cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A hospital-wide initiative to redesign substance use disorder care: Impact on pharmacotherapy initiation

Substance use disorder (SUD) treatment in general medical settings remains underutilized. We evaluated 5 years of a hospital-wide SUD initiative which included an inpatient addiction consult team (...
Loss of Soluble (Pro)renin Receptor Attenuates Angiotensin-II Induced Hypertension and Renal Injury.

Rationale: Cleavage of the extra-cellular domain of the (pro)renin receptor (PRR) yields a soluble fragment (sPRR). Although changes in plasma sPRR levels have been reported in hypertension, the causal role of sPRR in blood pressure (BP) regulation is unknown. Objective:Determine the role of sPRR in BP regulation at baseline and following Ang-II induced hypertension. Methods and Results: CRISPR-Cas9 was used to mutate the cleavage site of the PRR such that sPRR is not generated. Because the gene encoding PRR is on the X-chromosome and male mutant sPRR mice are infertile, only male mice were studied. Mutant sPRR mice had virtually undetectable plasma sPRR levels compared to littermate controls. Mutant sPRR mice had normal survival and development and no apparent histological abnormalities in the kidney, heart or aorta despite lower body weight. During normal Na+ intake, no differences in food or water intake, urinary water or Na+ excretion, or acid-base status were observed between control and mutant sPRR mice. Compared to controls, mutant sPRR mice had lower BP at baseline and an attenuated hypertensive response to 2 weeks of Ang-II infusion (400 ng/kg/min) which was partially reversed by infusion of mouse recombinant sPRR. Mutant sPRR mice also had lower albuminuria, renal tubular injury and oxidative stress relative to control mice post Ang-II infusion. Further, mesenteric arteries from mutant sPRR mice displayed reduced Ang-II-induced vasocontraction and greater acetylcholine, but not sodium nitroprusside, evoked vasorelaxation under baseline conditions. Conclusions: Loss of sPRR reduces BP at baseline and decreases Ang-II induced hypertension and renal injury. These effects of sPRR loss are associated with greater endothelium-dependent but not independent vasorelaxation of resistance-sized arteries.
Massive necrotizing Fournier's gangrene

Despite its rarity, Fournier's gangrene remains a potentially deadly disease. Rapid assessment and treatment is absolutely critical for patient survival. We present herein a classic case of Fournier's gangrene in an older male with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and hypertension, including ultrasonographic and computed tomography imaging. The necrotizing infection involved the patient's entire scrotum and spread to the perineum as well, necessitating scrotectomy, and partial colostomy in addition to extensive debridement and skin grafting.
Trump's Year-One Trade Policies: Belligerent Rhetoric -- But Still Unsettled

President Trump’s well-known disregard for rules stem in part from his years of unrelenting real estate litigation and real estate transactions. Such experience, including dealing principally with only two parties to real estate contracts, have undoubtedly colored his administration’s disdain for multilateral rules and institutions, espousal of unilateral actions, and policies in favor of bilateral trade deals. This disdain reflects President Trump’s disdain for domestic rules and institutions. The administration’s recently released national security strategy merely restates President Trump’s view on weaponization of trade, stronger trade enforcement, and his belligerent trade rhetoric. It moves trade to the center of national security policy and views more explicitly China as a strategic rival, not merely a trade competitor. However, this strategy otherwise breaks no new ground. It presents neither coherent policy nor consistency. The next few months will see if President Trump’s rhetoric and minimal actions so far will turn into something worse, i.e., real Trumpian trade wars.
A single institution retrospective analysis on survival based on treatment paradigms for patients with anaplastic oligodendroglioma.

