cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Perspective: Two-dimensional resonance Raman spectroscopy.

Two-dimensional resonance Raman (2DRR) spectroscopy has been developed for studies of photochemical reaction mechanisms and structural heterogeneity in complex systems. The 2DRR method can leverage electronic resonance enhancement to selectively probe chromophores embedded in complex environments (e.g., a cofactor in a protein). In addition, correlations between the two dimensions of the 2DRR spectrum reveal information that is not available in traditional Raman techniques. For example, distributions of reactant and product geometries can be correlated in systems that undergo chemical reactions on the femtosecond time scale. Structural heterogeneity in an ensemble may also be reflected in the 2D spectroscopic line shapes of both reactive and non-reactive systems. In this perspective article, these capabilities of 2DRR spectroscopy are discussed in the context of recent applications to the photodissociation reactions of triiodide and myoglobin. We also address key differences between the signal generation ...
Correlations Between Ratings on the Resident Annual Evaluation Summary and the Internal Medicine Milestones and Association With ABIM Certification Examination Scores Among US Internal Medicine Residents, 2013-2014.

Importance US internal medicine residency programs are now required to rate residents using milestones. Evidence of validity of milestone ratings is needed. Objective To compare ratings of internal medicine residents using the pre-2015 resident annual evaluation summary (RAES), a nondevelopmental rating scale, with developmental milestone ratings. Design, Setting, and Participants Cross-sectional study of US internal medicine residency programs in the 2013-2014 academic year, including 21 284 internal medicine residents (7048 postgraduate-year 1 [PGY-1], 7233 PGY-2, and 7003 PGY-3). Exposures Program director ratings on the RAES and milestone ratings. Main Outcomes and Measures Correlations of RAES and milestone ratings by training year; correlations of medical knowledge ratings with American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) certification examination scores; rating of unprofessional behavior using the 2 systems. Results Corresponding RAES ratings and milestone ratings showed progressively higher correlations across training years, ranging among competencies from 0.31 (95% CI, 0.29 to 0.33) to 0.35 (95% CI, 0.33 to 0.37) for PGY-1 residents to 0.43 (95% CI, 0.41 to 0.45) to 0.52 (95% CI, 0.50 to 0.54) for PGY-3 residents (all P values P values P P P P Conclusions and Relevance Among US internal medicine residents in the 2013-2014 academic year, milestone-based ratings correlated with RAES ratings but with a greater difference across training years. Both rating systems for medical knowledge correlated with ABIM certification examination scores. Milestone ratings may better detect problems with professionalism. These preliminary findings may inform establishment of the validity of milestone-based assessment.
Modal Logic for Preference Based on Reasons

We discuss the logic of preferences, introducing modal connectives that reflect reasons to prefer that one formula rather than another be true. An axiomatic analysis of two such logics is presented.
Probing the conformation of a conserved glutamic acid within the Cl- pathway of a CLC H+/Cl- exchanger

National Institutes of Health, R01GM085232 / Irma T. Hirschl/Monique Weill-Caulier Scholar Award
Muc1 deficiency exacerbates pulmonary fibrosis in a mouse model of silicosis.

Abstract Background MUC1 (MUC in human and Muc in animals) is a membrane-tethered mucin expressed on the apical surface of lung epithelial cells. However, in the lungs of patients with interstitial lung disease, MUC1 is aberrantly expressed in hyperplastic alveolar type II epithelial (ATII) cells and alveolar macrophages (AM), and elevated levels of extracellular MUC1 are found in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and the serum of these patients. While pro-fibrotic effects of extracellular MUC1 have recently been described in cultured fibroblasts, the contribution of MUC1 to the pathobiology of pulmonary fibrosis is unknown. In this study, we hypothesized that MUC1 deficiency would reduce susceptibility to pulmonary fibrosis in a mouse model of silicosis. Methods We employed human MUC1 transgenic mice, Muc1 deficient mice and wild-type mice on C57BL/6 background in these studies. Some mice received a one-time dose of crystalline silica instilled into their oropharynx in order to induce pulmonary fibrosis and assess the effects of Muc1 deficiency on fibrotic and inflammatory responses in the lung. Results As previously described in other mouse models of pulmonary fibrosis, we found that extracellular MUC1 levels were markedly increased in whole lung tissues, BALF and serum of human MUC1 transgenic mice after silica. We also detected an increase in total MUC1 levels in the lungs of these mice, indicating that production as well as release contributed to elevated levels after lung injury. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that increased MUC1 expression was mostly confined to ATII cells and AMs in areas of fibrotic remodeling, illustrating a pattern similar to the expression of MUC1 in human fibrotic lung tissues. However, contrary to our hypothesis, we found that Muc1 deficiency resulted in a worsening of fibrotic remodeling in the mouse lung as judged by an increase in number of silicotic nodules, an increase in lung collagen deposition and an increase in the severity of pulmonary inflammation. Conclusions Altogether, our results indicate that Muc1 has anti-fibrotic properties in the mouse lung and suggest that elevated levels of MUC1 in patients with interstitial lung disease may serve a protective role, which aims to limit the severity of tissue remodeling in the lung.
Lower gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with coronary artery disease on antithrombotics and subsequent mortality risk.

