cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of patient-specific factors and outcomes for one- and two-stage basilic vein transposition fistulas.

Abstract Objective The decision to perform a one- or two-stage basilic vein transposition (BVT) arteriovenous fistula often depends on factors such as the vessel's diameter, the patient's disposition, and the surgeon's preference. This study's aim was to analyze patency by BVT staging technique and to identify patient-specific characteristics associated with outcomes. Methods A retrospective review of all patients who underwent one- or two-stage BVT at our institution between 2008 and 2013 was performed. Comparisons of age, sex, race, and associated comorbidities were made. Clinical course was followed for 2 years after fistula construction, comparing maturation rate, thrombosis, stenosis, steal, and catheter infections. Continuous variables were expressed as means or medians and compared across stage and maturation groups by t -test; differences between categorical variables were assessed using Fisher exact test. A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to calculate patency rates and compared by log-rank test. Results There were 49 one-stage and 169 two-stage BVTs examined. The mean age of the patients at time of construction was 58 years and 61 years for one-stage and two-stage patients, respectively. There was no difference in mean proximal, mid, or distal basilic vein diameters between the groups. Fistula maturation was similar between stage groups, with primary failure affecting 26.5% of one-stage and 24.3% of two-stage BVTs ( P = .78). Across one- and two-stage BVTs, 2-year primary patency rates were 51% and 52%, respectively ( P = .68); primary assisted patency, 66% and 85% ( P = .05); and secondary patency, 64% and 78% ( P = .26). Multivariate logistic regression showed a trend toward diabetics at higher risk for primary failure (odds ratio, 1.60; 95% confidence interval, 0.95-2.55; P = .07). For two-stage BVT, the median interstage period between operations lasted 105.00 (interquartile range, 77.00-174.50) days and was associated with a large proportion of the overall primary failures (19/41 [46%]) and catheter-related infections (12/20 [60%]). Conclusions This study demonstrates similar maturation, primary patency, primary assisted patency, secondary patency, and complication rates in a large series of BVTs constructed using a one- or two-stage transposition technique regardless of vein diameter. Diabetes was associated with primary failure by either technique. High proportions of overall primary failures and catheter-related infections observed in two-stage BVT occurred during the interstage, suggesting that a one-stage technique should be considered over a two-stage approach to minimize the risk of catheter infection and to decrease time to maturity.
Análisis de la cobertura periodística de La Vanguardia y ABC, sobre la creación de las facultades de ciencias de la información en España (curso académico 1971-1972)

En los anos 70 el periodismo y otras carreras del area de la Comunicacion, vivieron una profunda transformacion en su modo de ensenanza con la creacion de las Facultades de Ciencias de la Informacion. Este trabajo analiza el modo en que este proceso se reflejo en parte de la prensa de la epoca, a traves de la revision de textos periodisticos publicados en La Vanguardia y ABC.
Psychosocial Adjustment and Adherence of Children and Adolescents on Dialysis

A large body of literature has emerged over the past three decades examining the psychosocial functioning of children and adolescents undergoing dialysis. Advances in diagnosis, treatment, and disease outcomes have been associated with changes in psychosocial adjustment as children live longer with renal disease. Dialysis can significantly impact all domains of a child’s life, including their emotional, behavioral, and social functioning. Studies examining adult outcomes (i.e., studies of adults who received dialysis in childhood and/or adolescence) suggest difficulties originating in childhood are maintained or even escalate as this population enters adulthood [1–4]. Therefore, understanding how to recognize and address psychosocial issues as early as possible is a necessary component of comprehensive patient care.
Morphology change of calcium carbonate in the presence of polynucleotides

Two-dimensional DNA lattices are grown under conditions that also are suitable for the magnesium-free growth of three-dimensional calcium carbonate crystals. These lattices are used to template morphology changes in calcium carbonate. The effects of DNA lattices, subassemblies, duplexes, single strands, dinucleotides, and mononucleotides on calcium carbonate morphology are studied. A polycrystalline morphology of calcite is found to predominate when a critical concentration of any polynucleotide is reached in the templating solution.
The Role of Genotyping in Diagnosing Cardiac Channelopathies

The role of genotyping for diagnosis of the cardiac ion channelopathies is a work in progress. No formal guidelines or other publications discussing current recommendations for genotyping exist, particularly for clinical/commercial genotyping. Further, the field is changing rapidly, opinions vary and, additionally, circumstances inside the US are different from outside. The following considerations are a current summary based on a review of the literature, discussions with experts in the field, and our own opinions and also include a brief discussion about genotyping for therapeutic decision making. Research-based genotyping is very important for continued understanding of the details of pathophysiology and the complex regulatory processes in these diseases. Clinical/commercial genotyping for diagnosis is important for identifying patients with reduced penetrance of the phenotype since effective therapies to prevent sudden death exist. Clinical genotyping for therapeutic advantage has limited application at present but will become much more important if and when genotype-/mutation-type specific therapies are shown to be effective. The recommendations will progressively change as new research findings and new genotyping technologies appear.
Contested Frameworks in Environmental Ethics