Anaplastic oligodendrogliomas are high-grade gliomas defined molecularly by 1p19q co-deletion. There is no curative therapy, and standard of care includes surgical resection followed by radiation and chemotherapy. However, the benefit of up-front radiation with chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy alone has not been demonstrated in a randomized control trial. Given the potential long-term consequences of radiation therapy, such as cognitive impairment, arteriopathy, endocrinopathy, and hearing/visual impairment, there is an effort to balance longevity with radiation toxicity. We performed a retrospective single institution analysis of survival of patients with anaplastic oligodendroglioma over 20 years. 159 patients were identified as diagnosed with an anaplastic oligodendroglioma between 1996 and 2016. Of those, 40 patients were found to have AO at original diagnosis and had documented 1p19q co-deletion with a median of 7.1 years of follow-up (range: 0.6–16.7 years). After surgery, 45 % of patients were treated with radiation and chemotherapy at diagnosis, and 50 % were treated with adjuvant chemotherapy alone. The group treated with chemotherapy alone had a trend of receiving more cycles of chemotherapy than patients treated with radiation and chemotherapy upfront (p = 0.051). Median overall survival has not yet been reached. The related risk of progression in the upfront, adjuvant chemotherapy only group was almost 5-fold higher than the patients who received radiation and chemotherapy (hazard ratio = 4.85 (1.74–13.49), p = 0.002). However, there was no significant difference in overall survival in patients treated with upfront chemotherapy compared to patients treated upfront with chemotherapy and radiation (p = 0.8). Univariate analysis of age, KPS, extent of resection, or upfront versus delayed radiation was not associated with improved survival. Initial treatment with adjuvant chemotherapy alone, rather than radiation and chemotherapy, may be an option for some patients with anaplastic oligodendroglioma, as it is associated with similar overall survival despite shorter progression free survival.
Feasibility of Organ Preservation With Short Course Radiation Therapy as Part of Total Neoadjuvant Therapy in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Purpose/Objective(s) While long course chemoradiation therapy has been studied as part of a watch-and-wait (WW) strategy for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer, it is unclear whether short-course radiation therapy (SCRT) will be associated with similar rates of organ preservation. We hypothesized that a WW strategy to facilitate organ preservation with SCRT, as part of a total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) approach during the COVID-19 pandemic, would be both safe and feasible. Materials/Methods From March to June of 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, per institutional policy, all patients undergoing radiation therapy for locally advanced rectal cancer were treated with SCRT. After completion of SCRT-TNT, patients were clinically restaged by exam, endoscopy and MRI and the decision was made to manage the patient surgically or with a WW approach. The decision for WW or surgery was made by the surgeon in conjunction with patient consent. After IRB waiver was obtained, we reviewed consecutive patients treated during our SCRT mandate. The main outcome of interest was total mesorectal excision (TME)-free survival among patients eligible for WW after SCRT-TNT. Results Our cohort included 42 patients with a median age of 57 years (Interquartile Range [IQR] 48-67), 24 (57%) of whom were male. Median follow-up from end of SCRT-TNT was 7 months (IQR 6-8). The median tumor cranio-caudal size was 4.1 cm (IQR 3.3-5.2) with a median distance from the anal verge of 7 cm (IQR 5-9). The majority had cT3 (71%) or cN+ (74%) disease. Patients underwent a median of 14 weeks (IQR 13-15) of FOLFOX or CAPEOX chemotherapy, with 32 (76%) patients receiving chemotherapy prior to SCRT and 10 (24%) patients receiving chemotherapy after SCRT. The median time from completion of TNT to endoscopic restaging was 9 weeks (IQR 7-10). Nineteen (45%) patients were recommended to undergo surgical resection, of whom 17 went on to TME and 2 refused TME. Of the 15 patients with pathology available, 2 had a pCR (13%). Notably, one of these patients had a cCR at post-TNT endoscopy, but due to the presence of a stricture, WW was deemed unfeasible. Of the 23 patients managed by a WW strategy after SCRT-TNT completion, 19 had a clinical complete response (cCR), 3 had a near-CR, and 1 had an incomplete response. The 6-month TME-free survival was 85% for patients on WW. Four (17%) patients had a local regrowth at a median of 20 weeks (IQR 17-24), 3 of whom were salvaged with TME and 1 who declined surgery and opted for further surveillance. One of these patients had regrowth confirmed by biopsy, but had a pCR confirmed in the TME specimen. The 6-month TME- free survival of the entire cohort was 52%, and the combined pCR/6-month cCR was 52%. Conclusion Our data suggest WW after SCRT-TNT is feasible. Longer term follow-up is required to confirm the durability and oncologic safety of these results.
Design and Operation of a Small Tank System for Ovarian Maturation and Spawning of Penaeus vannamei

Ovarian maturation and spawning of Peiiaerts vanriamei was accomplished in a 120 1 (30 gal) tank as well as in a 800 1 recirculating system consisting of six aquaria plumbed into a common biofilter. Pond reared animals stocked one per tank were fed a diet consisting of commercial pellets, squid, and bloodworms. Temperature was maintained at 28OC niid salinity between 28 and 32 ppt. Presence of black shields between aquaria, males, eggs in the water, and other females in the aquaria were not required for ovarian maturation. Thirty-six of 78 females held in the small talk system spawned. The smallest female which spawned was 25.9 g. After unilateral eyestalk ablation by enucleation, female P. vanriamei molted in 3-16 days and spawned in 7-20 days, Up to four spawns occui+ed before the next molt which occurred 1535 days after ablation.
Doped tricalcium phosphate scaffolds by thermal decomposition of naphthalene: Mechanical properties and in vivo osteogenesis in a rabbit femur model

Tricalcium phosphate (TCP) is a bioceramic that is widely used in orthopedic and dental applications. TCP structures show excellent biocompatibility as well as biodegradability. In this study, porous β-TCP scaffolds were prepared by thermal decomposition of naphthalene. Scaffolds with 57.64% ± 3.54% density and a maximum pore size around 100 μm were fabricated via removing 30% naphthalene at 1150°C. The compressive strength for these scaffolds was 32.85 ± 1.41 MPa. Furthermore, by mixing 1 wt % SrO and 0.5 wt % SiO2, pore interconnectivity improved, but the compressive strength decreased to 22.40 ± 2.70 MPa. However, after addition of polycaprolactone coating layers, the compressive strength of doped scaffolds increased to 29.57 ± 3.77 MPa. Porous scaffolds were implanted in rabbit femur defects to evaluate their biological property. The addition of dopants triggered osteoinduction by enhancing osteoid formation, osteocalcin expression, and bone regeneration, especially at the interface of the scaffold and host bone. This study showed processing flexibility to make interconnected porous scaffolds with different pore size and volume fraction porosity, while maintaining high compressive mechanical strength and excellent bioactivity. Results show that SrO/SiO2-doped porous TCP scaffolds have excellent potential to be used in bone tissue engineering applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 1549–1559, 2015.
Emulation on the Shakespearean Stage

