cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metastatic parathyroid carcinoma presenting as an osteolytic cervical vertebral mass 5 years after parathyroidectomy

Abstract Introduction Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare malignancy that is challenging to diagnose, with metastasis regarded as the only true way to differentiate parathyroid carcinoma from adenoma. Case presentation A 63 year-old woman presented to the emergency department with neck and right arm pain. She reported a previous parathyroidectomy for a mediastinal parathyroid adenoma. Admission labs showed hypercalcemia (serum calcium 13; ionized calcium 1.47; PTH 138.5). MRI-spine revealed a soft tissue mass causing destruction of the C4 vertebral body and spinal cord compression. Sestamibi showed intense tracer uptake in the vertebral mass with nonfocal physiologic thyroidal uptake. Otolaryngology was consulted to assist in the approach to the cervical spine lesion as well as address the hypercalcemia. Intraoperatively, the vertebral mass was exposed and resected; frozen section revealed hypercellular parathyroid and PTH dropped from 138.5 to 9.1. Discussion Parathyroid carcinoma typically presents with comorbidities due to hypercalcemia. Novelties from the case, including the unusual presentation with spinal cord compression, are discussed.
The combined effects of thermal mass and insulation on energy performance in concrete office buildings

Considering the use of concrete in structural and cladding applications, and energy code requirements for inclusion of thermal insulation in building envelopes, an investigative study was carried o...
Purpose-driven Assessment of Cataloging and Metadata Services: Transforming Broken Links into Linked Data

AbstractIn response to the impact of emerging technologies, this article examines the relationship between strategic planning and the assessment methodologies of cataloging and metadata services an...
Tissue Electrical Impedance as an Aid to Identification of the Epidural Space

Various methods have been described for the identification of the epidural space. Some of these methods used the identification of the negative pressure in the epidural space, whereas others used loss of resistance. This study was undertaken to measure the changes in electrical impedance as an electrically insulated epidural needle enters the epidural space. The study proves that there is a characteristic increase in impedance as the needle enters the epidural space. This could be a potentially useful technique in identifying the epidural space in patients who have difficult anatomy.
Easy-to-hard effects in perceptual learning depend upon the degree to which initial trials are “easy”

Starting perceptual training at easy levels before progressing to difficult levels generally produces better learning outcomes than constantly difficult training does. However, little is known about how “easy” these initial levels should be in order to yield easy-to-hard effects. We compared five levels of initial training block difficulty varying from very easy to hard in two auditory-discrimination learning tasks—a frequency modulation rate discrimination (Experiment 1) and a frequency range discrimination (Experiment 2). The degree of difficulty was based on individualized pretraining ~71% correct discrimination thresholds. Both experiments revealed a sweet spot for easy-to-hard effects. Conditions where initial blocks were either too easy or too difficult produced less benefit than did blocks of intermediate difficulty. Results challenge assumptions that sequencing effects in learning are related to attentional spotlighting of task-relevant dimensions. Rather, they support incremental learning models that account for easy-to-hard effects. Further, the results have implications for how perceptual training regimens should be designed to maximize the benefits of rehabilitative perceptual training.
Variable resistance training versus traditional weight training on the reflex pathway following four weeks of leg press training.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in reflex-electromechanical delay (EMD) as a result of 2- and 4-wks of variable resistance training (VRT) or dynamic constant external ...
Elements of Cyber-Cognitive Situation Awareness in Organizations:

Cybersecurity has large-scale versions of the challenges common to sociotechnical systems; in this high-risk, dynamic environment, attacks on organizations and governments are increasing in frequen...
LEFT ATRIAL PHASIC VOLUMES AND GLOBAL LONGITUDINAL STRAIN HAVE PROGNOSTIC VALUE IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING TRANSARTERIAL VALVE IMPLANTATION FOR SEVERE AORTIC STENOSIS

Severe aortic stenosis (AS) is frequently associated with left atrial (LA) remodeling and dysfunction. The potential changes of LA phasic volumes, their derived functions, LA global longitudinal strain (LAGS), stiffness, functional index (LAFI) and their prognostic significance after trans-arterial
Development of a ZnS (Ag)-Silicon Photomultiplier Fast Neutron Detector for the Neutron Hodoscope at TREAT