This chapter provides an overview of some key, and contrasting, ideas in environmental ethics for those unfamiliar with the field. It outlines the ways in which environmental ethicists have defended different positions concerning what matters ethically, from those that focus on human beings (including issues of environmental justice and justice between generations) to those who argue that non-human animals, living organisms, ecosystems and species have some kind of moral status. The chapter also considers different theoretical approaches to environmental ethics in terms of consequentialist, broadly deontological and virtue theories. Finally, three different interpretations of moral pluralism in environmental ethics are introduced: pluralism about values, pluralism about theories, and a pragmatic, methodological pluralism.
Effect of Mild Pressure Overload on Mechanoenergetics of the Rabbit Heart

We determined the effect of a mild pressure overload (perinephritic hypertension) on cardiac mechanoenergetics in New Zealand white rabbits (n = 7). Results were compared to sham operated controls (n = 8) and rabbits rendered hypothyroid (n = 5). Using an isovolumically contracting, red blood cell perfused, isolated heart preparation, mechanoenergetics were assessed as the inverse slopes of the \( {{\text{V}}_{{0_2}}} \)-pressure-volume area relation (contractile efficiency) and the \( {{\text{V}}_{{0_2}}} \)-stress time integral relation (contractile economy), where \( {{\text{V}}_{{0_2}}} \) is myocardial oxygen consumption. The energy cost of excitation-contraction coupling was assessed as unloaded \( {{\text{V}}_{{0_2}}} \) minus basal \( {{\text{V}}_{{0_2}}} \) per beat. Morphologic measurements demonstrated no significant increase in left ventricular or heart-weight-to-body-weight ratio in pressure overload hearts. In controls, percent V3 isomyosin was 80% ± 7% (±SD), while in hypothyroid hearts V3 averaged 100% ± 1% and in pressure overload 98% ± 1% (both P < 0.01 vs controls). Both efficiency and economy demonstrated trends toward higher values in pressure overload compared to either hypothyroid or control hearts. Considered as a function of percent V3 isomyosin and compared to control and hormonally modified (hyper- and hypothyroid) hearts, values for efficiency and economy were clearly elevated. In contrast, \( {{\text{V}}_{{0_2}}} \) used for excitation-contraction coupling was not significantly different among the three groups. Thus, a very mild pressure overload results in increased efficiency and economy. It is proposed that the most likely explanation for this finding is an alteration at the level of the contractile proteins, independent of changes in isomyosin composition.
What do we know about financial returns on investments in patient safety? A literature review.

Article-at-a-Glance Background A framework was proposed for making a business case for patient safety interventions and to evaluate whether and how thoroughly financial aspects of investments and returns have been reported. Methods MEDLINE was searched from inception through January 21, 2005. Articles were selected if they reported on a patient safety intervention or a patient safety related outcome within the United States and indicated that a financial or economic analysis of the intervention was an objective. Results For 165 articles, a financial or economic analysis was indicated as an objective; 36.4% used original data, 28.5% used referenced data, and 35.2% provided no analysis. Only 13 articles (7.9%) included original data on start-up costs, 45 articles (27.3%) included original data on operating expenses and benefits, and 9 articles (5.5%) provided original financial data on outcomes. Of the 165 articles, 56.4% evaluated technological methods of improving patient safety, such as adoption of computer physician order entry, 20.6% evaluated changes in processes of care, such as staffing changes, and 23% involved other types of interventions or outcomes. Discussion Few articles provided complete information on the required investment and anticipated return on patient safety interventions. Use of standard financial techniques may strengthen the business case for patient safety interventions.
A Survey of Dental Patient Attitudes on the Likelihood and Perceived Importance of Disclosing Daily Medications.

An accurate medication history allows the oral health care provider (OHCP) to evaluate a patient’s overall health and disease status, as well as assess the effect medications may have on dental treatment and oral health. It has been previously documented that dental patients do not always report an accurate medication list. The aims of this study were to determine dental patients’ perceptions regarding the importance and likelihood of accurately disclosing prescription, over-the-counter (OTC), and herbal/supplement medications to their OHCP. A voluntary patient survey was administered from October 2015 through March 2016 to new dental patients at the Creighton University School of Dentistry student-operated clinic. Of 300 surveys distributed, 217 were found to be complete for inclusion in the evaluation (response rate 72.3%). Of the responding patients, 75.6%, 69.1%, and 63.6% reported believing it was very important to inform their dentists of their prescribed, OTC, and herbal/supplement medications, respectively. Additionally, 80.7%, 71.4%, and 62.7% reported that they always informed their dentists of all their prescribed, OTC, and herbal/supplement medications, respectively. Although the majority of these patients agreed on the importance of reporting medication information to their OHCP and reported doing so, this survey found room for improvement, especially regarding OTC and herbal/supplement medications. It is imperative that both the pharmacist and OHCP educate dental and pharmacy students to inform patients of the importance of providing an accurate and complete medication history to ensure the safest possible delivery of their dental treatment.
Improving Singing Voice Separation Using Attribute-Aware Deep Network