Background Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is a common complication for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) due to use of antithrombotic medications. Limited data exists describing which patients are at increased risk for mortality. Aim To 1) determine whether patients on dual antiplatelet (DAPT) therapy or triple therapy are at higher risk of 90-day and 6-month mortality compared to patients on aspirin (ASA) alone and 2) evaluate risk factors for mortality in patients with CAD on antithrombotics hospitalized with LGIB. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients hospitalized with LGIB and CAD while on aspirin at a single academic medical center from 2007 to 2015. Patients were identified using a validated, machine-learning algorithm and classified by use of aspirin, DAPT or triple therapy. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards were used to determine mortality associated risk factors. Results 716 patients were identified with LGIB and CAD. 472 (65.9%) patients were on aspirin monotherapy, 179 (25%) on aspirin and thienopyridine (DAPT), and 65 (9.1%) on aspirin, thienopyridine, and systemic anticoagulant (triple therapy). On univariate analysis, triple therapy use was associated with increased risk of 90-day (HR 3.12,95%CI 1.52-5.92,p=0.003) and 6-month (HR 2.46,95%CI 1.29-4.35,p=0.008) mortality. Holding anticoagulation was associated with higher mortality at 90-days (HR 2.30,95%CI 1.27-4.07,p=0.007). On multivariate analysis, after adjusting for confounding variables, use of triple therapy remained associated with higher 90-day mortality (HR 3.23,95%CI 1.56-6.16,p=0.003). Conclusion Triple therapy is associated with mortality on at 90 days and at 6 months post discharge.
Membrane Glucocorticoid Receptors

Membrane glucocorticoid receptors are proteins, integral to or associated with the plasma membrane, that specifically bind glucocorticoids and initiate rapid responses to these hormones.
Flexibility Effects in Multibody Systems

This paper summarizes procedures for studying flexible multibody systems using finite segment modelling. In these procedures flexible members of multibody systems are themselves modelled as multibody (or “lumped”) systems. The flexibility is then modelled by springs and dampers between the bodies. Although the method has the disadvantage of being computationally intensive, the procedures presented are intended to ease the computational burden by efficient modelling and by efficient analytical formulations. It is believed that this approach combined with finite element and modal analysis methods can provide a comprehensive global and local analysis. Two examples are presented.
A Carboxylesterase E2-Based Biosensor to Simultaneously Remediate and Detect Mercury Ions

Heavy metal pollution has already become a big public concern, which results from the development of industry as well as the expansion of population.
Metabolism, Obesity, and Diabetes Mellitus.

Obesity and diabetes remain leading causes of reduced health span and life span throughout the world. Hence, it is not surprising that these areas are at the center of highly active areas of research. The identification of novel mechanisms underlying these metabolic disorders sets the stage for uncovering new potential therapeutic strategies. In this issue of Highlights in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, we review recently published papers in the journal that add to our understanding of causes and consequences of obesity and diabetes and how these disorders impact metabolic function. Collectively, these studies in cultured cells to in vivo animal models to human subjects add to the growing body of evidence that both cell-intrinsic and cell-cell communication mechanisms collaborate in metabolic disorders to cause obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes and its complications.
Role of Organizational Support on Implementation of an Environmental Change Intervention to Improve Child Fruit and Vegetable Intake: a Randomized Cross-Over Design.

Little is known about the role of organizational or administrative support in implementation of health promotion interventions, particularly outside of school settings. The purpose was to determine the change in fruit and vegetable (FV) intake among children living in residential children’s homes (RCHs) and assess the relationships among change in organizational support, intervention implementation, and child nutrition outcomes. Data were collected from 29 RCHs and 614 children living in RCHs, as part of a group randomized design with delayed intervention, at three cross-sectional waves: 2004, 2006, and 2008. RCH staff made environmental changes to increase intake of FV. Implementation and organizational support data were collected from staff at the RCHs. Child FV intake were measured via 24-h dietary recalls. A two-way (condition by time) repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to test whether FV intake increased in response to the intervention. A two-level path analysis with a robust maximum likelihood estimator was used to explore the relationships among organizational support, intervention implementation fidelity, and child FV intake. There was a significant increase in FV intake within all RCHs from 2004 to 2006 (P = 0.022 for the intervention group, P = 0.015 for the control group). This increase was maintained in both groups from 2006 to 2008 (post-intervention mean servings: intervention = 3.2 vs control = 3.4). Increases in organizational support resulted in greater overall implementation fidelity. When RCH staff, supervisors, and the RCH CEO were perceived to be supportive of the intervention, more environmental changes were made to encourage eating FV. Fostering organizational support may improve implementation of interventions.
Association of Cord Plasma Biomarkers of In Utero Acetaminophen Exposure With Risk of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Childhood