The Transient Reactor Test (TREAT) Facility at Idaho National Laboratory is being restored to support the mission of advanced reactor and fuel development in the United States. A key part of this restoration is the fast neutron hodoscope which images the fuel tested during extreme transient conditions. Traditionally, this testing has been done with ZnS(Ag)-based proton recoil scintillators (PRS) coupled to photomultiplier tubes (PMTs). Recently, silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) have emerged as a new candidate to replace PMTs in this application. This work develops, tests, and evaluates a SiPM-based PRS detector for incorporation into the updated fast neutron hodoscope, also known as the Fuel Motion Monitoring System (FMMS). The primary characteristics to be optimized are the gamma rejection and neutron detection efficiency of the detector, which will be done using a pulse shape discrimination (PSD) technique. Five types of SiPMs are tested and compared using standard PSD figures of merit, and the Hamamatsu 6075 is selected as the ideal SiPM. PSD performance for the Hamamatsu 6075 SiPM with the PRS detector is also characterized as a function of temperature. Finally, the gamma rejection and neutron detection efficiency are characterized for this SiPM and benchmarked to the traditional PMT-based PRS detectors. Both light sensors exhibit excellent gamma rejection and neutron detection efficiency. However, the SiPM-based detectors exhibit a greater ability to discriminate neutrons from gammas based only on pulse height which is important in operating at high count rates. This motivates the development of a SiPM-based PRS detector in a fully self-contained assembly to test directly with TREAT or in similar environments.
Recent advances in the understanding of bronchiolitis in adults

Bronchiolitis is injury to the bronchioles (small airways with a diameter of 2 mm or less) resulting in inflammation and/or fibrosis. Bronchioles can be involved in pathologic processes that involve predominantly the lung parenchyma or large airways, but, in some diseases, bronchioles are the main site of injury (“primary bronchiolitis”). Acute bronchiolitis caused by viruses is responsible for most cases of bronchiolitis in infants and children. In adults, however, there is a wide spectrum of bronchiolar disorders and most are chronic. Many forms of bronchiolitis have been described in the literature, and the terminology in this regard remains confusing. In clinical practice, a classification scheme based on the underlying histopathologic pattern (correlates with presenting radiologic abnormalities) facilitates the recognition of bronchiolitis and the search for the inciting cause of the lung injury. Respiratory bronchiolitis is the most common form of bronchiolitis in adults and is usually related to cigarette smoking. Currently, the diagnosis of respiratory bronchiolitis is generally achieved based on the clinical context (smoking history) and chest CT findings. Constrictive (obliterative) bronchiolitis is associated with airflow obstruction and is seen in various clinical contexts including environmental/occupational inhalation exposures, transplant recipients (bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome), and many others. Diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (DIPNECH) is increasingly recognized and can be associated with progressive airflow obstruction related to constrictive bronchiolitis (“DIPNECH syndrome”). Diffuse aspiration bronchiolitis is a form of aspiration-related lung disease that is often unsuspected and confused for interstitial lung disease. Novel forms of bronchiolitis have been described, including lymphocytic bronchiolitis and alveolar ductitis with emphysema recently described in employees at a manufacturing facility for industrial machines. Bronchiolitis is also a component of vaping-related lung injury encountered in the recent outbreak.
A Snapshot of Radiology Training During the Early COVID-19 Pandemic.

Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic transformed the personal and professional lives of radiology trainees. The purpose of this study was to broadly summarize the impact of COVID-19 on radiology trainees and their training programs via data collected during the early pandemic. Materials and Methods An online survey was distributed to radiology chief residents in residencies throughout North America with responses collected between March 20th, 2020 and May 15th, 2020, which coincided with the development of initial COVID-19 peaks in North America. A subset of COVID-19 pandemic questions included resident wellness, imaging opinions, residency infrastructure change, and opinions regarding the Core Exam delay. Results One hundred forty chief residents from 86 institutions responded to COVID-19-related questions. Nearly all responding programs (99%; 85/86) reported institutional positive cases of COVID-19. Most residents (94%; 132/140) thought laboratory testing provided more value than imaging. Fifty-seven percent of respondents (80/140) would use COVID-19-related terminology when encountering chest CT findings supportive of viral pneumonia in symptomatic patients. There was little reported change in the number of residents on call (no change reported in >80% of programs). Fifty-nine percent of residents (83/140) reported increased stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of programs (93%) had fewer residents on service (80/86 responding programs). Conclusions COVID-19 dramatically affected radiology residencies during the early pandemic period. As we enter future phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, careful thought should also be given to rebuilding the radiology resident experience.
Exploiting GPU Direct Access to Non-Volatile Memory to Accelerate Big Data Processing

The amount of data being collected for analysis is growing at an exponential rate. Along with this growth comes increasing necessity for computation and storage. Researchers are addressing these needs by building heterogeneous clusters with CPUs and computational accelerators such as GPUs equipped with high I/O bandwidth storage devices. One of the main bottlenecks of such heterogeneous systems is the data transfer bandwidth to GPUs when running I/O intensive applications. The traditional approach gets data from storage to the host memory and then transfers it to the GPU, which can limit data throughput and processing and thus degrade the end-to-end performance. In this paper, we propose a new framework to address the above issue by exploiting Peer-to-Peer Direct Memory Access to allow GPU direct access of the storage device and thus enhance the performance for parallel data processing applications in a heterogeneous big-data platform. Our heterogeneous cluster is supplied with CPUs and GPUs as computing resources and Non-Volatile Memory express (NVMe) drives as storage resources. We deploy an Apache Spark platform to execute representative data processing workloads over this heterogeneous cluster and then adopt Peer-to-Peer Direct Memory Access to connect GPUs to non-volatile storage directly to optimize the GPU data access. Experimental results reveal that this heterogeneous Spark platform successfully bypasses the host memory and enables GPUs to communicate directly to the NVMe drive, thus achieving higher data transfer throughput and improving both data communication time and end-to-end nerformance by 20%.
Ultrasound-Guided Regional Anesthesia Using a Head-Mounted Video Display: A Randomized Clinical Study.