Singing Voice Separation (SVS) attempts to separate the predominant singing voice from a polyphonic musical mixture. In this paper, we investigate the effect of introducing attribute-specific information, namely, the frame level vocal activity information as an augmented feature input to a Deep Neural Network performing the separation. Our study considers two types of inputs, i.e, a ground-truth based ‘oracle’ input and labels extracted by a state-of-the-art model for singing voice activity detection in polyphonic music. We show that the separation network informed of vocal activity learns to differentiate between vocal and nonvocal regions. Such a network thus reduces interference and artifacts better compared to the network agnostic to this side information. Results on the MIR1K dataset show that informing the separation network of vocal activity improves the separation results consistently across all the measures used to evaluate the separation quality.
Are Earnings Announcements a Timely Source of Macroeconomic Information

This study examines whether aggregated daily firm-level earnings announcement information induces market-wide volatility after controlling for numerous competing sources of regularly-released macroeconomic information. Using an exponential GARCH model we find that daily earnings announcement information is significantly positively associated with conditional market volatility. This relation extends to index option implied volatility and is more pronounced for earnings announcements reported early in a calendar quarter and when aggregate earnings information is negative. The effect of negative earnings announcement information clusters in periods preceding and during recessions, consistent with daily aggregate earnings information possessing a timing advantage over more traditional macroeconomic variables in reflecting adverse macroeconomic news around recessionary periods. Additional analysis reveals that information arriving via earnings announcements follows its own GARCH process similar to that observed for daily market returns and that the market-wide volatility information in daily earnings announcements overlaps most with macroeconomic measures of real output.
Male Role Norms, Heavy Drinking, and Bystander Behavior for Sexual Aggression.

Bystander training programs have proliferated on college campuses to prevent alcohol and non–alcohol-related sexual aggression. However, many programs fail to address the effects of a bystander’s a...
Reconfigurable 60-GHz Radar Transmitter SoC with Broadband Frequency Tripler in 45nm SOI CMOS

A reconfigurable 60-GHz radar transmitter with a broadband frequency tripler is proposed to support CW/FMCW, pulse, and PMCW radar waveforms from a single front-end. The proposed IC consists of a wide-band frequency tripler, a two-stage driver, two power mixers with baseband circuitry and serial I/O circuitry. The IC measurements in CW mode operation show an output power of 12.8 dBm (average) and 14.7 dBm (peak) from 54 GHz to 67 GHz with harmonic suppression greater than 27 dB. Pulse and PMCW mode operations are also demonstrated to generate short pulses with the minimum pulse width of 25 ps corresponding to 40 GHz signal bandwidth and 10-Gb/s PRBS modulated signals, respectively. Fabricated in a 45-nm CMOS SOI process, the IC consumes 0.51 W and occupies an active area of 1.95 mm2 excluding pads.
A dual-stream deep convolutional network for reducing metal streak artifacts in CT images

Machine learning and deep learning are rapidly finding applications in the medical imaging field. In this paper, we address the long-standing problem of metal artifacts in computed tomography (CT) images by training a dual-stream deep convolutional neural network for streak removal. While many metal artifact reduction methods exist, even state-of-the-art algorithms fall short in some clinical applications. Specifically, proton therapy planning requires high image quality with accurate tumor volumes to ensure treatment success. We explore a dual-stream deep network structure with residual learning to correct metal streak artifacts after a first-pass by a state-of-the-art interpolation-based algorithm, NMAR. We provide the network with a mask of the streaks in order to focus attention on those areas. Our experiments compare a mean squared error loss function with a perceptual loss function to emphasize preservation of image features and texture. Both visual and quantitative metrics are used to assess the resulting image quality for metal implant cases. Success may be due to the duality of information processing, with one network stream performing local structure correction, while the other stream provides an attention mechanism to destreak effectively. This study shows that image-domain deep learning can be highly effective for metal artifact reduction (MAR), and highlights the benefits and drawbacks of different loss functions for solving a major CT reconstruction challenge.
South Asian Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the United States Demonstrate More Fistulizing and Perianal Crohn Phenotype

