cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prescriber perspectives on low-value prescribing: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND Health systems are increasingly implementing interventions to reduce older patients' use of low-value medications. However, prescribers' perspectives on medication value and the acceptability of interventions to reduce low-value prescribing are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE To identify the characteristics that affect the value of a medication and those factors influencing low-value prescribing from the perspective of primary care physicians. DESIGN Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. SETTING Academic and community primary care practices within University of Pittsburgh Medical Center health system. PARTICIPANTS Sixteen primary care physicians. MEASUREMENTS We elicited 16 prescribers' perspectives on definitions and examples of low-value prescribing in older adults, the factors that incentivize them to engage in such prescribing, and the characteristics of interventions that would make them less likely to engage in low-value prescribing. RESULTS We identified three key themes. First, prescribers viewed low-value prescribing among older adults as common, characterized both by features of the medications themselves and of the particular patients to whom they were prescribed. Second, prescribers described the causes of low-value prescribing as multifactorial, with factors related to patients, prescribers, and the health system as a whole, making low-value prescribing a default practice pattern. Third, interventions addressing low-value prescribing must minimize the cognitive load and time pressures that make low-value prescribing common. Interventions increasing time pressure or cognitive load, such as increased documentation, were considered less acceptable. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that low-value prescribing is a well-recognized phenomenon, and that interventions to reduce low-value prescribing must consider physicians' perspectives and address the specific patient, prescriber and health system factors that make low-value prescribing a default practice.
On Structure-Function Relationships in the Female Human Urethra: A Finite Element Model Approach

Remarkably little is known about urethral striated and smooth muscle and vascular plexus contributions to maintaining continence or initiating micturition. We therefore developed a 3-D, multiphysics, finite element model, based on sequential MR images from a 23-year-old nulliparous heathy woman, to examine the effect of contracting one or more individual muscle layers on the urethral closure pressure (UCP). The lofted urethra turned out to be both curved and asymmetric. The model results led us to reject the current hypothesis that the striated and smooth muscles contribute equally to UCP. While a simulated contraction of the outer (circular) striated muscle increased closure pressure, a similar contraction of the large inner longitudinal smooth muscle both reduced closure pressure and shortened urethral length, suggesting a role in initiating micturition. When age-related atrophy of the posterior striated muscle was simulated, a reduced and asymmetric UCP distribution developed in the transverse plane. Lastly, a simple 2D axisymmetric model of the vascular plexus and lumen suggests arteriovenous pressure plays and important role in helping to maintain luminal closure in the proximal urethra and thereby functional urethral length. More work is needed to examine interindividual differences and validate such models in vivo.
Partial information decomposition reveals that synergistic neural integration is greater downstream of recurrent information flow in organotypic cortical cultures

The directionality of network information flow dictates how networks process information. A central component of information processing in both biological and artificial neural networks is their ability to perform synergistic integration-a type of computation. We established previously that synergistic integration varies directly with the strength of feedforward information flow. However, the relationships between both recurrent and feedback information flow and synergistic integration remain unknown. To address this, we analyzed the spiking activity of hundreds of neurons in organotypic cultures of mouse cortex. We asked how empirically observed synergistic integration-determined from partial information decomposition-varied with local functional network structure that was categorized into motifs with varying recurrent and feedback information flow. We found that synergistic integration was elevated in motifs with greater recurrent information flow beyond that expected from the local feedforward information flow. Feedback information flow was interrelated with feedforward information flow and was associated with decreased synergistic integration. Our results indicate that synergistic integration is distinctly influenced by the directionality of local information flow.
A Wearable Ultrasonic Neurostimulator - Part I: A 1D CMUT Phased Array System for Chronic Implantation in Small Animals

In this work, we present a wireless ultrasonic neurostimulator, aiming at a truly wearable device for brain stimulation in small behaving animals. A 1D 5-MHz capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) array is adopted to implement a head-mounted stimulation device. A companion ASIC with integrated 16-channel high-voltage (60-V) pulsers was designed to drive the 16-element CMUT array. The ASIC can generate excitation signals with element-wise programmable phases and amplitudes: 1) programmable sixteen phase delays enable electrical beam focusing and steering, and 2) four scalable amplitude levels, implemented with a symmetric pulse-width-modulation technique, are sufficient to suppress unwanted sidelobes (apodization). The ASIC was fabricated in the TSMC 0.18- ${\mu \rm {m}}$ HV BCD process within a die size of 2.5 × 2.5 ${\rm {mm}^2}$ . To realize a completely wearable system, the system is partitioned into two parts for weight distribution: 1) a head unit (17 mg) with the CMUT array, 2) a backpack unit (19.7 g) that includes electronics such as the ASIC, a power management unit, a wireless module, and a battery. Hydrophone-based acoustic measurements were performed to demonstrate the focusing and beam steering capability of the proposed system. Also, we achieved a peak-to-peak pressure of 2.1 MPa, which corresponds to a spatial peak pulse average intensity ( $\mathrm{I_{SPPA}}$ ) of 33.5 ${\rm {W}/\rm {cm}^2}$ , with a lateral full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 0.6 mm at a depth of 3.5 mm.
Cutaneous adverse events in 155 patients with metastatic melanoma consecutively treated with anti-CTLA4 and anti-PD1 combination immunotherapy: Incidence, management, and clinical benefit.

