrate the potential of applying such a methodology to study patient health outcomes as well as enabling genome-guided drug therapies and treatment interventions.
Genetics of reproduction and its evolutionary significance.

PROBLEM: To provide an evolutionary perspective on reproductive problems. METHOD OF STUDY: A broad range of evolutionary and reproductive data in the literature were analyzed. RESULTS: Evolutionary considerations provide some insight into two aspects of human reproduction. First, the inefficiency of the reproductive process (20-35% of fertilized ova yield successful pregnancies) may reflect the stress placed on the reproductive process by the relatively short evolutionary time between the hunter-gatherer and settled agricultural patterns of human life. Second, the immaturity of the immune response of the human newborn is most likely a consequence of its delivery while still in the embryonic/fetal stage of development. Delivery at this time is necessitated by the rapid development of the human brain in utero. CONCLUSIONS: The attempts to develop reproductive technologies should take into account the fundamental limits on the human reproductive process. A variety of in utero preventive and therapeutic techniques should be developed to provide the newborn with enhanced resistance to infectious diseases or to correct congenital defects. All new procedures should be thoroughly investigated and proved before being put into clinical practice.
Measurement of the spectral absorption coefficient in the ocean with an isotropic source

Closed-form equations that describe the vector irradiance from an isotropic source embedded in the ocean are rigorously derived from the steady-state radiative transfer equation. The equations are exact for a homogeneous medium and are believed to be an excellent approximation along the vertical axis for a plane-parallel ocean. The equations are solved for the absorption coefficient as a function of distance from the source. For clear ocean water, it is shown that vector irradiance measurements alone provide sufficient information for an accurate calculation of the absorption coefficient. Measurements in Pacific water of the vector irradiance from an isotropic source are presented, and the absorption coefficient is computed. The estimated value of the absorption coefficient from a linear least-squares fit to the data has a standard error of ~ 1%.
Sensor for Direct Measurement of the Boundary Shear Stress in Fluid Flow

The formation of scour patterns at bridge piers is driven by the forces at the boundary of the water flow. In most experimental scour studies, indirect processes have been applied to estimate the shear and normal stress using measured velocity profiles. The estimations are based on theoretical models and associated assumptions. However, the turbulence flow fields and boundary layer in the pier-scour region are very complex. In addition, available turbulence models cannot account accurately for the bed roughness effect. Direct measurement of the boundary shear and normal stress and their fluctuations are attractive alternatives. However, this approach is a challenging one especially for high spatial resolution and high fidelity measurements. The authors designed and fabricated a prototype miniature shear stress sensor including an EDM machined floating plate and a high-resolution laser optical encoder. Tests were performed both in air as well as operation in water with controlled flow. The sensor sensitivity, stability and signal-to-noise level were measured and evaluated. The detailed test results and a discussion of future work will be presented in this paper.
Top management team decision making: the role of functional and organisational identities on the outcomes of TMT diversity

Despite the theoretical advantages of diversity, scholars have come to recognise that diversity among team members can operate as a source of conflict that disrupts team processes and hinders team performance. Diversity creates a problem for teams when members use the features that create diversity, i.e. background, demography, values, to socially categorise members into various subgroups. Consequently, subgroups prevent teams from functioning effectively since they create faultlines that separate members and promote negative interpersonal conflict. In this paper, we argue that TMT members’ functional backgrounds can lead to the formation of salient subgroups when members are highly identified with their functional departments. Furthermore, in contexts where the organisation’s identity is strong and team members are highly identified with organisation, TMTs are likely to overcome the negative effects of their functional backgrounds and function effectively as a group. Accordingly, this paper contributes to the TMT literature by exploring how diversity affects TMT processes and outcomes.
Thermally Active Hybridization Drives the Crystallization of DNA-Functionalized Nanoparticles

The selectivity of DNA recognition inspires an elegant protocol for designing versatile nanoparticle (NP) assemblies. We use molecular dynamics simulations to analyze dynamic aspects of the assembly process and identify ingredients that are key to a successful assembly of NP superlattices through DNA hybridization. A scale-accurate coarse-grained model faithfully captures the relevant contributions to the kinetics of the DNA hybridization process and is able to recover all experimentally reported to date binary superlattices (BCC, CsCl, AlB2, Cr3Si, and Cs6C60). We study the assembly mechanism in systems with up to 106 degrees of freedom and find that the crystallization process is accompanied with a slight decrease of enthalpy. Furthermore, we find that the optimal range of the DNA linker interaction strengths for a successful assembly is 12–16kBT, and the optimal mean lifetime of a DNA hybridization event is 10–4–10–3 of the total time it takes to form a crystal. We also obtain the optimal percentage of...
Did dinosaurs have megakaryocytes?New ideas about platelets and their progenitors