According to Vernon Dickson, literary “[e]mulation [is] the desire to follow and improve upon earlier models, embrac[ing] the social aspects of the imitative process, encouraging always changing, m...
Ripple correlation control, with some applications

Ripple correlation control is a nonlinear control approach applicable to power electronic circuits. It makes use of voltage, current, or power ripple and correlates this with switching functions to effect control. The technique is especially well suited to power electronics because ripple is inherent, and can be treated as an internal perturbation. Ripple correlation control directly supports cost-function minimization and maximization. It can be applied, for example, to dynamic power optimization. It has been applied to adaptive dead time adjustment, solar power processing, and motor power minimization. Potential future applications include active maximization of converter efficiency and other nonlinear functions.
Cold Hardiness and Freezing Injury of Agronomic Crops

Publisher Summary Winter hardiness of cereal grains and perennial forage crops is of considerable concern to agronomists in cold northern temperate regions of the world. Of all the factors relating to the winter hardiness complex, cold hardiness, the ability to withstand low freezing temperatures, is of paramount importance. The ability of plants to withstand low temperatures is a latent trait, which exhibits an annual periodicity. It is only through the interaction of appropriate environmental cues and the genetic potential of a species that an increase in cold hardiness is manifested. Therefore, of prime concern are the environmental factors that affect the annual process of cold acclimation and the annual process of deacclimation. Thus, to improve the winter hardiness of agronomic crops, the problem of cold hardiness must be addressed. Fundamental to such an endeavor is the need to characterize the freezing stresses that are imposed on the plant tissue, to understand the repercussions of these stresses on the cellular environment and architecture, and to determine what constitutes freezing injury at the cellular and molecular level. Only when such information is available can the physiological and biochemical aspects of cold acclimation be fully elucidated.
Burgeoning Cardio-Oncology Programs: Challenges and Opportunities for Early Career Cardiologists/Faculty Directors.

From 1935 to 2013, cardiovascular diseases and cancer have been the 2 leading causes of death such that, in 2010, heart disease and cancer accounted for 46% of all deaths in the United States [(1)][1]. Notwithstanding, owing to the success gained in finding treatments and cures for various cancers,
Preexisting Venous Calcification Prior to Dialysis Vascular Access Surgery

Vascular calcification is present in arterial vessels used for dialysis vascular access creation prior to surgical creation. Calcification in the veins used to create a new vascular access has not previously been documented. The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence of venous calcification in samples collected at the time of vascular access creation. Sixty-seven vein samples were studied. A von Kossa stain was performed to quantify calcification. A semi-quantitative scoring system from 0 to 4+ was used to quantify the percentage positive area for calcification as a fraction of total area (0: 0; 1+: 1-10%; 2+: 11-25%; 3+: 26-50%; 4+: >50% positive). Twenty-two of 67 (33%) samples showed evidence of venous calcification. Histologic examination showed varying degrees of calcification within each cell layer. Among the subset of patients with calcification, 4/22 (18%), 19/22 (86%), 22/22 (100%), and 7/22 (32%) had calcification present within the endothelium, intima, media, and adventitia, respectively. The mean semi-quantitative scores of the 22 samples with calcification were 0.18 ± 0.08, 1.2 ± 0.14, 1.6 ± 0.13, and 0.36 ± 0.12 for the endothelium, intima, media, and adventitia, respectively. Our results demonstrate that vascular calcification is present within veins used to create new dialysis vascular access, and located predominately within the neointimal and medial layers.
Nitroglycerin injection manufactured by a hospital pharmacy.

A method used by a hospital pharmacy department for manufacturing and testing a ready-to-administer i.v. nitroglycerin injection is described, and costs for this extemporaneously prepared injection are compared with costs for commercially available nitroglycerin products for i.v. use. A powder adsorbate containing one part nitroglycerin and nine parts lactose was used to prepare nitroglycerin injection in two strengths: 0.04 mg/mL (250-mL quantities) in 0.9% sodium chloride injection and 0.4 mg/mL (400-mL quantities) in 5% dextrose injection. Each batch was tested for sterility, for presence of pyrogens (endotoxin testing), and for nitroglycerin concentration (spectrophotometric assay). In one year, a total of 1217 bottles of nitroglycerin injection were prepared. This required 75 hours; preparation from commercial i.v. nitroglycerin products would have required approximately 200 hours (including admixture preparation). First-year costs for extemporaneous preparation (excluding costs of i.v. solutions and containers) were approximately $2200, far less than drug costs alone for the commercial i.v. nitroglycerin products. Nitroglycerin injection of high quality and confirmed potency was prepared extemporaneously in a hospital pharmacy department. Costs for this method were substantially less than those for use of commercial i.v. nitroglycerin products.
"Wireless" control of spatially distributed power electronics

