cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Emergency Medicine Research Priorities for Early Intervention for Substance Use Disorders.

Author(s): Hawk, Kathryn F.; Glick, Rachel L.; Jey, Aurthur R.; Gaylor, Sydney; Doucet, Jamie; Wilson, Michael P.; Rozel, John S. | Abstract: Introduction: Patients with substance use disorders (SUDs) frequently seek emergency care, and the emergency department (ED) may be their only point of contact with the healthcare system. While the ED visit has been increasingly recognized as providing opportunity for interventions around substance use, many questions remain. Methods: In December 2016 the Coalition on Psychiatric Emergencies (CPE) convened the first Research Consensus Conference on Acute Mental Illness, which consisted of clinical researchers, clinicians from emergency medicine, emergency psychiatry, emergency psychology, representatives from governmental agencies and patient advocacy groups. Background literature review was conducted prior to the meeting, and questions were iteratively focused, revised, voted on and ranked by perceived importance using nominal group method. Results: The main goal of the SUD workgroup was to identify research priorities and develop a research agenda to improve the early identification of and management of emergency department (ED) patients with SUDs with the goal of improving outcomes. This article is the product of a breakout session on “Special Populations: Substance Use Disorder.” The workgroup identified with high consensus six research priorities for their importance related to the care of ED patients with SUDs in these overall domains: screening; ED interventions; the role of peer navigators; initiation of SUD management in the ED; specific patient populations that may impact the effectiveness of interventions including sociogenerational and cultural factors; and the management of the acutely intoxicated patient.Conclusion: Emergency providers are increasingly recognizing the important role of the ED in reducing adverse outcomes associated with untreated SUDs. Additional research is required to close identified knowledge gaps and improve care of ED patients with SUD.
Neural Reward Processing in Human Alcoholism and Risk: A Focus on Event-Related Potentials, Oscillations, and Neuroimaging

Abstract Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic, relapsing pathology with a multitude of neurobiological, genetic, and environmental factors that contribute to its onset, symptoms, course, outcome, and manifestations. Individuals with AUD as well as their high-risk (HR) offspring/relatives manifest a variety of neurocognitive deficits, of which deficient reward processing is a core feature. EEG-based electrophysiological methods and MRI-based neuroimaging methods are complementary to each other in measuring different aspects of neural processing, and are highly useful to delineate abnormalities in AUD and HR individuals. Primarily, the electrophysiological techniques have revealed a suboptimal reward processing in alcoholism, while the neuroimaging methods have delineated aberrations in brain structures, activation level, and structural/functional connectivity underlying reward circuitry. Further advancement in research methodology as well as brain imaging technology may improve our understanding of specific neurocircuits implicated in various aspects of alcoholism and may, in turn, open more therapeutic avenues.
Resolution metabolomes activated by hypoxic environment

Targeting hypoxia-sensitive pathways in immune cells is of interest in treating diseases. Here, we demonstrate that physiologic hypoxia (1% O2), as encountered in bone marrow and spleen, accelerates human M2 macrophage efferocytosis of apoptotic-neutrophils and senescent erythrocytes via lipolysis-dependent biosynthesis of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), i.e. resolvins, protectins, maresins and lipoxin. SPM-production was enhanced via hypoxia in M2 macrophages interacting with neutrophils and erythrocytes enabling structural elucidation of a novel eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)–derived resolvin, resolvin E4 (RvE4) that stimulates efferocytosis of senescent erythrocytes and more potently than aspirin in mouse hemorrhagic exudates. In hypoxia, glycolysis inhibition enhanced neutrophil RvE4-SPM biosynthesis. Human macrophage-erythrocyte co-incubations in physiologic hypoxia produced RvE4-SPM from erythrocyte stores of omega-3 fatty acids. These results indicate that hypoxic environments, including bone marrow and spleen as well as sites of inflammation, activate SPM-biosynthetic circuits that in turn stimulate resolution and clearance of senescent erythrocytes and apoptotic neutrophils.
Phytochemical profile and antioxidation activity of annona fruit and its effect on lymphoma cell proliferation

Cancers of the lymphatic system are broadly classified into Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin types. Although lymphomas can be effectively treated with chemotherapy, this approach is associated with the risk of adverse side effects. High intake of certain vegetables and fruits is associated with a reduced risk of cancer development. We hypothesized that Annona fruit, which is rich in fibers and phytochemicals that are known to possess anticancer properties, can be effective in inhibiting lymphoma growth. The Annona fruit's fractions were extracted with water, methanol, or chloroform and then assayed for total phenolic, flavonoids, and tannins content; antioxidation activities; and inhibition of in vitro cell proliferation using the Ramos-1 lymphoma cells. The methanol fractions contained the highest phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins content, and antioxidation activity. However, the methanol extracts of skin, pulp, and seeds had a moderate whereas the chloroform extracts of pulp and seeds had strong effects on Ramos-1 cell proliferation. Our findings suggest that Annona fruits may be effective in the prevention or treatment of lymphoma.
Treatment of the anemia of myelodysplastic syndromes using recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in combination with erythropoietin.

