cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence that collagen and tendon have monolayer water coverage in the native state.

Abstract This paper investigates an alternative explanation for widely reported paradoxical intracellular water properties. The most frequent biological explanation assumes water structure extending multiple layers from surfaces of compactly folded macromolecules to explain large amounts of perturbed water. Long range water structuring, however, contradicts molecular models widely accepted by the scientific majority. This study questions whether the paradoxical cell water could result from larger than expected amounts of first layer interfacial water on internal protein surfaces rather than structured multilayers. Native mammalian tendon is selected for the study because (1) the organ consists of highly compact structures of a single macromolecular protein – collagen, (2) molecular structure and geometry of collagen is well characterized by X-ray diffraction, (3) molecular structure extends to the macroscopic tendon level and (4) perturbed water behavior similar to cellular water is reported on tendon. Native tendon holds 1.6 g water/g dry mass. The 62% native water content simulates the water content of many cell types. MicroCT studies of tendon dilatometry as a function of hydration are measured and correlated to X-ray diffraction measurements of interaxial separation. Correlations show that native tendon has sufficient water for only a single monolayer of interfacial water. Thus the paradoxical properties of water in native tendon are first-layer interfacial water properties. Similar water behavior on globular proteins suggests that paradoxical cell water behavior could be caused by larger than expected amounts of first layer interfacial water on internal and external macromolecular surfaces of cell components.
Case Reports: Withdrawal Phenomenon With the Antiandrogen Casodex

ABSTRACTTotal androgen blockade with castration and antiandrogens has become the primary therapy in metastatic prostate carcinoma. Several reports have been published on the flutamide withdrawal syndrome with a favorable response in patients with progression of disease after lengthy remission while taking combined hormone therapy. The experience with withdrawal of the experimental nonsteroidal antiandrogen casodex * in 3 patients is reported. All patients received casodex monotherapy initially, then luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogues were added on progression of disease (bone scan and prostate specific antigen (PSA)) and eventually casodex was withdrawn on further progression of disease (PSA and bone scan).
Maternal obesity markedly increases placental fatty acid transporter expression and fetal blood triglycerides at midgestation in the ewe

Obesity of women at conception is increasing, a condition associated with offspring obesity. We hypothesized that maternal obesity increases placental fatty acid transporter (FATP) expression, enha...
The effects of temperature on the leaching behavior of cement waste forms: The cement/sodium sulfate system

The leaching mechanisms of simulated low-level radioactive waste forms are being determined as support for development of an accelerated leach test. Two approaches are being used: (1) comparisons of leaching data with results of a model that describes diffusion from a finite cylinder, and (2) observation of the leaching process at temperatures between 20{degree}C and 65{degree}C. To provide results that can be used for modeling, leaching at elevated temperatures must change neither the leaching mechanism nor the structural controls of leaching such as the porosity. Releases of {sup 137}Cs, {sup 85}Sr, calcium, sodium and potassium from portland cement containing sodium sulfate, as a simulated evaporator sludge, have been determined under a variety of experimental conditions. Data from the leach tests were compared to model results for diffusion from the finite cylinder. While most leaching appears to be diffusion controlled, notable exceptions occur. For all samples activation energies ranging between 6 and 11 Kcal/mole have been calculated from the relationship of the effective diffusion coefficient to increasing temperature, close to the expected value of 5 Kcal/mole for diffusion. 11 refs., 4 figs., 2 tabs.
Pathobiology of Pulmonary Hypertension

A variety of conditions can lead to the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Current treatments can improve symptoms and reduce the severity of the hemodynamic abnormality, but most patients remain quite limited, and deterioration in their condition necessitates a lung transplant. This review discusses current experimental and clinical studies that investigate the pathobiology of PAH. An emerging theme is the consideration of ways in which one might reverse the advanced occlusive structural changes in the pulmonary circulation causing PAH. The current debate concerning the role of regeneration through stem cells is presented. This review also highlights investigations in a number of laboratories relating the pathobiology of PAH to mutations causing loss of function of bone morphogenetic protein receptor II in patients with familial PAH, as well as sporadic cases.
The Role of Education in the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program

Tsunami education activities, materials, and programs are recognized by the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program (NTHMP) as the essential tool for near-source tsunami mitigation. Prior to the NTHMP, there were no state tsunami education programs outside of Hawaii and few earthquake education materials included tsunami hazards. In the first year of the NTHMP, a Strategic Plan was developed providing the framework for mitigation projects in the program. The Strategic Plan identifies education as the first of five mitigation strategic planning areas and targets a number of user groups, including schools, businesses, tourists, seasonal workers, planners, government officials, and the general public. In the 6 years of the NTHMP tsunami education programs have been developed in all five Pacific States and include print, electronic and video/film products, curriculum, signage, fairs and workshops, and public service announcements. Multi-state education projects supported by the NTHMP include TsuInfo, a bi-monthly newsletter, and Surviving a Tsunami, a booklet illustrating lessons from the 1960 Chilean tsunami. An additional education component is provided by the Public Affairs Working Group (PAWG) that promotes media coverage of tsunamis and the NTHMP. Assessment surveys conducted in Oregon, Washington, and Northern California show an increase in tsunami awareness and recognition of tsunami hazards among the general population since the NTHMP inception.
Variation of the trapping probability of Ar on Pt(111) with kinetic energy and angle of incidence: The changing role of parallel momentum with surface temperature

