cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Data space volumes and classification optimization of SPOT and Landsat TM data

In order to compare the data space volume of SPOT XS and Landsat TM images, three data sets, i.e., a wetlands/agricultural data set, an agricultural data set, and a forest data set, are examined. The comparisons are made for the same geographic area. The data space volumes for Landsat TM (2, 3, and 4) are found to be 70 to 100 percent larger than the volumes for the SPOT XS images. It is suggested that the additional midinfrared bands contribute to the difference in data space volumes between Landsat TM and SPOT XS. The data space volumes for Landsat TM bands 3, 4, and 5 are more than an order of magnitude greater than the volumes for the three band SPOT XS data sets. The volumes of the six-band Landsat TM images are four orders of magnitude greater than the SPOT XS. The analysis of the data space volumes is used to optimize the computation time and minimize the storage requirements of a maximum-likelihood classification based on a look-up table.
Incorporating New Technology Into a Surgical Technique: The Learning Curve of a Single Surgeon's Stereo-Electroencephalography Experience.

BACKGROUND Technological improvements frequently outpace the publication of randomized, controlled trials in surgical patients. This makes the application of new surgical techniques difficult as surgeons solely use clinical experience to guide changes in their practice. OBJECTIVE To quantitatively examine the learning curve of incorporating new technology into a surgical technique and discuss the clinical significance of incorporating this new technology into daily practice. To identify areas of improvement for operative efficiency and safety. METHODS A retrospective observational study examining quantitative measures of operative efficiency and safety from 2009 to 2017 in 454 consecutive patients undergoing stereo-electroencephalography depth electrode implantations. RESULTS The transition to a new robotic technique significantly improved operative times (196 min [95% CI 173-219] vs 115 min [95% CI 111-118], P < .0001). Cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis demonstrated that mastery of the robotic technique took much longer than the frame-based technique (operative time peak at case 75 vs case 25, plateau of 150 vs 10 cases). Although hemorrhage rates using different vascular imaging techniques did not appear to differ using traditional statistical analysis (magnetic resonance imaging, MRI 22.3%, computed tomography angiography, CTA 17.9%, angiogram 18.1%, likelihood ratio χ2 = 4.84, P = .30), CUSUM analysis suggested MRI as the vascular imaging modality leading to higher hemorrhage and symptomatic hemorrhage rates at our center. CONCLUSION This experience demonstrates an improvement in operative efficiency through a series of changes made using clinical experience and intuition while transitioning to a completely new paradigm. CUSUM analysis identified potential areas for improvement in both operative efficiency and safety if used in a prospective manner.
Test-retest reliability of FreeSurfer automated hippocampal subfield segmentation within and across scanners.

Abstract The human hippocampus is vulnerable to a range of degenerative conditions and as such, accurate in vivo measurement of the hippocampus and hippocampal substructures via neuroimaging is of great interest for understanding mechanisms of disease as well as for use as a biomarker in clinical trials of novel therapeutics. Although total hippocampal volume can be measured relatively reliably, it is critical to understand how this reliability is affected by acquisition on different scanners, as multiple scanning platforms would likely be utilized in large-scale clinical trials. This is particularly true for hippocampal subregional measurements, which have only relatively recently been measurable through common image processing platforms such as FreeSurfer. Accurate segmentation of these subregions is challenging due to their small size, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal loss in medial temporal regions of the brain, and lack of contrast for delineation from standard neuroimaging procedures. Here, we assess the test-retest reliability of the FreeSurfer automated hippocampal subfield segmentation procedure using two Siemens model scanners (a Siemens Trio and Prismafit Trio upgrade). T1-weighted images were acquired for 11 generally healthy younger participants (two scans on the Trio and one scan on the Prismafit). Each scan was processed through the standard cross-sectional stream and the recently released longitudinal pipeline in FreeSurfer v6.0 for hippocampal segmentation. Test-retest reliability of the volumetric measures was examined for individual subfields as well as percent volume difference and Dice overlap among scans and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). Reliability was high in the molecular layer, dentate gyrus, and whole hippocampus with the inclusion of three time points with mean volume differences among scans less than 3%, overlap greater than 80%, and ICC >0.95. The parasubiculum and hippocampal fissure showed the least improvement in reliability with mean volume difference greater than 5%, overlap less than 70%, and ICC scores ranging from 0.78 to 0.89. Other subregions, including the CA regions, were stable in their mean volume difference and overlap ( 75% respectively) and showed improvement in reliability with the inclusion of three scans (ICC ​> ​0.9). Reliability was generally higher within scanner (Trio-Trio), however, Trio-Prismafit reliability was also high and did not exhibit an obvious bias. These results suggest that the FreeSurfer automated segmentation procedure is a reliable method to measure total as well as hippocampal subregional volumes and may be useful in clinical applications including as an endpoint for future clinical trials of conditions affecting the hippocampus.
Evolving Role of Social Media in Health Promotion: Updated Responsibilities for Health Education Specialists