We treated myelodysplastic syndrome patients (MDS) with both recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) to determine whether such combination therapy resulted in improvement of their anemias. Twenty-four of 28 patients begun on study completed the protocol and were evaluable for erythroid responses. Therapy was initiated with G-CSF at 1 micrograms/kg administered by daily subcutaneous injection and adjusted to either normalize or double the neutrophil count. EPO was then administered by daily subcutaneous injection at a dose of 100 U/kg and dose-escalated to 150 and 300 U/kg every 4 weeks while continuing the G-CSF. Changes in absolute reticulocyte count, hematocrit level, and need for RBC transfusions were compared with pretreatment values as well as other blood cell counts. Ten of 24 patients (42%) had erythroid responses, whereas all patients had neutrophil responses. Six previously transfused patients no longer required RBC transfusions during the treatment period. Erythroid responses were found to be independent of patient age, French-American-British subtype, duration of disease, prior RBC transfusion requirements, or cytogenetic abnormalities at presentation. Pretreatment serum EPO levels were lower in erythroid-responding as compared with nonresponding patients (median 157 v 600 U/L; P = .05). The combined treatment modality was generally well tolerated. We conclude that a substantial percentage of MDS patients had both erythroid and myeloid responses when treated with the combination of G-CSF and EPO.
Increasing Diversity and Oppression Scale Scores through Relational Cultural Theory

ABSTRACTDespite the centrality of diversity and oppression to the standards of social work, more research is needed to determine the most effective teaching method. The Diversity and Oppression Sca...
Clinicopathologic characteristics of follicular lymphoma in hepatitis C virus-infected patients

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the most common subtype of indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It has been hypothesized that chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection stimulates IGH-BCL2 clone proliferation, leading to development of FL. Furthermore, regression of FL after antiviral treatment without chemotherapy has been reported in HCV-infected patients. To clarify the relationship between HCV and FL, we compared the prevalence of IGH-BCL2 translocation and other clinicopathologic characteristics between HCV-infected and HCV-uninfected FL patients and determined the impact of HCV eradication on the oncologic outcomes of HCV-infected FL patients. The study included HCV-infected patients (cases) with FL seen at our institution during 2004-2018. Cases were matched with HCV-uninfected FL patients (controls) according to year of lymphoma diagnosis, sex, and hepatitis B serology. We studied 19 cases and 57 controls. More cases than controls had splenic involvement of FL (26% vs 5%, P = 0.02), higher histologic grade (grade 3 in 56% vs 24%, P = 0.01), absent or weak CD10 expression (42% vs 11%, P = 0.005), and absent BCL2 expression (33% vs 4%, P = 0.004). Compared to controls, cases had a lower rate of detection of IGH-BCL2 translocation (31% vs 68%, P = 0.02). Finally, cases with a sustained virologic response (virologic cure of HCV) had a better 10-year overall survival rate than did cases not treated with antivirals or controls (P = 0.001). In conclusion, HCV-infected patients with FL have unique clinicopathologic characteristics including improved overall survival with HCV eradication. The pathogenesis of FL in HCV-infected patients seems unrelated to antiapoptotic effect of IGH-BCL2 rearrangement.
Do state regulations on e-cigarettes have impacts on the e-cigarette prevalence?

Background We examine the association among five types of state regulations on electronic cigarettes (defining e-cigarettes, special tax, packaging, youth access and licensure) and initiation and current usage of e-cigarettes in 50 US states and the District of Columbia. Methods Data came from the 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and the US e-cigarette regulations—50 state review by the Public Health Law Center. Logistic regressions were used to determine the odds of initiation and current use of e-cigarettes among individuals aged 18–24, 25–34 and the whole sample, adjusting for socio-demographic covariates. Results Despite the short history of state laws on e-cigarettes, each of the five state laws was associated with lower odds of initiation and use of e-cigarettes in the whole sample. In the 18–24 age group, only the licensure was associated with lower initiation. In the 25–34 age group, the licensure and taxation were related to lower initiation and current usage. There were significant differences of e-cigarette initiation and usage based on the number of state laws regulating e-cigarettes. Conclusions Our analysis indicates the potential of states’ policy efforts to regulate e-cigarettes comprehensively in leading significant changes to e-cigarette prevalence in their populations.
Solar ultraviolet‐induced DNA damage response: Melanocytes story in transformation to environmental melanomagenesis