Importance Prior studies have raised concern about maternal acetaminophen use during pregnancy and increased risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in their children; however, most studies have relied on maternal self-report. Objective To examine the prospective associations between cord plasma acetaminophen metabolites and physician-diagnosed ADHD, ASD, both ADHD and ASD, and developmental disabilities (DDs) in childhood. Design, Setting, and Participants This prospective cohort study analyzed 996 mother-infant dyads, a subset of the Boston Birth Cohort, who were enrolled at birth and followed up prospectively at the Boston Medical Center from October 1, 1998, to June 30, 2018. Exposures Three cord acetaminophen metabolites (unchanged acetaminophen, acetaminophen glucuronide, and 3-[N-acetyl-l-cystein-S-yl]-acetaminophen) were measured in archived cord plasma samples collected at birth. Main Outcomes and Measures Physician-diagnosed ADHD, ASD, and other DDs as documented in the child’s medical records. Results Of 996 participants (mean [SD] age, 9.8 [3.9] years; 548 [55.0%] male), the final sample included 257 children (25.8%) with ADHD only, 66 (6.6%) with ASD only, 42 (4.2%) with both ADHD and ASD, 304 (30.5%) with other DDs, and 327 (32.8%) who were neurotypical. Unchanged acetaminophen levels were detectable in all cord plasma samples. Compared with being in the first tertile, being in the second and third tertiles of cord acetaminophen burden was associated with higher odds of ADHD diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] for second tertile, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.40-3.69; OR for third tertile, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.77-4.67) and ASD diagnosis (OR for second tertile, 2.14; 95% CI, 0.93-5.13; OR for third tertile, 3.62; 95% CI, 1.62-8.60). Sensitivity analyses and subgroup analyses found consistent associations between acetaminophen buden and ADHD and acetaminophen burden and ASD across strata of potential confounders, including maternal indication, substance use, preterm birth, and child age and sex, for which point estimates for the ORs vary from 2.3 to 3.5 for ADHD and 1.6 to 4.1 for ASD. Conclusions and Relevance Cord biomarkers of fetal exposure to acetaminophen were associated with significantly increased risk of childhood ADHD and ASD in a dose-response fashion. Our findings support previous studies regarding the association between prenatal and perinatal acetaminophen exposure and childhood neurodevelopmental risk and warrant additional investigations.
Chapter 6 – Integration: Mergers, Acquisitions, and Business Alliances

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the role of integration in successful mergers and acquisitions. The integration phase is an important contributor to the ultimate success of the merger or acquisition. Ineffective integration is commonly given as one of the primary reasons that M&As sometimes fail to meet expectations. A practical process makes for effective integration. The critical success factors include careful premerger planning, candid and continuous communication, adopting the right pace for combining the businesses, appointing an integration manager and team with clearly defined goals and lines of authority, and making the difficult decisions early in the process. The chapter discusses different activities that need to be completed to achieve successful integration of various units and operations of the business. The chapter elaborates how to develop staffing plans for personnel requirements, employee availability, compensation, etc. The concept of functional integration is also discussed. The chapter concludes with a discussion of how to overcome some of the unique obstacles encountered in integrating business alliances.
Physiological Significance of a New Adenine Nucleotide Transport Mechanism in Liver Mitochondria

Before beginning the main text, I must explain what I mean by the word “new” in the title. “New” means that the adenine nucleotide carrier mechanism I will discuss is fundamentally different from the well-known adenine nucleotide translocase (Austin and Aprille, 1984). This new mechanism can bring about changes in the total adenine nucleotide content of mitochondria, which obviously cannot occur by the obligatory one-for-one exchange that is characteristic of adenine nucleotide translocase.
SWELL1 regulates skeletal muscle cell size, intracellular signaling, adiposity and glucose metabolism.

Skeletal muscles – the force-generating tissue attached to bones – must maintain their mass and health for the body to work properly. It is therefore necessary to understand how an organism can regulate the way skeletal muscles form, grow and heal. A multitude of factors can control how muscles form, including mechanical signals. The molecules that can sense these mechanical stimuli, however, remain unknown. Mechanoresponsive ion channels provide possible candidates for these molecular sensors. These proteins are studded through the cell membranes, where they can respond to mechanical changes by opening and allowing the flow of ions in and out of a cell, or by changing interactions with other proteins. The SWELL1 protein is a component of an ion channel known as VRAC, which potentially responds to mechanical stimuli. This channel is associated with many biological processes such as cells multiplying, migrating, growing and dying, but it is still unclear how. Here, Kumar et al. first tested whether SWELL1 controls how skeletal muscle precursors mature into their differentiated and functional form. These experiments showed that SWELL1 regulates this differentiation process under the influence of the hormone insulin, as well as mechanical signals such as cell stretching. In addition, this work revealed that SWELL1 relies on an adaptor molecule called GRB2 to relay these signals in the cell. Next, Kumar et al. genetically engineered mice lacking SWELL1 only in skeletal muscle. These animals had smaller muscle cells, as well as muscles that were weaker and less enduring. When raised on a high-calorie diet, the mutant mice also got more obese and developed resistance to insulin, which is an important step driving obesity-induced diabetes. Together, these findings show that SWELL1 helps to regulate the formation and function of muscle cells, and highlights how an ion channel participates in these processes. Healthy muscles are key for overall wellbeing, as they also protect against obesity and obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. This suggests that targeting SWELL1 could prove advantageous in a clinical setting.
Trademark Law Pluralism