Background In response to the increased use of combination checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) and the resulting increased cutaneous adverse events (CAEs), this study reviewed patients with melanoma treated with combination CPIs to characterize CAE features and their clinical impact, correlation to adverse events in other organs, and correlation to tumor response. Methods Patients from the authors' institutional database who received at least 1 dose of ipilimumab in combination with either nivolumab or pembrolizumab between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2017, for stage IV or unresectable stage III melanoma were identified. The time to next treatment (TTNT) was calculated from the start of CPI therapy to the start of the next treatment or death, and the development of CAEs was tested in a time-dependent Cox regression to identify associations with TTNT. Results Eighty-one patients (52.3%) experienced a total of 92 CAEs, including eczematous dermatitis (25.0%), morbilliform eruption (22.8%), vitiligo (12.0%), and pruritus without rash (8.7%). The median times to the onset and resolution of CAEs were 21 days (range, 0-341 days) and 50 days (range, 1-352 days), respectively. Most CAEs resolved after patients entered the CPI maintenance phase and treatment with oral antihistamines with or without topical steroids. CPI discontinuation occurred in 4 patients (2.6%) because of CAEs, in 49 (31.6%) because of other immune-related adverse events, and in 20 (12.9%) because of melanoma progression or death. For patients definitively treated with CPIs (n = 134; 86.5%), TTNT was significantly longer with CAEs than without CAEs (hazard ratio, 0.567; 95% CI, 0.331-0.972; P = .039). Conclusions CAEs were mostly reversible and rarely required therapy discontinuation. The development of CAEs was associated with a longer TTNT, and this suggested a possible clinical benefit.
Die Große Vereinheitlichte Theorie

Die Losung des ersten Problems war meine Aufnahmeprufung in den Tempel der Mathematik. Durch einen glucklichen Umstand brachte mich mein nachstes mathematisches Projekt mit Fuchs ins Zentrum des Langlands-Programms, einer der tiefsten und aufregendsten mathematischen Theorien der letzten funfzig Jahre. Ich werde spater auf mein Projekt zu sprechen kommen, doch ich mochte in diesem Buch weit mehr als nur meine eigenen Erfahrungen beschreiben. Ich mochte Ihnen einen Einblick in die moderne Mathematik geben und Sie davon uberzeugen, dass es tatsachlich um Originalitat, Vorstellungskraft, Phantasie und wegweisende Einsichten geht. Und das Langlands-Programm ist ein ausgezeichnetes Beispiel dafur. Fur mich ist es wie eine Grose Vereinheitlichte Theorie der Mathematik, denn hier werden geheimnisvolle Strukturen aufgedeckt und untersucht, die in verschiedenen Bereichen der Mathematik auftreten und daher auf tiefe, unerwartete Beziehungen zwischen diesen Bereichen hindeuten.
Justice in “The Crunch”

Tallulah Bankhead is reported to have said “I’ve been poor and I’ve been rich and, believe me, rich is better.” Most of us would agree with Tallulah. Nevertheless, many individuals, groups, and societies during the course of their existence face the necessity of coping with an economic “crunch,” that is, with a diminution of their resources. Often, they cope badly and feel a loss in their self-esteem, their unity, and their sense of purpose as well as in their standard of living. However, it is not always the case that economic loss makes one poorer psychologically and socially. Thus, it is reasonable to ask: What conditions lead to the stimulation of latent paranoia, to the emergence of suspicious relations with others, to the breakdown of civility, to the decrease of individual and group morale, and to individual and social disruption in the face of an “economic crunch”? What conditions foster the effective mobilization of self and community to deal with adversity? These are the basic questions to which this paper is addressed.
Monitoring by Transient Investors? Institutions and Corporate Control

Do institutions monitor management? This paper argues that even if institutions do not actively monitor, monitoring results via the takeover market. Using 139 hostile attempts from 1985-1994, I show that higher levels of institutional ownership, primarily by mutual funds, increases bid probability. The level rather than the concentration of institutional ownership is the important factor. Also, successful acquisitions are more likely when institutions sell their shares. Further, institutions are not predicting likely targets; in fact, they are net sellers prior to the announcement. Even if institutions do not take an active role in corporate governance, institutional ownership results in increased monitoring, albeit through the market for corporate control.
Optical neural networks using electron trapping materials

The characteristics of electron trapping optical material are reviewed and equations for modeling the behavior developed. Classical supervised and unsupervised learning algorithms, suitable for optical implementation, are discussed. The principles, optical set up, experimental laboratory results and limitations are described for three optical learning demonstration systems: a supervised Hebbian optical learning associative memory, a supervised Perceptron classifier, and an unsupervised Hebbian optical learning novelty detector. Results show the potential and limitations of electron trapping optical material for optical neural network systems that use optical learning.
Suppression of breast cancer cell growth by Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor 1 (NHERF1).