Abstract The trapping probability of Ar on Pt(111) has been measured as a function of incident kinetic energy Ei and angle θi for surface temperatures Ts of 80, 190 and 273 K. This probability decreases with increasing Ei in a manner that depends on both θi and Ts. For each surface temperature the measured trapping probability at different angles can be reduced to a common curve if it is plotted as a function of the variable Ei cosnθi. For Ts=80, 190 and 273 K, we find optimal values of n of approximately 1.5, 1.0 and 0.5, respectively. These results indicate that parallel momentum dissipation becomes increasingly more important to the trapping dynamics as Ts increases.
Interrelated and Isolated Self-Concepts

We propose aframework for conceptualizing different ways of representing concepts of the self. Interrelated self-concepts are concepts that are defined by connections to concepts of other (real or prototypic) individuals; isolated self-concepts do not depend upon other person conceptsfor their mental characterization. This distinction between ways of representing self-concepts is similar to the distinction between interrelated and isolated concepts recently proposed by Goldstone (1993b, 1996). In this article, the extant self literature is evaluated in terms of the interrelated-isolated distinction. Methods for manipulating and diagnosing interrelated and isolated self-concepts are also proposed. Results of 3 studies show that interrelated self-concepts contain less abstract features than do isolated self-concepts. The former concepts also contain more diagnosticfeatures than the latter. Discussion focuses on predictions about other differences in isolatedSnd interrelated self-concepts. The conditions und...
Cell-mediated immunity in poultry

In avian species, adaptive immunity involves both humoral and cell-mediated immune (CMI) responses. Although humoral or antibody-mediated immune responses are particularly effective against extracellular antigens, CMI responses are specialized in the elimination of intracellular antigens; the latter include those that have entered cells via the endocytic pathway (exogenous antigens; e.g., phagocytosed bacteria) or were produced within the cell such as viral proteins and proteins resulting from neoplastic transformation of the cell (endogenous antigens). CMI responses, like most humoral immune responses, are tightly regulated and require "help" from T helper cells, specifically the type 1 T helper cells (Th1, hence, the name Th1 responses). Th1 cells are characterized by their production of cytokines such as interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), tumor-necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukin-2 that drive CMI responses. The functional effectors of CMI responses are various immune cells including cytotoxic lymphocytes (cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells) and macrophages. Cytotoxic lymphocytes and macrophages are specialized in the elimination of endogenous and exogenous antigens, respectively. In the past decade, substantial progress has been made in defining the role and regulation of avian CMI responses. Other advances have addressed strategies that strengthen this arm of adaptive immunity to optimize defense as well as protection against neoplastic diseases and nonneoplastic diseases caused by intracellular pathogens.
Calculation of neutron and gamma production and transport for the Alcator C-Mod experiment

Deuterium operation in the Alcator C-Mod is expected to produce up to 1*10/sup 16/ neutrons/s during high-performance pulses (1 s duration) with full RF power (6 MW). Neutron production during optimized ohmic operation should reach 1*10/sup 15/ neutrons/s. Energy resolved neutron transport calculations have been made for Alcator C-Mod, using both the one-dimensional ANISN code (for deep penetration and activation calculations) and the three-dimensional MCNP (Monte Carlo neutron-photon) code (for wall penetrations and near-machine calculations). The results are used to assess the extent of radiation-related health risks imposed by the experiment (anticipated dose rates due to direct radiation exposure, material activation, and airborne activity), and to establish the efficacy of the biological shielding surrounding the experimental cell. The calculations are used to determine the necessary monitoring and access control for the experiment, and to optimize the design of an igloo structure which will enclose the tokamak. >
Image-based quantification of 3D morphology for bifurcations in the left coronary artery: Application to stent design.

Background Improved strategies for stent-based treatment of coronary artery disease at bifurcations require a greater understanding of artery morphology. Objective We developed a workflow to quantify morphology in the left main coronary (LMCA), left anterior descending (LAD), and left circumflex (LCX) artery bifurcations. Methods Computational models of each bifurcation were created for 55 patients using computed tomography images in 3D segmentation software. Metrics including cross-sectional area, length, eccentricity, taper, curvature, planarity, branching law parameters, and bifurcation angles were assessed using open-sources software and custom applications. Geometric characterization was performed by comparison of means, correlation, and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). Results Differences between metrics suggest dedicated or multistent approaches should be tailored for each bifurcation. For example, the side branch of the LCX (i.e., obtuse marginal; OM) was longer than that of the LMCA (i.e., LCXprox) and LAD (i.e., first diagonal; D1). Bifurcation metrics for some locations (e.g., LMCA Finet ratio) provide results and confidence intervals agreeing with prior findings, while revised metric values are presented for others (e.g., LAD and LCX). LDA revealed several metrics that differentiate between artery locations (e.g., LMCA vs. D1, LMCA vs. OM, LADprox vs. D1, and LCXprox vs. D1). Conclusions These results provide a foundation for elucidating common parameters from healthy coronary arteries and could be leveraged in the future for treating diseased arteries. Collectively the current results may ultimately be used for design iterations that improve outcomes following implantation of future dedicated bifurcation stents. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Corporate Inversions And Fair Play