In recent years, trademark scholars have come to recognize that the supply of words, sounds, and symbols available to designate new goods and services is an exhaustible resource. In certain sectors, the most common Eng-lish words and syllables and the most common U.S. surnames are almost all claimed as marks. Some firms have responded by resorting to ever-more-unusual brand names so as to avoid trademark disputes. Scholars have pro-posed solutions ranging from raising registration fees to narrowing the scope of trademark rights. In this Article, we frame trademark law’s governance of “linguistic space” as a balancing act between what we term proximity costs and distance costs. Proximity costs, the conventional focus of trademark doctrine, occur when different firms use marks that are close in linguistic space—think Zan-tac (for heartburn) versus Xanax (for anxiety). Distance costs arise when firms use marks that are difficult to remember because of their length or their far remove from the core of semantic signifiers familiar to most consumers—staying in the medicine cabinet, think Valsartan (for high blood pressure) or Namzaric (for memory loss). Although conceptually different, proximity costs and distance costs both create similar practical problems. Both make it more difficult for consumers to purchase and communicate about brands, and both make it harder for new entrants to establish and defend their market share. Our proximity-distance framing has conceptual payoffs for trademark law. We explain why responses to the crowding of linguistic space internal to trademark law cannot escape some tradeoff between proximity costs and dis-tance costs. Allowing mark holders to control a larger swath of linguistic space reduces proximity costs, but at the expense of pushing other firms to the periphery of linguistic space, increasing distance costs. Similarly, weak-ening trademark protection to allow more firms to locate their marks in the linguistic core reduces distance costs, but with some increase in proximity costs. Our framing thus shows how the policy problems of trademark law parallel the challenges of managing scarcity in real property. As we draw in-spiration from solutions to urban congestion and sprawl, we suggest how nontrademark interventions can lead to more efficient use of linguistic space, promoting product identification without raising proximity or distance costs. Our approach thus points to the possibility of using a plurality of legal and policy tools to address the proximity-distance dilemma at trademark law’s heart. And by relieving some of the pressure on trademark law to resolve the proximity-distance dilemma on its own, our approach frees trademark law to pursue a wider range of goals and to vindicate a broader variety of values.
Management and Prevention of Thrombotic and Embolic Phenomena During Pregnancy: Deep Vein Thrombosis, Pulmonary Embolism, and Amniotic Fluid Embolism

During pregnancy and postpartum, the risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) is increased. A high index of suspicion is necessary to ensure the diagnosis of VTE is not missed, as the symptoms of this condition may overlap with those of pregnancy. The physiologic changes of pregnancy alter the approach to diagnosis and management of VTE. Following diagnosis, prompt initiation of anticoagulation is the cornerstone of management. For women in whom VTE is highly suspected, empiric anticoagulation treatment should be considered even prior to completion of a diagnostic evaluation. The management of pregnant and postpartum women with massive pulmonary embolism (PE) should follow the recommendations for nonpregnant patients, including administration of thrombolytics. The management of pregnant and postpartum women with both massive and submassive PE is best conducted with close multidisciplinary collaboration.
Political Support for Courts in Transition Regimes: Evidence from the 2011-12 Egyptian Elections

How does an autocratic legacy influence the preferences political elites hold regarding the type of judiciary they want to support when they transition to a democracy? Does the presence of institutional such as multi-party elections with opposition parties and elected legislatures influence the nature of these elite preferences? How does the presence of Islamist parties influence support for an independent judiciary? In this paper, I use data from a survey of 197 candidates competing for parliamentary seats in the 2011-12 elections in Egypt to examine these questions. Specifically, I examine whether institutional incentives stemming from a separation of powers system and the presence of Islamist parties influenced the support parliamentary candidates expressed for legislating (a) executive and (b) parliamentary oversight of the judiciary in a post-election democratic Egypt. I find robust support that the incentives of a separation of powers system influence candidates to support a more independent judiciary with lower executive and parliamentary oversight. However, the effects of other factors are nuanced. Candidates competing in conservative and liberal districts show systematic differences in how similar factors influence their support expressed for judicial independence. These results therefore show that considerable attention must be paid to the partisan and social context when applying existing theories to such transitions.
Amantadine Revisited: A Contender for Initial Treatment in Parkinson's Disease?