The use of social media in public health education has been increasing due to its ability to remove physical barriers that traditionally impede access to healthcare support and resources. As health promotion becomes more deeply rooted in Internet-based programming, health education specialists are tasked with becoming more competent in computer-mediated contexts that optimize both online and offline consumer health experiences. Generating a better understanding of the benefits and drawbacks to using social media in the field is important, since health education specialists continue to weigh its advantages against potential concerns and barriers to use. Accordingly, this Special Issue aims to explore social media as a translational health promotion tool by bridging principles of health education and health communication that examine (1) the method with which social media users access, negotiate, and create health information that is both actionable and impactful for diverse audiences; (2) strategies for overcoming challenges to using social media in health promotion; and (3) best practices for designing, implementing, and evaluating social media forums in public health. In this commentary, we discuss the updated communication and advocacy roles and responsibilities of health education specialists in the context of social media research and practice.
Antibiotics may influence gut microbiome signaling to the brain in preterm neonates

Antibiotic use in neonates can have detrimental effects on the developing gut microbiome, increasing the risk of morbidity. A majority of preterm neonates receive antibiotics after birth without clear evidence to guide this practice. Increasing evidence suggests associations between early-life antibiotic use, intestinal dysbiosis, and morbidity that challenge the efficacy of this common neonatal practice. Here we present microbiome and metabolomic results from the Routine Early Antibiotic use in Symptomatic preterm Neonates (REASON) study, which is the first trial to randomize symptomatic preterm neonates to receive or not receive antibiotics in the first 48 hours after birth. Using 16S rRNA sequencing of stool samples collected longitudinally for 91 neonates, we show that antibiotics alter trends in microbiome diversity and development between randomized neonates and illustrate that type of nutrition helps shape the early infant gut microbiome. Integrating multi-omic data for the gut microbiome, stool immune markers, stool metabolites, and inferred metabolic pathways, we identified an association between Veillonella and the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Our results suggest early antibiotic use may impact the gut-brain axis with the potential for consequences in early life development.
Transcriptome alterations are enriched for synapse-associated genes in the striatum of subjects with obsessive-compulsive disorder

Background: Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic and severe psychiatric disorder for which effective treatment options are limited. Structural and functional neuroimaging studies have consistently implicated the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and striatum in the pathophysiology of the disorder. Recent genetic evidence points to involvement of components of the excitatory synapse in the etiology of OCD. However, the transcriptional alterations that could link genetic risk to known structural and functional abnormalities remain mostly unknown. Methods: To assess potential transcriptional changes in the OFC and two striatal regions (caudate nucleus and nucleus accumbens) of OCD subjects relative to unaffected comparison subjects, we sequenced messenger RNA transcripts from these brain regions. Results: In a joint analysis of all three regions, 904 transcripts were differentially expressed between 7 OCD versus 8 unaffected comparison subjects. Region-specific analyses highlight a smaller number of differences, which concentrate in caudate and nucleus accumbens. Pathway analyses of the 904 differentially expressed transcripts showed enrichment for genes involved in synaptic signaling, with these synapse-associated genes displaying lower expression in OCD subjects relative to unaffected comparison subjects. Finally, we estimate that cell type fractions of medium spiny neurons are lower whereas vascular cells and astrocyte fractions are higher in tissue of OCD subjects. Conclusions: Together, these data provide the first unbiased examination of differentially expressed transcripts in both OFC and striatum of OCD subjects. These transcripts encode synaptic proteins more often than expected by chance, and thus implicate the synapse as a vulnerable molecular compartment for OCD.
Increasing turbine dimensions: impact on shear and power