Exposure to sunlight is both beneficial, as it heats the planet to a comfortable temperature, and potentially harmful, since sunlight contains ultraviolet radiation (UVR), which is deemed detrimental for living organisms. Earth's ozone layer plays a vital role in blocking most of the extremely dangerous UVC; however, low frequency/energy UVR (i.e., UVB and UVA) seeps through in minute amount and reaches the Earth's surface. Both UVB and UVA are physiologically responsible for a plethora of skin ailments, including skin cancers. The UVR is readily absorbed by the genomic DNA of skin cells, causing DNA bond distortion and UV-induced DNA damage. As a defense mechanism, the DNA damage response (DDR) signaling in skin cells activates nucleotide excision repair (NER), which is responsible for the removal of UVR-induced DNA photolesions and helps maintain the genomic integrity of the cells. Failure of proper NER function leads to mutagenesis and development of skin cancers. One of the deadliest form of skin cancers is melanoma which originates upon the genetic transformation of melanocytes, melanin producing skin cells. NER is a well-studied DNA repair system in the whole skin, as a tissue, but not much is known about it in melanocytes. Therefore, this review encapsulates NER in melanocytes, with a specific focus on its functional regulators and their cross talks due to skin heterogeneity and divulging the potential knowledge gap in the field.
Comparison of push/pull force estimates using a single-axis gauge versus a three-dimensional hand transducer.

Abstract This study investigated the effects of using a single-axis force gauge for push/pull force measurement on kinetic/kinematic measures associated with the exertion and assessed agreement between forces recorded from two technologies (single-axis gauge, three-dimensional hand transducer) and various test conditions via intraclass correlations. Independent measures included exertion type (push, pull, turn), test condition (natural/cart alone, using force gauge at fast/slow/self-selected paces), and cart weight (light, heavy). Dependent measures included mean angles of force application, peak forces recorded from both technologies, and cart velocity. Excellent agreement was observed between technologies (ICC = 0.998). Likewise, peak forces using the single-axis gauge at the fast pace agreed best with the natural test condition (ICC = 0.631). Forces should be measured using a faster initial acceleration and sustained velocity than is prescribed by the current standard if they are to accurately approximate forces relative to existing push/pull guidelines. Future work should also develop recommendations for measuring turning forces.
Assessing the relationship between organizational management factors and a resilient safety culture in a collegiate aviation program with Safety Management Systems (SMS)

Abstract Extant research advocates for assessing and continuously improving resilient safety culture in high-reliability organizations (HROs) such as aviation that has a fully functional Safety Management Systems (SMS). Perceptions on the relationship between four (4) organizational management factors (Principles, Policy, Procedures, Practices) and resilient safety culture in a collegiate aviation program was assessed using an online survey instrument drafted using Reason (2011) concept on safety resilience. Sample was drawn from aviation students, flight instructors, faculty and administrators. Structural Equation Model (SEM) and Causal Path Analysis (CPA) techniques were used to assess conceptual models. Results suggest good reliability and construct validity for survey instrument. All the measurement models had acceptable fit based on various goodness-of-fit indices. The results suggest all four management factors had significant predictive relationship with resilient safety culture. Practices had the weakest predictive relationship and Policy had the highest. Procedures strongly mediated path between Policies and Practices and there was no significant causal relationship between Principles and Practices. Results suggest that more focus should be placed on resilient safety practices in the collegiate aviation program. Significant benefit of this study is the validation of an instrument that explores the relationship between resilient safety culture and organizational management factors and adds to literature on resilient safety culture in collegiate aviation programs. Future studies using this survey instrument and models in other collegiate aviation programs, airlines and airports are highly recommended.
Blossom smart expander technology for tissue expander-based breast reconstruction facilitates shorter duration to full expansion: A pilot study.

Background This study evaluated the Blossom system, an innovative self-filling, rate-controlled, pressure-responsive saline tissue expander (TE) system. We investigated the feasibility of utilizing this technology to facilitate implant-based and combined flap with implant-based breast reconstruction in comparison to conventional tissue expansion. Methods In this prospective, single-center, single-surgeon pilot study, participants underwent either implant-based breast reconstruction or a combination of autologous flap and implantbased breast reconstruction. Outcome measures included time to full expansion, complications, total expansion volume, and pain scores. Results Fourteen patients (TEs; n=22), were included in this study. The mean time to full expansion was 13.4 days (standard error of the mean [SEM], 1.3 days) in the combination group and 11.7 days (SEM, 1.4 days) in the implant group (P=0.78). The overall major complication rate was 4.5% (n=1). No statistically significant differences were found in the complication rate between the combination group and the implant group. The maximum patient-reported pain scores during the expansion process were low, but were significantly higher in the combination group (mean, 2.00±0.09) than in the implant group (mean, 0.29±0.25; P=0.005). Conclusions The reported average duration for conventional subcutaneous TE expansion is 79.4 days, but this pilot study using the Blossom system achieved an average expansion duration of less than 14 days in both groups. The Blossom system may accommodate single-stage breast reconstruction. The overall complication rate of this study was 4.5%, which is promising compared to the reported complication rates of two-stage breast reconstruction with TEs (20%-45%).
Der wirkliche Verlauf