Introduction Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor 1 (NHERF1, also known as EBP50 or NHERF) is a putative tumour suppressor gene in human breast cancer. Located at 17q25.1, NHERF1 is frequently targeted during breast tumourigenesis. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at the NHERF1 locus is found in more than 50% of breast tumours. In addition, NHERF1 is mutated in a subset of primary breast tumours and breast cancer cell lines. LOH at the NHERF1 locus is strongly associated with aggressive features of breast tumours, implicating NHERF1 as a haploinsufficiency tumour suppressor gene. However, the putative NHERF1 tumour suppressor activity has not been functionally verified.
The design of a differential CMOS charge pump for high performance phase-locked loops

The design methodology and the test results of a low-voltage differential charge pump structure for phase-locked loop (PLL) applications are presented. The structure is composed of two charge/discharge blocks, a replica bias circuit, and a sampled data common-mode feedback (CMFB) block that adjusts the pump-up current for symmetrical differential outputs and a wider output voltage range. A prototype is fabricated using a 0.18 /spl mu/m n-well CMOS technology to test the charge pump in a high performance PLL, running internally at 2.5 GHz with -123 dBc/Hz phase noise at 1 MHz frequency offset.
Roles for platelet-activating factor and *NO-derived oxidants causing neutrophil adherence after CO poisoning.

Studies were conducted with rats to investigate whether platelet activating factor (PAF) and nitric oxide (·NO)-derived oxidants played roles in the initial adherence of neutrophils to vasculature ...
Catching Fire? Social Interactions, Beliefs, and Wildfire Risk Mitigation Behaviors

Social interactions are widely recognized as a potential influence on risk-related behaviors. We present a mediation model in which social interactions (classified as formal/informal and generic/fire-specific) are associated with beliefs about wildfire risk and mitigation options, which in turn shape wildfire mitigation behaviors. We test this model using survey data from fire-prone areas of Colorado. In several cases, our results are consistent with the mediation hypotheses for mitigation actions specifically targeting vegetative fuel reduction. Perceived wildfire probability partially mediates the relationship between several interaction types and vegetative mitigation behaviors, while perceptions of aesthetic barriers and lack of information play a mediating role in the case of fire-specific formal interactions. Our results suggest that social interactions may allow mitigation and prevention behaviors to “catch fire” within a community, and that wildfire education programs could leverage these interact...
SMAC IAP Addiction in Cancer

Deregulation of apoptosis is a hallmark of human cancer. Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) were first identified as inhibitors of caspases and apoptosis. They were later shown to play important roles in signal transduction to promote cell survival and proliferation beyond apoptosis, a function conserved in lower eukaryotes. Genetic alterations of cIAPs, as well as widespread altered expression in IAPs and their endogenous inhibitors such as SMAC, have been reported to be associated with disease progression and chemoresistance in cancer. Several strategies have been devised to target IAPs in cancer including rationally designed small-molecule IAP antagonists based on the conserved interaction between IAPs and SMAC. Known as SMAC mimetics, these agents are showing promise as novel cancer therapeutics and help reveal novel functions of IAPs.
Radioiodide in the thyroid and in other organs of rats treated with large doses of perchlorate.

WE INVESTIGATE]) the hitherto largely unexplored first step of thyroid hormone biogenesis, the diffusion of iodide into the thyroid, by administering radioiodide after complete blocking of the thyroidal iodide pump ("trap") with its most potent inhibitor, sodium perchlorate (Wyngaarden et al., 1952). We correlated the amount of radioiodide that was found in the thyroid under such conditions with the structure of the gland, which was experimentally altered by varying the intensity of thyrotrophic stimulation. It was our hope that such a study may yield information concerning a) the site of the iodide “trap” within the thyroid parenchyma and b) the possible influence of thyrotrophin on the permeability of the thyroid cell to iodide. Levine and Goldstein (1955) have recently emphasized, in discussing the mode of action of insulin, that hormones may regulate metabolic processes by altering the permeability of cell membranes to specific substances.
Models, context, and achievement fantasy: parametric studies and theoretical propositions.

Summary 582 Ss in 8 experiments viewed 1 of 9 films portraying models involved in achievement (Ach), affiliation (Aff), or neutral (Neu) activity. Ss who viewed Ach models after an interval of adaptation to the setting produced more TAT n Ach immediately after the film than other adapted Ss. Under other conditions, Ss who viewed Ach models produced significantly less n Ach than Ss who viewed non-Ach models. Results were ordered to a “subself” conception of personality organization and three theoretical propositions: (a) Models elicit fantasy thematically similar to their activity unless S is incompatibly preoccupied, (b) in which case models cause suppression of similar fantasy; but (c) in fantasy both elicitation and suppression are short-lived.
ALGINATE: PROPERTIES AND BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS

Alginate is a biomaterial that has found numerous applications in biomedical science and engineering due to its favorable properties, including biocompatibility and ease of gelation. Alginate hydrogels have been particularly attractive in wound healing, drug delivery, and tissue engineering applications to date, as these gels retain structural similarity to the extracellular matrices in tissues and can be manipulated to play several critical roles. This review will provide a comprehensive overview of general properties of alginate and its hydrogels, their biomedical applications, and suggest new perspectives for future studies with these polymers.
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Pathway Genes and Interstitial Lung Disease: An Association Study

The etiology and pathogenesis of idiopathic interstitial lung disease (ILD) remain incompletely understood. Genetic susceptibility to ILD has been demonstrated in previous studies. It is well known that EGFR inhibitors can induce ILD in human lung cancer patient with ethnic differences, which prompted us to hypothesize that genetic variation in EGFR pathway genes confer susceptibility to ILD. We aimed in this study to investigate whether functional polymorphisms of EGFR and its ligands genes (EGF and TGFA) were associated with ILD. Three EGFR [−216G/T (rs712830), −191A/C (rs712829), 497R > K(A/G) (rs2227983)], one EGF [61A/G, (rs4444903)] and one TGFA (rs3821262C/T) polymorphisms previously demonstrated to alter gene functions were genotyped in 229 sporadic idiopathic ILD patients and 693 normal healthy individuals. Allelic and genotypic association tests between these polymorphisms and ILD were performed. The EGF 61A/G polymorphism was significantly associated with elevated risk of ILD, with the frequency of G allele significantly increased in the ILD patient population (OR = 1.33, 95%CI = 1.07–1.66, P = 0.0099). None of the other polymorphisms were associated with risk of ILD. Our study suggested that the EGF 61A/G polymorphism may be associated with sporadic ILD. While a false positive finding cannot be excluded, independent studies are warranted to further validate this result.
Integrating dynamically-fetched external information into a DBMS for semistructured data

We describe the external data manager component of the Lore database system for semistructured data. Lore's external data manager enables dynamic retrieval and integration of data from arbitrary, heterogeneous external sources during query processing. The distinction between Lore-resident and external data is invisible to the user. We introduce a flexible notion of arguments that limits the amount of data fetched from an external source, and we have incorporated optimizations to reduce the number of calls to an external source.
Kinetics of Dopant Metastability in a-Si:H

Small temperature-induced perturbations from thermodynamic equilibrium of doped hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) are explored by dark conductivity measurements. The equilibration kinetics reveal significant differences between phosphorus and boron doping. Raising the temperature leads to an increase of electron/hole densities which are related to the activation of additional dopants, while a decrease of temperature causes the opposite effect of dopant passivation. The creation kinetics of P doped a-Si:H is stretched exponential with a temperature independent β value of 0.85 whereas dopant passivation in the same temperature range is also stretched exponential decay, but with values for β < 0.8. In contrast, the kinetics of boron activation and passivation are stretched exponential with equal β values. The time constant τ to achieve thermodynamic equilibrium for both activation and passivation is thermally activated with energies ≃ 1.1 eV for P and B doped a-Si:H. τ depends weakly on the degree of perturbation. A discussion and interpretation of the data based on hydrogen migration in a-Si:H is given.
Recent trends in occupational mental health: an overview.

Modern occupational mental health programs are found in many different settings, structures, and formats.
Control of Food Intake in Older Men

Objective. —To investigate the effects of aging on mechanisms of body energy regulation and thereby determine the causes of unexplained weight loss in older persons, a factor predisposing to premature death and disability. Design. —Dietary intervention study. Setting. —Metabolic ward and outpatient. Participants. —The subjects were 35 healthy younger and older men of normal body weight consuming a diet of typical composition and performing usual activities. Main Outcome Measures. —Subjects were either overfed by a mean (±SD) of 4.09 (±0.26) MJ/d (n=17) or underfed by 3.17 (±0.68) MJ/d (n=18) for 21 days. Measurements were made of changes in body weight, body composition, and energy expenditure during overfeeding or underfeeding, and of subsequent voluntary nutrient intakes and changes in body weight. Results. —There was no significant effect of aging on changes in body composition, body weight, or energy expenditure with overfeeding or underfeeding. However, following overfeeding, younger men exhibited spontaneous hypophagia, whereas the older men did not (mean [±SD] changes in energy intake relative to control values were -2.11 [±2.18] and 1.55 [±2.11] MJ/d, respectively;P=.006). As a result, the younger men lost the excess body weight gained during overfeeding but the older men did not. Similarly, following underfeeding, the younger men exhibited hyperphagia while the older men did not (mean [±SD] changes in energy intake relative to control values were 1.88 [±2.31]and -0.52 [±1.54] MJ/d, respectively;P=.02), and as a result the older men failed to regain the weight lost during underfeeding. Conclusions. —These results in 35 men suggest that aging may be associated with a significant impairment in the ability to control food intake following overeating or undereating. Since overeating and undereating occur routinely as part of the normal pattern of energy regulation, the findings reported herein may help to explain the vulnerability of older persons to unexplained weight gain and weight loss. (JAMA. 1994;272:1601-1606)
Drought and flood stress tolerance of butternut (Juglans cinerea) and naturally occurring hybrids: implications for restoration