Biological evolution has struggled to produce mechanisms that can limit blood loss following injury. In humans and other mammals, control of blood loss (hemostasis) is achieved through a combination of plasma proteins, most of which are made in the liver, and platelets, anucleate blood cells that are produced in the bone marrow by megakaryocytes. Much has been learned about the underlying mechanisms, but much remains to be determined. The articles in this series review current ideas about the production of megakaryocytes from undifferentiated hematopoietic precursors, the steps by which megakaryocytes produce platelets, and the molecular mechanisms within platelets that make hemostasis possible. The underlying theme that connects the articles is the intense investigation of a complex system that keeps humans from bleeding to death, but at the same time exposes us to increased risk of thrombosis and vascular disease.
A Narrative of Enhanced Professionalism Educational Researchers and Popular Storybooks About Schoolpeople

Three narratives about the history, current status, and future of educational researchers as professionals are discussed. The prevailing collective self-portrait portrays educational researchers as social scientists with maximum autonomy for setting their research agenda and for quality control of their products. A counternarrative of deprofessionalization posits limited autonomy: Research often follows available funding, and government-sponsored grants generally reflect a popularly held view of schools and schoolpeople as the sources of social ailments and undeserving of additional financial support. This view is implicitly reinforced as research findings based on this premise are disseminated to members of the general public through intermediaries, especially members of the press. A third narrative accepts the countercritique but, in a more hopeful vein, foresees educational researchers challenging this view of schoolpeople by speaking directly to the polity. This is accomplished through the creation of...
A fluorogenic substrate for angiotensin-converting enzyme.

Abstract A fluorogenic substrate for the angiotensin-converting enzyme (EC 3.4.15.1) is presented: para-nitrobenzyloxycarbonylglycyl- l -tryptophylglycine. The assay is based upon relief of the internal quenching of tryptophan fluorescence by the nitrobenzyl group when the substrate is enzymatically hydrolyzed to produce para-nitrobenzyloxycarbonylglycine and tryptophylglycine. The new substrate has a Km of 9 × 10−4 m at 37°C and pH 7.4 and is rapidly hydrolyzed in comparison with other substrates. We also describe the use of fluorescamine to assay the dipeptides released from N-blocked substrates by the converting enzyme.
Resonant orbits of grains and the formation of satellites

Abstract Grains, an abundant constituent of the former solar system, will have had a high probability of being driven into orbits resonant with major bodies already formed. This arises because of the presence of gas drag and Poynting-Robertson drag on small grains, providing the dissipation necessary to concentrate matter into special orbits. Since the mean density in resonant orbits can be built up by such a process without limit, these may become the favored orbits for gravitational contraction to gather material into major bodies. Satellite formation processes may therefore depend upon the buildup of resonant lanes of dust grains around the parent body. Saturn's rings are possibly one example of such lanes, though an unsuitable one for the final step of satellite formation on account of their being too close to Saturn.
Renal transplantation. II. Lymphatic complications.

Abstract The lymphatic complications of renal transplantation, namely, lymphoceles and lymph fistulas, have received scant attention in the literature. Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of these problems are presented and representative cases reported.
Dynamic pelvic magnetic resonance imaging and cystocolpoproctography alter surgical management of pelvic floor disorders.

PURPOSE: Pelvic organ prolapse results in a spectrum of progressively disabling disorders. Despite attempts to standardize the clinical examination, a variety of imaging techniques are used. The purpose of this study was to evaluate dynamic pelvic magnetic resonance imaging and dynamic cystocolpoproctography in the surgical management of females with complex pelvic floor disorders. METHODS: Twenty-two patients were identified from The Johns Hopkins Pelvic Floor Disorders Center database who had symptoms of complex pelvic organ prolapse and underwent dynamic magnetic resonance, dynamic cystocolpoproctography, and subsequent multidisciplinary review and operative repair. RESULTS: The mean age of the study group was 58 ± 13 years, and all patients were Caucasian. Constipation (95.5 percent), urinary incontinence (77.3 percent), complaints of incomplete fecal evacuation (59.1 percent), and bulging vaginal tissues (54.4 percent) were the most common complaints on presentation. All patients had multiple complaints with a median number of 4 symptoms (range, 2–8). Physical examination, dynamic magnetic resonance imaging, and dynamic cystocolpoproctography were concordant for rectocele, enterocele, cystocele, and perineal descent in only 41 percent of patients. Dynamic imaging lead to changes in the initial operative plan in 41 percent of patients. Dynamic magnetic resonance was the only modality that identified levator ani hernias. Dynamic cystocolpoproctography identified sigmoidoceles and internal rectal prolapse more often than physical examination or dynamic magnetic resonance. CONCLUSIONS: Levator ani hernias are often missed by physical examination and traditional fluoroscopic imaging. Dynamic magnetic resonance and cystocolpoproctography are complementary studies to the physical examination that may alter the surgical management of females with complex pelvic floor disorders.
Studies on the binding of small ions in protein solutions with the use of membrane electrodes. V. The binding of magnesium ions in solutions of various proteins.