Die wirkliche Kompression vom gegebenen Anfangspunkt A0 (Abb. 58) verlauft nicht adiabatisch, sondern es mus zur Uberwindung der Kolbenreibung eine zusatzliche Arbeit aufgewendet werden, die in Warme umgewandelt wird. Daher steigt die Kompressionslinie A0A1 vom Anfangspunkt A0 ausgehend rechts von der Adiabaten aufwarts. Erst bei hoher gewordener Temperatur kann das Kuhlwasser im Zylindermantel etwas Warme aus dem Zylinderinhalt abfuhren, weshalb die Kompressionslinie nach links abbiegt, bevor der Enddruck p1 erreicht ist.
Statistics and probability in forensic anthropology: edited by Zuzana Obertová, Alistair Stewart and Cristina Cattaneo, London, Elsevier, 2020, 407 pp., $125.00 (paperback), ISBN: 978-0-12-815764-0

Statistics, and mathematics generally, have contributed to the development of forensic anthropology for over a century. In recent decades, applications of statistics have become both more common an...
Perceptions and Attitudes toward Community Health and Interprofessional Education in Students with and without an Additional Community Medicine-Focused Program.

The Rural Medical Education (RMED) Program at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford campus, and part of the National Center for Rural Health Professions, strives to recruit students from rural areas, who, after completing residency, return to rural Illinois as primary care physicians. RMED students meet monthly to learn about the community and public health in rural communities. Furthermore, they complete a 16-week rural preceptorship during their fourth year. During the fourth year of medical school, all RMED students, as well as the students following the regular curriculum, are asked to complete a survey, related to the understanding of medical students’ views of community and interprofessional education. We aimed to identify how the community-based curriculum affects the students’ understanding and appreciation of community as they go into rural health practice. The results showed that students in the RMED Program are more aware of the community they are part of, as well as being more interested in becoming part of their community. RMED students reported a statistically significantly higher rating of feeling appreciated and accepted by their community and rated their confidence in their abilities in the community statistically significantly higher. Interestingly, RMED students were not more likely to be more familiar with several health professions and programs within their community, compared to non-RMED students. Results comparing self-rated capabilities for RMED students within the community both before and after adding components of an interprofessional education curriculum showed no statistically significant changes. These results support previous research, while also providing more support for the development of successful interprofessional education courses.
Influenza-associated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: A report of two cases and a brief review of the literature.

Background and objectives Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is often preceded by a recent history of an acute infection and influenza is the most implicated virus. Materials and methods We identified two cases of TTP, which were preceded by influenza between 2010 and 2021. In one patient, we epitope mapped the binding specificity of antibodies using an overlapping peptide approach of the stalk protein of Influenza B and the cysteine-rich spacer domain (CRSD) of ADAMTS13. A literature search was performed for reports of influenza-associated TTP over the period 1980-2021. Results Two patients were identified in which TTP was preceded by influenza, one Influenza A and the other Influenza B. Epitope mapping of the latter's plasma identified target epitopes in both the stalk protein of Influenza B and CRSD of ADAMTS13. The literature review revealed only seven case reports, all but one from Europe or Asia and associated with Influenza A. Severe ADAMTS13 deficiency was demonstrated in only four cases. Conclusion We report the first small case series of influenza-associated TTP. Moreover, it is the first case implicating Influenza B and a mechanism favouring polyclonal B-cell proliferation rather than molecular mimicry as the stimulus to form anti-ADAMTS13 auto-antibodies is suggested.
Natural compounds for the management of undesirable freshwater phytoplankton blooms

Abstract Significant losses occur every year in aquaculrure, farm livestock, and waterfowl due to problems with toxin and “off-flavor” compound production from microalgae blooms. In addition, an overabundance of algae can clog streams and create flavor problems for municipal drinking water supplies. At present, application of synthetic compounds to the affected aquatic ecosystem is one management method used to control and prevent the growth of noxious phytoplankton. Unfortunately, many of these synthetic compounds have limitations for their usefulness in controlling phytoplankton blooms including restricted use (by government), broad-spectrum toxicity towards non-target organisms, high toxicity to non-target organisms, and public perception of adverse health risks associated with their use. The discovery, characterization, and use of natural compounds for phytoplankton control would provide environmentally safe alternatives to chemical compounds. This chapter focuses on past and present research in natural algicides including isolation and characterization of bioactive lead compounds, toxic selectivity and mechanism of action of lead natural compounds (and materials), and efficacy in aquatic ecosystems in terms of impact on target phytoplankton blooms and non-target organisms. The economic cost of using natural algicides is also discussed.
Hair-Thread Tourniquet Syndrome

