cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Population-based Health Systems as a Foundation for Prostate Cancer Control Research: The Cancer Research Network

The Cancer Research Network (CRN) has been a cooperative agreement between the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and nonprofit integrated health care delivery systems, with the participation of the Agency for HealthCare Research and Quality (AHRQ), all committed to conducting research in the public domain focusing on the entire cancer spectrum. Participating in the CRN is one way these health systems contribute to the evidence base for their cancer control programs. Capitated health care systems face strong incentives to develop and deliver cost-effective, affordable cancer prevention, screening, treatment, and survivorship care. The CRN represents a strategic platform for prostate cancer research, including clinical trials, epidemiology studies (including genetics, genomics, and pharmacogenetics), comparative effectiveness research, cost-effectiveness evaluations, and translational research. Their defined populations, sophisticated electronic medical records and other informatics systems, low rates of turnover among cancer patients, and representativeness of their local communities make the CRN well suited for conducting clinical trials and comparative effectiveness research on prostate cancer treatments, as well as behavioral trials on prostate cancer prevention, screening, communications, decision making, and survivorship care planning. Because prostate cancer is a leading cancer among males and advanced prostate cancer cases often receive very high-cost treatments, this disease is a high priority for health plans. Key clinical management challenges include: setting an appropriate investment in prostate cancer screening programs, discriminating slow-growing indolent tumors from aggressive tumors, assisting patients in making evidence-based choices among alternative treatment strategies, supporting survivors in coping with treatment effects (ED, UI, rectal bleeding, loss of cognitive function), and supporting patients with advanced and terminal disease. The rationale for facilitating innovative collaborations in prostate cancer research is finding better approaches to these challenges.
The relationship between critical thinking and decision-making in respiratory care students.

INTRODUCTION: Respiratory therapists evaluate the condition of their patients, make decisions about the appropriateness of the treatment plan, provide care, and evaluate the outcomes of their decisions. To practice effectively they must think critically and make appropriate decisions. As educators make curriculum changes to improve students' decision-making (DM) skills, strategies to develop critical thinking (CT) have been proposed as one method of achieving that goal. This approach is based on the hypothesis that a positive relationship exists between DM and CT. The present study examines the relationship between CT and DM in respiratory care students. If there is a positive relationship between CT and DM, respiratory care training programs might improve the DM skills of future practitioners by providing instruction that improves CT. METHODS: Using a correlational research design, DM scores from the Clinical Simulation Self-Assessment Examination (CSSAE) were compared with scores from the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal for 143 graduating respiratory care students from 10 programs. Program directors completed a questionnaire and were then interviewed about the methods they employ to develop CT and DM in their students. RESULTS: A significant correlation between CT and DM was found for 110 students completing the Secure Form of the CSSAE (r = 0.32, p < 0.01). All programs used case studies and clinical simulations, and most used role modeling, computer-assisted instruction, patient rounds, small group discussion, and study skills courses. No differences were identified in the use of the CT and DM development strategies by different programs. CONCLUSIONS: The findings support the belief that students with strong CT proficiency make better clinical decisions. Assessment of CT proficiency could be used as one part of a process for evaluating prospective students and faculty for respiratory care programs. Program directors and faculty felt that case studies and clinical simulations are important strategies.
From the Mass Production of Methylococcus Capsulatus to the Efficient Separation and Isolation of Methane Monooxygenase Proteins. Characterization of Novel Intermediates in Substrate Reactions of Methane Monooxygenase

Methanotrophs are naturally occurring bacteria which utilize methane as their sole source of metabolic energy and carbon.* Due to their ability to catalyze the formation of methanol from methane under ambient conditions, interest has developed over their use as alternative methanol producers.2 In addition, the fact that they oxidize a variety of hydrocarbon substrates other than methane, attracted a lot of attention in their potential exploitation in bioremediation.3 The metalloenzyme system responsible for the conversion of methane to methanol (Reaction 1) in the initial step of their metabolism is methane monooxygenase (MMO).
Fluoride and guanosine nucleotide activated adenylate cyclase from Fasciolahepatica: Reconstitution after inactivation

Abstract Detergent solubilized extracts from the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica , contain adenylate cyclase activity which can be persistently activated by NaF or guanosine-5′-(3-0-thio) triphosphate. Treatment with heat or N-ethylmaleimide inactivated the cyclase. Activity can be partially reconstituted by mixing inactivated preparations with solubilized enzyme that has not been activated. The results provide a means to assay for adenylate cyclase components that are necessary for activation by NaF or the guanine nucleotides and may help in further resolution and purification of the components necessary for cyclase activity.
Dark Forces in the Universe

Our picture of the universe, we could argue, is much more advanced than that of our ancestor’s model of the universe. However, our simulations can crumble when we learn about the unknown. Among those unknowns in our universe are two constituents that make our understanding of the universe as fragile as that of our precursors. Dark energy and dark matter are synonyms of our ignorance, so to speak. Nonetheless, we have made tremendous progress in last several years to grasp these unknown forces that shape the future of our universe. While we celebrate our scientific advancement that has been made over centuries, dark energy and dark matter teach us to be humble.
Endorphin Peptides Enhance Mitogen-Induced T Cell Proliferation Which has been Suppressed by Prostaglandins