BACKGROUND Ultrasonography is increasingly being used in every field of medicine, especially regional anesthesia. To successfully perform the procedure, a knowledge of anatomy and ultrasonoanatomy as well as technical 3D hand-eye coordination skills are required. Medical practitioners who use ultrasound devices to perform regional blocks have to correlate the position of the ultrasound probe on the patient, needle position, and ultrasound picture. To achieve that, the practitioner has to intermittently look between the patient and the ultrasonography screen. This requires extra head rotations, increasing the time and complexity of the procedure. Newer technologies are available that can alleviate the need for these extra head movements, such as head-mounted displays (HMDs), which are connected to the ultrasonography machine and project the ultrasonography picture onto the HMD goggles so that the provider can see the monitor without unnecessary head rotations. OBJECTIVE Our theory was that the use of the HMD goggles would decrease the overall procedure duration as well as provider head rotations. STUDY DESIGN This was a randomized clinical study. SETTING The research was conducted at an academic medical center at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX. METHODS We secured Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval to perform the study. We chose an HMD, which can be mounted on the head like regular goggles. By connecting the HMD with the ultrasonography machine, the ultrasound picture can be projected directly in front of the physician's eyes. Twenty-four patients were randomized to receive a regional anesthetic performed by anesthesiology residents using a conventional ultrasound-guided approach or using the HMD in addition. We measured the number of attempts, head rotations, and time needed to obtain a satisfactory nerve stimulation in addition to outcomes and adverse effects. Our data were interpreted by our statistician with P < .05 indicating statistical significance. RESULTS Regional anesthetics performed with the HMD were significantly faster (59.08 vs 175.08 seconds) with significantly fewer head movements (0.83 vs 4.75) and attempts (1 vs 1.42). There were no significant differences in patient demographics, type of regional anesthetic, level of resident training, or outcomes. No complications were noted. LIMITATIONS A limitation of our research is that neither observers nor providers were blinded to the way blocks were performed. This would have been practically impossible because participants had to wear an HMD. CONCLUSIONS The HMD could provide advantages in regional anesthesia by decreasing the time and attempts and improving ergonomics. These findings can be easily translated into other ultrasound- or optic/camera-guided procedures outside of regional anesthesia, such as vascular access or laparoscopic surgery.IRB: UTMB IRB #12-143.
COVID-19 and Dental and Dental Hygiene Students' Career Plans.

Objective:The aims of this study were to investigate whether dental and dental hygiene students’ career plans postgraduation were affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and to...
Optimal sampling and assay for soil organic carbon estimation

The world needs around 150 Pg of negative carbon emissions to mitigate climate change. Global soils may provide a stable, sizeable reservoir to help achieve this goal by sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide as soil organic carbon (SOC). In turn, SOC can support healthy soils and provide a multitude of ecosystem benefits. To support SOC sequestration, researchers and policy makers must be able to precisely measure the amount of SOC in a given plot of land. SOC measurement is typically accomplished by taking soil cores selected at random from the plot under study, mixing (compositing) some of them together, and analyzing (assaying) the composited samples in a laboratory. Compositing reduces assay costs, which can be substantial. Taking samples is also costly. Given uncertainties and costs in both sampling and assay along with a desired estimation precision, there is an optimal composite size that will minimize the budget required to achieve that precision. Conversely, given a fixed budget, there is a composite size that minimizes uncertainty. In this paper, we describe and formalize sampling and assay for SOC and derive the optima for three commonly used assay methods: dry combustion in an elemental analyzer, loss-on-ignition, and mid-infrared spectroscopy. We demonstrate the utility of this approach using data from a soil survey conducted in California. We give recommendations for practice and provide software to implement our framework.
Aortoiliac endarterectomy as a viable alternative for revascularization in a woman with isolated aortoiliac disease and an anomalous right pelvic kidney.

Abstract Although the use of aortoiliac endarterectomy to treat occlusive disease has declined since the advent of endovascular procedures and operative bypass grafting techniques, clinical scenarios still exist in which it can be useful. We present the case of a patient with right lower extremity pain at rest, an anomalous right pelvic kidney, right common iliac artery occlusion, and severe left common iliac artery stenosis. We have demonstrated that aortoiliac endarterectomy should not be considered an outdated surgical technique but a viable alternative for revascularization in a specific subset of patients.
Exposure to 1,3-Butadiene in the U.S. Population: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2016.