We have witnessed six cases of the hair-thread tourniquet syndrome, an entity characterized by strangulation of an appendage (toes, fingers, or external genitalia) by hair or hair-like fibers in the pediatric population. All six of our cases were in infants, 12 days to 5 months of age. The offending fibers were hair in three of the four patients with toe injuries and synthetic fibers from mittens in the finger cases. All six patients were treated by immediate removal of the constricting fibers, and, in spite of the worrisome appearance of the tissue distal to the constriction, all six eventually healed without significant tissue loss. A review of the literature indicated 60 similar cases of this type reported, 24 involving toes, 14 involving fingers, and 22 involving genitals. The majority of the toe and external genitalia cases were caused by hair, whereas the majority of finger strangulations were caused by thread from mittens. At greatest risk for strangulation are the middle finger and third toe, followed by the index finger and second toe. Patients with finger or penile involvement were more likely to suffer significant complications from the injuries than those patients with toe involvement. Based on our own experience and that described in the literature, we recommend prompt removal of the offending fiber, followed by prolonged conservative management of the damaged distal tissue, in the hope of maximal tissue salvage. Increased physician awareness of this syndrome is mandatory for prevention, diagnosis, and early treatment.
A chimeric study of the molecular basis of affinity and selectivity of the κ and the δ opioid receptors: Potential role of extracellular domains

Abstract Within the large family of G-protein-coupled receptors, a picture is emerging which contrasts the binding of small ligands and the binding of peptides to the seven-helix configuration of the proteins. Because of its unique richness in both peptide and non-peptide ligands, the opioid receptor family offers several advantages for achieving a better understanding of similarities and differences in ligand/receptor interactions across different classes of agonists and antagonists. Since multiple, naturally occurring, ligands interact with the multiple receptors with varying degrees of selectivity, this family is also an excellent model for examining the structural basis of selectivity. Thus, the molecular basis of binding affinity and selectivity of the κ and the δ opioid receptors was investigated by the construction of four κ/δ chimeric receptors. The pharmacological profiles of these chimeras as well as those of the wild type κ and δ receptors were determined by their binding with several different categories of opioid ligands. A linear model was used to deduce the relative contribution of each corresponding pairs of κ-δ receptor segments to the binding of a given ligand. The results show that the κ and δ receptors bind the same opioid core differently and achieve their selectivity through different mechanisms. In addition, the interaction of a peptide ligand with a receptor appears to be different from that of a small ligand. Furthermore, these results point to a particularly important role of the second extracellular loop and the top half of transmembrane domain 4 in the binding of prodynorphin products. Together, the results suggest that these peptide receptors can be bound and activated via multiple binding pockets as a function of their own topography and the nature of the interacting ligand.
OBJECTIVE DIFFICULTY AND INPUT HISTORY AS FACTORS IN SEQUENTIAL DECISION MAKING.

Amount of displayed input history and level of problem difficulty were varied in a four-alternative, sequential decision task. Problem difficulty, defined by the number of inputs necessary to achieve one standard deviation separation between input sequences with different growth rates, was varied by decreasing growth-rate differences and by increasing input variability. The results indicated that information taking decreases (without increasing wrong decisions) with increasing input history. It was found that the relative amount of information taken decreases and the number of wrong decisions increases with increasing problem difficulty. Further, information taking was found to increase more with decreasing input-sequence growth-rate differences than with increasing input variability to statistically equivalent levels. When scored in the same way as terminal decisions and as compared to them, riskless estimates showed poorer performance. Finally, the results indicated that information taking increases on ...
The Minimum Data Set Weight-Loss Quality Indicator: Does It Reflect Differences in Care Processes Related to Weight Loss?

Objectives: To determine whether nursing homes (NHs) that score differently on prevalence of weight loss, according to a Minimum Data Set (MDS) quality indicator, also provide different processes of care related to weight loss. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Sixteen skilled nursing facilities: 11 NHs in the lower (25th percentile—low prevalence) quartile and five NHs in the upper (75th percentile—high prevalence) quartile on the MDS weight-loss quality indicator. Participants: Four hundred long-term residents. Measurements: Sixteen care processes related to weight loss were defined and operationalized into clinical indicators. Trained research staff conducted measurement of NH staff implementation of each care process during assessments on three consecutive 12-hour days (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.), which included direct observations during meals, resident interviews, and medical record abstraction using standardized protocols. Results: The prevalence of weight loss was significantly higher in the participants in the upper quartile NHs than in participants in the lower quartile NHs based on MDS and monthly weight data documented in the medical record. NHs with a higher prevalence of weight loss had a sig-nificantly larger proportion of residents with risk factors for weight loss, namely low oral food and fluid intake. There were few significant differences on care process measures between low- and high-weight-loss NHs. Staff in low-weight-loss NHs consistently provided verbal prompting and social interaction during meals to a greater proportion of residents, including those most at risk for weight loss. Conclusion: The MDS weight-loss quality indicator reflects differences in the prevalence of weight loss between NHs. NHs with a lower prevalence of weight loss have fewer residents at risk for weight loss and staff who provide verbal prompting and social interaction to more residents during meals, but the adequacy and quality of feeding assistance care needs improvement in all NHs.
The Most Controversial Decision: The Atomic Bomb and the Origins of the Cold War