A Corporate inversion is a process that a company undergoes to change the domicile of the parent corporation in a multinational corporate conglomerate to a country other than the United States. J. S. Barry (2002) quotes U.S. Senator Max Baucus, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, as saying: "Prominent U.S. companies are literally re-incorporating in off-shore tax havens in order to avoid U.S. taxes. They are, in effect, renouncing their U.S. citizenship to cut their tax bill. This is very troubling, especially now, as we all try to pull together as a nation." Senator Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), the ranking Republican member of the Finance Committee, has called inversions "immoral." Stanley Works, a corporation based in Connecticut, planned to re-incorporate in Bermuda. A Democratic Representative from that state, James Maloney, said, "Connecticut hasn't seen such a shameful day since Benedict Arnold sailed away." Stanley Works buckled under political pressure and did not go forward with the planned inversion. This paper addresses the current practice of corporate inversions, and reviews the current legal and political actions taken to address them.
Death and Communists: The Funeral Industry's Attack on Jessica Mitford's The American Way of Death

Abstract When Jessica Mitford's The American Way of Death hit bookshelves, the American funeral industry reacted as if it had been nailed into one of its own gilded hardwood coffins. “She's a communist,” they cried, “and a crackpot as well!” The industry launched a campaign reminiscent of the McCarthy era, attacking Mitford's credibility as well as that of her husband, attorney Robert Treuhaft, on grounds of their associations with the Communist Party. But the industry's ill-prepared spokesmen did little to discredit Mitford's devastating reporting, much of which quoted directly publications of the “dismal trade” itself. Piling on were the likes of ultra-conservatives California Congressman James B. Utt and Albert F. Canwell, a one-term Washington legislator who launched his own anti-Mitford campaign. Despite a flurry of efforts to discredit Mitford and her book, traditional news media generally reviewed the book positively and rejected the anti-Mitford charges. In part this was because it was a clumsy ef...
Evaluation of Plate Anchors Capacity in Saturated Soils Using Different Constitutive Models

Evaluation of the uplift capacity of plate anchors in saturated clay is an important aspect in offshore anchoring of various structures. In most of the literature reviewed, a constitutive model such as Tresca or Mohr-Coulomb has been used in analyses. There exists a need to study the anchors’ pull out capacity using other advanced soil models and discern differences in results.This study presents the results of finite element simulation of a rectangular or circular plate anchor in saturated clay. The capacity factors (Nc) of the plate are assessed through the application of displacement control approach and the results are compared to the lower bound solution as well as to data obtained from similar studies available in the literature.In addition to Mohr-Coulomb model, two other constitutive models are used to represent the soil deformation. These are Modified Cam-Clay, and Soft Soil models. Undrained effective stress analyses are conducted using the computer program PLAXIS. A series of analyses using different embedment depths are performed for all three constitutive models. Results as Nq value from the three constitutive models are presented and discussed.© 2014 ASME
Oxidative Conversion of a Europium(II)-Based T1 Agent into a Europium(III)-Based paraCEST Agent that can be Detected In Vivo by Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

The EuII complex of 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) tetra(glycinate) has a higher reduction potential than most EuII chelates reported to date. The reduced EuII form acts as an efficient water proton T1 relaxation reagent, while the EuIII form acts as a water-based chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) agent. The complex has extremely fast water exchange rate. Oxidation to the corresponding EuIII complex yields a well-defined signal from the paraCEST agent. The time course of oxidation was studied in vitro and in vivo by T1-weighted and CEST imaging.
Pipette Quality Control Program Using Radioassay

A comprehensive program for documenting pipette quality control using a radioassay procedure is discussed. The principles for testing both accuracy and precision are as follows: accuracy is determined by comparing the statistical means of counts from samples dispensed by the pipettes being tested to the mean of counts dispensed by a class A volumetric pipette. The difference is expressed as percent error. The precision of the device being tested is estimated from the variation of counts from samples dispensed and is expressed as the percent coefficient of variation. For institutions with existing radioassay facilities, this variation on the traditional radioassay procedure measures both quality control parameters without the expense of test kits or specialized equipment. The format illustrated provides a model of a comprehensive pipette quality control program.
Chemoreception in Paramecium

Aquatic organisms have the capability of detecting and responding to chemical stimuli. The stimulus can signify the presence of food, mates, predators, or a place to settle and continue development. Unicellular aquatic organisms are not exceptions and as an example, I discuss chemoresponses of Paramecium tetraurelia, a ciliated eukaryotic microorganism.
Effects of Substrate and Plant Growth Regulator on Gerbera Jamesonii Rooting