The endogenous 31-amino acid peptide β-endorphin has been reported to both increase (1–6) and suppress (7,8) mitogen-induced T lymphocyte proliferation. No effect of β-endorphin on B cell proliferation has been noted (2). However, β-endorphin has been shown to decrease antibody production as measured by the plaque-forming cell response (5,9). These results suggest that β-endorphin may inhibit immunoglobulin synthesis by modulating T cell function.
Tumors of Fallopian Tube and Broad Ligament

Endometrial polyp is the most frequent tumor-like condition, involving usually the first segment of the fallopian tube and resulting in infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Salpingitis, either acute or chronic, can cause tubal enlargement and pelvic symptoms. Long-term chronic salpingitis may result in cystic alterations and tubo-ovarian adhesion. Salpingitis isthmica nodosa is a bilateral nodular lesion mostly involving the isthmus. The lesion consists of diverticuli of the tubal mucosa associated with smooth muscle hypertrophy (Fig. 9.1). Adenomatoid tumor is the most common benign tumor of the fallopian tube. Rare benign tumors of the fallopian tube or broad ligament resemble their counterparts of ovarian primaries, including various cystadenomas and borderline tumors (serous, mucinous, and mixed). Endometriosis frequently involves the serosa of the fallopian tube and/or broad ligament. An abnormal extension of the endometrium into the mucosa of the fallopian tube (mucosal endometriosis) may lead to infertility or tubal pregnancy. Endocervical mucinous metaplasia may be associated with Peutz–Jeghers syndrome. Metaplastic papillary “tumor” is an incidental mucinous papillary lesion associated with a pregnancy. Ectopic adrenal rest is a relatively common finding in the broad ligament. Leiomyoma may involve the broad ligament and occasionally the fallopian tube.
Biological indicators of chemoresistance: an ex vivo analysis of γH2AX and p53 expression in feline injection-site sarcomas

The response of soft tissue sarcomas to cytotoxic chemotherapy is inconsistent. Biomarkers of chemoresistance or chemosensitivity are needed in order to identify appropriate patients for treatment. Given that many chemotherapeutics kill cells through direct DNA interactions, we hypothesized that upregulation of DNA damage response mechanisms would confer resistance to cytotoxic chemotherapy in sarcomas. To study this, we used spontaneously-occurring feline injection-site sarcomas (FISS). γH2AX and p53 expression were determined in biopsy samples of FISS. γH2AX expression was determined via immunohistochemistry whereas p53 expression was determined via qRT-PCR. Cell lines derived from these sarcoma biopsies were then treated with carboplatin (N = 11) or doxorubicin (N = 5) and allowed to grow as colonies. Colony forming-ability of cells exposed to chemotherapy was compared to matched, untreated cells and expressed as percent survival relative to controls. ImageJ was used for quantification. A mixed model analysis was performed to determine if an association existed between relative survival of the treated cells and γH2AX or p53 expression in the original tumors. Cell lines were validated via vimentin expression or growth as subcutaneous sarcomas in nude mice. An association was detected between γH2AX expression and relative survival in cells exposed to carboplatin (P = 0.0250). In the 11 FISS tumors evaluated, γH2AX expression ranged from 2.2 to 18.8% (mean, 13.3%). Cells from tumors with γH2AX expression higher than the sample population mean had fourfold greater relative survival after carboplatin exposure than cells from tumors with γH2AX expression less than the mean. There was no association between relative survival after carboplatin exposure and p53 expression (P = 0.1608), and there was no association between relative survival after doxorubicin exposure and either γH2AX (P = 0.6124) or p53 (P = 0.8645) expression. Four cell lines were validated via growth as sarcomas in nude mice. Vimentin expression was confirmed in the other 7 cell lines. γH2AX expression, but not wild type p53, may potentially serve as a biomarker of resistance to platinum therapeutics in soft tissue sarcomas. To further investigate this finding, prospective, in vivo studies are indicated in animal models.
Design and construction of a 1-D, cylindrical, dual-particle, time-encoded imaging system

Abstract When considering a cylindrical, time-encoded imaging system, if the detector is small relative to the mask radius, we can directly apply the analytical models derived for spatial coded aperture to cylindrical, time-encoded imaging systems. But when the detector is large relative to the mask radius, the mask pattern observed by the edge of the detector will differ from that of the center, and the system’s imaging performance will deteriorate. This paper derives a large detector model to predict the system response in such cases. Using this model, we vary the design parameters such as detector diameter, mask radius, and mask thickness to assess their impact on angular resolution and contrast-to-noise ratio. Based on those findings, we built a 1-D, dual-particle, cylindrical, time-encoded imaging system to use in nuclear non-proliferation applications. Reconstructed images of a Cf-252 point source have a full width at half maximum of 7.7° for both gamma-ray and fast neutron signals when using maximum likelihood expectation maximization. We experimentally verify the large detector model and quantitatively show when the small detector assumption breaks down.
Are Humoresques Humorous? On the Similarity Between Laughter and Staccato