The devastating atomic blows against Hiroshima and Nagasaki certainly helped end World War II, but did they simultaneously plant the seeds for future conflict among the victorious allies? Did the atomic blasts constitute in some way the opening shots in the Cold War struggle that dominated the postwar era? Could the Cold War have been avoided if Truman had refrained from using the atomic bomb against Japan? Some attention surely must be given these questions here, although the detailed story of how nuclear weapons contributed in the long contest between the United States and the Soviet Union lies beyond the scope of this study. Understanding the American approach regarding these weapons in the early Cold War casts a certain light back on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and it puts their use into a broader perspective. It clarifies that the atomic bomb did not cause the Cold War but rather it helped shape how the Cold War developed. The issues of nuclear weapons control and competition became unavoidably intertwined with the developing Cold War confrontation between the Soviet Union and the United States. Yet, it must be emphasized, they reflected the conflict rather than serving to provoke it. Comprehending the essential and immediate cause of outbreak of the Cold War assures that one avoids any exaggeration of the place of nuclear weapons in precipitating the bitter struggle.
Maternal and fetal roles in bacterially induced preterm labor in the mouse.

Background The relative roles of the mother and fetus in signaling for labor remain poorly understood. Objective We previously demonstrated using gene knockout (KO) mice that Escherichia coli -induced preterm delivery is completely dependent on MyD88, a toll-like receptor adaptor protein. Here we leveraged this finding to conduct a genetic experiment testing whether the mother, the fetus, or both signal for parturition in bacterially induced labor. Study Design Six different maternal/fetal genotype combinations for MyD88 were studied: wild-type (WT) dams carrying one of the following: (1) WT or (2) MyD88 heterozygous (het) fetuses (generated by mating WT females with WT or MyD88-knockout [KO] males, respectively); (3) WT dams carrying MyD88-KO fetuses (generated by replacing the ovaries of WT females with MyD88-KO ovaries, followed by mating with MyD88-KO males); a similar strategy was used to generate MyD88-KO dams carrying (4) MyD88-KO, (5) MyD88 het, or (6) WT fetuses. On day 14.5 of gestation, mice received intrauterine injections of either 1 × 10 9 killed E coli or sterile medium. Delivery of ≥ 1 fetus within 48 hours was considered preterm. A separate group of similarly treated pregnant mice was euthanized 5 hours after surgery for gene expression and tissue analysis. Results E coli -induced preterm delivery is dependent on maternal and not fetal genotype: > 95% of WT and P = .0001). In contrast, fetal survival in utero is influenced by fetal genotype: in MyD88-KO dams, in which premature birth rarely occurs, only 81% of WT and 86% of MyD88-heterozygous fetuses were alive 48 hours after surgery compared with 100% of MyD88-KO fetuses ( P E coli and were low or undetectable in the uteri of KO mothers or in animals treated with saline. Serum progesterone levels were lower in KO mothers with WT ovaries than in WT mothers with KO ovaries, but bacterial exposure did not have an impact on these levels. Conclusion In the murine E coli -induced labor model, preterm delivery and uterine expression of inflammatory mediators is determined by the mother and not the fetus and is not attributable to a decline in serum progesterone.
Accessing Displayed and Non-Displayed Liquidity

U.S. equity markets are going through a period of dramatic change that is reshaping the way traders access and consolidate liquidity. In this article, we survey the state of liquidity in the U.S. equity markets, carefully distinguishing between displayed and non-displayed liquidity. Over the past decade, automation in the market for NASDAQ stocks made displayed liquidity easy to access electronically, consolidate and commoditize. Increased automation on the NYSE and the regional exchanges is about to do the same for displayed liquidity in NYSE stocks. Most liquidity, however, is non-displayed and efficient execution of large order requires accessing all types of liquidity. Electronically accessing and consolidating non-displayed liquidity is the next frontier, with several initiatives attempting to tackle the challenge.
Skeletal Muscle Phosphocreatine Recovery after Submaximal Exercise in Children and Young and Middle-Aged Adults

Context: Elderly subjects have reduced mitochondrial function. However, it remains unclear whether the decline in mitochondrial function begins earlier in the life span. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine skeletal muscle mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation by 31phosphorous-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) across a variety of age groups. Design: This was a cross-sectional study of 121 healthy normal-weight and overweight individuals from age 8 to 55 yr. Setting: The study was conducted at a single university medical center in Boston, MA. Participants: Participants included 68 children and 53 adults from the Boston community. Interventions and Main Outcome Measures: Phosphocreatine (PCr) recovery was evaluated by 31phosphorous-MRS after submaximal exercise. Subjects were also evaluated with anthropometric measurements, metabolic profiles, and measures of physical activity. Results: PCr recovery determined by 31phosphorous-MRS is positively associated with age in univariate analy...
OpenSlide: A vendor-neutral software foundation for digital pathology