BACKGROUND South Asians have recently been identified as having a rapidly rising incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) throughout the world. However, longitudinal phenotypic studies of South Asians living in the United States remain scarce. METHODS We retrospectively studied 171 South Asian patients with IBD treated at 2 US tertiary centers who presented between 2000 and 2016. South Asian IBD patients were randomly matched in a 1:2 ratio with sex and IBD subtype-matched (ulcerative colitis [UC] vs Crohn disease [CD]) white control patients (n = 342). Demographic and phenotypic characteristics were evaluated and compared between the 2 groups. Odds ratios (OR), logistic regression, and survival analysis were performed using R studio and STATA. RESULTS 81 South Asian patients and 162 white patients had CD, and 90 South Asians and 180 white patients had UC. Among the CD group, South Asian patients were diagnosed at a median older age (age 28) than white patients (21 years; P < 0.003). Fistulizing disease (24.1% vs 8.6%; P < 0.002), perianal disease (20.3% vs 2.5%; P < 0.005), and presentation of rectal pain (16.2% vs 2.9%; P < 0.001) were more common among South Asian patients with CD than among white patients. After adjusting for covariates, South Asian patients with CD were less likely to be placed on thiopurines (OR = 0.36; P < 0.007) or to receive more than 1 biologic (OR = 0.42; P < 0.040). South Asian patients with UC were less likely to have proctitis (10% vs 22.2%; P < 0.022) and more likely to have primary sclerosing cholangitis (n = 7 vs n = 2; P < 0.007). South Asian patients born in the United States or those who had migrated before age 5 were younger at the age of IBD diagnosis (age 18.9 vs 32.4; P < 0.0005). CONCLUSION We found unique demographic and phenotypic characteristics among South Asian patients, including more penetrating disease in those with CD and less proctitis among those with UC, along with altered medication use patterns. Distinct environmental exposures and a potentially unique genetic profile of South Asian patients may confer this variable phenotypic expression, influencing management of this increasingly at-risk population.
Chapter 10 – Nonlinear distortions

Publisher Summary This chapter gives an account of various nonlinear distortions which occur during write and read processes, such as overwrite, transition shifts, partial erasure, and magnetoresistive (MR) read nonlinearity. These distortions depend on both the write/read head and media, and should be minimized when a magnetic recording system is designed. When a new data pattern is written on top of the old information, the write field must be sufficient to rewrite the old information. However, a simple magnetic recording experiment demonstrates that the residual signal from the old data pattern will always be present in the spectrum of the new data pattern. Partial erasure, also referred to as nonlinear amplitude loss or percolation, occurs at high recording densities when two transitions are written at a small separation. It results in a reduction of the readback voltage amplitude. The response of an anisotropic MR element is intrinsically nonlinear, varying as the squared cosine of the angle between the magnetization of the MR element and the applied read bias current. For small applied fields, the variations in the output voltage are approximately linear. However, as the applied field becomes stronger, the readback voltage becomes a nonlinear function of the field.
Immuno-gene therapy of non-hodgkin lymphoma using adenovirus encoding CD40 ligand (CD154)

1888 Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a highly prevalent disease with approximately 30,000 cases diagnosed every year in the United States. Despite advance in the treatment of NHL the majority of patients relapsed after chemotherapy treatment and frequently die of disease progression or treatment related complications. Therefore there is a need for novel and effective treatment strategies for the treatment of patients with NHL. NHL cells are capable of evading the immune system and this creates a major challenge to achieve durable complete responses. NHL cells are characterized by deficient mechanisms of antigen presentation that impair effective anti-lymphoma immune recognition. Because breaking tolerance to NHL cells constitutes a potential target for immunotherapy of this disease we have developed strategies to improve immune recognition of lymphoma cells using gene therapy mediated by adenovirus encoding CD40 ligand (CD154). We have constructed replication defective adenovirus encoding murine CD154 â\#8364;“ Ad-ISF154 and a chimeric human/mouse CD154, Ad-ISF35, this construct also contains an in-frame deletion of the major MMP-cleavage site, allowing for sustained high-level expression on the plasma membrane. Using the A20 mouse lymphoma model we generated subcutaneous (S.Q.) NHL tumors that were injected with either Ad-ISF154 or Ad-ISF35. BALB/c mice were injected S.Q. with 3x105 A20 cells. 14 days later the NHL tumors were injected with: Saline (control Group 1), Ad-ISF154 (Group 2), Ad-ISF35 (Group 3) and Ad-GFP (Group 4 - control adenovirus). On day 28, 87% (7/8) of mice treated with Ad-ISF35 intratumoral injection had complete tumor regression. Also, the majority of mice treated with Ad-ISF154 had tumor regression, 75% (6/8). Conversely, only 12.5% (1/8) of mice treated with Ad-GFP had no evidence of tumor progression while all those treated with control saline had rapid disease progression. Interestingly all the mice that achieved tumor regression after treatment with Ad-ISF154 and Ad-ISF35 were protected against tumor re-challenge. Analysis of humoral and cellular immune responses in the mice treated with Ad-ISF154 and Ad-ISF35 indicated strong immune reactivity against A20 derived proteins by western blot and T cell reactivity measured by IFN-g ELISPOT assays suggesting anti-lymphoma activity. >Together our data suggest that intratumoral injection of A20 NHL lymphoma tumors with Adenovirus encoding CD154 is capable of breaking immune tolerance resulting in tumor regression and systemic T and B cell mediated immune responses against tumor cells.
Investigating Hα, UV, and IR Star-formation Rate Diagnostics for a Large Sample of z ∼ 2 Galaxies