Abstract The binding of sodium and potassium with 14 different proteins has been determined with collodion membrane electrodes. Many of these proteins do not show any appreciable interaction with these ions at pH 7.5. However, pepsin, β-lactoglobulin, zein, and three plasma protein fractions show a significant binding of both sodium and potassium at pH 7.5.
Environmental stimuli promote the acquisition of nicotine self-administration in rats.

Abstract Rationale. Environmental stimuli associated with drugs of abuse are believed to play a major role in the motivation to take drugs, drug dependence, and relapse. Previous work from this laboratory demonstrated that the response-contingent presentation of drug-related, visual cues was at least as important as nicotine in the maintenance, extinction and reacquisition of self-administration in experienced rats. Objectives. In the present research, we asked whether these same visual cues are effective in promoting the acquisition of operant responding in drug naive rats. Methods. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were tested for self-administration of IV nicotine (0.03 mg/kg, free base) in 1-h daily sessions when infusions were or were not paired with two lighting events: a 1-s cue light, followed by a 1-min period during which the chamber light was turned off and responding was not reinforced. Results. Rats tested with cues plus nicotine rapidly acquired self-administration and increased their lever pressing rates as the schedule progressed from FR1 to FR5. Without cues, the rate of nicotine self-administration was low and no adjustments were made in response to increasing schedule demands. While one of the stimuli, turning off the chamber light, was shown to have primary reinforcing properties, its association with nicotine produced a synergistic enhancement of lever pressing. Acquisition of operant responding was also enhanced, but to a lesser extent, by a previously neutral compound stimulus, i.e. the nicotine-paired cue light presented with a 1-s tone. Conclusions. These results illustrate a powerful interaction between environmental stimuli and nicotine in the acquisition of operant responding and indicate that both intrinsically reinforcing and previously neutral cues can participate in this effect.
Characterization of the Interface between a Rough Metal and Smooth Mica in Contact

Abstract We introduce a technique to characterize, in situ, the solid–solid interface formed when a rough metal surface is placed in contact with a smooth mica surface. The technique is based on the use of extended spectral analysis of multiple beam interferometry in conjunction with the surface forces apparatus (SFA). The intensity versus wavelength spectra of light transmitted through the rough metal/mica interface is measured and compared to that transmitted through a smooth metal/mica interface. Interference theory is used to characterize the rough interface based on differences in the measured spectra. Roughness on the order of nanometers can be resolved. The key to our technique is the creation of a perfectly smooth metal/mica interface that is in all respects, except for roughness, identical to the metal/mica interface created in the SFA. We accomplish this by thermal evaporation of a metal film directly onto mica. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the technique by characterizing the structure of silver/mica and gold/mica interfaces. We also show how the technique can be used to investigate the exchange of fluids within the contact region.
The Woodward-Lawson method: A third opinion

Two recent articles on array antenna pattern synthesis [l], [3] in this Newsletter suggest that the Woodward-Lawson method should no longer be taught and should disappear from our textbooks. One recent article [2] in this Newsletter suggests that both the Woodward-Lawson and Orchard [4] synthesis procedure should continue to be taught.
Glucose-dependent insulinotropic effects of JTT-608, a novel antidiabetic compound.

Abstract The effects of JTT-608 [ trans -4-(4-methylcyclohexyl)-4-oxobutyric acid], a novel antidiabetic compound, on insulin secretion were investigated using mouse insulinoma cell line (MIN6 cells) and isolated, perfused rat pancreas. JTT-608 enhanced insulin secretion in MIN6 cells in a dose dependent (10–300 μM) and glucose concentration-dependent (2.8–16.7 mM) manner. Unlike sulphonylureas, JTT-608 minimally stimulated insulin secretion at low glucose concentrations but potently enhanced insulin secretion at high glucose concentrations. In isolated, perfused pancreas of normal rats, JTT-608 (100–300 μM) dose-dependently enhanced insulin secretion in the first and second phases at high glucose concentrations but minimally stimulated insulin secretion at a basal glucose concentration. In isolated, perfused pancreas of neonatally streptozotocin-induced non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus rats (nSTZ rats), JTT-608 (200 μM) normalized the first phase and doubled the second phase of insulin secretion. In MIN6 cells, JTT-608 did not inhibit the binding of [ 3 H ]glibenclamide to membrane fractions but enhanced K + -ATP channel-independent insulin secretion. These results suggest that JTT-608 enhances insulin secretion in a different manner and via a different mechanism from hypoglycemic sulphonylureas.
Localization of TDPX1, a human homologue of the yeast, thioredoxin-dependent peroxide reductase gene (TPX), to chromosome 13q12