Although widely touted as a replacement for glass slides and microscopes in pathology, digital slides present major challenges in data storage, transmission, processing and interoperability. Since no universal data format is in widespread use for these images today, each vendor defines its own proprietary data formats, analysis tools, viewers and software libraries. This creates issues not only for pathologists, but also for interoperability. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of OpenSlide, a vendor-neutral C library for reading and manipulating digital slides of diverse vendor formats. The library is extensible and easily interfaced to various programming languages. An application written to the OpenSlide interface can transparently handle multiple vendor formats. OpenSlide is in use today by many academic and industrial organizations world-wide, including many research sites in the United States that are funded by the National Institutes of Health.
An insect model for assessing mercury toxicity: Effect of mercury on antioxidant enzyme activities of the housefly (Musca domestica) and the cabbage looper moth (Trichoplusia ni)

The effect of mercury as Hg2Cl2 and HgCl2 on the antioxidant enzyme levels and its toxicity was investigated in an insect model comprised of adult females of the common housefly, Musca domestica, and fourth-instar larvae of the cabbage looper moth, Trichoplusia ni. HgCl2 was found to be more toxic than Hg2Cl2 to both M. domestica and T. ni. The LC50s for M. domestica were 1.17% and 0.38% w/v concentration for Hg2Cl2 and HgCl2, respectively. For the more tolerant T. ni, the LC50s were 5.15% for Hg2Cl2 and 0.96% w/w concentration for HgCl2. The minimally acute LC5 dose of both oxidation states of Hg was approximately 0.005% for both insects (w/v for M. domestica and w/w for T. ni). At the LC5, both forms of Hg significantly induced the activity of superoxide dismutase in both insect species. Catalase was induced by both Hg2Cl2 and HgCl2 in M. domestica but was only induced by HgCl2 in T. ni. Glutathione-S-transferase, its peroxidase activity, and glutathione reductase activites were also significantly altered in most cases by Hg in both insects although the pattern of alteration was different between the two insects. It is evident that mercury induces oxidative stress in insects as it does in vertebrates. Our findings suggest that insects may serve as a valuable, non-mammalian model species to assess Hg-induced oxidative stress as a component of environmental toxicity.
CHEMICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE VOLATILE OIL OF PYCNANTHEMUM-PILOSUM NUTT

The oil, distilled from plants cultivated in Nebraska and Iowa, contains pulegone and meothone as major constituents. Limonene and an alkali-soluble substance are present. A modified neutral sulfite assay was used in the determination of pulegone. Preliminary reduction experiments are reported.
The History of Cartography in Brazil in the 1940s: Jaime Cortesão's Lecture Courses

The significance of Armando Cortesao's study of early Portuguese maps is well established. The activity of his brother Jaime Cortesao in the same field, however, has received scant attention. Fortu...
Prolonged maintenance interval in hymenoptera venom immunotherapy

To decrease the cost, inconvenience, and potential side effects of venom immunotherapy we tested whether the interval between the maintenance injections can be increased. In 30 patients who had been given the standard therapy regimen and who had been sting-challenged after 1 and 2 yr of monthly maintenance injections the maintenance interval was increased from 4 to 6 wk. IgG anti-yellow jacket venom antibodies did not change over the next 9 mo. The incidence of local reactions to venom injections did not increase, and there were no systemic reactions during therapy. After 6 to 9 mo 29 of the 30 patients were sting-challenged with one possible reaction. The success rate, 97%, is the same as that observed with monthly maintenance injections. We conclude that the 6-wk maintenance interval is effective in both clinical and immunologic terms after a period of monthly maintenance therapy.
Analysis of sugars in environmental samples by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Abstract Many environmental samples contain complex mixtures of organic compounds with different sources, polarities and reactivities. This study reports a method for the analysis of both polar/water-soluble and apolar organic compounds in several kinds of environmental samples. The analytical method consists of extraction with a mixture of dichloromethane:methanol (2:1, v/v), silylation using BSTFA ( N,O -bis-(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide) and analysis by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), a common device in chemical and environmental laboratories. Fifty individual sugar standards, including monosaccharides, sugar alcohols, anhydrosugars, disaccharides and trisaccharides, were analyzed for the determination of their fragmentation patterns and retention times. Recoveries (at three concentrations) and limits of detection (LOD) were determined for a standard mixture containing glucose (monosaccharide), sorbitol (sugar alcohol), levoglucosan (anhydrosugar) and sucrose (disaccharide), and they varied from 68 to 119% and 130 to 360 ng mL −1 , respectively. The method was used for the analysis of aerosol particle, soil and sediment samples, and demonstrated its feasibility in detecting not only several important environmental sugars (e.g., glucose, fructose, inositol, mannitol, sorbitol, levoglucosan, sucrose, mycose), but also a large range of organic compound classes from other polar components (e.g., dicarboxylic acids) to apolar compounds such as n -alkanes. Therefore, the analytical method presented here demonstrated its usefulness for a better understanding of sources and transport of various organic compounds in different environmental compartments.
Electron spin resonance studies of interactions of ammonia, copper, and cupriammonia with cellulose