Two studies are reported testing the conjecture that certain musical sounds or musical works may emulate the punctuated sound (ha-ha-ha) of human laughter. In the first study, 25 participants were instructed to adjust the tempo and duty cycle (articulation) of simple tone sequences to produce the most laughter-like sound. The adjusted tempos were consistent across participants but slower than measures of actual human laughter. The adjusted duty cycles were comparable to those evident in human laughter. In the second study, comedic-related musical compositions (including humoresques, badineries , and Scherzos ) were compared with similar-tempo works by the same composers. It is shown that humoresques contain more staccato passages. However, these detached articulations are not more likely to be isochronous as might be expected if emulating human laughter. Overall, the results provide mixed evidence consistent with the idea that composers emulate laughter when composing certain kinds of humorous passages.
A superlinearly convergent predictor-corrector method for degenerate LCP in a wide neighborhood of the central path with [InlineMediaObject not available: see fulltext.]-iteration complexity

An interior point method for monotone linear complementarity problems acting in a wide neighborhood of the central path is presented. The method has [InlineMediaObject not available: see fulltext.]-iteration complexity and is superlinearly convergent even when the problem does not possess a strictly complementary solution.
Ruminant cluster WC15

Abstract A new cluster is described, WC15, comprised of five monoclonal antibodies which recognise an antigen an antigen expressed on erythrocytes
The Influence of Managerial Practices and Job-Related Characteristics on Employee Perceptions of Service Quality and Turnover Intention:

Previously university recreation as an industry has focused on service quality as a means of improving customer satisfaction and loyalty. While these are important outcomes, prior research has prim...
Unit Testing Data with Deequ

Modern companies and institutions rely on data to guide every single decision. Missing or incorrect information seriously compromises any decision process. We demonstrate "Deequ", an Apache Spark-based library for automating the verification of data quality at scale. This library provides a declarative API, which combines common quality constraints with user-defined validation code, and thereby enables "unit tests for data". Deequ is available as open source, meets the requirements of production use cases at Amazon, and scales to datasets with billions of records if the constraints to evaluate are chosen carefully. Our demonstration walks attendees through a fictitious business use case of validating daily product reviews from a public dataset, and is executed in a proprietary interactive notebook environment. We show attendees how to define data unit tests from automatically suggested constraints and how to create customized tests. Additionally, we demonstrate how to apply Deequ to validate incrementally growing datasets, and give examples of how to configure anomaly detection algorithms on time series of data quality metrics to further automate the data validation.
An endothelial microRNA-1-regulated network controls eosinophil trafficking in asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis.

Background Airway eosinophilia is a prominent feature of asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), and the endothelium plays a key role in eosinophil trafficking. To date, microRNA-1 (miR-1) is the only microRNA known to be regulated in the lung endothelium in asthma models. Objective We sought to determine the role of endothelial miR-1 in allergic airway inflammation. Methods We measured microRNA and mRNA expression using quantitative RT-PCR. We used ovalbumin and house dust mite models of asthma. Endothelium-specific overexpression of miR-1 was achieved through lentiviral vector delivery or induction of a transgene. Tissue eosinophilia was quantified by using Congo red and anti-eosinophil peroxidase staining. We measured eosinophil binding with a Sykes-Moore adhesion chamber. Target recruitment to RNA-induced silencing complex was assessed by using anti-Argonaute2 RNA immunoprecipitation. Surface P-selectin levels were measured by using flow cytometry. Results Serum miR-1 levels had inverse correlations with sputum eosinophilia, airway obstruction, and number of hospitalizations in asthmatic patients and sinonasal tissue eosinophilia in patients with CRS. IL-13 stimulation decreased miR-1 levels in human lung endothelium. Endothelium-specific overexpression of miR-1 reduced airway eosinophilia and asthma phenotypes in murine models and inhibited IL-13–induced eosinophil binding to endothelial cells. miR-1 recruited P-selectin, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, eotaxin-3, and thrombopoietin receptor to the RNA-induced silencing complex; downregulated these genes in the lung endothelium; and reduced surface P-selectin levels in IL-13–stimulated endothelial cells. In our asthma and CRS cohorts, miR-1 levels correlated inversely with its target genes. Conclusion Endothelial miR-1 regulates eosinophil trafficking in the setting of allergic airway inflammation. miR-1 has therapeutic potential in asthmatic patients and patients with CRS.
Abstract WP83: Validation of a Relative Non-Contrast CT Map to Detect Early Ischemic Changes in Acute Stroke

Background: Discerning signs of early infarct on the non-contrast CT (NCCT) can be difficult. To facilitate interpretation of the NCCT we previously developed a technique to generate symmetry ratio...
Strategies and Tools to Enhance Team Performance.