The clusters buds of gerbera,its proliferation multiples was 2 to 4 times,which was cut into single bud for soilless cultivation, then the effect of different substrate and plant growth regulators on bud rooting was tested in this paper. The results showed that better breathability,relatively low conductivity,acidic substrate were conducive to survival and rooting of the gerbera seedlings. The volume ratio of perlite∶ peat for 3∶ 1 had the highest rooting rate which was 89 % among 5 kinds of substrate,and the 800 mg / L IBA had the highest rooting rate which was 90 % among 4 kinds of plant growth regulators.
Care of the Critically III Chronic Renal Failure Patient: Crises, Challenges, and Choices

The care of the critically ill chronic renal failure patient is complex, demanding, and challenging. This discussion assists clinicians in caring for chronic renal failure patients during crisis situations, such as when their body systems’ adaptive mechanisms are dysfunctional. This article includes an overview of the origins of the crises which contribute to the patient’s hospitalization; the manifestations of chronic renal failure on all body systems, and a futuristic outlook at the continuing interventions needed for this patient population, and how these interventions may impact care of the critically ill.
The Low Usage of Bankruptcy Procedures: A Cultural Problem? Lessons from Spain

This paper seeks to contribute to the understanding of the relative use of bankruptcy law. Namely, it explores the underlying reasons for the low rate of business bankruptcies in Spain, and the impact that this low usage of bankruptcy procedures may have for Spanish firms – and thereby for the Spanish economy. There are two main hypotheses that may explain the low level of business bankruptcies: (i) Spanish firms minimize ex ante the risk of bankruptcy; or (ii) Spanish firms resolve their financial trouble without using formal bankruptcy procedures. This paper proposes an intermediate hypothesis. Namely, it argues that, induced by both the legislator and secured creditors, Spanish firms choose asset and capital structures that minimize ex ante the risk of bankruptcy. Moreover, when insolvency already threatens, firms seem to avoid the use of bankruptcy procedures due to the unattractiveness of the Spanish bankruptcy system for both debtors and creditors. Likewise, this paper points out that the low rate of business bankruptcies might not be mainly associated, as previous studies have suggested, with the unattractiveness of the bankruptcy system and the efficiency of the mortgage system, but also – and perhaps more importantly – with other factors such as the design of a creditor-friendly corporate law, a poor the law of secured transactions, the use of workouts, and some economic and sociological factors usually generated or, at least, exacerbated by the legislator. These latter factors include: (i) the stigma associated with Spanish bankruptcy procedures; (ii) the high level of risk aversion faced by Spanish entrepreneurs (especially small and medium size entrepreneurs); (iii) the bad perception of the Spanish bankruptcy system; and (iv) the low recognition of business success linked to the bad connotations of business failure in Spain. Finally, it is argued that the high dependence of Spanish firms to bank finance and the poor culture of bank lending (mainly dependent on the debtor's ability to provide a security interest instead of focusing on the debtor´s ability to generate cash flows) contributes to the inefficient design of the asset and capital structure of Spanish firms. Moreover, it can create several externalities to society as the result of the overinvestment and underinvestment problems potentially created by this culture of bank lending. On the basis of this exercise, this paper contributes to the literature by introducing new variables that may help explain the relative of bankruptcy law. Likewise, it proposes a structural reform of the Spanish Bankruptcy Act 2003 to make bankruptcy procedures more attractive to both debtors and creditors, and it suggests several recommendations to promote the optimal design of the asset and capital structures of Spanish firms with the purpose of boosting the competitiveness and growth of the Spanish economy.
Engagement in RNs working in Magnet®-designated hospitals: exploring the significance of work experience

This study analyzed and evaluated the relationships between work engagement (WE) and work experience among acute-care RNs in Magnet®-designated hospitals. The organizational structures of Magnet-designated hospitals are recognized to promote RN engagement, yet limited knowledge exists on engendering engagement to the same degree in all nurses. The study used a descriptive, correlational design. A convenience sample of RNs (n = 220) completed 2 surveys to measure WE, RN experience, and unit longevity (years of experience in the current setting). Significant relationships were found between WE and RN experience in any setting, within the consistent organizational structures of Magnet-designated hospitals. This study highlights the importance of organizational structures and the significance of RN experience in creating engagement among nurses. Enhancing engagement in the RN workforce facilitates retention and improved outcomes for patients, nurses, and organizations.
Cell-cycling characteristics of exogenous spleen colony-forming units.