We propose a wireless control technique for spatially distributed power electronic systems and demonstrate its applicability for master-slave control of two parallel converters, namely a two-module parallel buck converter and a two-module parallel single-phase voltage source inverter. This scheme uses radiofrequency based communication to eliminate the need for multiple physical connections among the various modules of the parallel converters and is expected to lead to simpler and redundant design of distributed power systems that is achievable using the droop method, while maintaining load sharing among the various modules. The proposed method can also be used as a backup for wire-based control of parallel converters, in applications where fault tolerance is of critical importance
Size of the zinc pools that exchange rapidly with plasma zinc in humans : alternative techniques for measuring and relation to dietary zinc intake

A relatively simple technique was used to estimate the size of the combined pools of zinc with which plasma zinc exchanges within 2 d (EZP). EZP size was determined from the amount of isotope introduced into the plasma and the coefficient of the simple exponential decay function fitting enrichment data between d 3 and 9 after isotope administration. Using data from 11 healthy adults, comparisons were made of EZP size estimations using oral and intravenous isotopes (r = 0.93 using urine) and urine and plasma enrichment (r = 0.85 for intravenous). EZP size estimations from urine and plasma enrichment following intravenous isotope administration were 2.35 +/- 0.84 and 2.83 +/- 0.86 mmol, respectively (mean +/- SD, P < 0.01). EZP size correlated with habitual dietary zinc intake (partial r = 0.74, P < 0.02). Cumulative declines in EZP size in two healthy adults after 3 wk of consuming a moderately zinc-restricted diet followed by 1 wk of severe zinc restriction were 26 and 32%. These results indicated that EZP size is dependent on dietary intake. We conclude that this technique is adequate to demonstrate EZP differences that are of nutritional and physiological interest. EZP size estimates can be obtained using orally or intravenously administered isotope and using plasma or urine enrichment data.
Adoption of PACS by the Department of Veterans Affairs: the past, the present, and future plans

The diffusion of PACS technology within the Department of Veterans Affairs has followed the 'S' curve transition originally described by Ryan and Gross in 1943. They described a paradigm that describes the diffusion of a new technology into the community. However the rate of adoption of filmless radiology by the VA has been much higher than that of the general healthcare system. This is likely due to the fact that the VA and Department of Defense medical systems are somewhat isolated and independent from other health care systems and are subject to a different rate of diffusion of technology. The early introduction and success of PACS in the VA undoubtedly accelerated its acceptance throughout the system. An additional impetus to the growth of PACS in the VA has been the development of an image management system that has been incorporated into the electronic medical record. The universal use of the VISTA HIS and RIS system throughout the VA and the fact that it was developed 'in-house' as well as its extensive support for DICOM functionality have also played a major role in facilitating the acceptance of Picture Archival and Communication Systems throughout the VA.
On the dependence of UWB impulse radio link performance on channel statistics

An important set of applications for ultra-wideband radio involves high data rate communication in indoor, and thus highly cluttered, multipath environments. Hence the statistical model of the multipath channel is an important factor in the evaluation of radio designs. The model should be realistic enough to provide accurate performance estimates, while also simple enough to facilitate rapid simulation and tractable analysis. In this paper we present two simplifications to the standard multipath model and show that both closely reproduce the performance of the standard model for a variety of radio configurations, thus providing lower complexity alternatives for radio simulation or analysis. The characteristics of each model are then compared to gain some insight into the impact of different channel metrics on radio performance.
Keeping single minded Expression on the Straight and Narrow

Recent Developmental Cell papers by De Renzis et al. (2006) and Bardin and Schweisguth (2006) show that members of the Bearded family interact with Neuralized to regulate trafficking of the Notch ligand Delta. This allows precise control of Notch signaling and restriction of single minded expression to a single row of cells.
The role of calcium in high pH excursions for reactivated GAC

Abstract Water contact pH experiments employing several reactivated granular activated carbons (GAC) showed that reactivated carbons exhibit pH excursions (i.e., pH > 8.5) when wetted. Moreover, when the water contact pH was predicted based on the log of the quantity of calcium that leached out of the GAC during the pH experiments, good agreement was obtained with the measured water contact pH for reactivated GACs that contained a range of calcium content, typically 0–1% wt. Ca.
Diurnal biting activity and transmission of Onchocerca volvulus (Filariata: Onchocercidae) by Simulium yahense (Diptera: Simuliidae) in Liberia.