1,3-Butadiene is a volatile organic compound with a gasoline-like odour that is primarily used as a monomer in the production of synthetic rubber. The International Agency for Research on Cancer ha...
Photoconductive Thin Films Composed of Environmentally Benign AgBiS2 Nanocrystal Inks Obtained through a Rapid Phase Transfer Process

We demonstrate a fast solution phase ligand exchange process to generate AgBiS2 nanocrystal inks using a cinnamic acid derivative as an additive to accelerate the phase transfer to polar solvents. ...
From infection to vaccination: reviewing the global burden, history of vaccine development, and recurring challenges in global leishmaniasis protection.

INTRODUCTION Leishmaniasis is a major public health problem and the second most lethal parasitic disease in the world due to the lack of effective treatments and vaccines. Even when not lethal, leishmaniasis significantly affects individuals and communities through life-long disabilities, psycho-sociological trauma, poverty, and gender disparity in treatment. AREAS COVERED This review discusses the most relevant and recent research available on Pubmed and GoogleScholar highlighting leishmaniasis' global impact, pathogenesis, treatment options, and lack of effective control strategies. An effective vaccine is necessary to prevent morbidity and mortality, lower health care costs, and reduce the economic burden of leishmaniasis for endemic low- and middle-income countries. Since there are several forms of leishmaniasis, a pan-Leishmania vaccine without geographical restrictions is needed. This review also focuses on recent advances and common challenges in developing prophylactic strategies against leishmaniasis. EXPERT OPINION Despite advances in pre-clinical vaccine research, approval of a human leishmaniasis vaccine still faces major challenges - including manufacturing of candidate vaccines under Good Manufacturing Practices, developing well-designed clinical trials suitable in endemic countries, and defined correlates of protection. In addition, there is a need to explore Challenge Human Infection Model to avoid large trials because of fluctuating incidence and prevalence of leishmanasis.
Implementation of an Information and Communication Technology in a Developing Country: A Multi-method Longitudinal Study in a Bank in India

Developing countries, such as India and China, are the fastest growing economies in the world. The successful implementation of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in these countries is likely to hinge on a set of institutional factors that are shaped by environmental tension created by two competing forces, emergent catalysts, such as new economic policies and reform programs, and traditional challenges, such as infrastructure and traditional value systems. To unearth the temporal dynamics underlying the success and failure of ICT implementations in organizations in developing countries, we conducted a 2-year multi-method study of an ICT implementation at a large bank in India. Based on data collected from over 1,000 employees and over 1,000 customers, we found, relative to pre-implementation levels for up to 2 years post-implementation, that we characterized as the shakedown phase: (1) operational efficiency did not improve, (2) job satisfaction declined, and (3) customer satisfaction declined. In-depth interviews of approximately 40 members of top management, 160 line employees, and 200 customers indicated that these outcomes could be attributed to the strong influence of a set of institutional factors, such as ICT-induced change, labor economics, western isomorphism, parallel-manual system, and technology adaptation. The interplay between these institutional factors and environmental tension posed a formidable challenge for the bank throughout the implementation that led to the poor and unintended outcomes.
Stable Manifolds for Hyperbolic Sets

Next, we will generalize to more complicated hyperbolic sets, such as the horseshoe or a solenoid, the theory we have developed for a periodic point.
Chapter 10 Monoclonal Antibodies as Probes of Epithelial Cell Polarity

Publisher Summary The tubules of the mammalian nephron are composed of a variety of epithelial cell types that have their own distinct structural, biochemical, and physiological properties. This chapter introduces Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells that have been utilized to study the polarity of epithelial cells and discusses the differential expression of cell surface proteins along the nephron. An immunological approach has been used to produce antibodies against MDCK cells that can be utilized as high-affinity ligands to study the distribution of membrane proteins on the surfaces of MDCK and kidney epithelial cells. The advantages and disadvantages of polyclonal antibodies are presented. Polarity of epithelial cell surface domains has been determined by biochemical studies on purified apical and basolateral membrane preparations. Each membrane domain has its own distinct polypeptide composition, and enzymatic analysis has demonstrated the presence of alkaline phosphatase, disaccharidases, and aminopeptidases in apical membranes, while Na+, K+-ATPase and hormone receptors are localized preferentially in the basolateral membranes. The chapter discusses how monoclonal antibodies help to determine the polarity of cell surface proteins on subconfluent MDCK cells by both light and electron microscopy.
Curanderas and Brujas—Herbal Healing in Mexican American Communities

(1980). Curanderas and Brujas—Herbal Healing in Mexican American Communities. Health Education: Vol. 11, No. 4, pp. 2-4.
Dictyostelium: Evolution, Cell Biology, and the Development of Multicellularity