Abstract In the companion paper it was reported that endogenous colony-forming units were very sensitive to the effects of cytosine arabinoside and methotrexate. Since these drugs kill cells in DNA synthesis, the simplest explanation for this sensitivity is that these cells are predominantly in cycle and pass through the S-phase during the time of drug effect. Abundant data in the literature, however, suggest that transplantable colony-forming units are mostly in a G O (noncycling) state. The present studies support this conclusion. Cytosine arabinoside given to donors before transplantation caused only minimal loss of transplantable colony-forming cells in spleen and marrow, and no significant change in transplantation fraction. Cytosine arabinoside given after transplantation became more effective with increasing intervals between cell and drug injection. This is as would be expected if exogenous colony-forming cells were begining to cycle, since more would be in DNA synthesis during the 24 to 48 hour period following irradiation and cell injection. When cells were irradiated after transplantation, cytosine arabinoside was more effective than when they were not irradiated. Furthermore, the same degree of sensitivity of cytosine arabinoside was observed whether irradiation of the transplanted cells occurred before or after injection of drug. These results suggest that in the case of exogenous as well as endogenous colony-forming cells, S-phase cells are less sensitive to irradiation than cells in other phases of cell cycle. When cytosine arabinoside was given to donors and the surviving cells transplanted and irradiated, no significant decrease in survival of exogenous colony-forming cells was seen as compared to untreated cells. These data, in the aggregate, suggest that while exogenous and endogenous colony-forming cells may be from the same stem-cell compartment, they are from different portions of the compartment as regards their stage of cell cycle. Irradiation tends to selectively spare cells in S (endogenous), and transplantation may exclude cells in S so that exogenous colony-forming cells are mostly in G O .
Pharmacogenetics and ecogenetics: the problem and its scope.

Pharmacogenetics started in the mid-1950’s with the demonstration that two unrelated drug reactions were caused by different genetically determined biochemical aberrations: pseudocholinesterase variation as the cause of suxamethonium sensitivity and abnormalities in red cell glutathione metabolism as an explanation for primaquine sensitivity. Genetic differences in acetylation of INH were shown soon thereafter. Impressed by these developments, I pointed out the relevance of genetic variation in the elucidation of drug reactions and Vogel coined the term pharmacogenetics (see Motulsky, 1972, for references).
Is TMC1 the Hair Cell Mechanotransducer Channel

Transmembrane channel-like protein isoform-1 (TMC1) has emerged over the past five years as a prime contender for the mechano-electrical transducer (MET) channel in hair cells of the inner ear. TMC1 is thought to have a six-transmembrane domain structure reminiscent of some other ion-channel subunits, and is targeted to the tips of the stereocilia in the sensory hair bundle, where the MET channel is located. Moreover, there are TMC1 mutations linked to human deafness causing loss of conventional MET currents, hair cell degeneration, and deafness in mice. Finally, mutations of Tmc1 can alter the conductance and Ca2+ selectivity of the MET channels. For several reasons though, it is unclear that TMC1 is indeed the MET channel pore: 1) in other animals or tissues, mutations of TMC family members do not directly affect cellular mechanosensitivity; 2) there are residual manifestations of mechanosensitivity in hair cells of mouse Tmc1:Tmc2 double knockouts; 3) there is so far no evidence that expression of mammalian Tmc1 generates a mechanically sensitive ion channel in the plasma membrane when expressed in heterologous cells; and 4) there are other proteins, such as TMIE and LHFPL5, which behave similarly to TMC1, their mutation also leading to loss of MET current and deafness. This review will present these disparate lines of evidence and describes recent work that addresses the role of TMC1.
SU‐F‐J‐135: Tumor Displacement‐Based Binning for Respiratory‐Gated Time‐Independent 5DCT Treatment Planning

Purpose: A published 5DCT breathing motion model enables image reconstruction at any user-selected breathing phase, defined by the model as a specific amplitude (v) and rate (f). Generation of reconstructed phase-specific CT scans will be required for time-independent radiation dose distribution simulations. This work answers the question: how many amplitude and rate bins are required to describe the tumor motion with a specific spatial resolution? Methods: 19 lung-cancer patients with 21 tumors were scanned using a free-breathing 5DCT protocol, employing an abdominally positioned pneumatic-bellows breathing surrogate and yielding voxel-specific motion model parameters α and β corresponding to motion as a function of amplitude and rate, respectively. Tumor GTVs were contoured on the first (reference) of 25 successive free-breathing fast helical CT image sets. The tumor displacements were binned into widths of 1mm to 5mm in 1mm steps and the total required number of bins recorded. The simulation evaluated the number of bins needed to encompass 100% of the breathing-amplitude and between the 5th and 95th percentile amplitudes to exclude breathing outliers. Results: The mean respiration-induced tumor motion was 9.90mm ± 7.86mm with a maximum of 25mm. The number of bins required was a strong function of the spatial resolution and varied widely between patients. For example, for 2mm bins, between 1–13 amplitude bins and 1–9 rate bins were required to encompass 100% of the breathing amplitude, while 1–6 amplitude bins and 1–3 rate bins were required to encompass 90% of the breathing amplitude. Conclusion: The strong relationship between number of bins and spatial resolution as well as the large variation between patients implies that time-independent radiation dose distribution simulations should be conducted using patient-specific data and that the breathing conditions will have to be carefully considered. This work will lead to the assessment of the dosimetric impact of binning resolution. This study is supported by Siemens Healthcare
The impact of critically ill children on paediatric ED medication timeliness