To determine the influence of meterological factors on the diurnal biting cycle of Simulium yahense Vajime & Dunbar (a member of the Simulium damnosum Theoblad complex), we captured host-seeking females as they landed on the exposed lower legs of humans in the Harbel area of Liberia. Biting activity was greatest during the morning hours and was characterized by a unimodal harmonic curve. Although meteorological conditions had no decisive influence on the unimodal pattern of diurnal biting activity, hourly variation in the number of S. yahense captured at human bait was affected by meterological factors (i.e., the diurnal pattern of S. yahense biting activity is regulated by an internal clock, but the number of bits during any given hour is in response to meterological conditions). The transmission of Onchocerca volvulus (Leuckart) was highest during the morning hours when high transmission potentials were in phase with peak human activity and served to maintain the hyperendemicity of onchocerciasis in the Harbel area.
The false dichotomy between simulation and theory-theory: the argument's error.

Two classes of theories have emerged to explain the human ability to mentalize about the unobservable psychological states (feelings, beliefs, goals, etc.) of others: ‘simulation theory’ and ‘theory-theory’. Recently, Saxe [1] has catalogued a number of experimental situations in which the nature of observers' mentalizing performance suggests that they cannot be using simulation to infer another person's mental states.
A trans-spliced telomerase RNA dictates telomere synthesis in Trypanosoma brucei

Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein enzyme typically required for sustained cell proliferation. Although both telomerase activity and the telomerase catalytic protein component, TbTERT, have been identified in the eukaryotic pathogen Trypanosoma brucei, the RNA molecule that dictates telomere synthesis remains unknown. Here, we identify the RNA component of Trypanosoma brucei telomerase, TbTR, and provide phylogenetic and in vivo evidence for TbTR's native folding and activity. We show that TbTR is processed through trans-splicing, and is a capped transcript that interacts and copurifies with TbTERT in vivo. Deletion of TbTR caused progressive shortening of telomeres at a rate of 3-5 bp/population doubling (PD), which can be rescued by ectopic expression of a wild-type allele of TbTR in an apparent dose-dependent manner. Remarkably, introduction of mutations in the TbTR template domain resulted in corresponding mutant telomere sequences, demonstrating that telomere synthesis in T. brucei is dependent on TbTR. We also propose a secondary structure model for TbTR based on phylogenetic analysis and chemical probing experiments, thus defining TbTR domains that may have important functional implications in telomere synthesis. Identification and characterization of TbTR not only provide important insights into T. brucei telomere functions, which have been shown to play important roles in T. brucei pathogenesis, but also offer T. brucei as an attractive model system for studying telomerase biology in pathogenic protozoa and for comparative analysis of telomerase function with higher eukaryotes.
Effective behavioural and instructional support systems: an integrated approach to behaviour and academic support at the district level

In an effort to answer the call for improved behavioural and academic outcomes for students, many school districts across the nation are engaged in some aspect of reform. Through these reform efforts, renewed emphasis is placed on the development of instructional leaders. Leadership models are emerging to provide districts with organizational systems that support effective implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs), which result in improved student outcomes. The purpose of this article is to describe one such effort where instructional leadership is distributed and coordinated across a district office and its schools. Effective Behavioural and Instructional Support Systems (EBISS) provides the organizational tools for districts to blend two specific EBPs, the School-wide Reading Model (SWRM) and the School-wide Positive Behavioural Intervention and Support (SWPBIS) model. Embedded in the EBISS model is the EBISS Teaming Framework that provides a structure for data-based implementation teams at the ...
Frequency relation in an optical ring cavity with distributed nonlinear elements

Abstract We consider an optical ring cavity with distributed nonlinear elements and investigate its periodic output behavior. The relation between the phase difference of the adjacent outputs, the output frequency and the response time of the nonlinear media is found. We also study the effect of delay on this relation.
Dual-energy computed tomography for the evaluation of calcinosis in systemic sclerosis.

Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) imaging can be useful in the evaluation of scleroderma-related calcinosis (SSc calcinosis) of the hands. We performed DECT scans of the hands of patients with symptomatic SSc calcinosis to better characterize the location and radiographic details of the calcinosis and exclude any monosodium urate (MSU) crystal deposition. DECT is an advanced imaging modality useful for assessing soft tissue MSU deposition attributable to gout and visualization of bone and soft tissue structures such as ligaments and tendons1,2,3. We present here DECT images from …
Environmental fate of chlorothalonil in a Costa Rican banana plantation.

Abstract The environmental fate of chlorothalonil (CHT) and its metabolites were studied under field-variable conditions in a commercial banana plantation in Costa Rica. Weather conditions were representative of a tropical environment and the fungicide applications were typical of those in banana production. The test plots were treated with Bravo 720 ® at 1.2 l ha −1 of formulated product. Field persistence of CHT in soil and on banana leaves was measured during five consecutive months and after three aerial applications of the fungicide. Residues were analyzed in soil, sediment, water, banana leaves and drift cards by gas and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. In soil and on the surface of banana leaves, CHT dissipated rapidly with half-lives of 2.2 and 3.9 d, respectively. Soil residues persisted and were detected 85 d after application. The main metabolite found in soil, 4-hydroxy-chlorothalonil, accounted for approximately 65% of residues detected and was measured up to 6 d after application.
GLC analysis of lidocaine in blood using an alkaline flame‐ionization detector

Abstract A method was developed for the quantitative GLC determination of lidocaine and its major metabolite monoethylglycinexylidide. By using the specificity of the alkaline flame‐ionization detector, this simple analytical procedure is extremely sensitive, rapid, and easily performed.
Attenuation of DNA damage in canine hearts preserved by continuous hypothermic perfusion.