Reactive oxygen species and free radicals that are produced during normal metabolism can potentially damage cellular macromolecules. Defenses against such damage include a number of antioxidant enzymes that specifically target the removal or dismutation of the reactive agent. We report here the isolation and regional mapping of a human gene, TDPX1, that encodes an enzyme homologous to a yeast thioredoxin-dependent peroxide reductase (thioredoxin peroxidase, TPX). The human TDPX1 coding sequence was determined from the product of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of human cDNA. Based on PCR analysis of DNA from a human/rodent somatic cell hybrid panel, the TDPX1 locus was assigned to chromosome 13. Further localization of the locus to 13q12 was accomplished by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis, using as a probe DNA from a yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) that contains the TDPX1 gene. It was also determined by PCR analysis of various YACs that the TDPX1 locus is in the region of the dinucleotide repeat markers D13S289 and D13S290. This regional mapping localizes the TDPX1 gene to a genomic region recently shown to contain the breast cancer susceptibility gene BRCA2 and a gene associated with a form of muscular dystrophy. Oxygen radical metabolism has been hypothesized to be important for cancer, muscular dystrophy, and other disorders, so TDPX1 should be considered a candidate gene for these diseases.
Amperometric detection of amines and amino acids in flow injection systems with a nickel oxide electrode

The use and characteristics of a nickel oxide electrode as a detector for amines in a flow injection system are described. The anodic electrode reaction mechanism involves a higher oxidation state of nickel maintained by the applied potential (+0.49 V vs. SCE). The electroanalytical parameters are investigated and the currents for a series of amines and amino acids are compared. Two electrode configurations are compared. The flow injection technique is shown to be suitable for buffered 25-μl samples of pH as low as 3. The linear range for glycine is 10-6–10-3 M with detection limits of a few nanograms.
PERspective on PER phosphorylation

Period (PER) proteins are essential parts of the molecular clocks that control circadian rhythms in flies and mammals. Phosphorylation regulates PER’s stability and subcellular localization; however, the physiologically relevant sites have been difficult to identify in spite of knowing the relevant kinase. In this issue of Genes & Development, Chiu and colleagues (1758–1772) identify a key phosphorylation site on PER that recruits the F-box protein Slimb to trigger PER degradation and set clock speed.
Modeling and Simulation in Support of System Level Design for High Acceleration Linear Motors

Software tools offer powerful support in the areas of engineering specification, design, implementation, and test. The tools are at their most potent when they actively promote agility and responsiveness throughout a product life cycle and leave a legacy of knowledge to inform future product development. Model-based design facilitates these benefits by considering a simulation of the system under development as an executable specification. This executable specification may be regarded as ldquoone truthrdquo across engineering teams with the simulation being abstracted or enhanced as appropriate. First-principle, data-driven, and physical modeling further strengthens model-based design, by allowing the agility and responsiveness afforded by model-based design to be relevant for both algorithmic and nonalgorithmic design considerations. Indeed, models are a powerful means to offer support for in-service operation, diagnostics of unintended operations and assessment and upgrades of control systems and/or system architectures during the entire life-cycle of a product. This paper will consider the benefits of physical modeling and model-based design through an example of a high acceleration linear motor. The motor type, power electronic-drive switching strategy, and power-electronic drive architecture will be considered. Finally, the use of parallel computing within the context of this application will be discussed, in particular as an effective means to generate results for a large number of operational scenarios in a time-effective manner.
Tools for Improving Precision Optical Coatings Through E-Beam Sweep Design

Major e-beam nonlinearities are identified by a vision system in production coaters. A silica evaporation model is used to investigate deposition rate dynamics and source thermal distribution to develop improved sweep designs for subliming materials.
Concomitant Inactivation of Foxo3a and Fancc or Fancd2 Reveals a Two-Tier Protection from Oxidative Stress-Induced Hydrocephalus

Abstract Aims: This study seeks at investigating the cause of hydrocephalus, and at identifying therapeutic targets for the prevention of hydrocephalus. Results: In this study, we show that inactivation of the Foxo3a gene in two mouse models of Fanconi anemia (FA) leads to the development of hydrocephalus in late embryonic stage and after birth. More than 50% of Foxo3a−/− Fancc−/− or Foxo3a−/− Fancd2−/− mice die during embryonic development or within 6 months of life as a result of hydrocephalus characterized by cranial distortion, dilation of the ventricular system, reduced thickness of the cerebral cortex, and disorganization of the ependymal cilia and subcommissural organ. Combined deficiency of Foxo3a and Fancc or Fancd2 not only impairs the self-renewal capacity but also markedly increases the apoptosis of neural stem and progenitor cells (NSPCs), leading to defective neurogenesis. Increased accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and subsequently de-regulated mitosis and ultimately apoptosis i...
Environmental characteristics, field water relations, and photosynthetic responses of C4 Hawaiian Euphorbia species from contrasting habitats