The best practice for the initiation of symptomatic motor treatment for Parkinson’s disease is an ongoing topic of debate. Fueled by interpretation of the results of the LEAP and MED Parkinson’s disease studies, many practitioners opt for early initiation of levodopa formulations, avoiding dopamine agonists to circumvent potential deleterious side effects, namely impulse control disorder. Compared with levodopa, monoamine oxidase inhibitors may lack necessary potency. Ignored in this academic debate is another therapeutic option for patients with Parkinson’s disease requiring treatment initiation: amantadine. Amantadine was first reported effective in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease in 1969 and several studies were published in the 1970s supporting its efficacy. Currently, amantadine is mainly utilized as an add-on therapy to mitigate levodopa-related dyskinesia and, more recently, new long-acting amantadine formulations have been developed, with new indications to treat motor fluctuations. Amantadine has not been reported to cause dyskinesia and is rarely implicated in impulse control disorder.
The role of Ifosfamide-doxorubicin chemotherapy in histology-specific, high grade, locally advanced soft tissue sarcoma, a 14-year experience.

Abstract Purpose To compare long-term outcomes of high-grade, primary soft-tissue-sarcoma (STS), using Ifosfamide-Doxorubicin vs local therapy alone, in histology-specific sarcomas. Methods Retrospective analysis was performed on 127 patients from 2005 to 2018, with high-grade STS of extremity or trunk, >5cm, that were either Synovial-Cell, Dedifferentiated-Liposarcoma (DDL), Myxofibrosarcoma, Round-Cell-Liposarcoma (RCLS), Undifferentiated-Pleomorphic-Sarcoma (UPS), or Undifferentiated-Sarcoma-not-otherwise-specified (US-NOS), with central pathology review. Ifosfamide-Doxorubicin was generally given neoadjuvant over 5 cycles, followed by radiation and wide excision, with chemotherapy given in 38 patients, while 89 received local therapy alone. Multi-variable-analysis (MVA) of prognostic factors was performed, and local-recurrence-free-survival (LRFS), distant-metastases-free-survival (DMFS), disease-specific-survival (DSS), and overall-survival (OS) were estimated using Kaplan-Meier, and adjusted using propensity-score matching. Results Median follow-up was 4.5 years. Younger age (p 10cm, trunk location, and lack of chemotherapy significantly lowered DMFS, DSS, and OS on MVA, while DDL had more favorable survival; although size, trunk location, and DDL histology were not significantly different between treatment groups. Ifosfamide-Doxorubicin independently improved DMFS (p=0.001), DSS (p=0.01), and OS (p=0.001) on MVA. Conclusion Ifosfamide-Doxorubicin may be more beneficial in younger patients with >5cm, high-grade, STS of the trunk or extremity in Synovial-Cell, DDL, Myxofibrosarcoma, RCLS, UPS, and US-NOS.
A double-sampling approach for maximum likelihood estimation for a Poisson rate parameter with visibility-biased data

We propose a Poisson-based model that uses both infallible data and fallible data subject to misclassification in the form of false negatives that yield visibility bias. We than derive maximum likelihood estimators for the Poisson rate parameter of interest and the misclassification parameter under two different sampling scenarios. We also derive expressions for the information matrices and the asymptotic variances of the maximum likelihood estimators for the rate parameter and the maximum likelihood estimators for the false-negative parameter. Finally, we also study our new models via a simulation experiment and then apply our new estimation procedures to a real data set.
In vitro classical conditioning of abducens nerve discharge in turtles

In vitro classical conditioning of abducens nerve activity was performed using an isolated turtle brainstem-cerebellum preparation by direct stimulation of the cranial nerves. Using a delayed training procedure, the in vitro preparation was presented with paired stimuli consisting of a 1 sec train stimulus applied to the auditory nerve (CS), which immediately preceded a single shock US applied to the trigeminal nerve. Conditioned and unconditioned responses were recorded in the ipsilateral abducens nerve. Acquisition exhibited a positive slope of conditioned responding in 60% of the preparations. Application of unpaired stimuli consisting of CS-alone, alternate CS and US, or backward conditioning failed to result in conditioning, or resulted in extinction of CRs. Latencies of CR onset were timed such that they occurred midway through the CS. Activity-dependent uptake of the dye sulforhodamine was used to examine the spatial distribution of neurons labeled during conditioning. These data showed label in the cerebellum and red nucleus during conditioning whereas these regions failed to label during unconditioned responses. Furthermore, the principal abducens nucleus labeled heavily during conditioning. These findings suggest the feasibility of examining classical conditioning in a vertebrate in vitro brainstem-cerebellum preparation. It is postulated that the abducens nerve CR represents a behavioral correlate of a blink-related eye movement. Multiple sites of conditioning are hypothesized, including the cerebellorubral circuitry and brainstem pathways that activate the principal abducens nucleus.
Pearls and pitfalls of I-123 Ioflupane (DATscan) SPECT imaging