Background. Continuous hypothermic perfusion is a novel cardiac preservation technique. Reactive oxygen species play a role in ischemia reperfusion injury and limit organ preservation. Oxidative stress mediates a DNA mismatch lesion (7, 8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine [8-oxo-G]), which is repaired by the enzymes MutY homologue (MYH), 8-oxo-G glycosylase (OGG1), and MutS homologue 2 (MSH2). We hypothesized that continuous hypothermic perfusion would allow for maintenance of cardiac function while attenuating myocardial DNA damage with respect to the current clinical practice of static preservation at 4°C. Methods. In our canine orthotopic transplant model, donor hearts were harvested after echocardiograms, and hemodynamic studies were obtained and served as controls. The hearts were transplanted after 24 hours of continuous hypothermic perfusion or 4 hours of static preservation, and were studied for 6 hours. Quantification of 8-oxo-G lesions, MYH, OGG1, and MSH2 concentrations were performed on biopsies using immunohistochemistry. Results. Postimplant echocardiograms, completed in 7 continuously perfused and 8 statically preserved hearts, demonstrated good function and normal wall motion. Positive staining for 8-oxoG was markedly increased in the static preservation group. Staining density for MYH, OGG1, and MSH2 were significantly decreased in statically preserved hearts and equivalent between continuously perfused and control hearts. Conclusions. The DNA damage assayed by 8-oxoG was significantly increased in statically preserved versus continuously perfused hearts. The DNA repair enzymes MYH, OGG1, and MSH2 were also markedly decreased in the static preservation versus continuous hypothermic perfusion groups. Continuous hypothermic perfusion reduces oxidative damage and extends preservation without compromising function.
Digital Storage Compression For Diagnostic Images

The compression of the digital information in a diagnostic image allows data to be stored in a smaller memory. This directly effects the cost and performance of computerized diagnostic imaging systems. Predictive compression (PC) combined with variable length coding (VLC) can achieve image compression with no alteration of the image element values. PC uses the values of neighboring, or previously transmitted, picture elements to predict a value for the next picture element. The difference between the prediction and the actual pixel value is then stored, in lieu of the actual pixel value. VLC techniques allow the differential signal to be encoded so that values which occur most frequently are stored with as little as one binary bit. The use of PC and VLC reduces the number of bits required to store an image. We have determined the compression factor (original/compressed bits per image) associated with five linear PC algorithms encoded with six VLC techniques for Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, Computed Tomography and Digital Roentgenographic images. The results allow us to identify PC and VLC algorithms most suitable for diagnostic imaging. Compression factors between 1.5 and 4 are achievable with simple algorithms.
Collective Memory from a Psychological Perspective

The study of collective memory has burgeoned in the last 20 years, so much so that one can even detect a growing resistance to what some view as the imperialistic march of memory studies across the social sciences (e.g., Berliner 2005; Fabian 1999). Yet despite its clear advance, one area that has remained on the sidelines is psychology. On the one hand, this disinterest is surprising, since memory is of central concern to psychologists. On the other hand, the relative absence of the study of collective memory within the discipline of psychology seems to suit both psychology and other disciplines of the social sciences, for reasons that will be made clear. This paper explores how psychology might step from the sidelines and contribute meaningfully to discussions of collective memory. It reviews aspects of the small literature on the psychology of collective memory and connects this work to the larger scholarly community’s interest in collective memory.
New approaches to error estimation and adaptivity for the Stokes and Oseen equations