Four endemic Hawaiian Euphorbia species range in habitat from open arid coastal strand to shaded mesic forest and in growth-form from small prostrate shrubs to trees. As shown in the present study, these large differences in habitat and growth-form are paralleled by equally large differences in maximal photosynthetic rate (13.7 to 37.1 μmol CO2 m-2s-1), dark respiration rate (0.7 to 4.1 μmol CO2 m-2s-1), light level for saturation of photosynthesis (0.9 to over 2.0 mmol m-2s-1), light compensation point (0.01 to 0.11 mmol m-2s-1), leaf conductance to CO2 (1.7 to 4.9 mm s-1), and mesophyll conductance to CO2 (3.7 to 8.5 mm s-1). A principal consequence of this differentiation is that the capacity for photosynthesis at high light levels is higher in open site species, such as E. celastroides and E. degeneri, and at low light levels is higher in shade species, such as E. forbesii. E. hillebrandii, a species from intermediate semiopen habitats, exhibits an intermediate photosynthetic capacity at both high and low light levels. Despite this remarkable diversity, all four species exhibit the distinguishing physiological features of C4 photosynthesis.
United States' Interannual Precipitation Variability Over the Past Century: Is Variability Increasing as Predicted By Models?

Many numerical models of climate predict an increase in interannual precipitation variability given the ongoing changes in global atmospheric composition. Few empirical studies exist in which trends in observed temporal precipitation variability have been systematically analyzed. In this investigation, we examine trends in interannual precipitation variability over the past century for the conterminous United States. A variety of statistical methods are applied to the time series, and we consistently find upward trends (most are statistically significant) in seasonal variability. Although strong spatial gradients or clusters do not appear in the trend values, trends toward increasing variability were substantially higher in the low-sun season than in the high-sun season. Our results from the United States provide empirical support for the many modeling studies simulating an increase in precipitation variability given continued global warming.
Inhibitory effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on human leukemia HL-60 cells.

Abstract Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) was synthesized from caffeic acid and phenethyl alcohol (ratio 1:5) at room temperature with dicyclohexyl carbodiimide (DCC) as a condensing reagent. The yield was about 38%. CAPE was found to arrest the growth of human leukemia HL-60 cells. It also inhibits DNA, RNA and protein synthesis in HL-60 cells with IC 50 of 1.0 μM, 5.0 μM and 1.5 μM, respectively.
Health professionals as stigmatizers and destigmatizers of diseases: alcoholism and leprosy as examples.

Abstract Two disease entities are used for the analysis of stigmatization processes within the health care system. It is shown how overall cultural norms, specific professional role interpretations and certain characteristics of the disease are contributory factors. Cultural norms of devaluating persons with disabilities are considered. The relative power of the medical profession within the health care system is assessed in order to evaluate their potentially stigmatizing impact. Previously formulated theoretical concepts and findings of empirical studies provide the overall framework for the discussion. The conclusions include implications which might lead to the improvement of treatment and rehabilitation of currently stigmatizing diseases.
Studying the Presidency

There is a great deal of interest in courses on the presidency in pesidential election years, and 2004 was no exception. For faculty teaching these courses, publishers have produced an array of tex...
Adverse Left Ventricular Remodeling and Age Assessed with Cardiac MR Imaging: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

In patients free of cardiovascular disease at baseline, we observed a longitudinal left ventricular (LV) mass increase in men and a slight decrease in women, whereas LV end-diastolic volume decreased and mass-to-volume ratio increased in both men and women.
Suture Contouring of the Nasal Tip

Scoring, morselizing, and resecting the alar cartilages in an attempt to modify the position and shape of the nasal tip may lead to postoperative distortions of the lobule. Contour grafts have the disadvantage of asymmetries, visible irregularities, and absorption. For these reasons, surgeons have adopted suture techniques as the primary method of recontouring the alar cartilages. My philosophy in dealing with mild to moderate tip deformities consists of the following principles: (1) limited or no resection of cartilages; (2) no scoring or morselization of alar cartilages, which produces irreversible change and unpredictable results; (3) use of support grafts in the form of columellar struts and lateral crural battens to supplement structure and correct intrinsic alar cartilage weaknesses; (4) reliance primarily on the use of sutures to recontour and position the tip; and (5) limited use of contour grafts for situations that cannot be corrected with sutures and support grafts. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2000;2:34-42
A Real-Time Microprocessor-Based System for Engine Deficiency Analysis

The main objective of this work is to develop an on-board microprocessor-based device to detect faults in reciprocating combustion engines. This paper discusses two methods of analysis that have been utilized for fault detection. The first method requires the computation of the Fourier transform, while the second is based on the autocorrelation function. Both the methods provide encouraging results for the few cases that have been studied so far.
Achieving Standardized Medication Data in Clinical Research Studies: Two Approaches and Applications for Implementing RxNorm