As wind turbine average hub-height (H) and rotor diameter (D) grow, it is assumed that the benefit derived from larger swept areas and higher wind speeds at higher altitudes will outweigh any increase in fatigue loading due to higher shear and manufacturing/installation costs. The impact of increasing wind turbine H and D on power production and the occurrence of extreme positive and negative shear is examined using high-resolution simulations with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model over Iowa. Three wind turbine scenarios are considered; S#1: H=83m, D=100m; S#2: H=100 m, D=100 m and S#3: H=100 m, D=133 m. Increasing H from 83 m to 100 m while maintaining D=100 m increases power by 16% relative to scenario 1. Increasing D to 133 m from 100 m with H=100 m doubles the power output compared to S#1. Extreme shear across the rotor plane (shear exponent α > 0.2 or α < 0) is frequently observed, but only modestly impacted by the changes in wind turbine dimensions. Thus, the increase in power output from increasing H and D to these levels seems to incur little penalty in terms of increased occurrence of high positive or negative shear.
The Emergence of Network Activity Patterns in the Somatosensory Cortex - An Early Window to Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Abstract Across mammalian species, patterned activity in neural populations is a prominent feature of developing sensory cortices. Numerous studies have long appreciated the diversity of these patterns, characterizing their differences in spatial and temporal dynamics. In the murine somatosensory cortex, neuronal co-activation is thought to guide the formation of sensory maps and prepare the cortex for sensory processing after birth. While pioneering studies deftly utilized slice electrophysiology and unit recordings to characterize correlated activity, a detailed understanding of the underlying circuits remains poorly understood. More recently, advances in in vivo calcium imaging in awake mouse pups and increasing genetic tractability of neuronal types have allowed unprecedented manipulation of circuit components at select developmental timepoints. These novel approaches have proven fundamental in uncovering the identity of neurons engaged in correlated activity during development. In particular, recent studies have highlighted interneurons as key in refining the spatial extent and temporal progression of patterned activity. Here, we discuss how emergent synchronous activity across the first postnatal weeks is shaped by underlying gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic contributors in the somatosensory cortex. Further, the importance of participation in specific activity patterns per se for neuronal maturation and perdurance will be of particular highlight in this survey of recent literature. Finally, we underscore how aberrant neuronal synchrony and disrupted inhibitory interneuron activity underlie sensory perturbations in neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), emphasizing the importance of future investigative approaches that incorporate the spatiotemporal features of patterned activity alongside the cellular components to probe disordered circuit assembly.
Mary Gergen (1938-2020).

Memorializes Mary Gergen (1938-2020). Gergen led from the margins and reimagined psychol ogy, bringing a path-breaking sensibility to the study of gen der, questioning the essentialism rampant in the 1980s, and demonstrating that gender is a social construction. As she extended her ideas about gender, she saw a need for new methods and, influenced by constructionist thought, embraced qualitative forms of inquiry. She was a prolific scholar, publishing many articles that were always provocative and original. The legacy of her work is in part the growth of perform ance inquiry in the social sciences and the legitimacy of qualitative inquiry. She was an associate editor of Qualita tive Psychology and a mentor to many women. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Redeeming German Idealism: Schelling and Rosenzweig

As is well known, the renowned Hegel scholar, Franz Rosenzweig, had a dramatic break with Hegel in particular and German Idealism more broadly, as strikingly evidenced in his magnum opus, The Star of Redemption. In the third or 1815 draft of Die Weltalter, Schelling writes that while “all thinking must begin the dialectic, it cannot end in the dialectic.” Schelling continued his turn toward what he called “positive philosophy,” which emerges “toto caelo” differently than from the “universality” and “indeterminacy” of negative thought (as he first characterized it in the 1809 Freedom essay). What is this new mode of thought, born—both for Schelling and for his unexpected admirer Rosenzweig—from the limitations of negative thought? How does one characterize this rupture within Idealism itself?
Evidence for human-caused founder effect in populations of Solanum jamesii found at archaeological sites: I. Breeding experiments and the geography of sexual reproduction.

PREMISE Plant domestication can be detected when transport, use, and manipulation of propagules impact reproductive functionality, especially in species with self-incompatible breeding systems. METHODS Evidence for human-caused founder effect in the Four Corners potato (Solanum jamesii Torr.) was examined by conducting 526 controlled matings between archaeological and non-archaeological populations from field-collected tubers grown in a greenhouse. Specimens from 24 major herbaria and collection records from >160 populations were examined to determine which produced fruits. RESULTS Archaeological populations did not produce any fruits when self-crossed or outcrossed between individuals from the same source. A weak ability to self- or outcross within populations was observed in non-archaeological populations. Outcrossing between archaeological and non-archaeological populations, however, produced fully formed, seed-containing fruits, especially with a non-archaeological pollen source. Fruit formation was observed in 51 of 162 occurrences, with minimal evidence of constraint by monsoonal drought, lack of pollinators, or spatial separation of suitable partners. Some archaeological populations (especially those along ancient trade routes) had records of fruit production (Chaco Canyon), while others (those in northern Arizona, western Colorado, and southern Utah) did not. CONCLUSIONS The present study suggests that archaeological populations could have different origins at different times-some descending directly from large gene pools to the south and others derived from gardens already established around occupations. The latter experienced a chain of founder events, which presumably would further reduce genetic diversity and mating capability. Consequently, some archaeological populations lack the genetic ability to sexually reproduce, likely as the result of human-caused founder effect.
Se non è vero, è ben trovato (If Not True, It Is Well Conceived): Digital Immersive Reconstructions of Historical Environments