Objectives The presence of critically ill patients may impact care for other ED patients. We sought to evaluate whether the presence of a critically ill child was associated with the time to (1) receipt of the first medication among other patients, and (2) administration of diagnosis-specific medications. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of all paediatric ED visits over 3 years. Patients were exposed if they arrived during the first hour of a critically ill patient's care. The primary outcome was the time from arrival to first medication administration. Secondary outcomes were time to corticosteroids in asthma and time to antibiotics for fever/neutropenia. We modelled times to medication using median regression, adjusting for demographics, arrival time and weekday, and census (number of patients in the ED). Results We analysed 170 112 visits. Median times to first medication for those exposed to 0, 1 and >1 simultaneous critically ill patients were 90 min (IQR 54–146), 96 min (IQR 58–157) and 113 min (IQR 72–166), respectively (p<0.001). The increase in time to corticosteroids among exposed patients versus unexposed was 6 min (IQR 2–14, p=0.11) and in time to antibiotic for fever/neutropenia was −4 min (IQR −4 to −11, p=0.13). Modelled time to first medication increased 3.1 min (95% CI 0.5 to 5.7) among all exposed patients (p=0.02). Time to first medication increased 15.3 min (95% CI 14.7 to 15.9) for each 10 patient increase in census. Conclusions The presence of critically ill patients was associated with a delay in medication administration to others. Census independently predicted medication delays.
A Numerical Investigation on the Influence of Engine Coolant Temperature under Low Temperature Combustion in a Diesel Engine

ABSTRACTThis study evaluates a technology of integrated low heat rejection (LHR) and low temperature combustion (LTC) aiming to achieve improved energy conversion efficiency of internal combustion engines. Different from the use of thermal-barrier coatings in traditional LHR diesel engines, altering engine coolant temperature (ECT) is used to realize LHR in this study. In a separate study, the engine was overcooled to low ECTs and then increased to 100°C in an effort to get trend-wise behavior without exceeding safe ECTs. This study uses an engine simulation of the same multi-cylinder, four-stroke, 1.9-L diesel engine operating at 1500 rpm and ~35% EGR to examine the engine performance and combustion phasing at different ECTs under the LTC mode. As compared to conventional LHR operation mode, also studied in a second separate study, increasing ECT yields more significant improvements in fuel conversion efficiency under LTC-LHR mode, 28.8% of indicated efficiency and a doubling of brake efficiency gains, p...
Substitution reactions of iron(II) carbamoyl-thioether complexes related to mono-iron hydrogenase

A C,N,S pincer complex has been synthesized for structural modeling of the organometallic active site of mono-[Fe] hydrogenase (HMD). The C,N,S chelate allows for systematic investigation of the substitution reactions of CO and other exogenous X/L-type ligands, as well as examination of the exact roles of the Fe-carbamoyl and {Fe(CO)2}2+ units in stabilizing the low-spin Fe(ii) center. Reaction of the 'apo-ligand' 6-(2-(methylthio)phenyl)pyridin-2-amine (H2NNpySMe) with [Fe(CO)4(Br)2] affords the organometallic complex [(O[double bond, length as m-dash]CNHNpySMe)Fe(CO)2(Br)] (1). Facile substitutions of the halide with L-type ligands such as MeCN, PR3 (R = C6H5, OEt, Me), pyridine and tBuNC afford diamagnetic cations of the type [(O[double bond, length as m-dash]CNHNpySMe)Fe(CO)2(L)]+ (2a-f). Treatment of 1 with Na[S(2,6-Me2C6H3)] affords the neutral complex [(O[double bond, length as m-dash]CNHNpySMe)Fe(CO)2(S(2,6-Me2C6H3))] (2g). Substitution for CO ligand(s) was achieved with trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), and in the presence of PPh3 or pyridine it afforded the six-coordinate monocarbonyl complexes [(O[double bond, length as m-dash]CNHNpySMe)Fe(CO)(Br)(PPh3)] (3a), [(O[double bond, length as m-dash]CNHNpySMe)Fe(CO)(PPh3)2](BArF4) (3b), and [(O[double bond, length as m-dash]CNHNpySMe)Fe(CO)(py)2](BArF4) (3c). Interestingly the stable low-spin Fe(ii), 5-coordinate complex of the formula [(O[double bond, length as m-dash]CNHNpySMe)Fe(CO)2](BArF4) (4) was accessed by treating 1 with TlBArF4 in non-coordinating solvents (DCE, FPh); notably, 4 does not react with H2 in the presence (or absence) of a base. To elucidate the electronic structure differences between the five-coordinate versus six-coordinate complexes, DFT calculations for 4 and 1 were performed. Geometry optimization indicates that 4+ maintains a square-pyramidal geometry, and the Hessian calculation accurately simulates the ν(C[triple bond, length as m-dash]O) in 4+. The electronic structure of 4+ predicts that the HOMO (comprised of Fe|Ncarb) and LUMO (Fe only) orbitals in 4+ are properly oriented to interact with an incoming ligand. However, we postulate that codirectional orientation of the HOMO and LUMO orbitals explains the lack of H2 reactivity with this equatorial CNS donor set, despite many other structural similarities to the endogenous active site. Based on a related work from our lab, we conclude that a facial C,N,S coordination mode is necessary to promote H2 activation and cleavage.
Glutamatergic metabolites among adolescents at risk for psychosis