Efforts to restore species threatened by introduced pathogens often include breeding resistance into susceptible native species from resistant exotics, but this is a lengthy and expensive process. Naturally occurring hybrids between susceptible and resistant species may accelerate this process if they fulfill the desired species’ ecological function. To explore this possibility, we exposed the following seedlings to drought and flood treatments in a controlled environment: Juglans cinerea L. (butternut), which has been devastated by an exotic pathogen; Juglans ailantifolia Carr. var. cordiformis (heartnut); Juglans × bixbyi Rehd. [ailanthifolia × cinerea] (buartnut), multigenerational hybrids between butternut and heartnut; and Juglans nigra L. (black walnut). There was a strong taxa × treatment interaction. Butternut had a negative response to flood treatments, expressed by reduced leaf area (LA), photosynthetic assimilation (A), and chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm). Heartnut had a negative response to d...
Numerical Simulations of a Feedback-Controlled Circular Cylinder Wake

The effect of feedback flow control on the wake of a circular cylinder at a Reynolds number of 100 is investigated in direct numerical simulation. The control approach uses a low-dimensional model based on proper orthogonal decomposition (POD). The controller applies linear proportional and differential feedback to the estimate of the first POD mode. The range of validity of the POD model is explored in detail. Actuation is implemented as displacement of the cylinder normal to the flow. It is demonstrated that the threshold peak amplitude below which the control actuation ceases to be effective is in the order of 5% of the cylinder diameter. The closed-loop feedback simulations explore the effect of both fixed-phase and variable-phase feedback on the wake. Whereas fixed-phase feedback is effective in reducing drag and unsteady lift, it fails to stabilize this state once the low drag state has been reached. Variable-phase feedback, however, achieves the same drag and unsteady lift reductions while being able to stabilize the flow in the low drag state. In the low drag state, the near wake is entirely steady, whereas the far wake exhibits vortex shedding at a reduced intensity. A drag reduction of 15% of the drag was achieved, and the unsteady lift force was lowered by 90%.
Toda flows, inverse spectral transform and realization theory

Abstract In this paper we establish some new relationships between the solution techniques for completely integrable nonlinear differential equations of the Toda type and topics in realization theory.
C-type natriuretic peptide and its receptor are downregulated in pulmonary epithelium following birth

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is a member of the natriuretic peptide family and acts through the membrane bound guanylyl cyclase linked natriuretic peptide receptor B (NPR-B) to increase intracellular cGMP. Activation of the CNP/NPR-B pathway in pulmonary epithelium has been linked to the inhibition of amiloride-sensitive sodium absorption and to the stimulation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Given the importance of ion movement across the pulmonary epithelium of the fetal and newborn lung, we sought to examine the expression of CNP and NPR-B in pulmonary epithelium of the developing fetal lamb and following the transition to air breathing. Lambs were sacrificed at 100 and 136 days of gestation and at 3 days, and 4 weeks after full term delivery. Lung sections were immunostained for CNP and NPR-B. At 100 days of gestation, staining for CNP and NPR-B was absent within all pulmonary epithelium. At 136 days of gestation, prominent staining for both CNP and NPR-B was seen within alveolar type II cells, non-ciliated cells of the distal airways (Clara cells), and ciliated epithelium of the upper airways. At both 3 days and 4 weeks following birth, staining for CNP and NPR-B was absent in alveolar type II cells, ciliated bronchial epithelium and was markedly reduced in Clara cells. The presence of CNP and NPR-B within the pulmonary epithelium in the nearterm fetal period and its rapid downregulation following birth suggests that CNP may contribute to the maintenance of the fluid-filled lung through the regulation of trans-epithelial ion flux.
Subcellular localization of frizzled receptors, mediated by their cytoplasmic tails, regulates signaling pathway specificity.

The Frizzled (Fz; called here Fz1) and Fz2 receptors have distinct signaling specificities activating either the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway or Fz/planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling in Drosophila. The regulation of signaling specificity remains largely obscure. We show that Fz1 and Fz2 have different subcellular localizations in imaginal disc epithelia, with Fz1 localizing preferentially to apical junctional complexes, and Fz2 being evenly distributed basolaterally. The subcellular localization difference directly contributes to the signaling specificity outcome. Whereas apical localization favors Fz/PCP signaling, it interferes with canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Receptor localization is mediated by sequences in the cytoplasmic tail of Fz2 that appear to block apical accumulation. Based on these data, we propose that subcellular Fz localization, through the association with other membrane proteins, is a critical aspect in regulating the signaling specificity within the Wnt/Fz signaling pathways.
Response to CDR Sean Bryant Regarding “Wartime toxicology: Evaluation of a military medical toxicology telemedicine consults service to assist physicians serving overseas and in combat: 2005–2012”

