cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impella 5.0 as a Bridge to Cardiac Transplantation before and after Reclassification of the United Network for Organ Sharing Heart Allocation Criteria

Purpose For patients in cardiogenic shock, temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS) with impella 5.0 as a bridge to decision, durable MCS, or transplantation, is associated with acceptable clinical outcomes. In October 2018, UNOS heart allocation criteria were reclassified, and we sought to determine the impact of bridging with impella 5.0 post-reclassification. Methods A prospectively collected institutional heart failure device registry was mined for clinical data related to the impella 5.0 before and after UNOS re-classification. Basic demographic characteristics, surgical access site, and duration of support (total and after listing) were queried pre and post-reclassification. The proportion of patients who died, received device exchange, were explanted, bridged to durable MCS or transplant were queried. Survival to hospital discharge, and 3 and 6-month survival post-transplant were analyzed. Results Under old and new criteria respectively, 105/24 patients received an impella 5.0, 8(7.6%)/2(8.3%) had device exchange, 23(21.9%)/2(8.3%) expired, 28(26.7%)/4(16.6%) were explanted, 13(12.4%)/2(8.3%) received durable MCS, and 33(31.4%)/14(58.3%) were transplanted. Among those transplanted, duration of support after listing was 14.6(12.1) v 7.1(7.5), p=0.038. There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients supported ≤14d v >14d under old and new criteria (p=0.421). Among transplanted patients, there were no significant demographic differences (gender, age, blood type, length of support). 100% of transplanted patients were alive at discharge under old allocation criteria, whereas only 91.7% of patients were alive at discharge under new criteria, although this was not significant (p=0.094). 3 and 6-month survival were 100% under old allocation criteria, and 88.9% under new criteria (p=0.055). Conclusion A greater proportion of patients supported with impella 5.0 were transplanted under the new allocation criteria, with shorter support duration and no significant difference in mortality. Impella bridging to transplant is associated with excellent survival. Further investigation is required to delineate the relationships between allocation tier and clinical outcomes.
Pyridoxal-Catalyzed Racemization of α-Aminoketones Enables the Stereodivergent Synthesis of 1,2-Amino Alcohols Using Ketoreductases

Differentially substituted 1,2-amino alcohols are a prevalent motif in a variety of pharmaceutical and agrochemical molecules. Dynamic kinetic resolutions (DKRs) that involve the asymmetric reducti...
The intersection of individual differences, personality variation, & military service: A twin comparison design

In societies where military service is voluntary multiple factors are likely to affect the decision to enlist. Past research has produced evidence that a handful of personality and social factors s...
Multiphysics and Multiobjective Design Optimization of High-Frequency Transformers for Solid-State Transformer Applications

This article proposes a multiphysics-based and multiobjective design optimization of high-frequency transformers (HFT) for solid-state transformer (SST) applications. Achieving an efficient SST, regardless of its topology, highly depends on the design optimization of its HFT design parameters. Also, a high-power-density. The proposed algorithm (based on time-harmonic electromagnetic, thermal, and fluid physics model coupling) minimizes the volume of the HFT, total cost as well maximizes its efficiency. A case study of $20 \text{ kW}$ , $10 \text{ kHz}$ is investigated and its Pareto optimal solutions (POS) presented. The simulation results show the various dependencies of the design variables on the proposed objective functions which verifies effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The Pareto optimal solutions (POSs) show that efficiencies above $99\%$ can be achieved with appropriate selection of the design variables. From the POS, two case studies of the HFTs (referred to as $HFT_1$ and $HFT_2$ using $AMCC-100$ and $AMCC-250$ amorphous cores, respectively) are further investigated based on multiphysics numerical models. An experimental implementation of the optimized HFTs ( $HFT_1$ and $HFT_2$ ) is integrated with a self-tuned dual active bridge converter to validate their performance. The experimental measurements from the HFTs are in very good agreement with the optimization results.
Borderline society and ‘rebellious mourning’: the case of South Korean feminist activism

In this article I propose two concepts – a borderline society and ‘rebellious mourning’ – to present a conceptual framework for understanding contemporary Korean feminism. This article argues that ...
Quantitative assessment of glioblastoma phenotypes in vitro establishes cell migration as a robust readout of Crk and CrkL activity.