T oday digital reconstructions of historical environments seem to be everywhere, from travel ads to video-sharing sites, from Google Earth and FaceBook to textbooks and games, not to mention the eye- riveting CGI versions in movies. Such engaging views of the built past are increasing public interest in our field and promoting new modes of scholarly inquiry and innovative research questions. At the same time, this animated eye candy (as so labeled by a traditionalist) raises some specific challenges. What follows are musings on core issues about the scholarly use of immersive digital representations of ancient buildings based on close to twenty years laboring in the virtual trenches.1 In the formative days of archaeology and architectural history as academic disciplines, line drawings held sway as the preferred form for historical reconstructions, standing in sharp contrast to the more emotive, more sensuous colorful paintings of historical settings.2 Not only were line drawings well suited to available publication capabilities, the preferred plans and axonometric drawings were quantifiable and comparable. Today, the powerful scientific character of computing and the heightened visual sensibilities of readers have elevated hyperrealism as the gold standard of digital modeling. The seeming verism of historical reconstructions depicted in computer games and films has set the visual (not to mention kinetic and aural) bar high indeed. Though I personally will not argue against studying the Coliseum by watching Russell Crowe, the goals and budgets of film- and game-makers are decidedly different from those of scholars, thus their evaluation should be as well. A comprehensive historical digital reconstruction model requires the same amount of information as a new building, compelling scholar modelers to study every single aspect, not solely a parsed segment. The holistic approach reveals valuable information especially during model creation, as scholar modelers must deal with the …
Circadian Regulation of Intestinal Host-Microbe Interactions

Twenty-four hour cycles of day and night are a fundamental feature of life on earth. Virtually all life forms undergo physiological and behavioral changes on a ~24 hour cycle (known as a “circadian” cycle), in synchrony with the changes in natural light. Such processes are controlled by a network of transcription factors, collectively termed the “circadian clock”, which function together in individual cells, capturing light cues from the visual and nervous systems and using these cues to regulate gene expression. Despite the importance of circadian regulation for many aspects of physiology, little is known about how the circadian clock regulates immunity. We have unveiled a molecular link between the circadian clock circuitry and T cells that impacts immune interactions with the intestinal microbiota. Interleukin-17-producing T helper (Th17) cells are proinflammatory immune cells that regulate interactions with intestinal bacteria. We have found that the lineage specification of these cells varies diurnal...
ATP synthase's second stalk comes into focus

Almost all the adenosine triphosphate (ATP, the predominant energy-transfer mediator in living organisms) used by cells is made by ATP synthases, which have two parts known as F1 and FO. These enzymes are found in bacterial plasma membranes, chloroplast thylakoid membranes and mitochondrial inner membranes; they function as rotary motors, coupling nucleotide binding in the F1 part to proton translocation by the transmembrane FO part1,2. Here we present cryoelectron microscopy images showing details of the connection between the F1 and FO parts of the enzyme.
Soccer/World Football

This article constitutes a review of magagement science, operations research, and statistics as they arise in the study of data arising from the world of soccer/football. The data may have been collected during a game, may be summaries after games, or after a season, or after a tournament, or over many years. The main sections of the article include Data Collection and Descriptive Analyses, Stochastic Modeling (with subsections Between Game Modeling and Within Game Modeling), Ranking, Tournaments and Scheduling, Game Theory, and Economics and Management. The reference list contains 167 books and articles. The analytic study of the field has reached maturity following the contributions of many individuals and institutions. Keywords: association football; efficiency; FIFA; game theory; laws of the game; match analysis; notation analysis; performance; ranking; sports science; spatial-temporal data; tactics; time series
Tests, Proofs and Refinements

Counter-example driven refinement using predicate abstraction has been successfully used to find bugs and verify properties in programs [1]. We describe two recent advances in counter-example driven refinement: - We present a counter-example driven refinement technique that combines verification and testing [4]. In our approach, we simultaneously use testing and proving, with the goal of either finding a test that demonstrates that Pviolates φ, or a proof that demonstrates that all executions of Psatisfy φ. The most interesting aspect of the approach is that unsuccessful proof attempts are used to generate tests, and unsuccessful attempts to generate tests are used to refine proofs. Besides being theoretically elegant, the approach has practical advantages ---precise alias information obtained during tests can be used to greatly aid the efficiency of constructing proofs [5]. - In the past, counter-example driven refinement schemes have worked with a particular form of abstraction called predicate abstraction [1]. We present approaches to refine any abstract interpretation automatically using counterexamples. Several challenges arise: refining using disjunctions leads to powerset domains, and the use of joins forces us to consider counterexample DAGs instead of counterexample traces. We present our solutions to these problems [3,2]. We also present experiences implementing our techniques in a tool Dagger .
The Theory of Shells and Plates