CDR Sean Bryant, Thank you for your recent service in Afghanistan and thank you for your letter. I also recently returned from deployment to Afghanistan, as have several of the other authors, and we have had similar experiences with toxicological exposures in the deployment environment. We also agree that many of our colleague physicians would benefit from the ability to rapidly consult with a toxicologist. Both during my deployment and since my return, I have had multiple consults during which I have been able to provide immediate recommendations using a Wi-Fi chat/text application (i.e., Voxer) via my cellular phone. A military–civilian partnership using similar communication modalities could greatly enhance the ability of toxicologists to serve military, humanitarian, and other overseas operations in austere environments. We look forward to supporting this effort and would greatly appreciate coordinating with you and anyone else interested in this endeavor. Maj. (Dr.) Joseph Maddry, USAF Maj. (Dr.) Daniel Sessions, USA Lt. Col. (Dr.) Vikhyat S. Bebarta, USAF
Artists and the Mind in the 21st Century

In 2008, Lesley University Professors Geoffrey Koetsch and Ellen Schon conducted an informal survey of New England artists to ascertain the degree to which recent work in neuroscience had impacted the visual arts. The two curators mounted an exhibition (MINDmatters May-June, 2008) at the Laconia Gallery in Boston in which they showcased the work of artists who had chosen mental processes as their primary subject. These artists were reacting to the new vision of the mind revealed by science; their inquiry was subjective, sensory, and existential, not empirical. They approached consciousness from several vantage points. Some of the artists had had personal experience with pathologies of the brain such as dementia or cancer and were puzzling out the phenomenon consuming the mind of a loved one. They looked to neuroscience for clarity and understanding. Some artists were personally involved with new techniques of cognitive psychotherapy. Others were inspired by the sheer physical beauty of the brain as revealed by new imaging technologies. Two of the artists explored the links between meditation, mindfulness practice and neuroscience. Issues such as the “boundary” and “binding” problems were approached, as well as the challenge of creating visual metaphors for neural processes. One artist visualized the increasing transparency of the body as researchers introduce more and more invasive technologies.
Reduction of Listeria monocytogenes populations during exposure to a simulated gastric fluid following storage of inoculated frankfurters formulated and treated with preservatives

The effect of a simulated gastric fluid (adjusted to pH 1.0 with HCl) on Listeria monocytogenes, inoculated postprocessing on pork frankfurters formulated with sodium lactate (SL) and sodium diacetate (SD) and not dipped or dipped in solutions of lactic acid or acetic acid, was evaluated during storage of the frankfurters at 10 °C for 40 days. Pork frankfurters containing 1.8% SL, 0.25% SD, 1.8% SL+0.125% SD, or 1.8% SL+0.25% SD were inoculated with 102–103 CFU/cm2 of a 10-strain preparation of L. monocytogenes and were not dipped or dipped for 2 min in solutions of 2.5% lactic or acetic acid before they were vacuum-packaged and stored. Survival of L. monocytogenes was determined after exposure of frankfurters for 0, 20, 40, and 60 min to the simulated gastric fluid after storage for 0, 10, 20, 30, or 40 days. Growth of L. monocytogenes on frankfurters formulated with antimicrobials was inhibited in the order control <SL<0.25% SD<SL+0.125% SD<SL+0.25% SD. Survival of L. monocytogenes during exposure to simulated gastric fluid was higher on those frankfurters on which there had been extensive growth of the pathogen than on frankfurters on which growth had been inhibited. Inclusion of single antimicrobials in the formulation of not dipped frankfurters appeared to increase resistance of L. monocytogenes to simulated gastric fluid provided the initial level of the pathogen exposed to the simulated gastric fluid was higher than 5 log CFU/cm2. Although the combinations of SL and SD used in the formulation of not dipped frankfurters inhibited growth of L. monocytogenes, prolonged (40 days) storage of such frankfurters induced slight resistance to simulated gastric fluid. The frankfurter formulation of 0.25% SD and dipping in 2.5% lactic acid appeared to increase resistance of L. monocytogenes to simulated gastric fluid following growth during prolonged (days 20 to 40) storage. Use of 2.5% acetic acid dipping combined with antimicrobials in the formulation inhibited growth of L. monocytogenes on frankfurters and subsequent detectable survival after exposure to simulated gastric fluid.
Surface characterization of metal plates exposed to atomic oxygen in space

Abstract The oxides formed on plates of Al, Cu, Ni, Ta, Zr and Si by exposure to atomic oxygen in space on NASA's (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) Long Duration Exposure Facility have been examined using variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy. A portion of each metallic specimen was shielded from direct exposure to space by an aluminum bar, and both the shielded and exposed regions of each sample were analyzed. Characterization of the metal samples revealed the stoichiometry, film thickness, and degree of porosity of the surface oxide layer for each material. The oxide films on the exposed regions of the metal samples were as thin as 354 A for Ni and as thick as 1221 A for Si. The shielded portions of each plate were covered by a very thin non-porous oxide film, except in the case of Cu which was thick and highly porous. The porosity of the oxide films on the exposed regions of the samples was found to be negligible in the case of Si and Al and as high as 81% porous for the Zr sample.
Radiation protection for dental patients