Preface 1. A brief introduction to Dictyostelium discoideum and its relatives 2. A history of research on Dictyostelium discoideum 3. The evolutionary biology of Dictyostelium 4. The genome and genetics 5. Membranes and organelles of Dictyostelium 6. Cell motility and the cytoskeleton 7. The transition from growth to development: from starvation to self sustaining cAMP signal relay 8. Chemotaxis and aggregation 9. Differentiation and adhesion in the aggregate 10. Behavior of cells in the slug 11. Culmination 12. Formation and germination of spores 13. Resources References Index.
Lifting Theorems for Kleisli Categories

Monads, comonads and categories of algebras have become increasingly important tools in formulating and interpreting concepts in programming language semantics. A natural question that arises is how various categories of algebras for different monads relate functorially. In this paper we investigate when functors between categories with monads or comonads can be lifted to their corresponding Kleisli categories. Determining when adjoint pairs of functors can be lifted or inherited is of particular interest. The results lead naturally to various applications in both extensional and intensional semantics, including work on partial maps and data types and the work of Brookes/Geva on computational comonads.
Cell renewal in precancerous and tumour states of the gastro-intestinal mucosa

Measurements of epithelial cell proliferation in the various disease states of the gastric mucosa thought to be pre-neoplastic reveal in all instances values which are elevated over those of the normal tissue, both in animals and man. In addition, alterations in the distribution of DNA-synthesizing cells have also been observed. In hyperplastic gastric pits of MNNG-treated rats, two different patterns could be seen; one characterized by a marked downward extension of the proliferative compartment toward the muscularis mucosae; the other showing a surge of proliferation activity in the upward direction toward the luminal surface.
Should Agents Speak Like, um, Humans? The Use of Conversational Fillers by Virtual Agents

We describe the design and evaluation of an agent that uses the fillers um and uh in its speech. We describe an empirical study of human-human dialogue, analyzing gaze behavior during the production of fillers and use this data to develop a model of agent-based gaze behavior. We find that speakers are significantly more likely to gaze away from their dialogue partner while uttering fillers, especially if the filler occurs at the beginning of a speaking turn. This model is evaluated in a preliminary experiment. Results indicate mixed attitudes towards an agent that uses conversational fillers in its speech.
Electrical properties cup (EPC) for characterizing water content of martian and lunar soils

In this effort we used electrical impedance spectroscopy and a four-probe apparatus, the electrical properties cup (EPC), to measure the properties of various lunar and martian soil simulants. The impedance values are characterized by a resistance-capacitor network that is used to determine the soil conductivity and dielectric constant. In this effort we measured the impedance of different types of martian soil simulants (Silica sand, Atacama desert sand, and Moses lake basalt) and lunar simulants. The results show that the soil impedance measurements are strongly dependent on water content and soil type and to a lesser extent particle size and electrolyte concentration. This presentation describes the experimental four-probe apparatus, procedures used to prepare the samples including soil washing and loading, and soil impedance measurements.
The Consistency Problems of Large Scale Structure, Dark Matter, and Galaxy Formation

The combined problems of large scale structure, the need for non-baryonic dark matter if Ω = 1, and the need to make galaxies early in the history of the universe seem to be placing severe constraints on cosmological models. In addition, it is shown that the bulk of the baryonic matter is also dark and must be accounted for as well. The nucleosynthesis arguments are now strongly supported by high energy collider experiments as well as astronomical abundance data. The arguments for dark matter are reviewed and it is shown that observational dynamical arguments and nucleosynthesis are all still consistent at Ω ~ 0.1. However, the inflation paradigm requires Ω = 1, thus, the need for non-baryonic dark matter. A non-zero cosmological constant is argued to be an inappropriate solution. Dark matter candidates fall into two categories, hot (neutrino-like) and cold (axion or massive photino-like). New observations of large scale structure in the universe (voids, foam, and large scale velocity fields) seem to be most easily understood if the dominant matter of the universe is in the form of low mass (9eV ≤ m v ≤ 35eV) neutrinos. Cold dark matter, even with biasing, seems unable to duplicate the combination of these observations (of particular significance here are the large velocity fields, if real). However, galaxy formation is difficult with hot matter. The potentially fatal problems of galaxy formation with neutrinos may be remedied by combining them with either cosmic strings or explosive galaxy formation. The former naturally gives the scale-free correlation function for galaxies, clusters, and superclusters. The latter requires fine tuning and percolation to get the large scales and the scale-free correlation function. However, combining hot matter and strings reduces the ability of the hot matter to give some of the large scale features and still yield Ω = 1. Questions to be examined are raised.
Regeneration and Repair in Endodontics—A Special Issue of the Dentistry Journal

Endodontics is a specialized discipline in dentistry that concerns the morphology, physiology, and pathology of the pulp-dentin complex, root, and peri-radicular tissues. [...]
Division of Labor in an Oligomer of the DEAD-Box RNA Helicase Ded1p