A plate and more generally a shell is a special three-dimensional body whose boundary surface has special features. Although we defer defining a shell-like body in precise terms until Sect. 4, for the purpose of these preliminary remarks consider a surface—called a reference surface—and imagine material filaments from above and below surrounding the surface along the normal at each point of the reference surface. Suppose further that the bounding surfaces formed by the end points of the material filaments are equidistant from the reference surface. Such a three-dimensional body is called a shell if the dimension of the body along the normals, called the thickness, is small. A shell is said to be thin if its thickness is much smaller than a certain characteristic length of the reference surface, e.g., the minimum radius of the curvature of the reference surface for initially curved shells.2
Muscular Infundibular Atresia Is Associated with Coronary Ostial Atresia in Pulmonary Atresia with Intact Ventricular Septum

Objective. To determine whether infundibular morphology is associated with coronary ostial atresia and/or right ventricle dependent coronary circulation in patients with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum. Design. Neonatal echocardiograms of patients with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum were evaluated for tricuspid valve size and infundibular anatomy (muscular pulmonary atresia vs. membranous pulmonary atresia). Right ventricle dependent coronary circulation and coronary ostial atresia were diagnosed angiographically. Medical record review determined patient outcome. Setting. Tertiary-care pediatric hospital. Results. Of 72 patients, 24 had muscular pulmonary atresia including 23 with right ventricle dependent coronary circulation. Fourteen of these had unilateral or bilateral coronary ostial atresia. Of 46 patients with membranous pulmonary atresia, 5 five had right ventricle dependent coronary circulation and none had coronary ostial atresia. Muscular pulmonary atresia patients had smaller tricuspid valve z-scores and were less likely to achieve a biventricular repair than those with membranous pulmonary atresia (P < .01). Muscular pulmonary atresia had 82% sensitivity, 98% specificity, and 96% positive predictive value for presence of right ventricle dependent coronary circulation. In the group with membranous pulmonary atresia, there were two deaths, no transplants, and 23 (48%) achieved a biventricular repair. In contrast, of the 24 with muscular pulmonary atresia, there were seven deaths, two transplants, and no biventricular repairs. Conclusions. In this cohort, muscular pulmonary atresia was strongly associated with right ventricle dependent coronary circulation and coronary ostial atresia, and appears to be a useful morphologic marker for poor outcome among pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum patients. This information may be useful during prenatal counseling and for presurgical evaluation.
Advanced Cancer Patients’ Understanding and Perceptions of Phase I Clinical Trials

This questionnaire-based study assessed the understanding and perceptions of cancer patients who were participating in a Phase I clinical trial at baseline and determined any changes after enrollment. Thirty-six patients participated. Less than one-third of respondents (28.5%) thought the purpose of Phase I trials was dose escalation for safety and efficacy. Patients anticipated varying degree of therapeutic benefit ranging from stable disease (47.1%) to complete shrinkage of the tumor (32.4%). No change in measured themes was observed. Patients participating in Phase I trials need further education to improve their understanding of the true intent of early Phase trials.
Direct resorption of bone by human breast cancer cells in vitro

OSTEOLYTIC bone metastases occur frequency in patients with advanced malignancy. Breast cancer, the most common malignant disease of women, metastasises to bone more frequently than to any other organ1, and over 80% of patients with advanced breast cancer develop bone metastases2–4. The cellular and molecular mechanisms of bone destruction in patients with cancer are not clearly understood. It has been postulated that there may be two mechanisms, one which is mediated by osteoclasts and one which occurs independently of osteoclasts5,6. We show here that cultured human breast cancer cells have the capacity to resorb directly in vitro, independently of osteoclast stimulation.
Detection of nonclassical states using a Kerr medium.

It is possible to determine whether the input state to a Kerr medium is nonclassical by measuring the total noise of the output state. For a classical input state the total noise at the output has a minimum value that depends on the photon number and the interaction time. If the total noise is found to be less than this value, then it can be concluded that the input state was nonclassical. A certain class of generalized coherent states can be detected in this way.
Regulation of ATP-binding Cassette Sterol Transporters ABCG5 and ABCG8 by the Liver X Receptors α and β

Mutations in the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters ABCG5 and ABCG8 have recently been shown to cause the autosomal recessive disorder sitosterolemia. Here we demonstrate that the ABCG5 and ABCG8 genes are direct targets of the oxysterol receptors liver X receptor (LXR) α and LXRβ. Diets containing high cholesterol markedly increased the expression of ABCG5/G8 mRNA in mouse liver and intestine. This increase was also observed using synthetic ligands of LXR and its heterodimeric partner, the retinoid X receptor. In situ hybridization analyses of tissues from LXR agonist-treated mice revealed that ABCG5/G8 mRNA is located in hepatocytes and enterocytes and is increased upon LXR activation. In addition, expression of the LXR target gene ABCA1, previously implicated in the control of cholesterol absorption, was also dramatically up-regulated in jejunal enterocytes upon exposure to LXR agonists. These changes in ABC transporter gene expression were not observed in mice lacking LXRs. Furthermore, in the rat hepatoma cell line FTO2B, LXR-dependent transcription of the ABCG5/G8 genes was cycloheximide-resistant, indicating that these genes are directly regulated by LXRs. The addition of ABCG5 and ABCG8 to the growing list of LXR target genes further supports the notion that LXRs serve as sterol sensors to coordinately regulate sterol catabolism, storage, efflux, and elimination.
Base Metal Alloys Used for Dental Restorations and Implants