Introduction The ability for teams to work together in a coordinated manner may be where the greatest improvements in health care occur in the next generation. To perform at the highest level there are several key principles that all teams must have no matter what playing field they are on, including health care. Methods Several resources were used to identify the challenges we face in health care with respect to the delivery of quality care, improving outcomes and decreasing complications. A search of the lay press and scientific literature was evaluated to identify those key elements that lead to improvements in team performance. In addition, personal observations were accumulated with time and examples of strategies used at home institutions were identified. Results The teams in our pediatric orthopaedic practices are many and include those in the clinic, the operating room, research, and our administrative office. The Institute of Medicine, in their influential article in 1999, defined the alarming rates of complications/harm occurring in the US health care system. In response, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and the Department of Defense (DOD) collaborated to create the Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety (TeamSTEPPS) in 2006. This was implemented in military facilities and later civilian hospital settings with varied success in civilian hospital settings. Discussion They defined key principles based around team structure, communication, leadership, situation monitoring, and mutual support. Other important foundational attributes of a successful team include identifying the vision of the team, hiring top-talent in the form of hard and soft skills, having open communication, being goal-focused, practicing accountability, and having an organized team. We can look to excellent examples in medicine, business, and sports to see where and how high-functioning teams have existed and to learn from them to implement similar successful teams. Conclusions Team performance is a function of talented members who share a common vision, who have the opportunity to voice their thoughts/opinions, and have the ability to be accountable to each other. Surgeons need to lead by example, and provide each member of the team an opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way which ultimately will improve the lives of the patients we are honored to care for.
Keeping the “Human in the Loop” in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Accompanying Commentary for “Correcting the Brain?” by Rainey and Erden

The benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in medicine are unquestionable and it is unlikely that the pace of its development will slow down. From better diagnosis, prognosis, and prevention to more precise surgical procedures, AI has the potential to offer unique opportunities to enhance patient care and improve clinical practice overall. However, at this stage of AI technology development it is unclear whether it will de-humanize or re-humanize medicine. Will AI allow clinicians to spend less time on administrative tasks and technology related procedures and more time being present in person to attend to the needs of their patients? Or will AI dramatically increase the presence of smart technology in the clinical context to a point of undermining the humane dimension of the patient-physician relationship? In this brief commentary, we argue that technological solutions should be only integrated into clinical medicine if they fulfill the following three conditions: (1) they serve human ends; (2) they respect personal identity; and (3) they promote human interaction. These three conditions form the moral imperative of humanity.
Transtorno emocional leve em trabalhadores: Verificação de um modelo teórico a partir do suporte organizacional, gestão do conhecimento e capital psicológico positivo

As novas demandas organizacionais contemporâneas, referentes a aderencia ao capital, processos laborais com foco home-office, surgimento e adaptacoes de novas profissoes, etc., tem conduzido o trabalhador numa volatilidade laboral constante. Nao apenas exige-se na relacao mercado-trabalhador-organizacao tomadas de decisao que conduzam a criatividade e produtividade, mas, tambem que mantenham a saude, especialmente, a saude mental de todo o conjunto laboral no espaco social, intelectual, cultural e tecnologico no ambiente do trabalho. Nesse sentido, os estudos sobre o Comportamento Organizacional Positivo vem contribuir para avaliacao de como e porque e necessario desenvolver as capacidades psicologicas dos trabalhadores destinadas a qualidade na performance laboral e social dos funcionarios. Este artigo pretende verificar o quanto o suporte organizacional influencia no capital psicologico e gestao do conhecimento e se relacionam ao transtorno emocional. Participaram da pesquisa 208 trabalhadores, homens e mulheres, de organizacao publica e privada, respondendo a um questionario com as escalas de suporte organizacional, capital psicologico positivo, gestao do conhecimento, transtorno emocional e dados sociodemograficos. Observou-se que todas as escalas foram confiaveis para a avaliacao do construto teorico, porem o modelo pretendido nao foi significativo, permitindo gerar um modelo alternativo com melhor capacidade explicativa revelando que quanto maior o suporte organizacional, maior o capital psicologico, maior a gestao do conhecimento e menor o transtorno emocional. Destaca-se com esses resultados a importância do treinamento de habilidades sociais positivas aplicadas aos recursos humanos quanto pratica laboral e de politica organizacional capaz de favorecer maior ajuste emocional, qualidade na vida e no trabalho.
Overturning the ACA's Medicaid Expansion Would Likely Decrease Low-Income, Reproductive-Age Women's Healthcare Spending and Utilization

In late 2020, the Supreme Court began hearing a case challenging the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which led to coverage gains for many low-income, reproductive-age women. To explore potential implications of a full ACA repeal for this population, we examined gains experienced after Medicaid expansion, assuming that such gains may be reversed. Using restricted 2013 to 2014 data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey for 1190 women ages 18 to 44 with household incomes below 138% of the federal poverty level, we compared the change in healthcare spending and utilization for women living in expansion states to the change in non-expansion states using a difference-in-differences design. We found that if Medicaid expansion were overturned, Medicaid coverage is likely to decrease, as well as Medicaid spending and prescription drug utilization.
Formation and Spontaneous Long-Term Repatterning of Headless Planarian Flatworms