Most aspects of RNA metabolism involve DEAD-box RNA helicases, enzymes that bind and remodel RNA and RNA-protein complexes in an ATP-dependent manner. Here we show that the DEAD-box helicase Ded1p oligomerizes in the cell and in vitro, and unwinds RNA as a trimer. Two protomers bind the single-stranded region of RNA substrates and load a third protomer to the duplex, which then separates the strands. ATP utilization differs between the strand-separating protomer and those bound to the single-stranded region. Binding of the eukaryotic initiation factor 4G to Ded1p interferes with oligomerization and thereby modulates unwinding activity and RNA affinity of the helicase. Our data reveal a strict division of labor between the Ded1p protomers in the oligomer. This mode of oligomerization fundamentally differs from other helicases. Oligomerization represents a previously unappreciated level of regulation for DEAD-box helicase activities.
Developmental decrease in size of peripheral receptive fields of single chorda tympani nerve fibers and relation to increasing NaCl taste sensitivity

During development in rats, sheep, and humans, the taste system acquires increasing responsiveness to NaCl, compared with a variety of other salts and chemicals. To better understand the neural basis of changes in salt taste responses, we studied receptive field size and response properties of single chorda tympani nerve fibers in fetal, perinatal, and postnatal sheep. Individual fungiform papillae were stimulated electrically with 5 microA anodal current to determine the location and number of papillae in receptive fields. Response characteristics of NH4Cl, NaCl, and KCl were determined for the entire field. Receptive fields were dissected for later histological reconstruction and taste bud identification. Median receptive field size decreased during development. Field sizes in lambs were smaller than those in younger animals. This decrease was accompanied by an increase in the NaCl/NH4Cl response ratio of single fibers and an increase in the proportion of fibers and associated fields that responded with higher frequency to NaCl, compared with NH4Cl. In addition, for fibers across all age groups, receptive field size correlated negatively with the NaCl/NH4Cl response ratio; that is, fields most responsive to NaCl had fewer papillae than those most responsive to NH4Cl. For all fibers, receptive field size correlated with response frequencies to NH4Cl and KCl but not NaCl. For NaCl-best fibers, receptive field size correlated with the response frequencies to all 3 salts. There was no relation between number of taste buds in a single fungiform papilla and the response frequency elicited during electrical stimulation of the papilla.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Intraoperative abandonment of ileal pouch to anal anastomosis--the Mayo Clinic experience.

Abstract Background: Completion of the ileal pouch to anal anastomosis (IPAA) is neither always possible nor advisable based on intraoperative findings. This study was undertaken to document the incidence of and reasons for intraoperative abandonment of IPAA in a series of over 1,700 attempts. Study Design: A retrospective review of the Mayo Clinic surgical index from January 1981 through December 1995. Patients with the preoperative diagnosis of chronic ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis for whom IPAA was planned but not completed are the subject of this report. Comparison is made to patients with a completed IPAA from the Mayo Clinic IPAA registry. Results: During a 15-year period, 1,789 IPAA attempts were made. Intraoperative abandonment occurred in 74 (4.1%). Patients in whom the operation was abandoned were older than patients in whom it was not (38 versus 33 years, p Conclusions: Preoperative counseling for IPAA should include discussion of the risk of intraoperative abandonment (4.1%). Older patients are at increased risk. If the IPAA is abandoned for reversible reasons, preservation of the anal sphincter preserves the option of a subsequent IPAA.
The Effect of Microcrystals on ZrF4–BaF2–LaF3–AlF3–NaF Glass Fiber Fracture

The mechanical response of materials to an applied force is determined by the inherent microstructure properties of the material.Microcrystals formed during heating and fiber drawing represent inherent flaws, which play a strong role in the mechanical properties as well as the handling ability of optical waveguides, in particular ZBLAN (ZrF4–BaF2–LaF3–AlF3–NaF) fibers. The property of the fiber to flex and bend is useful for handling and positioning the fiber in a desired application. A series of ZBLAN fibers were bent to specific radii of curvature to determine the applied curvature at which fiber fracture occurs. The fibers were first subjected to a tailored temperature arrangement for a designated amount of time to induce varying amounts of crystal formation. The fiber failure was documented and photographed with the aid of optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Fracture mechanics analysis was used to characterize the impact of crystal size on the failure of the ZBLAN fiber. The results of this assessment show the impact of thermal degradation on ZBLAN fibers as well as suggest an optimum fiber drawing take-up reel diameter.
Applications of High Resolution Surface Plasmon Resonance Imaging to Adherent Cells: Single Mammalian Cells to Bacterial Biofilms