The electron spin resonance spectra (ESR) of complexes of copper with fibrous cotton cellulose under various experimental conditions were determined. Cupric ions dissolved in solutions of strong bases, such as concentrated ammonium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, and potassium hydroxide, formed complexes with fibrous cotton cellulose. These complexes had paramagnetic resonance properties and generated characteristic ESR spectra. Cupric ions dissolved in solutions of highly ionized neutral salts, such as sodium chloride, formed complexes with cellulose. These complexes also generated the same characteristic ESR spectra as the complexes formed in solutions of strong base. The reaction between cupric ions and cellulose was evidently very rapid and reversible. When the concentration of ammonia was decreased in, or ammonia was removed from, the cupric ion–ammonium hydroxide–cellulose complexes, the paramagnetic resonance properties of the complex were decreased or lost. Similar results were received when potassium hydroxide was removed from the complexes. The compositions of the complexes evidently are variable, that is, under different experimental conditions the relative intensities of the lines of the ESR spectra of the complexes varied, although the hyperfine splittings of the lines were constant. It was concluded that reactions of cupric ions to form complexes with adjacent hydroxyl groups on the cellulose molecule depended on an optimum spatial arrangement of the hydroxyl groups, that is, distance between the groups. Evidently, wetting of cotton cellulosic fibers with solutions of strong bases or neutral salt allowed rotation about the C2–C3 bond to yield this optimum arrangement. When the base or salt was removed, rotation occurred to give less favorable positions of the hydroxyl groups for complexing with cupric ions.
Finite Element Model of a Heated Wire Catalyst in Cross Flow

Experimentally obtained temperatures of a heated coiled platinum wire in low Reynolds Number cross-flow were compared with a three-dimensional finite element (finite volume) model. The calculated average wire temperature was in good agreement with experimentally obtained values with deviations close to experimental uncertainty bounds at temperatures between 530K and 815K. The model predicted a temperature variation along each coil, with the lowest temperatures along the leading edges of the coil and the higher temperatures at the trailing edges. The rate of heat generated at the wire surface from catalytic reactions was found for the ignition of lean propane/oxygen/nitrogen mixtures. We studied the coiled catalytic wire as part of our efforts to ignite very lean homogeneous air-fuel mixtures in transportation engines under conditions approaching Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI).Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Characterizing the Development of Specialized Mathematical Content Knowledge for Teaching in Algebraic Reasoning and Number Theory.

This article characterizes the development of a deep and connected body of mathematical knowledge categorized by Ball and Bass' (2003b) model of Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching (MKT), as Specialized Content Knowledge for Teaching (SCK) in algebraic reasoning and number sense. The research employed multiple cases across three years from two content courses designed for elementary and middle-level mathematics specialists. Qualitative data were collected and a grounded theory approach to data analysis was employed. The resulting framework characterizes developmental levels of deep and connected mathematical content knowledge for teaching algebraic reasoning and number theory content. The framework consists of four intertwined components related to a teacher's ability to (1) solve problems and justify his/her reasoning, (2) use multiple representations, (3) recognize, use, and generalize conceptually similar tasks, and (4) pose problems. Implications for mathematics teacher education programs are discusse...
An incentive model for the overlearning reversal effect

A theoretical model is proposed for the interaction of the effect of number of training trials and magnitude of reward on speed of reversal learning. The model was tested by an experiment involving 2 levels of reward magnitude and 4 degrees of training. An overlearning reversal effect was obtained under large reward but not with small reward. The data from the 8 groups of rats were well within chance limits of the quantitative predictions from the model.
Expression, processing, and localization of PmpD of Chlamydia trachomatis Serovar L2 during the chlamydial developmental cycle.

BACKGROUND: While families of polymorphic membrane protein (pmp) genes have been identified in several Chlamydia species, their function remains mostly unknown. These proteins are of great interest, however, because of their location in the outer membrane and possible role in chlamydial virulence. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDING: We analyzed the relative transcription of the pmpD gene, a member of the pmp gene family in C. trachomatis serovar L2, and its protein product translation and processing during the chlamydial developmental cycle. By real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, the pmpD gene was found to be upregulated at 16 to 24 four hours after infection. Using polyclonal antibodies generated against the predicted passenger domain of PmpD, we demonstrated that it is initially localized on the surface of reticulate bodies, followed by its secretion outside Chlamydia starting at 24 hours after infection. In elementary bodies, we found a approximately 157 kDa PmpD only inside the cell. Both events, the upregulation of pmpD gene transcription and PmpD protein processing and secretion, are coincidental with the period of replication and differentiation of RBs into EBs. We also demonstrated that, in the presence of penicillin, the cleavage and secretion of the putative passenger domain was suppressed. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Our results are in agreement with the general concept that PmpD is an autotransporter protein which is post-translationally processed and secreted in the form of the putative passenger domain outside Chlamydia at mid- to- late point after infection, coinciding with the development of RBs into EBs.