SUMMARY We present a new approach to deliver reliable approximations of the norm of the residuals resulting from finite element solutions to the Stokes and Oseen equations. The method is based upon a global solve in a bubble space using iterative techniques. This provides an alternative to the classical equilibrated element residual methods for which it is necessary to construct proper boundary conditions for each local problem. The method is first used to develop a global a posteriori error estimator. It is then applied in a strategy to control the numerical error in specific outputs or quantities of interest which are functions of the solutions to the Stokes and Oseen equations. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. In recent years, the goal in a posteriori error estimation for computational processes has drifted from evaluating the numerical error in the classical energy norm to estimating it in terms of quantities of practical interest. Works in this field have been undertaken in [1‐3] with the objective to estimate and:or control the error by adapting the mesh parameters with respect to these quantities. The methodology, developed in [4], is extended here to non-self-adjoint problems, specifically the Oseen equations. It is based on the computation of functions which relate the influence of the residuals, viewed as the sources of error in the finite element approximations, onto the error quantity of interest. However, this technique relies on accurate evaluation of the norm of the residuals and on global error estimators in the ‘energy’ norm. We then propose a method which belongs to the family of Implicit Error Residual methods, for which norms of the residuals Rh in the momentum equation and Rh in the continuity equation are post-processed to provide meaningful error estimates. The computation of the norm of Rh is shown to be exact and cheap. The calculation of the norm of Rh is however more demanding. A new technique is developed which provides accurate approximations of Rh in a space of bubble functions which is gradually enriched through a global but inexpensive iterative process.
Novel ADAMTS-13 mutations in an adult with delayed onset thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Summary. Background: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is associated with congenital and acquired deficiency of ADAMTS-13, a metalloprotease that cleaves von Willebrand factor (VWF) and reduces its adhesive activity. Mutations throughout the ADAMTS13 gene have been identified in congenital TTP patients, most of whom have initial episodes during infancy or in early childhood. Patients and methods: We report the case of an adult male who was diagnosed with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura at age 34, and with TTP 14 years later. The patient was compound heterozygous for an 18 bp in-frame deletion (C365del) in the disintegrin domain and a point mutation of R1060W in the seventh thrombospondin domain of the ADAMTS-13 gene. Conclusions:In vitro studies found that C365del and R1060W severely impair ADAMTS-13 synthesis in transfected Hela cells, whereas the deletion mutant also failed to cleave VWF under static and flow conditions.
COMPUTER SIMULATION FOR TOOL AND PROCESS DESIGN IN SHEET FORMING

Abstract Recent studies in metal forming research, conducted at universities, emphasize the development of computer aided techniques for process simulation. To be practical and acceptable by most mid-size companies, these codes must be easy to use and allow relatively quick solutions. Often, it is not necessary to make exact predictions but rather to establish the influence of process variables upon part quality, tool stresses, and material flow. In cooperation with its industrial partners, the ERC for Net Shape Manufacturing has developed and applied a number of computer codes for the analysis and design of metal forming operations. This paper gives a few selected examples in sheet metal forming and illustrates practical applications.
Parallels between spatial cognition and spatial language: Evidence from Williams syndrome

Does the acquisition of spatial language always reflect the characteristics of non-linguistic spatial representation? We explored this question by examining spatial representation and spatial language among children and adults with Williams syndrome, a rare genetic syndrome that gives rise to a pattern of severe spatial impairment together with preserved language. The results of three experiments showed striking evidence for the preservation of axial reference systems together with fragility in representing direction within axes, in both non-linguistic judgments of object location and naming of those locations. These basic properties of the spatial representational systems were observed among WS children and adults and normally developing children, although the WS individuals exhibited noisier performance in both domains. The results indicate that non-linguistic spatial representations and spatial language share structure, even in cases of severe spatial impairment.
Glutamine deprivation induces apoptosis in intestinal epithelial cells

Background. Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the blood, and its deprivation leads to gut mucosal atrophy. The small intestinal mucosa is maintained by a balance between cell proliferation and cell death by apoptosis. We reported that glutamine is required for mitogen-stimulated proliferation in intestinal epithelial cells. We do not know whether glutamine regulates apoptosis in the gut. The purpose of this study is to determine whether glutamine deprivation induces apoptosis in rat intestinal epithelial (RIE-1) cells and to compare the effect of glutamine starvation with that of methionine and cysteine (Met/Cys) starvation. Methods. RIE-1 cells were deprived of either glutamine or Met/Cys for 24 hours. Cell numbers were determined by cell counting and tetrazolium enzymatic assay. Apoptosis was quantified by Annexin V assay and confirmed by DNA gel electrophoresis and Hoechst nuclear staining. Results. Deprivation of glutamine or Met/Cys resulted in decreased cell numbers. However, only the glutamine-deprived group showed significant induction of apoptosis with increased Annexin V staining, DNA laddering, and nuclear condensation. Conclusions. This study provides biochemical and morphologic evidence that glutamine deprivation induces apoptosis in rat intestinal epithelial cells. In contrast, Met/Cys starvation suppresses cell number without induction of apoptosis. These results suggest that glutamine serves as a specific survival factor in enterocytes. (Surgery 1998;124:152-60.)
Pediatrics—What is it?

Summary As may be seen in Table X, if proper antenatal, natal and postnatal preventive measures are perfectly performed, the twenty-nine diseases in groups A and B can be reduced to a minimum, and the pediatrician or family physician can confine his efforts to the diagnosis and treatment of the fifty-five conditions amenable to specific therapy. In other words, instead of trying to teach students and ourselves to recognize three hundred and forty-six diseases, the prevention of twenty-nine, and the treatment of fifty-five should be stressed. These preventable and curable diseases cause 77 per cent of the deaths in children. The present reduction of general mortality largely has been due to efforts to prevent disease, and future progress probably will consist in improving the medical and hospital care of patients, but in pediatrics, as these figures only too clearly demonstrate, emphasis on both phases must be increased. If a physician is trained to recognize ill children, if he will carry out the immunization measures which are recommended by the White House Conference, and if he will feed children simply and sensibly, the practice of pediatrics will progress, the public will be benefited, and infant mortality decreased. If the doctors, health departments and public will cooperate, this goal can be reached. Much of the present situation is due to the apathy and indifference of the public, and not to any unwillingness of the medical profession. The accusation of Lady Mary Montagu is as unfounded today as it was in 1717: “I am patriot enough to take pains to bring this useful invention (smallpox inoculation) into fashion in England, and I should not fail to write to some of our doctors very particularly about it, if I knew any one of them that I thought had virtue enough to destroy such a considerable branch of their revenue, for the good of mankind. But that distemper (smallpox) is too beneficial to them, not to expose to all their resentment, the hardy wight that should undertake to put an end to it. Perhaps, if I live to return, I may, however, have courage to war with them. Upon this occasion, admire the heroism in the heart of—your friend, Mary Wortley Montagu.”12
Characterization of a non-occluded baculovirus (subgroup C) from the field cricket, Gryllus rubens.