High resolution surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRI) allows label-free imaging of subcellular features when performed using a high numerical aperture objective lens with a digital light projector to precisely position incident angle excitation. The SPRI signal is a result of the mass of material within the evanescent field, and can be interpreted as a density or a refractive index of the cellular material. The quantitative nature of SPR images and the direct relationship to refractive index changes at the surface sensor allow for visualization new insights into mechanisms of cell biology at an interface. When applied to mammalian cells, such as rat aortic smooth muscle cells, cellular components near the sensor surface such as the cell membrane, focal adhesions, and cell nucleus are visualized in the SPRI image. Focal adhesion sizes measured by SPRI are similar with those highlighted with fluorescent antibody stained vinculin. In addition, a positive correlation between focal adhesion size and protein density is observed by SPR imaging. When SPRI is applied to pathogenic biofilms of Streptococcus mutans, distinct components of the bacterial biofilm at the surface including individual bacteria, bacterial microcolonies, and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) are observed. SPRI shows that the refractive index of bacteria in a biofilm increases over time compared to that of bacteria not in a biofilm, which remains constant. SPRI also indicates that the EPS material generated in the biofilm at early time points is thicker near the bacterial microcolony periphery. This suggests that the EPS matrix is generated at the colony edge and that SPRI can be used to monitor the dynamics of EPS production in biofilms.
Tunable Optical Delay with Carrier Induced Exciton Dephasing in Semiconductor Quantum Wells

We report the experimental demonstration of tunable optical delay using carrier induced exciton dephasing in a GaAs quantum well. Fractional delays exceeding 200% have been obtained for an 8 ps optical pulse.
What can the national quality forum tell us about performance measurement in anesthesiology

BACKGROUND: Anesthesiologists face increasing pressure to demonstrate the value of the care they provide, whether locally or nationally through public reporting and payor requirements. In this article, we describe the current state of performance measurement in anesthesia care at the national level and highlight gaps and opportunities in performance measurement for anesthesiologists. METHODS: We evaluated all endorsed performance measures in the National Quality Forum (NQF), the clearinghouse for all federal performance measures, and classified all measures as follows: (1) anesthesia-specific; (2) surgery-specific; (3) jointly attributable; or (4) other. We used NQF-provided descriptors to characterize measures in terms of (1) structure, process, outcome, or efficiency; (2) patients, disease, and events targeted; (3) procedural specialty; (4) reporting eligibility; (5) measures stewards; and (6) timing in the care stream. RESULTS: Of the 637 endorsed performance measures, few (6, 1.0%) were anesthesia-specific. An additional 39 measures (6.1%) were surgery-specific, and 67 others (10.5%) were jointly attributable. “Anesthesia-specific” measures addressed preoperative antibiotic timing (n = 4), normothermia (n = 1), and protocol use for the placement of central venous catheter (n = 1). Jointly attributable measures included outcome measures (n = 49/67, 73.1%), which were weighted toward mortality alone (n = 24) and cardiac surgery (n = 14). Other jointly attributable measures addressed orthopedic surgery (n = 4), general surgical oncologic resections (n = 12), or nonspecified surgeries (n = 15), but none specifically addressed anesthesia care outside the operating room such as for endoscopy. Only 4 measures were eligible for value-based purchasing. No named anesthesiology professional groups were among measure stewards, but surgical professional groups (n = 33/67, 47%) were frequent measure stewards. CONCLUSIONS: Few NQF performance measures are specific to anesthesia practice, and none of these appears to demonstrate the value of anesthesia care or differentiate high-quality providers. To demonstrate their role in patient-centered, outcome-driven care, anesthesiologists may consider actively partnering in jointly attributable or team-based reporting. Future measures may incorporate surgical procedures not proportionally represented, as well as procedural and sedation care provided in nonoperating room settings.
Changes in the expression of superoxide dismutase and catalase as a function of age and dietary restriction.

The activities of superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn) and catalase were observed to decrease significantly between 6 and 29 months of age in rat liver. The decrease in superoxide dismutase and catalase activity was paralleled by a decrease in the levels of the mRNA species coding for these enzymes and the nuclear transcription of the superoxide dismutase and catalase genes. Life-long dietary restriction was shown to increase the expression (i.e. activities, mRNA levels, and nuclear transcription) of superoxide dismutase and catalase in liver tissue from 18-month-old rats.
The stability of fluorine‐containing polymers to amines