1284 Learning Objectives 1. Review the anatomy, pathophysiology, and imaging findings including SPECT imaging (DATscan), CT, and MRI of various movement disorders including Parkinson’s disease and supranuclear palsy. 2. Review pearls and pitfalls of SPECT Imaging. After dementia, movement disorders are the most frequent neurodegenerative disorder encountered in clinical practice. Movement disorders have various etiologies and sometimes they are difficult to distinguish clinically. I-123 Ioflupane (DATscan) SPECT imaging is one of the unique diagnostic test being used to measure degeneration of dopamine presynaptic terminal. I-123 Ioflupane nigrostriaum imaging is a valuable functional imaging modality in evaluation of various movement disorders including Parkinsons disease, essential tremor, pseudoparkinsonism, and progressive supranuclear palsy. As the incidence of these movement disorder increases with increase in aging population, DATscan usage is likely to increase. It is critical for interpreting physician to familiarize him/herself with various aspects of DATscan. This educational exhibit will review nigrostriatum I-123 Ioflupane imaging highlighting study technique, detailed discussion of physiologic and pharmacologic principals of I-123, clinical indications for DATscan, review approach to SPECT study interpretation, case-based review of imaging findings (SPECT, CT and/or MRI) for various movement disorders and their respective differential diagnoses. Addtionally, there will be extensive case-based discussion of various radiological pitfalls and emphasize key points which can help in avoiding these pitfalls. Clinical and radiological pearls that can help narrow the differential diagnosis will be discussed as well.
Colitis due to Clostridium difficile toxins: underdiagnosed, highly virulent, and nosocomial

Clostridium difficile colitis is a major complication of antibiotic therapy. Antibiotics cause a reduction in bacteria that normally reside in the colon. If an antibiotic-treated patient ingests C. difficile bacteria, this organism may proliferate in the colon because it is resistant to most antibiotics and because it does not have to compete with the normal bacteria for nutrients. If the C. difficile organism has the gene for toxin production, the toxin can produce a colitis. In addition to antibiotics, other proposed risk factors for development of C. difficile colitis include advanced age, contact with infected patients and with their health care providers, impaired immune function, suppression of gastric acid secretion by a proton pump inhibitor, and postpyloric tube feeding. Many of the risk factors become simultaneously focused on patients admitted to the hospital. The incidence of C. difficile disease has been rising, and strains have become more virulent. In some forms of the disease, the patient doesn't have diarrhea, and in such patients C. difficile can be deadly but difficult to diagnose. The standard treatment, with metronidazole or vancomycin, fails to work in up to 25% of patients with the fulminant form of colitis. Since C. difficile causes only 20% of cases of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, a specific test is needed to diagnose this organism. Toxigenic cultureis highly specific but not available at most institutions. The tests that are available—enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and fecal cytotoxicity assay—have high false-negative rates, even in patients with severe clinical disease, creating a diagnostic dilemma. The only proven way to reduce the risk of C. difficile disease is implementation of an antibiotic management program in conjunction with enhanced infection control procedures.
Spinach leaf 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase: Isolation of a new enzyme form that undergoes ATP-dependent modification

A novel form of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase was partially purified from spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) leaves. As isolated, the new enzyme form possessed little or no enzymatic activity. However, pretreatment with 2 mM Mg-ATP dramatically increased the activities of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase and fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase. Activation only occurred in the presence of magnesium plus ATP; either alone was ineffective. The ATP activation was reversed by treatment with alkaline phosphatase and could be completely restored by subsequent incubation with Mg-ATP. Thus, protein phosphorylation appears to be the mechanism involved. This is the first evidence that higher plants contain an interconvertible form of the enzyme.
Spurious E rosette formation in B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia due to monoclonal anti-sheep RBC antibody

The apparent simultaneous presence of surface markers characteristic of both B and T cells is a phenomenon being described with increasing frequency in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We describe a patient with CLL whose B lymphocytes possessed surface immunoglobulin reactive with neuraminidase-treated sheep erythrocytes (SRBCs) and produced E rosette formation. Cytofluorography using monoclonal antibodies demonstrated the B cell nature of these cells and the absence of the SRBC receptor. Further documentation that the binding of SRBCs was mediated through immunologic reaction included E rosette formation inhibition by monospecific antisera and hemagglutination of SRBCs by a paraprotein isolated from the patient9s serum. Fusion of the CLL cells with a human hypoxanthine-aminopterin- thymidine-sensitive plasma cell line resulted in the production of human hybridomas that secreted the SRBC-reactive IgM antibody. An analysis of clinical histories of CLL patients whose cells exhibited this phenomenon from both immunologic and clinical perspectives is presented.
Zoom null lens.