The National Institutes of Health has proposed a roadmap for clinical research. Test projects of this roadmap include centralized data management for distributed research, the harmonization of clinical and research data, and the use of data standards throughout the research process. In 2003, RxNorm was named as a standard for codifying clinical drugs. Clinical researchers looking to implement RxNorm have few template implementation plans. Epidemiological studies and clinical trials (types of clinical research) have different requirements for model standards and best implementation tools. This paper highlights two different (epidemiological and intervention) clinical research projects, their unique requirements for a medication standard, the suitability of RxNorm as a standard for each, and application and process requirements for implementation. It is hoped that our experience of selecting and implementing the RxNorm standard to address varying study requirements in both domestic and international settings will be of value to other efforts.
Low-Dose Continuous Intravenous Insulin Infusion in Childhood Diabetic Ketoacidosis

We studied 58 children with diabetic ketoacidosis using a random, prospec tive protocol, with insulin administered either as a low-dose continuous in fusion or as high-dose intermittent subcutaneous injections. There were no statistically significant differences between admission pH and glucose deter minations or the time to metabolic correction. The incidence of hypoglycemia and hypokalemia was higher in patients receiving subcutaneous insulin. In sulin levels in the low-dose patients were 85-160 μU/ml. The insulin required to achieve metabolic recovery was 1.6 U/kg in the low-dose group and 4.5 U/kg in the high-dose group (p < 0.01). Glucose administered at a rate of 3 to 4 g per unit of insulin infused in the low-dose group maintained a serum glucose of 150 to 250 mg/dl. Our studies suggest that low-dose intravenous insulin therapy is safe, as effective as high-dose intermittent subcutaneous injections and avoids the risks of hypoglycemia and hypokalemia. Meticulous attention to individual patient care...
ANKYLOSING HEPEROSTOSIS WITH CERVICAL SPINAL CORD COMPRESSION

This report describes a patient whose clinical and radiological features conform to those of ankylosing hyperostosis. Posterior bridging osteophytes were also apparent and these have not been previously described in ankylosing hyperostosis. We have considered alternative explanations for this finding and concluded that they were manifestations of the hyperostotic process. This unusual feature occurring in the presence of a comparatively narrow spinal canal resulted in cord compression and a spastic tetraparesis and we would therefore suggest that ankylosing hyperostosis may sometimes have serious neurological consequences.
Establishment of a Regional Virtual Tumor Board Program to Improve the Process of Care for Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

A VTB program positively affected the process of care for patients with HCC by improving the quality and timeliness of the multidisciplinary evaluation process.
Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and photobleaching recovery of multiple binding reactions. I. Theory and FCS measurements

Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) and fluorescence photobleaching recovery (FPR) are two methods that may be used to measure diffusion and chemical reaction kinetics in small, labile systems such as biological cells. These methods are here applied to systems in which a fluorescent ligand can bind to a polyvalent substrate molecule in a multistep reaction sequence. The analytical theory for both FCS and FPR is extended to allow analysis of these kinds of systems. Experimental measurements of the binding of ethidium bromide to DNA by FCS confirm the theoretical analysis. (FPR measurements on the same system are reported in the accompanying paper.) The analysis shows that FCS and FPR perceive multivalent binding reactions differently. This difference results from the selective effect of the photobleaching process in the chemical reaction system. The development and results we report could have useful applications to a wide range of biopolymeric binding and assembly process.
Effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing for Improving Self-Care Among Northern Plains Indians With Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract A study was conducted to assess the utility of motivational interviewing techniques to improve management of type 2 diabetes among residents of an American Indian reservation. A convenience sample of participants was recruited at an Indian Health Service diabetes clinic (n = 26). Random blood glucose, A1C, and demographic variables for the 6 months before baseline were collected via chart review; data on random blood glucose, A1C, demographic variables, health-related behaviors, and psychological self-report instruments were collected at baseline and 3 months after intervention. The intervention consisted of two individual, 30-minute sessions of motivational interviewing (MI) delivered over 3 weeks. Significant improvements in participants9 self-reported depressive symptoms, genetic/racial fatalism, treatment satisfaction, and social/vocational worry were observed. Stepwise regression revealed seven predictors of change in A1C from baseline to study end: completion of the study, total blood quantum, change in A1C from 6 months before baseline to baseline, and change in provider trust, treatment acceptance, depression, and reported hours of exercise per week from baseline to study completion. The final analysis had an R2 value of 0.896, accounting for 89.6% of the variance in A1C change. This pilot study provides preliminary support for the utility of MI techniques in diabetes care among American Indians.
Dynamic processes occurring at the CrIIIaq-manganite (γ-MnOOH) interface: simultaneous adsorption, microprecipitation, oxidation/reduction, and dissolution