Proton-Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H-MRS) may serve as an important tool for identifying biomarkers that aid the understanding of early psychosis, as development of this condition may be associated with metabolite concentration changes that reflect an alteration in glutamatergic mechanisms. The current study explored 1H-MRS metabolite concentrations in the striatum and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) as potential biomarkers of psychosis-risk symptom severity. In a sample of 12 adolescents at clinical high-risk for psychosis, the subclinical symptom of grandiosity significantly correlated with glutamate in the ACC. Striatal glutathione, a marker of oxidative stress linked to the glutamatergic system, significantly correlated with grandiosity. Anterior cingulate glutathione significantly correlated with grandiosity and disorganized communication. These findings suggest that within a small sample of young people at clinical high-risk, glutamatergic metabolites are correlated with symptomatology generally predictive of conversion to psychosis. These mechanisms may serve as relevant biomarkers for facilitating prediction of symptom severity and providing insight into the etiology of early psychosis.
The Human Toll of Viral Diseases: Past Plagues and Pending Pandemics

This chapter profiles some examples of past and current viral infections that have levied a high toll in human misery and mortality, and derives a number of lessons about the dynamics of viral pandemics. Viral epidemics can be very disruptive to civil society, and—conversely—civil disasters can trigger viral epidemics. Furthermore, viruses likely play an insidious role in initiating a number of chronic diseases whose burden is ever increasing. Evolving technologies have led to much more rapid detection of emerging viral diseases anywhere in the world. However, current efforts to mitigate the toll of viral diseases are less than satisfactory, and futurists predict the emergence of new pandemics particularly of zoonotic origin. Pathogenesis—the subject of this book—informs ongoing efforts to mitigate the toll of viral disease.
“Do you see me?” Power and visibility in applied theatre with black male youth and the police

ABSTRACTThis article accounts the author’s experience as co-facilitator of the pilot program of “The Justice Project,” an applied theatre project in which high school students of color presented an original performance and interactive theatre workshop to police officers to explore the police-civilian dynamic. As a white middle-class female teacher working with male high school students of color, the author’s perceived hypervisibility due to her demographic positioning was shattered during the culminating event of the residency. Held at a police academy, the director of the police academy announced a gang task force officer would be scanning the high school students prior to the workshop. The police academy’s assumed position of power brought to light the hypervisibility of these students due to their gender, race, age, and class. Using Critical Race Feminism Theory, this article deconstructs the shifts in power and visibility that occurred during this conflict; the cultural complexities within these power...
Reflection Is Not Reflexive.

Reflection. We have heard its value proclaimed, and have likely experienced its value in our own practice and in the development of the learners whose journey we shepherd in our schools and colleges of pharmacy. In fact, it is so frequently mentioned in the literature of professions education, that
Perspectives of antiferromagnetic spintronics

Abstract Antiferromagnets are promising for future spintronic applications owing to their advantageous properties: They are magnetically ordered, but neighboring magnetic moments point in opposite directions, which results in zero net magnetization. This means antiferromagnets produce no stray fields and are insensitive to external magnetic field perturbations. Furthermore, they show intrinsic high frequency dynamics, exhibit considerable spin–orbit and magneto-transport effects. Over the past decade, it has been realized that antiferromagnets have more to offer than just being utilized as passive components in exchange bias applications. This development resulted in a paradigm shift, which opens the pathway to novel concepts using antiferromagnets for spin-based technologies and applications. This article gives a broad perspective on antiferromagnetic spintronics. In particular, the manipulation and detection of antiferromagnetic states by spintronics effects, as well as spin transport and dynamics in antiferromagnetic materials will be discussed. We will also outline current challenges and future research directions in this emerging field.
Clinical Correlations of Ifosfamide Related Encephalopathy with EEG: A Case Series (P07.003)