One of the primary reasons for the development of base metal alloys for dental applications has been the escalating cost of gold throughout the 20th century. In addition to providing lower cost alternatives, these nonprecious alloys were also found to provide better mechanical properties and aesthetics for some oral applications. Additionally, certain base metal alloy systems are preferred because of their superior mechanical properties, lower density, and in some cases, their capability to osseo-integrate. The base metal alloy systems most commonly used in dentistry today include stainless steels, nickel-chromium, cobalt-chromium, titanium, and nickel-titanium alloys. Combined, these alloy systems provide a wide range of available properties to choose the correct material for both temporary and long-term restoration and implant applications.
Outcome of a comprehensive follow-up program to enhance maturation of autogenous arteriovenous hemodialysis access.

Objective To examine the outcome of a comprehensive follow-up program for autogenous arteriovenous hemodialysis access (AVF) when performed by the hemodialysis access surgeon. Methods Patients with first time AVFs between 2000 and 2005 underwent history and physical examination between the third and sixth postoperative weeks, followed by repeat examination every 6 to 8 weeks until maturation. Primary outcomes included maturation assessment and interventions required prior to maturation. Maturation was defined as 4 consecutive weeks of sustainable AVF hemodialysis access. Results One hundred thirteen patients had 113 AVFs. Mean age was 64 years (range: 26-94) and 52% were male. AVFs included 8 (7%) radiocephalic, 90 (80%) brachiocephalic, and 15 (13%) basilic vein transposition. Overall, the maturation rate was 72% (failure rate of 28%). Excluding deaths and transplants prior to maturation, the maturation rate was 82% (failure rate 18%). Eighty-three (73%) patients had no intervention prior to maturation and 30 (27%) required intervention. There was no significant difference in failure rate between AVFs not requiring an intervention (13 of 83, 15%) and those requiring intervention (5 of 30, 16%). For AVFs requiring intervention, 23 (61%) patients had an endovascular intervention and 15 (39%) an operative intervention. One intervention was performed in 64%, two in 24%, and three in 12%. Ninety-three percent of AVFs having an endovascular intervention matured compared with 60% having operative intervention ( P = .10). AVFs requiring intervention had a maturation time (mean: 35 weeks, range: 10-54) that was significantly longer ( P = .003) than those without (mean 11 weeks, range: 6-35). Conclusions With a surgeon directed comprehensive follow-up program to assess AVF maturation, a large proportion (30 of 43, 69%) of AVFs with a problem were detected. Of those identified, most (25 of 30, 83%) could be salvaged to maturation with intervention. The Kidney and Dialysis Outcome Quality Initiative (K/DOQI) should consider incorporating a comprehensive follow-up program into its guidelines.
Multistable Pattern Formation Systems: Candidates for Physical Intelligence?

We argue that multistable physical pattern formation systems of the inanimate world, such as fluids and gases producing convection rolls, are promising candidate systems for physical intelligence. The reason for this is that the principles that govern intelligent behavior of humans and animals and have been used to construct certain numerical algorithms in the field of artificial intelligence are quite similar to the principles that underlie pattern formation in physical systems. In order to support this claim we demonstrate that the emergence of convection rolls in fluid and gas layers, human “intelligent” behavior as revealed in grasping transitions, and certain pattern recognition processes of “intelligent” engineered algorithms satisfy the same underlying self-organization principles when expressing them mathematically in terms of amplitude equations. The implications are at least two-fold. First, we support the hypothesis of the existence of smart physical systems. Second, we demonstrate the possibil...
Prescribing of psychotropics in the elderly: why is it so often inappropriate?