We use a sample of 262 spectroscopically confirmed star-forming galaxies at redshifts 2.08 ≤ z ≤ 2.51 to compare Hα, ultraviolet (UV), and IR star formation rate (SFR) diagnostics and to investigate the dust properties of the galaxies. At these redshifts, the Hα line shifts to the K_s band. By comparing K_s-band photometry to underlying stellar population model fits to other UV, optical, and near-infrared data, we infer the Hα flux for each galaxy. We obtain the best agreement between Hα- and UV-based SFRs if we assume that the ionized gas and stellar continuum are reddened by the same value and that the Calzetti attenuation curve is applied to both. Aided with MIPS 24 μm data, we find that an attenuation curve steeper than the Calzetti curve is needed to reproduce the observed IR/UV ratios of galaxies younger than 100 Myr. Furthermore, using the bolometric SFR inferred from the UV and mid-IR data (SFR_(IR)+SFR_(UV), we calculated the conversion between the Hα luminosity and SFR to be (7.5 ± 1.3) x 10^(-42) for a Salpeter initial mass function, which is consistent with the Kennicutt conversion. The derived conversion factor is independent of any assumption of the dust correction and is robust to stellar population model uncertainties.
Follow-up after carotid endarterectomy and stenting: What to look for and why

Duplex ultrasound testing after open or endovascular extracranial carotid artery interventions is a clinical practice guideline with a strong recommendation from the Society for Vascular Surgery. Neurologic outcomes are improved by the recognition of repair site stenosis or atherosclerotic disease progression in the unoperated carotid artery. The benefit of surveillance outweighs its risk because duplex testing is free of complications and accurate in the detection of internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis or occlusion. Surveillance for >70% ICA stenosis is recommended within 30 days of the procedure, then every 6 months for 2 years, and annually thereafter. Repair site and contralateral ICA stenosis classification should be based on angle-corrected pulsed Doppler measurements of peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), and the ratio of PSV at the stenosis to a proximal, nondiseased common carotid artery (CCA) segment (ICA/CCA ratio). Interpretation criteria of PSV >300 cm/s, EDV >125 cm/s, and ICA/CCA ratio >4 predicts >70% repair site stenosis. Endovascular intervention is recommended for a carotid repair site stenosis based on the occurrence of an ipsilateral neurologic event and appropriate anatomy for angioplasty. For asymptomatic restenosis, intervention is based on stenosis progression to elevated PSV and EDV >70% stenosis threshold values and the patient is deemed high risk for stroke due to contralateral ICA occlusion or incomplete functional patency of the circle of Willis.
Surviving traumatic injury, only to die of acute drug poisoning: Should trauma centers be a path for intervention?

Abstract Background Although death from drug overdose is a leading cause of injury-related death in the United States, its incidence after traumatic incident is unknown. Moreover, little is known about related risk factors. We sought to determine the incidence and characteristics of and risk factors for trauma patients suffering death by acute drug poisoning (“overdose”) after hospitalization for a traumatic incident. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of all admitted trauma patients ≥ 18 y of age at the only level-1 trauma center in our region from 2012 to 2019, matched with unintentional overdose decedents from the California death registry. We assessed associations between demographic and clinical characteristics with risk of overdose death, using cumulative incidence functions and Fine-Gray subdistribution hazard models. Results Of 9,860 patients residing in San Francisco, CA, USA, at the time of their trauma activation or admission during the study period, 1,418 died (4.3 per 100 person-years), 107 from unintentional overdose (0.3 per 100 person-years). Overdose decedents were 84% male, 50% white, with a mean age of 48 years at the time of presentation; 20% of deaths occurred within 3 months of hospitalization, and 40% were attributed to a prescription opioid. In multivariate analysis, younger age, male sex, white race, and having undergone a urine drug screening were all associated with subsequent death from overdose. Conclusion During a mean 3.4-year follow-up, the mortality rate from overdose among adult patients with traumatic incidents was 0.3/100 person-years. Trauma hospitalization may serve as an opportunity to screen and initiate prevention, harm reduction, and treatment interventions.
Analysis of 612 Benign Papillomas Diagnosed at Core Biopsy: Rate of Upgrade to Malignancy, Factors Associated With Upgrade, and a Proposal for Selective Surgical Excision

Please see the Editorial Comment by Shruthi Ram discussing this article. To listen to the podcast associated with this article, please select one of the following: iTunes, Google Play, or direct do...
Pharmacists Leading the Way to Precision Medicine: Updates to the Core Pharmacist Competencies in Genomics.

Genomics is increasingly becoming an important part of health care, and pharmacists are well-positioned to be practice-based leaders in pharmacogenomics and precision medicine. Competencies available through the Genetics/Genomics Competency Center provide a framework for pharmacogenomics instruction in both pharmacy school curricula and continuing education programs. Given the significant advancements in pharmacogenomics over the past decade, the 2019-2020 American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Pharmacogenomics Special Interest Group updated the pharmacist competencies. The process used a systematic approach which included mapping pharmacogenomics-specific competencies to the Entrustable Professional Activities for pharmacists and seeking consensus from key stakeholders. The final result is an expansion to 30 competencies that reflect the contemporary roles pharmacists play in the application of pharmacogenomics in clinical practice. When implemented into curricula, these competencies will ensure that learners are "practice-ready" to integrate pharmacogenomics into patient care. Additional post-graduate training is needed for advanced roles in pharmacogenomics implementation, education, and research.
Management of Orbital Hematoma in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