A simple null lens is described that is moved back and forth relative to a point source to provide large amounts of variable wave front aberration. This device can be used to test a wide variety of optical components and systems.
Observation and Theory of Coronal Loop Structure

Abstract Following up on an initial study of 10 soft X-ray loops observed by Yohkoh (Klimchuk et al. 1992) , we have carefully examined 43 additional Yohkoh loops and 24 EUV loops observed by TRACE, and we confirm our original finding that most coronal loops have a nearly uniform thickness. This implies that: 1. the magnetic field in these loops expands with height much less than standard coronal models would predict; and 2. the shape of the loop cross section is approximately circular. We have investigated whether these surprising results can be explained by locally enhanced twist in the field, so that observed loops correspond to twisted coronal flux tubes. Our approach is to construct numerical models of fully three-dimensional force-free magnetic fields. To resulve the internal structure of an individual loop embedded within a much larger dipole configuration, we use a nonuniform numerical grid of size 609×513×593, the largest ever applied to a solar problem, to our knowledge. Our models indicate that twist does indeed promote circular cross sections in the corona, even when the footpoint cross section is irregular. However, twist does not seem to be a likely explanation for the observed minimal expansion with height.
Detection of virus particles in noisy spot-scan electron cryomicroscopy images

We present a method to identify and extract virus particle images from noisy spot-scan electron cryomicroscopy images. We use a template matching algorithm to identify virus particles. Due to the high spatial variation and low contrast of these images we employ a series of preprocessing operations before performing the template matching. These preprocessing operations detect and remove the black areas present in spot-scan images using spatial histogram operations and binary mathematical morphology. Following the detailed description of our method we discuss the consistency and accuracy of particle selection.
The Design Critique as a Model for Distributed Learning

Critique is the most common aspect of studio design education. This structure and practice is how design skills are developed around the world within a design studio. This chapter examines the design critique, compares its structure and results to established educational theory, and maps the process for use in a distributed or distance environment. It begins with an examination of design and the design studio, and then focuses on the central aspect of design professions: the critique. While there are a wide range of terms used in connection with critique, various forms will be examined here to provide a diversified examination of this pedagogical methodology. Concluding with an examination of the use of critique in distance and online education, some alternatives for technology and strategy are presented. This may provide a model for distributed cognition and learning, both in formal class settings and elsewhere.
A teaching model for work practice in occupational therapy

Given the global changes in how work is conceptualized, organized and performed [8], it is critical that graduating occupational therapists have an up-to-date knowledge of work and work practice. This article briefly explores the relative dearth of work practice courses in current occupational therapy curricula and presents the rationale for developing a model for teaching and learning about occupational therapy work practice. It introduces a client-centered and occupation-focused model developed for an undergraduate work practice course and describes the use of the model in a specific course. The model identifies eight common work-related areas of concern - values clarification, vocational exploration, vocational choice, job search, starting work, maintaining work, returning to work and leaving work. Occupational Therapy tools, techniques and programs which may be useful in addressing these concerns; and the environmental factors that influence therapist and client in addressing work issues are also part of the model. The article concludes with examples of topics and issues which could be explored using this teaching and learning model.
Muslim Identities: An Introduction to Islam, by Aaron Hughes, New York: Columbia University Press, 2013, xi + 310 pp. ISBN 978 023 116146 6, US$89.50 (hardcover); ISBN 978 02 3116147 3, US$ 29.50 (paperback); ISBN 978 023 153192 4, US$28.99 (e-book)

At least since Aristotle, the golden mean has enticed many a thinker as an attribute of beauty and of truth, as the middle path between excess and deficiency. In his Muslim Identities: An Introduct...
Runaway expansion in confined quasi-2D plasmas and vortex fluids

The confined, quasi-two-dimensional guiding center plasma and a system of interacting line vortices in an ideal fluid are examples of Hamiltonian systems with infinite interaction distances. The existence of metastable states with negative specific is investigated by standard entropy maximization of the thermodynamic limit of vortices as they become infinitesimal and form a continuous field. We find metastable states and suggest that these imply a runaway reaction leading to a rapid expansion of a confined plasma or fluid similar to the rapid collapse of globular clusters in astrophysics.
Pediatrician-led Community Child Health Initiatives: Case Summaries from the Evaluation of the Community Access to Child Health Program

Objectives. Case study investigations of projects identified with the Community Access to Child Health (CATCH) Program were conducted to illustrate the range of achievements of CATCH and to identify those elements related to successful or unsuccessful implementation. Methods. We developed a purposive sample of 12 projects, selected based on time of initiation (1989–1995), level of intensity of involvement in CATCH, project locus (statewide or local), nature of program service(s), project setting, and target population(s). Two investigators spent approximately 1.5 days at each site using a preestablished case study guide that included document review and multiple in-person interviews. A total of 171 interviews were conducted with project leadership and staff, community and institutional partners, and public health officials. In seven communities, we also met with individuals receiving project services (consumers). Results and Conclusions. The premise of CATCH that with information, support, and tools, pediatricians can be agents of change in their communities was confirmed. The CATCH pediatricians with whom we met capitalize on their status in the community as physicians, their expertise, and their programmatic and political connections to create opportunities to expand and improve health and social services for children. The specific leadership of these pediatricians is often key in overcoming political and cultural barriers to implement system changes. CATCH was and continues to be an effective program strategy for stimulating and enhancing community-based child health initiatives.
Confidence intervals for reliability indices using likelihood ratio statistics