Psychotropic medications are an important treatment approach to mental health disorders; such disorders are common in the elderly population. Elderly patients are more likely to experience adverse effects from these agents than their younger counterparts due to age-related changes in pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic parameters. Because of these factors, inappropriate use of psychotropic medications in elderly patients has become a focus of concern. In general an agent is considered inappropriate if the risk associated with its use exceeds its benefit. Implicit and explicit criteria for inappropriate use of medications in the elderly have been created and include psychotropic agents. These criteria vary in their make-up but the explicit criteria tend to agree that amitriptyline, doxepin, and benzodiazepines that have long half-lives are not appropriate. Although explicit inappropriate medication criteria have been in existence since 1991, elderly patients continue to receive inappropriate psychotropic medications. A wide array of factors may be responsible for this practice. Provider-related causes include deficits in knowledge, confusion due to the lack of a consensus on the inappropriate psychotropic criteria, difficulties in addressing an inappropriate medication started by a previous provider, multiple prescribers and pharmacies involved in the care of a patient, negative perceptions regarding aging, and cost issues. Patients may contribute to the problem by demanding an inappropriate medication. Finally, the healthcare setting may inadvertently contribute to inappropriate prescribing by such policies as restrictive formularies or lack of reimbursement for pharmacists' clinical services. Successful approaches to optimising prescribing have been either educational or administrative. Educational approaches (e.g. one-on-one sessions, academic detailing) seek to influence decision making, while administrative approaches attempt to enforce policies to curtail the undesired practice. The US Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987, which improved psychotropic medication use in long-term care, is an excellent example of administrative intervention. More research specifically focused on the causes of inappropriate psychotropic medication use and methods to avoid this practice is needed before targeted recommendations can be made.
Production of Kaons, Protons, and Antiprotons with Large Transverse Momentum in p-p and p-d Collisions at 200, 300, and 400 GeV

The ratios of ${K}^{+}$, ${K}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, $p$, and $\overline{p}$ yields to pion yields at transverse momenta (${p}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}$) ranging from 0.77 to 6.91 GeV/c arepresented for 200-, 300-, and 400-GeV $p\ensuremath{-}p$ and 400-GeV $p\ensuremath{-}d$ collisions. The dependences of the particle ratios on ${p}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}$ and the scaling variable ${x}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}=\frac{2{p}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}}{\sqrt{s}}$ are discussed.
Using building and occupant characteristics to predict residential residual miscellaneous electrical loads: a comparison between an asset label and an occupant-based operational model for homes in Florida

Over the past thirty years, the intensity of all major energy-use categories has decreased in the residential market with the exception of residual Miscellaneous Electrical Loads (MELs). MELs include primarily plug loads and some hard wired loads. The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) index is the most widely used residential energy rating system in the USA. It provides a home asset label using standardized occupant-dependent behaviour. Standardized occupant behaviour allows for the comparison of other HERS-rated homes, but may not predict actual energy consumption well. This study created the Residual Miscellaneous Electrical Load Model (RMELM) to predict the MEL by regressing an equation from a 12,000 household survey. The RMELM was then tested on 24 existing homes and compared with the MEL model of the HERS index. The RMELM more closely predicted the actual MEL in 71% of the test houses and explained 55% more of the MEL variation.
Kinetics and mechanism of rhenium-catalyzed O atom transfer from epoxides.

O atom transfer from epoxides cis-stilbene oxide and styrene oxide to triphenylphosphine catalyzed by Tp‘ReO3 (Tp‘ = hydridotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate) is shown to proceed via an unexpectedly complex combination of mechanisms. Reduction of Tp‘ReO3 with PPh3 in THF is rapid above room temperature to form a highly reactive species suggested to be Tp‘ReO2. Spectroscopic examination and attempts to isolate this by chromatography lead only to Tp‘Re(O)(OH)2 (1); exposure of the crude reduction mixture to ethanol results in formation of Tp‘Re(O)(OEt)(OH) (3). Both 1 and 3 are as efficient catalysts for O atom transfer as the unpurified mixture resulting from reaction of PPh3 with Tp‘ReO3; all three rhenium reactants give the same turnover frequency to within 10% at identical [Re]total and [epoxide]. The kinetic behavior of the catalytic system (epoxide:Re = 20) is complex; an initial “burst” of alkene production is seen, which quickly tapers off and falls into a pseudo-zero-order reaction. The majority of...
Victoria Symptom Validity Test performance in acute severe traumatic brain injury: implications for test interpretation.

Abstract Effort testing has become commonplace in clinical practice. Recent research has shown that performance on effort tests is highly correlated with performance on neuropsychological measures. Clinical application of effort testing is highly dependent on research derived interpretive guidelines. The Victoria Symptom Validity Test (VSVT) is one of many measures currently used in clinical practice. The VSVT has recommended interpretive guidelines published in the test manual, but the samples used in developing interpretive guidelines are small and heterogeneous and concern has been expressed regarding high false negative rates. In this study, a homogeneous sample of acute, severely brain injured persons were used to assess the sensitivity of the VSVT. Results confirmed that acute, severely brain injured persons ( N = 71) perform very well on the VSVT. The severe brain injury population is 99% likely to have between 44.1 and 46.8 correct VSVT Combined Score responses. While the VSVT was insensitive to memory dysfunction, the presence of severe visual perceptual (Benton Visual Form Discrimination Score
Altered drug metabolism in hepatic and extrahepatic tissues in mice as a function of age