A 27-year-old female referred to tertiary rhinology practice 2 weeks after surgery for presumed inflammatory disease. Pathology revealed poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma and patient presents for definitive treatment. Her nasal endoscopy revealed significant sinonasal edema and no clear tumor pedicle was identified. She had no other pertinent past medical or surgical history. Of note, she denied any visual disturbances or history of facial trauma. Coronal images of her preoperative CT and post-contrast MRI can be seen in Fig. 2.1. The patient was counseled on the significance of the pathology and decided to proceed with definitive surgery to appropriately map the tumor and for possible complete extirpation. She was properly informed of the risks of endoscopic sinus surgery, including the risks of CSF leak, orbital injury with temporary or permanent vision loss, nasal bleeding, epiphora, loss of smell, and the potential for additional future procedures.
Continuous vapor sampling of volatile organic compounds associated with explosives using capillary microextraction of volatiles (CMV) coupled to a portable GC–MS

Abstract The dynamic sampling and preconcentration device, capillary microextraction of volatiles (CMV), is coupled to a portable GC–MS for the rapid field detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with explosives. The results of the portable GC–MS were compared to a benchtop GC–MS throughout this study. Sub-nanogram (ng) instrumental detection limits were achieved for each of the following analytes of interest (3-NT, 2,4-DNT, DPA, EC, DBP and 2-NDPA). Three different dynamic sampling methods were used with the CMV to sample and preconcentrate the volatiles prior to analysis. The headspace of a closed system was sampled over 10 min resulting in recoveries between 0.3 and 12%. Simulated open-air vapor sampling using a previously described vapor source resulted in an improvement of analyte recovery (ranging from 1.6 to 25%), for the same 10-minute sampling. A novel, continuous vapor delivery and sampling system was used, for the first time, to facilitate the delivery of sub-nanogram quantities of explosive analytes. The new continuous delivery system achieved significantly higher recoveries (3.0–89%) for all the analytes while requiring less sampling time (∼5 min) and sampling volumes than the other sampling techniques. The rapid sampling and preconcentration of sub-ng levels of VOCs in field scenarios was coupled to a ∼10-minute portable GC–MS method that compares favorably to the analytical figures of merit achieved by laboratory benchtop instruments and approximates the detection limits reported for canines.
Effect of p-Hydroxyacetanilide, Sodium Sulfate, and l-Methionine on the Leukemogenicity of N-[4-(5-Nitro-2-furyl)-2-thiazolyl]acetamide

Dietary administration of N -[4-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-2-thiazolyl]acetamide to mice for 14 weeks followed by 16 weeks of control diet resulted in a high incidence of lymphocytic leukemia and a low incidence of forestomach squamous cell papillomas. The coadministration of p -hydroxyacetanilide at a dose of 1.0% with either 250 or 500 ppm of N -[4-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-2-thiazolyl]acetamide resulted in inhibition of leukemogenesis, whereas when p -hydroxyacetanilide was coadministered with 1000 ppm of N -[4-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-2-thiazolyl]acetamide the leukemia incidence was not significantly reduced, but the latent period was prolonged. When sodium sulfate was administered with p -hydroxyacetanilide and N -[4-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-2-thiazolyl]acetamide, leukemogenesis was partially restored. l-Methionine, fed in place of sodium sulfate, unblocked leukemogenicity inhibition by p -hydroxyacetanilide. None of these chemicals, p -hydroxyacetanilide, sodium sulfate, or l-methionine, significantly affected the incidence of forestomach papillomas induced by N -[4-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-2-thiazolyl]acetamide, although tumor incidences in all groups were low. p -Hydroxyacetanilide and sodium sulfate had no significant effect on the high incidence of stomach tumors induced by formic acid 2-[4-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-2-thiazolyl]hydrazide or bladder tumors induced by N -[4-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-2-thiazolyl]formamide.
Evaluation of the catalytic mechanism of recombinant human Csk (C-terminal Src kinase) using nucleotide analogs and viscosity effects.

Tyrosine kinases catalyze phosphoryl transfers from ATP to tyrosine residues in proteins. Despite their growing importance, their kinetic mechanism has remained largely unexplored. In this study, we have investigated the tyrosine kinase reaction catalyzed by purified human recombinant Csk (C-terminal Src kinase). Poly(Glu,Tyr) 4:1 was used as the tyrosine-containing substrate. Both ATP and poly(Glu,Tyr) were shown to be well behaved saturable substrates for recombinant Csk, with Km values that were in reasonable agreement with literature values reported for the non-recombinant enzyme and with kcat about 40 min-1. A sequential kinetic mechanism is suggested by a steady state kinetic analysis. Inhibitor studies with ADP and beta,gamma-imidoadenosine 5‘-triphosphate were performed, and these results provided evidence against the possibility that ordered binding of peptide prior to ATP occurs. While a suitable competitive inhibitor of poly(Glu,Tyr) has not yet been identified, other evidence pointed to a rapid equilibrium random mechanism. Csk utilized adenosine 5‘-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) in place of ATP. The phosphorothioyl transfer occurred with a kcat about 15-20-fold lower than the ATP reaction but with similar Km values. Deuterium solvent isotope effects on kcat were small for both reactions in a pH-independent range, consistent with the possibility that proton transfer is asymmetric in the reaction transition state. Using viscosity effects, ADP product release was suggested to be partially rate determining for catalysis in the standard ATP reaction. A comparison of the Csk kinetic mechanism with that of protein kinase A is discussed.
Design for reliable and self-sustaining neighborhood area network in smart grid