The complex interaction between Cr III aq and manganite (-MnOOH) was systematically studied at room temperature over a pH range of 3 to 6, and within a concentration range of 10 4 to 10 2 M CrOH 2 aq . Solution compositional changes during batch reactions were characterized by inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry. The manganites were characterized before and after reaction with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution field- emission SEM, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy analysis. Fluid-cell atomic force microscopy was used to follow these metal-mineral interactions in situ. The reactions are characterized by (1) sorption of Cr III and the surface-catalyzed microprecipitation of Cr III -hydroxy hydrate on manganite surfaces, (2) the acidic dissolution of the manganite, and (3) the simultaneous reductive dissolution of manganite coupled with the oxidation of Cr III aq to highly toxic Cr VI aq .C r III -hydroxy hydrate was shown to precipitate on the manganite surface while still undersaturated in bulk solution. The rate of manganite dissolution increased with decreasing pH due both to acid-promoted and Mn-reduction-promoted dissolution. Cr oxidation also increased in the lower pH range, this as a result of its direct redox coupling with Mn reduction. Neither Mn II nor Cr VI were ever detected on manganite surfaces, even at the maximum rate of their generation. At the highest pHs of this study, Cr III aq was effectively removed from solution to form Cr III -hydroxy hydrate on manganite surfaces and in the bulk solution, and manganite dissolution and Cr VI aq generation were minimized. All interface reactions described above were heterogeneous across the manganite surfaces. This heterogeneity is a direct result of the heterogeneous semiconducting nature of natural manganite crystals and is also an expression of the proximity effect, whereby redox processes on semiconducting surfaces are not limited to next nearest neighbor sites. Copyright © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd
A metagenomic insight into freshwater methane-utilizing communities and evidence for cooperation between the Methylococcaceae and the Methylophilaceae

We investigated microbial communities active in methane oxidation in lake sediment at different oxygen tensions and their response to the addition of nitrate, via stable isotope probing combined with deep metagenomic sequencing. Communities from a total of four manipulated microcosms were analyzed, supplied with 13C-methane in, respectively, ambient air, ambient air with the addition of nitrate, nitrogen atmosphere and nitrogen atmosphere with the addition of nitrate, and these were compared to the community from an unamended sediment sample. We found that the major group involved in methane oxidation in both aerobic and microaerobic conditions were members of the family Methylococcaceae, dominated by species of the genus Methylobacter, and these were stimulated by nitrate in aerobic but not microaerobic conditions. In aerobic conditions, we also noted a pronounced response to both methane and nitrate by members of the family Methylophilaceae that are non-methane-oxidizing methylotrophs, and predominantly by the members of the genus Methylotenera. The relevant abundances of the Methylococcaceae and the Methylophilaceae and their coordinated response to methane and nitrate suggest that these species may be engaged in cooperative behavior, the nature of which remains unknown.
High-speed reflective S-SEEDs for photonic logic circuits

We demonstrate the operation of low-power reflective S-SEEDs with 6-ps switching times at a 2-Volt bias. Efficient refractive micro-optics are used to optically interconnect multiple S-SEED gates. The technology platform is expected to enable dense photonic logic circuits for high-speed telecommunications-related applications.
Translator v. author (2007)

This essay discusses translation practice in the context of recent North American and British marketing of works by Arab and/or Muslim authors, and the strong bias toward “transparent” translation that privileges sociological content over literary texture and the thickness of locale. Taking her recent translation of Raja’ al-Sani’'s Banat al-Riyadh (Rajaa Alsanea, Girls of Riyadh, Penguin, 2007) as a case study, the author argues that revisions made by the press and author to her translation domesticate the text and mute the novel's gender politics, while the author's assertion of the right to make these changes without the translator's involvement, as well as the resulting published text itself, question prevalent notions of the “first-world” translator's power to speak for “postcolonial” texts.
Guideposts to the Future-An Agenda for Nursing Informatics

As new directions and priorities emerge in health care, nursing informatics leaders must prepare to guide the profession appropriately. To use an analogy, where a road bends or changes directions, guideposts indicate how drivers can stay on course. The AMIA Nursing Informatics Working Group (NIWG) produced this white paper as the product of a meeting convened: 1) to describe anticipated nationwide changes in demographics, health care quality, and health care informatics; 2) to assess the potential impact of genomic medicine and of new threats to society; 3) to align AMIA NIWG resources with emerging priorities; and 4) to identify guideposts in the form of an agenda to keep the NIWG on course in light of new opportunities. The anticipated societal changes provide opportunities for nursing informatics. Resources described below within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the National Committee for Health and Vital Statistics (NCVHS) can help to align AMIA NIWG with emerging priorities. The guideposts consist of priority areas for action in informatics, nursing education, and research. Nursing informatics professionals will collaborate as full participants in local, national, and international efforts related to the guideposts in order to make significant contributions that empower patients and providers for safer health care.
Diffractive doublets corrected at two wavelengths

We present a complete theory for purely diffractive doublets corrected at two wavelengths. First we describe a class of diffractive doublets that can accomplish real imaging from one object point to one image point in two colors. The paraxial model of the design is also presented. Then we evaluate the performance of this class of doublets, comparing them with refractive singlets, hybrid (refractive–diffractive) singlets, and diffractive doublets based on Fresnel phase lenses. The class has a usable bandwidth that is approximately an order of magnitude better than the conventional Fresnel design.
Active site geometry of glucose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase.