An increase in the susceptibility to drugs is known to occur with advanced age. Several possible explanations for this phenomenon exist, but the exact cause has not been determined. Aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH), 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase (ECD) and aniline hydroxylase activities of hepatic and extrahepatic tissues as well as hepatic cytochrome P-450 content of female Swiss Webster mice at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 months of age were examined. AHH activity in liver and intestine reached a maximum at 6 mo. of age and began to decline thereafter. No change in pulmonary AHH activity was observed with age. ECD activity in liver as well as lungs was maximal at 6 mo. of age and decreased thereafter. Hepatic aniline hydroxylase activity exhibited over a 700% increase between one to six mo. of age, and declined by approximately 52% by 15 mo. of age as compared to peak activity. Hepatic cytochrome P-450 content was highest at 3 mo. of age and significantly decreased by 12 mo. The results demonstrate that decreases in microsomal mixed function monooxygenase activities do occur with advanced age and may contribute to a decreased rate of metabolism and increased susceptibility to drugs and other foreign chemicals with age.
Partially collapsed Gibbs samplers: Theory and methods

Ever-increasing computational power, along with ever–more sophisticated statistical computing techniques, is making it possible to fit ever–more complex statistical models. Among the more computationally intensive methods, the Gibbs sampler is popular because of its simplicity and power to effectively generate samples from a high-dimensional probability distribution. Despite its simple implementation and description, however, the Gibbs sampler is criticized for its sometimes slow convergence, especially when it is used to fit highly structured complex models. Here we present partially collapsed Gibbs sampling strategies that improve the convergence by capitalizing on a set of functionally incompatible conditional distributions. Such incompatibility generally is avoided in the construction of a Gibbs sampler, because the resulting convergence properties are not well understood. We introduce three basic tools (marginalization, permutation, and trimming) that allow us to transform a Gibbs sampler into a part...
Carcinosarcoma of the Ovary in a Patient with a Germline BRCA2 Mutation: Evidence for Monoclonal Origin

Abstract Background. Themajority of hereditary breast and ovarian cancers are associated with germline mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2. While the occurrence of breast carcinoma and epithelial ovarian carcinoma in association with BRCA mutations is firmly established, the etiologic role of these genes in the development of other tumor types is less well documented. Carcinosarcoma of the ovary is an uncommon tumor consisting of both malignant epithelial and malignant mesenchymal components. Objective. Here we report a patient with an ovarian carcinosarcoma who was found to harbor a germline mutation in BRCA2. We sought to link the BRCA2 mutation to the pathogenesis of this tumor as well as to determine whether both histologic components arose from the same progenitor cell. Methods. Microdissection and molecular genetic analyses of the carcinomatous and sarcomatous components of this tumor were performed. Results. Clonal loss of the wild-type BRCA2 allele as well as the same somatic mutation of the TP53 gene was evident in both histologic components. Conclusions. These data indicate that hereditary ovarian carcinosarcoma may result from a mutation in BRCA2 and that both histologic elements of this tumor arose from the same progenitor cell.
Effect of dehydration on water-turnover rates and hematocrits in the rice rat, oryzomys palustris

Abstract 1. 1. Water turnover rate (WTR) was determined in rice rats ( Oryzomys palustris ), using tritiated water, under conditions of ad libitum water (hydrated), water restriction (dehydrated) and restoration of ad libitum water (rehydrated). 2. 2. Hydrated WTR's were similar to other mesic rodents, but water restriction revealed this species inability to conserve water. 3. 3. WTR's of hydrated, dehydrated and rehydrated animals in ml/Kg 0.82 .day was 140.3, 94.9 and 158.1 respectively. 4. 4. Hematocrit decreased during dehydration, possibly due to red cell loss. Hematocrit in rice rats was high as compared to cricetid rodents (50 vs 44% in similarly sized cricetids) and this is evaluated as an adaptive feature.
Spectroscopic Measurements of Temperature with Uranyl Compounds

A new class of fluorescent probes for measuring temperature is described. The intensities of the strong fluorescence bands of uranyl acetate, uranyl nitrate hexahydrate, and uranyl orthophosphate were recorded when the uranyl compound was illuminated with an argon-ion laser operating at 488 nm. The intensity ratio of two fluorescence bands of uranyl acetate at room temperature were determined for five freshly prepared samples and shown to be independent of the intensity of the laser excitation and optical alignment. The intensities of the fluorescence bands lying between 500 and 570 nm were measured at various temperatures ranging from 77 to 295 K. The ratio of the intensities of two fluorescence bands was calculated and shown to vary linearly with temperature. A linear fit provided the slope. The largest positive slope of all the intensity ratios associated with uranyl acetate was 6.02 × 10-3 K-1, that associated with uranyl orthophosphate was 4.68 × 10-3 K-1, and that associated with uranyl nitrate hexahydrate was 1.81 × 10-3 K-1. The potential of uranyl compounds as a new group of temperature probes is discussed.