A neighborhood area network (NAN) is part of the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) in smart grid. A NAN is considered as the last-mile connection in AMI from the metering data management system (MDMS) to the customers, and is widely adopted to apply wireless technologies. In this paper, we propose a NAN design which is powered by green energy and rechargeable batteries for flexible and low-cost deployment. We study the optimal setting for the NAN to be powered by solar energy source for a given operational span. The proposed NAN is a wireless mesh network, however, it has asymmetric transmission characteristics due to the requirements of AMI. Therefore, we propose a routing protocol for uplink and downlink transmissions with local recovery capability to enhance the reliability of the proposed NAN to encounter temporary node failures.
Response to ‘Clarke and Robinson’

We appreciate the letter by Drs Clarke and Robinson, and agree with them that clinicians should consider the safety of thickening agents for preterm infants with GER.
Option pricing in a world with arbitrage

We discuss option pricing problems under a new model of stock fluctuations. This model captures the information distribution among investors by adjoining a hidden Markov process to the Black-Scholes exponential Brownian motion model. We provide new valuations for various standard hedge options, such as European, perpetual American and look-back options.
Acute Suppurative Cholangitis Secondary to Calcific Pancreatitis

Abstract In the absence of calculi or carcinoma, the occurrence of acute suppurative cholangitis secondary to calcific pancreatitis is extremely rare. This report describes the successful management of acute suppurative cholangitis by surgical decompression and use of a new aminoglycoside, amikacin.
A proof of principle of a storage ring with fifth-order achromatic bending arcs

The design of a storage ring consisting of two identical 180-degree bending arcs and two short straight sections is presented. Each of the bending arcs is a four-cell fifth-order achromat designed according to a recently developed theory about arbitrary-order achromats. Instead of repetition of cells, which is widely used in achromat design based on normal form theory, we utilize cells which are obtained from the the original ones through mirror imaging about the x-y plane, which corresponds to a reversion. In our design, the second cell is the reversion of the first one. The third and fourth cells are identical to the first and second ones, respectively. Long term stability is studied through high-order tracking using code COSY INFINITY.
Human Rights in the Shadow of Colonial Violence: The Wars of Independence in Kenya and Algeria

This English translation of a book originally published in German in 2009 makes available to a wider audience a deeply researched and provocative analysis of anticolonial conflicts in Kenya and Alg...
Similarity-based gene detection: using COGs to find evolutionarily-conserved ORFs.

Experimental verification of gene products has not kept pace with the rapid growth of microbial sequence information. However, existing annotations of gene locations contain sufficient information to screen for probable errors. Furthermore, comparisons among genomes become more informative as more genomes are examined. We studied all open reading frames (ORFs) of at least 30 codons from the genomes of 27 sequenced bacterial strains. We grouped the potential peptide sequences encoded from the ORFs by forming Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COGs). We used this grouping in order to find homologous relationships that would not be distinguishable from noise when using simple BLAST searches. Although COG analysis was initially developed to group annotated genes, we applied it to the task of grouping anonymous DNA sequences that may encode proteins. "Mixed COGs" of ORFs (clusters in which some sequences correspond to annotated genes and some do not) are attractive targets when seeking errors of gene predicion. Examination of mixed COGs reveals some situations in which genes appear to have been missed in current annotations and a smaller number of regions that appear to have been annotated as gene loci erroneously. This technique can also be used to detect potential pseudogenes or sequencing errors. Our method uses an adjustable parameter for degree of conservation among the studied genomes (stringency). We detail results for one level of stringency at which we found 83 potential genes which had not previously been identified, 60 potential pseudogenes, and 7 sequences with existing gene annotations that are probably incorrect. Systematic study of sequence conservation offers a way to improve existing annotations by identifying potentially homologous regions where the annotation of the presence or absence of a gene is inconsistent among genomes.
Understanding the 3-D Volumetric Flow and Coherent Structure Alignment in the Inner Part of a Rough Channel Using Microscopic Holography