Abstract Structural reliability theory has found numerous applications in various engineering fields, due primarily to its introduction of the probability of failure or reliability index as a quantitative decision metric in the face of uncertain capacity and demand. In the development of first-generation probability-based design standards, the aleatory (inherent) and epistemic (knowledge-based) uncertainties were combined, leading to a point estimate of reliability. However, a critical aspect of quantified reliability assessment is the confidence level of the estimated failure probability, an aspect that becomes particularly significant in a reliability or risk assessment of an existing facility. The present study addresses this issue through an assessment of the confidence intervals on reliability indices using likelihood ratio statistics for cases where the capacity and/or demand models are derived from finite samples of data, expert opinion, or simulations. The proposed approach is applied to two realistic reliability assessment problems, revealing their applicability and accuracy in confidence interval estimation of reliability indices.
Teacher Candidates' Perceptions of Their Learning and Engagement in a Writing Methods Course

Abstract In this paper we examine teacher candidates' perceptions of learning and learning opportunities in a semester-long course writing methods course. Results from this study indicate candidates felt they had developed understandings of writing, teacher practices, and themselves as writers. They also indicate that three factors fostered candidates' engagement in learning experiences: (1) learning across multiple activity settings, (2) interactions with peers, and (3) overlapping experiential learning roles as both teachers and writers. These factors provide a useful framework for planning and implementing learning activity in practice-focused teacher education. Other implications for teacher education programs, teacher educators, and researchers are discussed.
Retropubic Implantation of Iodine 125 in the Treatment of Prostatic Cancer

SummaryA technique of retropubic implantation of 125I seeds in selected patients with prostatic cancer has been presented. The method is technically simple and it has permitted delivery of potentially effective irradiation to the prostate, constituted a 1-step treatment, required a relatively short hospitalization, had no associated mortality and only minimal morbidity, produced only minimal disturbances in urinary, rectal and sexual functions, resulted in more accurate tumor staging and produced an encouraging degree of local regression in clinically evident prostatic lesions during a brief period of followup.
Teflon feedthrough for coupling optical fibers into ultrahigh vacuum systems

We present an inexpensive, reusable method of introducing optical fibers into ultrahigh vacuum systems. A Teflon ferrule with a center-drilled hole slightly larger than the fiber diameter replaces the metal ferrules of a standard Swagelok connector. The Swagelok connector when tightened compresses the Teflon to form a vacuum seal for pressures of ≤2 × 10-10 Torr.
Effect of massive dosage of a new corticosteroid, triamcinolone acetonide, on the hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity in the normal monkey.

Abstract The oral mucous membranes, jaws, teeth, and surrounding soft tissues of a group of normal monkeys were studied histologically following the oral systemic administration for prolonged periods and at high dosage of a new corticosteroid, triamcinolone acctonide. Comparison of the tissues obtained from triamcinolone acctonide-treated and control animals revealed no significant differences in any of the oral tissues examined.
Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations in Children

¶ In spite of their congenital origin, only 18–20% of cerebral AVMs are diagnosed during infancy and childhood. Intracranial haemorrhage is the presenting clinical manifestation in 75–80% of paediatric patients and is associated with a high morbidity and mortality. The natural history of untreated cerebral AVMs in children is worse than in adults, in relation to a longer life expectation, a higher annual risk of AVM bleeding (3.2% vs. 2.2%) and a higher incidence of posterior fossa and basal ganglia AVMs, most of which present with massive haemorrhages. The surgical excision remains the treatment of choice for parenchymal AVMs in children; AVM complete removal is currently achieved in 70–90% of the patients. With the advent of new agents for endovascular management, preoperative AVM embolization has further improved surgical results. Stereotactic radiosurgery appears to be a successful treatment option in small or moderate sized AVMs. Recent studies have demonstrated low complication rates with this technique in paediatric patients. We reviewed our experience with 37 paediatric AVMs treated at the Section of Paediatric Neurosurgery of the Catholic University of Rome between 1980 and 1997. Twenty-three patients underwent surgery as the only treatment modality; endovascular embolization was combined with the surgical treatment in a further four cases. Radiosurgery was utilized as the only treatment in three patients and in combination with other techniques in an other three children (with surgery in one case and with AVM embolization in the remaining two subjects). No treatment was carried out in three patients because of excessively critical condition on admission; endovascular embolization failed in a further patient because of the anatomical complexity of the malformation. Previous studies have demonstrated a quite strict correlation between AVM complexity based on Spetzler and Martin's grading system and patients outcome. A less direct relationship has been observed in the present study. In our experience the factors which were more closely predictive of patients' outcome were the occurrence of an AVM bleeding and the neurological status on admission. In spite of the low number of cases in the single subsets of patients this study seems to support the role of AVM embolization and radiosurgery as effective adjuvant techniques in the management of cerebral AVMs in children.