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this case series study is to demonstrate clinical correlations of abnormal EEG features in patients with ifosfamide (IFOS) related encephalopathy. BACKGROUND: IFOS is an alkylating agent useful in the treatment of a wide range of cancers including sarcomas, lymphoma, gynecologic and testicular cancers. Encephalopathy has been reported in 10-30% of patients receiving high-dose IFOS. DESIGN/METHODS: Retrospective chart review including clinical data and EEG recordings was made on five patients who developed IFOS related encephalopathy. RESULTS: There were 2 female and 3 male patients aged 24-33 years. All of our patients (5/5) received combination chemotherapy including high dose IV IFOS (2-4g/m2/day) for different tumors. 1/5 had remote history of a convulsive event. 91/5 had hypoalbuminemia (2.9g/dL). 5/5 had normal levels of transaminases and GFR. 1/5 had malignant cells in the CSF. MRI of the brain was unremarkable except in 1/5; history of brain metastasis. All of these patients developed symptoms of encephalopathy soon after (12hours-3 days) receiving IFOS. 2/5 developed generalized convulsions. 2/5 experienced altered mental status. 1/5 developed continuous non-convulsive status epilepticus that required ICU admission and intubation. EEG showed multifocal epileptiform discharges in 2/5, triphasic waves in 1/5, and moderate degree diffuse generalized slowing in 2/5. Of the five patients, two received IV methylene blue. In one patient IV thiamine was administered. Seizure was treated and controlled with single anti-epileptic drug (AED) in all of these patients. None of our cohorts required long term AED as symptoms of encephalopathy abated within 1-7days after last IFOS administration. Two patients received subsequent dosing with high dose IV IFOS; one patient received prophylactic IV methylene blue. None of these patients developed further recurrence of IFOS related encephalopathy. CONCLUSIONS: Severity of IFOS related encephalopathy correlates with EEG changes. We suggest a timely EEG evaluation for patients receiving IFOS who develop features of encephalopathy. Disclosure: Dr. Feyissa has nothing to disclose. Dr. Tummala has nothing to disclose.
Cognitive and Neuropathological Correlates of Full-Length and Truncated-Pyroglutamate-Modified Amyloid-beta Forms in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Early Alzheimer's Disease (P04.217)

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether changes in cortical full-length and pyroglutamate forms of amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptides are associated with cognitive decline and neuropathology progression in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild-moderate Alzheimer9s disease (mAD). BACKGROUND: Fibrillar and non-fibrillar forms of Abeta play a role in pathophysiological cascades of AD. Truncated and pyroglutamate-modified Abeta species, such as Abeta(pE3) have high propensities for self-aggregation into fibrillar forms and may drive formation of amyloid plaques. Whether fibrillar and non-fibrillar Abeta(pE3) and full-length Abeta differently affect cognitive function during preclinical and clinical AD is unknown. DESIGN/METHODS: In this postmortem study we quantified fibrillar and non-fibrillar Abeta(pE3-42) and Abeta(1-42) concentrations in the posterior cingulate cortex (a component of the default mode network) from 64 cases with an antemortem clinical diagnosis of no cognitive impairment (NCI, n=19), MCI (n=21), or mAD (n=24). RESULTS: Concentrations of Abeta(pE3-42) were lower than Abeta(1-42). Compared to NCI, all four Abeta measures were increased in mAD, while no significant increase was detected in MCI. Across all cases, worse CERAD diagnosis (i.e., more advanced neuritic plaque pathology) correlated with increased fibrillar and non-fibrillar forms of Abeta(pE3-42) (r=-0.63, p CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate similar contributions of full-length and pE3 forms of Abeta42 to neuritic plaque pathology. However, non-fibrillar forms of Abeta(pE3-42) were not related to cognitive performance tests. Because these forms convert more rapidly to fibrillar Abeta, their concentrations at synapses may be too low to be clinically relevant. Supported by: NIH grants AG014449 and AG025204. Disclosure: Dr. Ikonomovic has received personal compensation for activities with GE Healthcare as a consultant. Dr. Ikonomovic has received research support from GE Healthcare. Dr. Pivtoraiko has nothing to disclose. Dr. Abrahamson has nothing to disclose. Dr. DeKosky has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for UpToDate. Dr. Mufson has nothing to disclose.
Investigations of Materials at High Temperatures Using Raman Spectroscopy

This paper will give a brief overview of the use of Raman spectroscopy to investigate materials at high temperatures. The first section describes the apparatus and experimental techniques necessary for in situhigh-temperature measurements. Following this, specific results are illustrated for three different systems: (1) materials formed from flame-deposition processes, (2) analysis of the oxides formed during the oxidation of metallic alloys, and (3) the high-temperature processing of oxide superconductors.
10 Stimulus equivalence: A class of correlations, or a correlation of classes?

Publisher Summary The chapter discusses stimulus equivalence and describes experiments in which the reversals of baseline conditional discriminations appear to have different effects across probe trial types (i.e., reflexivity, symmetry, and transitivity/equivalence). It examines other empirical evidence performance on the various probe trial types that may differ in potentially important ways and reviews studies that use measures other than probe trials to assess equivalence-like phenomena. The theme considered throughout is a fundamental one for even the simplest of analytic units. The mathematical definition of equivalence specifies only required test outcomes, not the make-up of the behavioral unit(s) that includes these outcomes. The predictive value of the set theory framework is undeniable, and the structured approach that this framework has provided for the study and training of complex behavioral repertoires, often termed “cognitive,” has yielded impressive results. A definition of equivalence that allowed for correspondence among three independent stimulus control relations provides even greater generality while maintaining the precision and rigor of the set theory framework.