The 3D flow in the inner part of a turbulent boundary layer over a rough surface, with Reτ = 3400, is measured using digital in-line microscopic holography and particle tracking. Experiments are performed in a special facility, in which the optical refractive index of the transparent rough wall is matched with that of the working fluid. Holograms are recorded in a sample volume covering the roughness sublayer. Using localized particle injection, each hologram pair contains 5000–10,000 matched particle traces, providing the 3D velocity field. Profiles of mean velocity are compared to 2D PIV data, recorded under the same flow conditions. Sample instantaneous flow realizations elucidate some of the typical vortical structures encountered in the sublayer, such as low-lying vortices, some with spanwise and others with roughness groove parallel orientations, and quasi-streamwise structures with vertical inclinations of 50°–60°, some of which extend from the surface to the top of the sublayer. Conditional sampling indicates that characteristic structures have a preferred alignment in the spanwise direction close to the wall. However, with increasing elevation, these structures turn towards the streamwise direction due to roughness-induced flow channeling, and then rise in sharp angles of about 55° to the mean flow.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Dynamical interactions of superconducting flux vortices

The techniques of lattice gauge fields theory are used to describe the collisions of magnetic flux tubes in a superconductor. (AIP) copyright 1989 Academic Press Inc.
Eptifibatide induced profound thrombocytopenia in a patient with pelvic malignancy: A case report

► Eptifibatide is associated with profound thrombocytopenia and thrombosis secondary to a HITT-like mechanism associated with drug-dependant antibodies. ► Caution with eptifibatide use is needed in those pre-disposed to hypercoaguability, particularly those with an underlying malignancy.
Classification theorem for principal fibre bundles, Berry's phase, and exact cyclic evolution

The relation between the two mathematical interpretations of the geometric (Berry) phase is discussed, using either the fibre bundle over parameter space or over projective Hilbert space. It turns out that these two geometric constructions are linked by the classification theorem for vector bundles. The classification theorem provides the means to classify the parameter space bundles for adiabatic evolution and for non-adiabatic cyclic evolution of the statevectors.
Electrochemistry of titanium(II) in AlCl3+NaCl melts

Summary The electrochemical oxidation of Ti(AlCl 4 ) 2 in molten AlCl 3 +NaCl (65:35–52:48 mole%) has been studied by linear sweep voltammetry, current-time curves and chronopotentiometry at gold and platinum electrodes in the temperature range 150°–330°C. Ti(II) is oxidized stepwise to Ti(III) and Ti(IV): both processes are electrochemically reversible at platinum electrodes. The polarographic E 1/2 values at 185°C in AlCl 3 +NaCl (65:35 mole%) are 0.436 V and 1.017 V vs . an Al(III)/Al reference electrode in the melt of the same composition. The lower oxidation states were found to be more stable at lower temperatures and in more acidic melts (higher AlCl 3 content). Weak adsorption of Ti(II) at platinum is indicated.
Cardiac surgery and the acute care nurse practitioner--"the perfect link".

Abstract Section Editor’s note: The role of the acute care nurse practitioner in caring for acute and critically ill patients is beginning to become more accepted. This success has come about for many reasons, one of which is having physicians “champion” the role. I have asked Dr. George Hicks to offer some insight into the value-added care provided by acute care nurse practitioners. Dr. Hicks maintains a busy cardiothoracic surgical practice where he collaborates with 10 nurse practitioners, including myself. He is a champion of the acute care nurse practitioner role. —Michael H. Ackerman, DNS, RN, CS, FCCM
A study of sequential blanking and overprinting combined

By presenting alphabetic and other types of input characters, in either adjacent spatial locations or in the same spatial location, on the face of a cathode-ray tube (CRT) interfaced to a digital computer and by varying in systematic ways the interstimulus intervals (ISIsj and display orders of the several sequentially presented inputs, there has evolved what we call a “blanking-overprinting” paradigm. The use of such a paradigm has disclosed that the visual system can operate in a very sensitive and highly selective manner, “clearing” the first of two overprinted inputs that are separated in time by as little as 50 usec, while selectively inhibiting the second of these two overprinted inputs, if appropriate blanking inputs are present.
Adaptive gray scale mapping to reduce registration noise in difference images

Abstract Difference images are used in various image processing applications such as change detection, radar imaging, remote sensing, and biomedical image analysis. The difference image, or difference picture, is found by subtracting one image from another. One practical problem with difference images is that, if the images are not in perfect spatial registration before subtraction, their difference image will contain artifacts caused by incomplete cancellation of the unchanged background objects. These artifacts (registration noise) show up as extraneous light and dark regions on either side of the background objects. Usually, this noise is reduced by either smoothing (blurring), or thresholding the difference image. This paper describes a new method to reduce registration noise using adaptive gray scale mapping. This simple digital filter reduces registration noise as well as, or better than, previous methods, with less degradation of the actual differences between the images.
Effects of Lateralized Presentation on Levels of Processing in Memory

The present study utilized lateralized presentation of words in a level-of-processing paradigm. Eighty words were presented to subjects in four level-of-processing conditions: orthographic, phonetic, syntactic and semantic. Words were presented either to the left or right visual fields (Experiments 1 and 2), or centrally (Experiment 3). Both free recall and recognition retrieval conditions were utilized. There were no visual field differences in the recognition condition. In the free recall condition, there was an interaction between visual field of presentation and level of processing. Recall was greatest for phonetically and semantically processed words which had been presented to the right visual field. A left visual field advantage was found for syntactically processed words. Results are interpreted in the context of retrieval strategies and hemisphere-linked processing capacities.