Regeneration requires the production of large numbers of new cells, and thus cell division regulators, particularly ERK signaling, are critical in regulating this process. In the highly regenerative planarian flatworm, questions remain as to whether ERK signaling controls overall regeneration or plays a head-specific role. Here we show that ERK inhibition in the 3 days following amputation delays regeneration, but that all tissues except the head can overcome this inhibition, resulting in headless regenerates. This prevention of head regeneration happens to a different degree along the anterior-posterior axis, with very anterior wounds regenerating heads even under ERK inhibition. Remarkably, 4 to 18 weeks after injury, the headless animals induced by ERK inhibition remodel to regain single-headed morphology, in the absence of further injury, in a process driven by Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Interestingly, headless animals are likely to exhibit unstable axial polarity, and cutting or fissioning prior to remodeling can result in body-wide reversal of anterior-posterior polarity. Our data reveal new aspects of how ERK signaling regulates regeneration in planaria and show anatomical remodeling on very long timescales.
Improved algorithm to determine 3-colorability of graphs with minimum degree at least 7

Abstract Let G be an n -vertex graph with maximum degree Δ ( G ) and minimum degree δ ( G ) . We give algorithms with complexity O ( 1 . 315 8 n − 0 . 7 Δ ( G ) ) and O ( 1 . 3 2 n − 0 . 73 Δ ( G ) ) that determines if G is 3-colorable, when δ ( G ) ≥ 8 and δ ( G ) ≥ 7 , respectively.
"Don't Just Do Something, Stand There": Embracing Deimplementation of Bronchiolitis Therapeutics.

* Abbreviations: HS — : hypertonic saline LOS — : length of stay NMA — : network meta-analysis Viral bronchiolitis is one of the most common reasons for infant hospitalization in the United States. Despite the morbidity attributable to the disease, there are no generally recommended therapeutic strategies for bronchiolitis other than supportive care.1 The pull of the therapeutic vacuum surrounding this disease has been noted in the pages of this journal for at least 50 years, with Wright and Beem2 writing in 1965 that “energies should not be frittered away by the annoyance of unnecessary or futile medications and procedures” for the child with bronchiolitis. Pairwise meta-analyses, the pinnacle of the traditional evidence pyramid, have been controversial in settling the question of which, if any, therapies are effective for bronchiolitis. For example, multiple meta-analyses examining the benefit of nebulized hypertonic saline (HS) on hospital length of stay (LOS) have revealed disparate conclusions.3 Brooks et al4 suggested that the beneficial effect of HS on LOS noted in previous meta-analyses was likely due to heterogeneity and imbalance of baseline patient characteristics.5 Using newer statistical techniques, such as trial sequential analysis, researchers have attempted to … Address correspondence to Matthew J. Lipshaw, MD, MS, Division of Emergency Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, ML 2008, Cincinnati, OH 45229. E-mail: matthew.lipshaw{at}cchmc.org
Mild Neurological Signs in FMR1 Premutation Women in an Unselected Community-Based Cohort

Background Premutation-sized (55-200) CGG repeat expansions in the FMR1 gene cause fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). Most studies of premutation carriers utilized reverse ascertainment to identify patients, leading to a selection bias for larger repeats. As shorter CGG premutation repeats are common in the population, understanding their impact on health outcomes has a potentially large public health footprint. Objective The study's objective was to compare an unselected group of premutation carriers (n = 35, 55-101 CGG repeats) with matched controls (n = 61, 29-39 CGG repeats) with respect to FXTAS-type signs using structured neurological assessments. Methods Three neurologists independently rated signs, using an adapted version of the FXTAS Rating Scale (Leehey MA, Berry-Kravis E, Goetz CG, et al. FMR1 CGG repeat length predicts motor dysfunction in premutation carriers. Neurology. 2008). This was a double-blind study, as genetic status (premutation vs. control) was known neither by the participants nor by any of the neurologists. Analyses controlled potentially confounding comorbid conditions in the electronic health record (eg, osteoarthritis and stroke) and probed the association of age with signs. Results Although there was no overall difference between carriers and controls, among individuals without any potentially confounding comorbid diagnoses, there was a statistically significant age-associated elevation in FXTAS-type signs in premutation carriers compared to controls. Conclusions Among those who do not have other comorbid diagnoses, women who have CGG repeats at the lower end of the premutation range may be at greater risk for ataxia and parkinsonism than their age peers, although their overall risk of developing such clinical features is low. This study should provide reassurance to those who share characteristics with the present cohort. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Treatment of Ventricular Arrhythmias in Cardiac Sarcoidosis with Both Immunosuppression and Antiarrhythmics