The reactivity of hydrofluorocarbon polymers toward organic amines increases, generally, with increasing fluorine content and with increasing basicity of the amine. The position of fluorine in the molecule with respect to hydrogen strongly affects the electrophylic character of the hydrogen atom. A discussion of the effects of neighboring groups on this reactivity is presented.
Variability in Pediatric Infectious Disease Consultants' Recommendations for Management of Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common childhood infection. CAP complications, such as parapneumonic empyema (PPE), are increasing and are frequently caused by antibiotic-resistant organisms. No clinical guidelines currently exist for management of pediatric CAP and no published data exist about variations in antibiotic prescribing patterns. Our objectives were to describe variation in CAP clinical management for hospitalized children by pediatric infectious disease consultants and to examine associations between recommended antibiotic regimens and local antibiotic resistance levels. Methods: We surveyed pediatric members of the Emerging Infections Network, which consists of 259 pediatric infectious disease physicians. Participants responded regarding their recommended empiric antibiotic regimens for hospitalized children with CAP with and without PPE and their recommendations for duration of therapy. Participants also provided information about the prevalence of penicillin non-susceptible S. pneumoniae and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in their community. Results: We received 148 responses (57%). For uncomplicated CAP, respondents were divided between recommending beta-lactams alone (55%) versus beta-lactams in combination with another class (40%). For PPE, most recommended a combination of a beta-lactam plus an anti-MRSA agent, however, they were divided between clindamycin (44%) and vancomycin (57%). The relationship between reported antibiotic resistance and empiric regimen was mixed. We found no relationship between aminopenicillin use and prevalence of penicillin non-suscepetible S. pneumoniae or clindamycin use and clindamycin resistance, however, respondents were more likely to recommend an anti-MRSA agent when MRSA prevalence increased. Conclusions: Substantial variability exists in recommendations for CAP management. Development of clinical guidelines via antimicrobial stewardship programs and dissemination of data about local antibiotic resistance patterns represent opportunities to improve care.
How to Read the Bible: History, Prophecy, Literature – Why Modern Readers Need to Know the Difference and What It Means for Faith Today – Steven L. McKenzie

Book reviewed: How to Read the Bible: History, Prophecy, Literature – Why Modern Readers Need to Know the Difference and What It Means for Faith Today, Steven L. McKenzie, Oxford University Press 2005 (0-19-516149-6, 0-19-516149-1), 204 pp., hb $26.00
Permanent blindness from laser exposures in laboratory and industrial accidents

Legal entanglements prevent publication of details on most laboratory and industrial laser accidents in the USA. Many macular injuries involving the fovea show no signs of recovery after several years. Both single eye (usually the dominant one) and binocular exposures are found usually resulting in large deficits in visual performance. The primary lesion is rarely, if ever, centered in the fovea, but is eccentric, superior and nasal and in the parafoveal zone. Accidental laser exposures below the damage threshold are sometimes falsely implicated causally in pre-existing retinal pathology, the grandmother syndrome. Another source of confusion is malingering, either hysterical or purposeful. One test for macular function has been designed to detect malingering, the flash Amsler grid. Functional loss has not been seen without retinal pathology that is easily visible with an ophthalmoscope. The circumstances of almost all accidents resulting in permanent damage are similar and involve Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers at 1,064 nm with the exposure individual staring directly at something in the beam path on purpose. The injurious exposure to the beam occurs by reflection or through an improperly used attenuator. Almost all were foreseeable by well established hazard analysis techniques and preventable by standard laser safety programs or conventional engineering controls.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Determination of glucose, fructose and sucrose in molases by high-performance thin-layer chromatography

Abstract A method is described for the simultaneous determination of sucrose, fructose and glucose in molasses by high-performance thin-layer chromatography. The relative standard deviations obtained by this method are 1.1% for sucrose, 2.2% for fructose and 4.3% for glucose.
Population Dynamics of the Boll Weevil Inhabiting the High and Rolling Plains of Texas

Seasonal field increases in the number of boll weevils in Dickens and Kent Counties of Texas were found to fit logistic growth curves. Boll weevil numbers increased exponentially through July, Aug., and Sept. at rates up to ca. 2.70-fold/wk in an untreated field compared to 1.74-fold avg in insecticide treated fields. During Oct. the population growth rate slowed and finally reached zero. The relation between the mean number of squares available to each weevil and percentage of weevil damaged squares fit a curvilinear model. This model can be used to provide an estimate of the number of adult weevils per ha based on % damaged squares and an estimate of the number of squares per ha. Conversely, numbers of damaged squares can be estimated based on numbers of adult weevils.
The present status of the serum lipase test

1. Selected data were presented from a series of 1200 serum lipase determinations on 800 patients. 2. The behavior of serial serum lipase determinations was analyzed in a selected group of 5 cases of acute pancreatitis, one case of chronic pancreatitis and 3 cases of malignancy of the pancreas. 3. Analysis of our cases of acute pancreatitis suggests that the decrease in serum lipase concentration following an initial elevated serum lipase, may be due either to a subsiding of the inflammatory process or to complete destruction of the pancreas. There was 21 cases of acute pancreatitis, in 17 of which (81%) the serum lipase was elevated. 4. The serum lipase curve in one case of chronic pancreatitis was indistinguishable from that of pancreatic malignancy. 5. The serum lipase curves in cases of pancreatic malignancy suggest that the initial elevation of the concentration of serum lipase is due to an obstruction to the free flow of pancreatic juice. The subsequent decrease in the concentration of the serum lipase is due either to replacement of pancreatic tissue by the malignant process or to impaired pancreatic function secondary to prolonged pancreatic duct obstruction. There were 30 cases of malignancy of the pancreas, in 16 of which (53.3%) the serum lipase was elevated. 6. Certain limitations of the serum lipase determination are discussed with reference to the variability of the olive oil substrate.