A non-occluded baculovirus was isolated from nymphs of the field cricket,Gryllus rubens. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed the presence of 6 major and 11 minor polypeptides in these particles. Restriction endonuclease analysis indicated that the genome, 87.0±1.8 kilobase pairs, was a closed circular DNA molecule. DNA-DNA hybridization in low strigency conditions revealed no homology with the genomes ofOryctes baculovirus orAutographa california NPV. The virus replicated in nuclei of fat body cells, and was transmitted per os to a small proportion of first instarG. rubens nymphs.
Geographic Mobility, Race, and Wage Differentials

Abstract This paper analyzes the relationship between geographic mobility and earnings. We present an equilibrium search model that yields differences between the reservation wages of mobile and immobile workers. The expected wages of mobile workers exceed those of immobile workers due to partial sorting across high- and low-paying firms. An extension to visibly distinct groups with different immobile proportions yields statistical discrimination against immobile group members. Using combined Displaced Workers Files, we find that mobility positively affects earnings and partially explains racial and ethnic earnings differentials. To test for statistical discrimination, we estimate separate earnings functions for union and nonunion workers.
Neurotropic Properties of Measles Virus in Hamsters and Mice

Six measles viruses of different origin and history of passage were examined for their neuropathic properties in suckling hamsters and mice. The Edmonston strain, adapted to tissue cultures by numerous passages in human renal and amnion cells, killed 39 96 of hamsters on primary inoculation. Two attenuated vaccine strains, Edmonston B and Schwarz, failed to produce symptoms of disease in both animal species. Passage of the Schwarz strain in VERO cells increased its titer and was associated with a marked neurotropism for suckling hamsters. Two strains of measles virus, isolated from the brains of patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, were either apathogenic, or their neurotropism was considerably lower than that of the reference Edmonston strain. A measles virus adapted in hamster brain was included in the study for comparison. Its initially high virulence decreased progressively on passage in VERO cells. Several factors may determine neurovirulence of measles virus for different hosts.
Evidence that the number of hematopoietic stem cells per animal is conserved in mammals

Humans and larger mammals require more blood cells per lifetime than mice because of their larger size and longer life expectancy. To investigate this evolutionary adaptation, we calculated the total number of nucleated marrow cells (NMCs) per cat, observing the distribution of 59Fe to marrow, then multiplied this value (1.9 ± 0.9 × 1010 [mean ± SD]) times the frequency of feline hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) (6 HSCs/107 NMCs) to derive the total number of HSCs per cat (11 400 ± 5400). Surprisingly, when the total number of HSCs per mouse was calculated with a similar experimental and computational approach, the value was equivalent. These data imply that the output of differentiated cells per feline HSC must vastly exceed that of murine HSCs. Furthermore, if the total number of human HSCs were also equivalent to the total number of HSCs in cat and mouse, the frequency of human HSCs would be 0.7 to 1.5 HSCs/108 NMCs, a frequency that is 20-fold less than estimated by the NOD/SCID repopulating assay.
Pulmonary function and respiratory morbidity in school-age children born prematurely and ventilated for neonatal respiratory insufficiency.

We examined 72 children aged 6–9 years to assess the effects of prematurity and ventilator treatment on subsequent lung function and respiratory morbidity. The preterm study group (n = 42) was divided into children with a history of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (n = 10), children who had had neonatal respirator treatment but no BPD (n = 19), and children without severe neonatal respiratory problems (n = 13). The BPD children as a group had markedly lower specific airway conductance and larger residual volume than did the full-term control group, but there were no significant differences in spirometric measurements. The BPD group also had higher respiratory morbidity requiring hospitalizations, particularly during the first 2 years of life, than did the children in the other study groups. Therefore, BPD may improve but does not disappear as age increases. Non-BPD children who had had ventilator treatment as neonates recovered well and suffered no severe respiratory problems after infancy. Pulmonary function parameters in prematurely born children without neonatal ventilator treatment did not differ from those in the full-term control group. Thus, neonatal lung disease seems to be a more important determinant of abnormal pulmonary function at a later age than is prematurity alone. Pediatr Pulmonol 1990; 8:226-232.