Background: Immunosuppression and antiarrhythmics can be useful for the treatment of arrhythmias in cardiac sarcoidosis (CS). The current evidence on the efficacy of corticosteroid sparing agents for arrhythmias is limited, and the optimal timing for initiation of antiarrhythmic therapy is unknown. Objective: To assess the impact of corticosteroid sparing immunosuppression with and without antiarrhythmics on arrhythmia burdens in CS. Methods: Patients with CS and implanted cardiac devices were identified from a single center sarcoidosis registry. The patients' medical regimens were grouped as no therapy, immunosuppression alone, antiarrhythmic alone, or dual therapy. Device interrogations were reviewed for premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT), and appropriate device firing. Results: Interrogations for 42 patients were reviewed over a mean of 31 months. Regression analysis showed a significant decrease in the PVC (slope -1.47, p=0.04) and NSVT frequency (slope -0.05, p=.01) for patients on dual therapy compared to an increase or no change in the other groups. Across all patients, there was no difference between groups in the percentage of patients experiencing device firing. In a subset analysis of patients with ICDs for primary prevention, 6% on dual therapy required device firing compared to 43% and 40% on single or no therapy (P=.049, Chi Sq=6.02). Conclusions: Patients on both immunosuppression and antiarrhythmics had a reduction in PVCs and NSVT over time. Those with devices placed for primary prevention experienced fewer device firings while on dual therapy.
Natality and the moon

Abstract Five hundred thousand live births in New York City over a period of 3 years have been correlated with the phases of the moon. A small effect is observed, near the limit of statistical significance. Births are above average before a full moon and below average after a full moon.
Judicialización de la política, politización de la ley

In this article, the author asserts that there has been profound shift in power away from legislatures and toward courts and other legal institutions. This shift, which has been called judicialization, has become more or less global in its reach. The article carefully examines this constant ebb and flow, this constant shift in the role played by courts and judges in judicializing politics —the greater participation of judges and courts in political matters— and by the various political actors in politicizing the law —the growing participation of politicians in judicial matters. The author distinguishes at least three ways in which courts have taken on new and important roles relative to legislatures. Therefore we find ourselves with the transformation of political questions into legal ones. And this means that legal/constitutional considerations and rhetoric assume new and sometimes decisive importance in ordinary legislative policy making.
Presolving Mixed–Integer Linear Programs

We survey the techniques used for presolving mixed-integer linear programs (MILPs). Presolving is an important component of all modern MILP solvers. It is used for simplifying a given instance, for detecting any obvious problems or errors, and for identifying structures and characteristics that are useful for solving an instance. Keywords: integer programming; presolving; preprocessing
Some Effects of Nalidixic Acid on Conjugation in Escherichia coli K-12

The role of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis in the Escherichia coli conjugation system has been studied using nalidixic acid (NAL) to specifically inhibit DNA synthesis in matings between reciprocal combinations of male (Hfr) and female (F(-)) mutants resistant and sensitive to NAL; the physiological action of NAL on the strains utilized was also studied. Matings between combinations of mutants resistant (Nal(r)) and sensitive (Nal(s)) to NAL allow various parental functions to be established: pair formation studies show that the female cells are responsible for the slight decrease in pair formation when NAL is present in Hfr(Nal(s)) x F(-) (Nal(s)) matings. Preformed mating pairs are stable in the presence of NAL. In matings between Hfr(Nal(s)) and F(-)(Nal(r)), the transfer gradient constant increases linearly with low NAL concentration (0.1 to 0.6 mug of NAL per ml). Higher concentrations of NAL (5 mug/ml) act on Nal(s) males to rapidly stop chromosome transfer; under these conditions, however, DNA degradation is unmeasurable as determined from single-strand nicking in the male cells. This result is consistent with a model for chromosome transfer which requires DNA synthesis in the male cell. Inhibition of DNA synthesis (by 85%) in the female has no effect on conjugal chromosome transfer. High concentrations of NAL (>20 mug/ml) produce slight inhibition in chromosome transfer for the Hfr(Nal(r)) x F(-)(Nal(r)) mating tested; this effect is probably caused by action of NAL on the male. The inhibition of chromosomal transfer by NAL appears to be irreversible in the normal sense. A pulse of NAL, applied during transfer, immediately stops the transfer which is in progress. On removal of the NAL block, the temporal appearance of recombinants is consistent with the idea that a new round of transfer has commenced from the sex factor location on the male chromosome.
Definitive chemoradiation for primary oral cavity carcinoma: A single institution experience

Summary Objectives While surgery with or without adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) is the standard of care for oral cavity cancer (OCC), a select group requires nonsurgical treatment. We provide a single-institution experience using definitive chemotherapy and RT for primary OCC. Materials and methods We examined 73 patients with previously untreated, non-metastatic primary OCC treated definitively from 1990 to 2011. There were 39 male and 34 female, with a median age of 63 years (range, 35–89). The disease distribution was Stage I and II (7% each), Stage III (14%), and Stage IV (73%). Oral tongue was the most common (48%), followed by floor of mouth (19%), retromolar trigone (13.7%), and others (8.2%). Median tumor dose was 70 Gy. Sixty-two percent of patients (n = 45) were treated with concurrent chemotherapy, predominantly platinum-based. Results Median follow-up among surviving patients was 73.1 months (interquartile range 14.2–81.4 months). Actuarial 5-year overall survival was 15%. Incidences of locoregional and distant failures were 41.1% and 20.5%, respectively. Kaplan–Meier estimated 5-year rates of locoregional control and freedom from distant metastasis were 37% and 70%, respectively. Mucositis was the most common ⩾Grade 3 acute toxicity (49%). Incidences of Grade 3 late dysphagia and trismus were 15% and 13%, respectively. Conclusion This study demonstrates over 20 years of experience using definitive chemoradiation for OCC at our institution. Our results illustrate the challenges in treating patients with advanced disease who are not surgical candidates, and the need for adequate and early treatment to prevent distant disease and improve survival outcomes.
Capsaicin-based analgesic balm decreases pressor responses evoked by muscle afferents