Radiation received by the dental patient in roentgenographic procedures can be minimized by the following means :limiting the roentgen-ray beam, or shielding parts of the patient’s body; applying metal filters to the x-ray tube; using higher kilovoltage; using higher-speed dental films, and decreasing the frequency and extent of roentgenographic examinations.
Variational Approach to the Equilibrium Thermodynamic Properties of Simple Fluid Mixtures. III

The variational technique proposed earlier for the calculation of the equilibrium thermodynamic properties of simple pure fluids, melting transitions, and simple pure solids is extended to binary mixtures of simple fluids. The working inequality is introduced and the variational parameters are characterized. For a case study, the present variational approach is applied in predicting the thermodynamic properties of the liquid mixture of argon and krypton at zero pressure and 115.77°K. The thermodynamic and excess properties of this mixture over that of the pure systems (at zero pressure and in liquid state) are calculated and compared with the results of the available Monte Carlo calculations, experimental measurements, and several theories of solutions. Preliminary investigation indicates good agreement between the result of the present variational technique with the experimental and machine‐calculated data. Variations of the thermodynamic properties of the binary mixture, with the variation of the ratios of the force constants of the potential functions of the two components, are calculated at 97°K, zero pressure, and equal mole fractions. These values are compared with the existing values of the Monte Carlo calculations.
Hematogenous Serratia marcescens osteomyelitis of the carpal scaphoid from an indwelling radial artery catheter

An infected radial artery catheter site led to osteomyelitis of the carpal scaphoid. The organism was Serratia marcescens , and it was presumably introduced into the bone by the hematogenous route. Excision of the scaphoid and appropriate antibiotic therapy resulted in cure.
The Emory Method : a modified approach to Norplant® implants removal

Abstract Norplant ® implants were removed from fifty (50) patients using a modified approach to Norplant ® implant removal (Emory Method). Eighty-eight percent (88%) of the removals were accomplished in less than 10 minutes using this technique. The average time for removal of Norplant ® implants from 50 women included in the current study was 8 minutes. The Emory Method for Norplant ® implant removal includes three steps which are different from the technique developed by the Population Council. More anesthesia, a slightly longer incision and vigorous disruption of the tissue encapsulation surrounding the implants are recommended. The Emory Method is fast, safe and easy to perform. It has been successfully taught to over twenty-five clinicians.
The Terrestrial and Freshwater Tardigrada of Northeastern North America, with New Records from Maine

Abstract Tardigrada (water bear) is a phylum of microscopic animals commonly found in mosses, lichens, leaf litter, and freshwater. Over 200 species of water bear are known to occur in North America; 99 species have been reported from northeastern North America. In lichen and leaf-litter samples from Bar Harbor, Hancock County, ME (a state for which only one species of tardigrade, Thulinius augusti, has hitherto been reported), eleven species of water bear were present: Echiniscus merokensis, Milnesium tardigradum, Ramazzottius baumanni, R. oberhaeuseri, Diphascon (Diphascon) nodulosum, D. (Adropion) prorsirostre, Astatumen trinacriae, Macrobiotus harmsworthi, Macrobiotus hufelandi, Minibiotus furcatus, and Minibiotus intermedius. All have previously been reported from other states and provinces in northeastern North America, but are new records for Maine.
"A pleasant Land to see" Part Two

This is the concluding portion of an article, the first half of which appeared in the Journal for June, 1962, and consisting of a collection of passages by various authors describing New Jersey scenery. In this part there are passages about The Raritan River Valley, The Highlands of Navesink, Sandy Hook, Manasquan, Barnegat, The Pine Barrens, Timber Creek, Great Egg Harbor, and Cape May County.
Formulation and Characteristics of a Fermented Pepperoni Using Mutton and Fowl

Abstract A fermented pepperoni was prepared using hand deboned mutton (50%) and fowl (50%) and the chemical, physical and sensory properties of the experimental pepperoni were examined. The muttom:fowl pepperoni contained 33.6% protein, 36.8% moisture, 20.0% fat and 4.3% salt. Textural measurements demonstrated that the mutton:fowl pepperoni had a shear value of 2.99 Pa(kg-force/cm2) and a hardness of 20.3 N (kg-force). The Hunter a-value was 13.97. Comparison with a national brand of fermented all beef pepperoni showed the mutton:fowl pepperoni to be higher in protein, lower in fat, less red and to have a lower shear value. Sensory analysis demonstrated that the commercial all beef pepperoni was preferred for color (P 0.05) for texture and flavor between the experimental and commercial pepperonis. Preliminary cost of production analysis indicated that the mutton:fowl pepperoni would cost $1.76-2.10/kg to manufacture.
Human immunodeficiency virus-associated lipohypertrophy (buccal fat pad lipoma-like lesions) reduced with subcutaneously injected sodium deoxycholate.