Glucose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase, or UGPase, catalyzes the production of UDP-glucose from glucose-1-phosphate and UTP. Because of the biological role of UDP-glucose in glycogen synthesis and in the formation of glycolipids, glycoproteins, and proteoglycans, the enzyme is widespread in nature. Recently this laboratory reported the three-dimensional structure of UGPase from Escherichia coli. While the initial X-ray analysis revealed the overall fold of the enzyme, details concerning its active site geometry were limited because crystals of the protein complexed with either substrates or products could never be obtained. In an effort to more fully investigate the active site geometry of the enzyme, UGPase from Corynebacterium glutamicum was subsequently cloned and purified. Here we report the X-ray structure of UGPase crystallized in the presence of both magnesium and UDP-glucose. Residues involved in anchoring the ligand to the active site include the polypeptide chain backbone atoms of Ala 20, Gly 21, Gly 117, Gly 180, and Ala 214, and the side chains of Glu 36, Gln 112, Asp 143, Glu 201, and Lys 202. Two magnesium ions are observed coordinated to the UDP-glucose. An α- and a β-phosphoryl oxygen, three waters, and the side chain of Asp 142 ligate the first magnesium, whereas the second ion is coordinated by an α-phosphoryl oxygen and five waters. The position of the first magnesium is conserved in both the glucose-1-phosphate thymidylyltransferases and the cytidylyltransferases. The structure presented here provides further support for the role of the conserved magnesium ion in the catalytic mechanisms of the sugar-1-phosphate nucleotidylyltransferases.
Evaluation of four phloem-specific promoters in vegetative tissues of transgenic citrus plants

'Mexican' lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) was transformed with constructs that contained chimeric promoter-gus gene fusions of phloem-specific rolC promoter of Agrobacterium rhizogenes, Arabidopsis thaliana sucrose-H(+) symporter (AtSUC2) gene promoter of Arabidopsis thaliana, rice tungro bacilliform virus (RTBV) promoter and sucrose synthase l (RSs1) gene promoter of Oryza sativa (rice). Histochemical β-glucuronidase (GUS) analysis revealed vascular-specific expression of the GUS protein in citrus. The RTBV promoter was the most efficient promoter in this study while the RSs1 promoter could drive low levels of gus gene expression in citrus. These results were further validated by reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction and northern blotting. Southern blot analysis confirmed stable transgene integration, which ranged from a single insertion to four copies per genome. The use of phloem-specific promoters in citrus will allow targeted transgene expression of antibacterial constructs designed to battle huanglongbing disease (HLB or citrus greening disease), associated with a phloem-limited Gram-negative bacterium.
A Patient with CKD and Poor Nutritional Status

Protein energy wasting is common in patients with CKD and ESRD and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes, such as increased rates of hospitalization and death, in these patients. A multitude of factors can affect the nutritional and metabolic status of patients with CKD, including decreased dietary nutrient intake, catabolic effects of renal replacement therapy, systemic inflammation, metabolic and hormonal derangements, and comorbid conditions (such as diabetes and depression). Unique aspects of CKD also confound reliable assessment of nutritional status, further complicating management of this comorbid condition. In patients in whom preventive measures and oral dietary intake from regular meals cannot help them maintain adequate nutritional status, nutritional supplementation, administered orally, enterally, or parenterally, is effective in replenishing protein and energy stores. The advantages of oral nutritional supplements include proven efficacy, safety, and compliance. Anabolic steroids and exercise, with nutritional supplementation or alone, improve protein stores and represent potential additional approaches for the treatment of PEW. There are several emerging novel therapies, such as appetite stimulants, anti-inflammatory interventions, and anabolic agents.
A multi-user virtual environment for building and assessing higher order inquiry skills in science

This study investigated novel pedagogies for helping teachers infuse inquiry into a standards-based science curriculum. Using a multi-user virtual environment (MUVE) as a pedagogical vehicle, teams of middle-school students collaboratively solved problems around disease in a virtual town called River City. The students interacted with ‘avatars’ of other students, digital artefacts and computer-based ‘agents’ acting as mentors and colleagues in a virtual community of practice set during the time period when bacteria were just being discovered. This paper describes the results from three implementations of the River City virtual environment in 2004–05 with approximately 2000 students from geographically diverse urban areas. The results indicated that students were able to conduct inquiry in virtual worlds and were motivated by that process. However, the results from the assessments varied depending on the assessment strategy employed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]