UNLABELLED Capsaicin-based analgesic balm decreases pressor responses evoked by muscle afferents. Physically active individuals use countless analgesic balm (AB) products with various active ingredients daily. Despite this, few studies have investigated the mechanism of action and efficacy of AB. PURPOSE We examined the effects of capsaicin (CAP) application on pressor responses evoked by muscle contraction (MC), which are mediated by group III and IV muscle afferents. METHODS Heart rate (HR), blood pressure, and end-tidal CO2 were monitored in cats (N = 12) decerebrated under halothane. Decerebration eliminated anesthesia use and effects from the higher brain. Electrical stimulation of L7 and S1 ventral roots evoked static hindlimb MC (30 s). After control runs, a commercial CAP (4.95% Oleoresin Capsicum) AB was applied to the skin over the contracting muscles of one hindlimb. MC were evoked every 10 min, alternating between hindlimbs. Data were analyzed with RM ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test. RESULTS Changes in peak mean arterial pressure (MAP) induced by static ipsilateral MC were significantly attenuated at 20 min and tended to approach baseline levels at 40 min after CAP application. The mean (+/- SEM) of the peak MAP for the ipsilateral side just before application (T = 0), at 20 min (T+20), and 40 min (T+40) were 28.3 mm Hg +/- 6.4, 13.8 mm Hg +/-2.9, and 22.6 mm Hg +/- 5.2, respectively. There were no significant changes in HR. CONCLUSIONS Cardiovascular effects due to activation of group III and IV afferent fibers were significantly attenuated by the application of CAP. The time course of the effects appeared to support the need for repeated CAP application for pain relief. Central nervous system circuitry responsible for this effect awaits elucidation.
Inverse Hall–Petch behavior in diamantane stabilized bulk nanocrystalline aluminum

Abstract The mechanical behavior of bulk cryomilled aluminum stabilized by diamantane nanoparticles is compared with that of bulk cryomilled commercial purity (CP) aluminum with no diamantane. Bulk cryomilled aluminum was prepared by consolidating the cryomilled aluminum powders via hot isostatic pressing followed by trap extrusion (high strain extrusion) at room temperature. The results revealed that, while the grain size of cryomilled CP aluminum (155 nm) was larger than that of cryomilled aluminum containing diamantane (68–95 nm), the strength of the former is higher than of the latter. This finding is explained in terms of the occurrence of nanoscale softening, which signifies a transition from conventional Hall–Petch behavior (strengthening with decreasing grain size) to inverse Hall–Petch behavior (softening with decreasing grain size).
Impact of Surface Active Compounds on Physicochemical and Oxidative Properties of Edible Oil

The physical properties of lipids can have a major influence on lipid oxidation reactions. Edible oils contain surface-active compounds and water that can form physical structures such as reverse micelles. This study used the fluorescence probe, 5-dodecanoylaminofluorescein (DAF), to study both the physical and the chemical properties of stripped corn oil containing oleic acid and phosphatidylcholine. The fluorescence intensity of DAF increased with increasing water concentration in the edible oil. The addition of oleic acid decreased DAF fluorescence due to the ability of the free fatty acid to decrease the pH of the aqueous phase of the bulk oil. Phosphatidylcholine increased DAF fluorescence due to its ability to increase DAF exposure to the aqueous phase. Oleic acid had no impact on interactions between DAF and water-soluble peroxyl radicals, while phosphatidylcholine decreased peroxyl radical degradation of DAF. These results suggest that DAF could be a useful analytical tool to study the impact of t...
Quantifying available water supply in rural Mali based on data collected by and from women

Abstract Water development planning requires both technical and social considerations. Water is gathered and used predominantly by women in rural areas of developing countries, yet they are not always included in the development planning. A hydrogeological study was undertaken to estimate the sustainable yield from a shallow aquifer while serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in a Malian village (population 1200). This study required “pumping” tests to determine the hydraulic properties of the aquifer. Village women provided assistance by hand-drawing (bailing) water from wells at a near constant rate. Local women also participated in water-use interviews that were used to identify community water needs. The pumping test and survey data were used in computational models of the subsurface hydrology to determine the effectiveness of pump installation. Two electrically powered pumps, atop drilled wells, separated by at least 500 m, could be used to supply the village water needs (50,000 L/day) instead of the 64 dug wells currently in use, many of which have poor quality and unreliable production. This study shows that local women can be a practical resource for water-related data in water resource planning.
Comparative neuroanatomical evidence and the taxonomy of the tree shrews (Tupaia)