Dr. Rotunda is the co-inventor of a patent that describes the use of deoxycholate as a method to treat localized fat.
RECURRENT EPIDIDYMO-ORCHITIS IN PATIENTS WITH BEHÇET’S DISEASE

Purpose : We study the clinical features of epididymo-orchitis in patients with Behcet’s disease.Materials and Methods: Of 57 men with Behcet’s disease 7 had epididymo-orchitis during the course of disease. A questionnaire was applied to all cases and the clinical features were recorded. HLA class 1 was determined and a pathergy test was performed.Results : All 7 patients fulfilled the international study group criteria for Behcet’s disease. All patients had recurrent oral ulcers, skin lesions (folliculitis, erythema nodosum-like lesions) and uveitis, and 6 had recurrent genital ulcers, 2 arthritis, 1 vasculitis and 4 central nervous system involvement. The pathergy test was positive in 4 patients and all had B5(51). The allele B5101 was present in 6 patients and 1 had B5102. Recurrences were observed in 5 patients. Concurrent symptoms with epididymo-orchitis consisted of oral ulcers, fever, uveitis, arthritis and penile ulcer. Colchicine, glucocorticoids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and cyclospo...
Validation of new depletion capabilities and ENDF/B-VII data libraries in SCALE

Abstract New isotopic depletion capabilities and ENDF/B-VII data libraries have been implemented in the recent release 6.1 of SCALE, a comprehensive modeling and simulation suite for nuclear safety analysis and design developed and maintained by Oak Ridge National Laboratory. An assessment of the effect of the new developments on the code performance is the subject of this paper. The analysis is focused on evaluating the code performance in predicting isotopic compositions in spent nuclear fuel by using an extensive, measured isotopic assay database. The analysis results obtained using the latest ENDF/B-VII cross-section data and different resonance processing methods in SCALE are compared to the results of previous validation studies that used ENDF/B-V data. The performance of SCALE depletion capabilities with respect to other computational systems is assessed based on recent published results that were obtained using ENDF/B-VII libraries.
Autecological effects of habitat alteration: trophic changes in mangrove marsh fish as a consequence of marsh impoundment

The key to predicting, counteracting, and managing environmental change is under- standing the mechanisms through which habitat change affects populations of organisms. The man- grove ecosystem of the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), east-central Florida, has been impounded for the purpose of mosquito control and is representative of such large-scale alterations. Sailfin mollies Poe- cilia latipinna in this system exhibit significant interpopulation differences in adult body size in rela- tion to habitat alteration. One likely hypothesis for this pattern is the apparent change in diet experi- enced as a result of impoundment, as has been documented in earlier studies. To address the question of whether these dietary changes would have been sufficient to cause trophic differences in P. latipinna populations relative to impoundment, a comparative study of trophic position in 2 size- divergent populations of P. latipinna using stable isotopes was employed. Results suggested that P. latipinna from an unimpounded site had a slightly higher trophic position than those from an impounded site and may constitute a partial explanation of differences in adult body size between the 2 populations. Results from the present study also showed that there was a fundamental differ- ence in energy source between the study sites, which suggests greater assimilation of mangrove- based carbon in impoundments. Specific population- and community-level effects of impoundment on mangrove habitats have been demonstrated, indicating a mechanistic link between anthro- pogenic habitat alteration and life history of P. latipinna.
Immunological Studies of the Luteinizing Hormone. I. Identification of the Antigenic Components of Sheep Luteinizing Hormone and the Development of a Serologically Specific Antiserum

Hyperimmune antiserum to NIH luteinizing hormone (LH) after absorption with sheep serum and sheep tissues developed 7 precipitin lines against luteinizing hormone in immunoelectrophoresis and agar gel diffusion. Consecutive absorption with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), pregnant mare's serum (PMS), human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), and, finally, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), resulted in removal of specific lines with each absorbing hormone. After the last absorption a single line remained, and the final serum was no longer serologically reactive with any of the hormones studied except the luteinizing hormone. (Endocrinology 79: 362, 1966)
Translational Therapeutics in Genetically Engineered Mouse Models of Cancer

Advances in knowledge of the molecular alterations of human cancers, refinements in technologies for the generation of genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs), and the development of cancer therapies have accelerated in recent years. Progress in these fields provides the foundation for clinically relevant studies to be performed in GEMMs, through which it is possible to glean information on drug efficacy and to identify determinants of sensitivity and resistance to drugs and drug combinations. GEMMs used in pre-, co-, and postclinical studies must closely recapitulate the genetics, histopathology, and response to therapy of the human disease. Prevention and intervention trials can be designed in GEMMs to test the effects of drugs on tumor initiation, regression, and progression. Given their complexity, careful consideration of the infrastructure requirements and practical aspects of each individual experiment, including enrollment, tumor monitoring, and dose and schedule, must be considered in the design of therapeutic studies in GEMMs. Advantages of GEMMs include the ability to rapidly perform drug efficacy studies in a defined genetic background, the ease of pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic assessments, and the possibility of experimentally manipulating model systems to address questions that cannot be addressed in patients. In light of these features, GEMMs are useful tools for translational studies to inform clinical trials in cancer patients.