Abstract Recent neuroanatomical literature and its relationship to the taxonomic question of Tupaia is reviewed. The origin, course and terminations of corticospinal fibers in the tree shrew is intermediate between that of the opossum and phalanger, representing more basic forms, and the slow loris and greater galago. The terminations of the optic tract in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus share some characteristics with the hedgehog and greater galago. The organization of the accessory optic system is distinctly basic in the tree shrew. The cerebral cortex and corticofugal fibers of Tupaia are intermediate between that of basal forms and some Prosimii. The so-called phylogenetic increase in brain stem centers and the degree of encephalization of Tupaia is intermediate between advanced insectivores and various members of the Lorisidae and Lemuridae. The cerebellum of Tupaia has a poorly developed anterior lobe, and a well developed hemisphere of the posterior lobe, interpreted as basic and moderately advanced characteristics respectively. The deep cerebellar nuclei of the tree shrew more closely resemble those of the hedgehog and mole than those of the lesser galago. The vascular pattern of the rhombencephalon is, in general, similar to that of some Prosimii. The diversified results of comparative studies on the tree shrew central nervous system do not suggest a tupaiid-primate or a tupaiid-insectivore affinity but tend to support the separate order suggestion of Straus.
Regulating behavioral procedures for individuals with handicaps: Review of state department standards

We reviewed standards (i.e., mandatory policies or recommended guidelines) from 39 state departments of special education and 41 state departments of developmental disabilities/mental retardation (DD/MR) to determine how they addressed the use of behavioral procedures. Results indicated that many standards described procedures to change behaviors of individuals with handicaps and identified ways to regulate usage. Major findings were that (a) standards from state departments of DD/MR addressed behavioral procedures more frequently than standards from special education departments; (b) many standards addressed procedures to decrease, but not increase, behavior; (c) several standards identified safeguards to clients' rights, such as prior approval requirements and periodic review of behavioral procedures' effects; (d) some standards prohibited and/or restricted the use of specific procedures, such as those judged to be aversive; (e) about one-fifth of special education standards and two-thirds of DD/MR standards described staff training requirements for using some procedures; and (f) relatively few standards used decision models to select behavioral procedures. Implications of these findings for policy makers, service providers, and future research efforts are discussed.
Relations between children's overestimation of their physical abilities and accident proneness

Two experiments examined developmental changes in the accuracy of children's judgments about their physical abilities. Experiment 1 showed that 6- and 8-year-olds overestimated their ability to perform tasks just beyond and well beyond their ability. Adults only had difficulty making judgments about tasks just beyond their ability. Experiment 2 investigated how experience with performing activities influences judgments about physical abilities. Six-year-olds again overestimated their ability to perform tasks just beyond and well beyond their ability. Eight-year-olds were more accurate about tasks well beyond than just beyond their ability. In both experiments, overestimation of ability was associated with accidental injuries for 6- but not for 8-year-olds. The discussion focuses on children's overestimation of physical abilities and the relation between overestimation and accident proneness.
A mechanism for three axis control of an ion thruster array

Three axis attitude ion thrust vector control mechanism for solar electric propulsion spacecraft, discussing gimbal and translation actuators, array and cabling
Pulmonary toxicity of inhaled coal liquid aerosols (boiling range 230–450°C)

The biological activity of materials produced in the direct liquefaction of coal is being assessed by a variety of test systems. In this study, the pulmonary toxicity of process solvent (PS) from the solvent refined coal-I (SRC-I) process was determined by histamine aerosol challenge tests and pulmonary function and morphologic evaluations. Guinea pigs inhaled aerosols of PS (boiling range, 230 to 450 degrees C) for 6 hr/day, 5 day/week, for up to 12 days in three different experiments. In the first experiment, 8-week-old animals inhaled 0 (controls), 0.15, or 0.60 mg/liter PS aerosols with a mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of 1.3 micrometer. Exposure to 0.15 mg/liter PS for 12 days resulted in depressed weight gain and marked hypersensitivity to inhaled histamine compared with sham-exposed control animals. Four of five animals exposed to 0.6 mg/liter PS died of respiratory failure during exposure. During the second experiment, 14-week-old animals inhaled 0 (controls) or 0.19 mg/liter PS (MMAD, 1.3 microns) for 1, 3, or 12 days. Hypersensitivity to aerosolized histamine occurred only after 12 days exposure to PS aerosols. At that time, morphologic lung evaluations showed mild to moderate pneumonitis and accumulation of exudate in bronchioles of PS-exposed animals. In the third experiment, pulmonary function evaluations were conducted on 4-week-old animals exposed to 0 (controls) or 0.19 mg/liter PS for 8 days. Functional changes measured in these animals (compared to controls) included increased gas trapping at low lung volumes, decreased quasi-static compliance, and decreased diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide. These studies showed that measurable changes in lung function were produced in guinea pigs after 8 to 12 days exposure to 0.15 or 0.19 mg/liter PS and that exposure to PS affected weight gain only in younger animals (4 and 8 weeks old) but not in 14-week-old animals.