The expression levels of CT10 regulator of kinase (Crk) and Crk-like (CrkL) are elevated in many human cancers, including glioblastoma (GBM), and are believed to contribute to poor prognosis. Although Crk and CrkL have been proposed as therapeutic targets in these tumors, the lack of a reliable, quantitative assay to measure Crk and CrkL activity has hindered development of inhibitors. Here, we knocked down Crk, CrkL, or both using siRNAs in a human GBM cell line, U-118MG, to determine the respective, quantitative contributions of Crk and CrkL to cellular phenotypes. The combined use of specific and potent Crk and CrkL siRNAs induced effective knockdown of CrkII, CrkI, and CrkL. Whereas Crk knockdown did not affect cell morphology, proliferation, adhesion, or invasion, CrkL knockdown caused shrinkage of cells and inhibition of cell proliferation, adhesion, and invasion. Crk/CrkL double knockdown resulted in more pronounced morphological alterations and more robust inhibition of proliferation, adhesion, and invasion. Furthermore, Crk/CrkL double knockdown completely blocked cell migration, and this effect was rescued by transient overexpression of CrkL but not of Crk. Quantification of protein levels indicated that CrkL is expressed more abundantly than CrkII and CrkI in U-118MG cells. These results demonstrate both the predominant role of CrkL and the essential overlapping functions of Crk and CrkL in U-118MG cells. Furthermore, our study indicates that migration of U-118MG cells depends entirely on Crk and CrkL. Thus, impedance-based, real-time measurement of tumor cell migration represents a robust assay for monitoring Crk and CrkL activities.
The Security-as-a-Service Market for Small and Medium Enterprises

As small and medium enterprises move toward cloud computing for their IT operations, they discover that securing their information assets is a challenge. A new set of providers offering fee-based s...
The Subacromial Balloon Spacer: Indications and Technique

The subacromial balloon spacer is a novel alternative treatment for failed, massive, or irreparable rotator cuff tears. The procedure works by implanting a biodegradable spacer between the acromion and humeral head, which depresses the humeral head and allows for deltoid rehabilitation and potential restoration of normal biomechanics about the glenohumeral joint. Early results are promising, including prospective studies with midterm outcomes. Level 1 studies with long-term outcomes are needed to determine the validity of the treatment as well as examine potential long-term problems, such as capsular breakdown and functional deterioration. Additionally, cost-effectiveness studies, while in their infancy, have shown promising results when examining the subacromial spacer as a potential therapy for irreparable rotator cuff tears versus other end-stage treatments including superior capsular reconstruction and reverse shoulder arthroplasty.
Sedation and analgesia needs in methamphetamine intoxicated patients: much ado about nothing.

Abstract Background Methamphetamine (M) is a widely used, powerful sympathomimetic drug that produces significant CNS stimulation. Its use is associated with psychiatric disorders, abnormal brain chemistry, and cardiovascular disease. Pre-hospital M use is associated with increased intubation, intensive care unit admission, and hospital length of stay. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of acute M use on analgesia and sedation requirements in mechanically ventilated trauma patients. Methods This single center retrospective cohort study included injured adult patients (≥16 years) admitted to the trauma intensive care unit (TICU) between 2016 and 2018 who were mechanically ventilated and had a urine drug screen (UDS) completed. The primary outcome was the median sedation and total analgesia administered during the first 48 hours of TICU admission, expressed as propofol, dexmedetomidine, lorazepam, and morphine equivalents. Secondary endpoints included the median Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS) score, median Critical Pain Observation Tool (CPOT) score, ventilator days, length of stay, in-hospital mortality, and discharge disposition. Results A total of 245 patients were included in the final analysis (53 M+ and 192 M-). The patients were mostly men (78%) and sustained blunt trauma (89%) with a median age of 35 (IQR 26-52) years and median ISS of 11 (IQR 4-24). A M+ UDS was associated with increased morphine requirements, defined as greater than the cohort median of 1.91 mg/kg, during the first 12 hours of admission on the univariable analysis (OR 2.03; 95% CI, 1.07-3.82). There was no difference in median propofol (M+ 30 mcg/kg/min vs. M- 30 mcg/kg/min, p=0.58) or total morphine equivalents (M+ 5.42 mg/kg s. M- 3.89 mg/kg, p=0.30) over 48 hours between M+ and M- groups to achieve similar RASS and CPOT scores. Conclusion To achieve the same level of pain control and depth of sedation, intubated TICU patients with a M+ UDS do not require more analgesia and sedation than patients with a M- UDS during the first 48 hours of admission.
Korean: An Essential Grammar

Preface List of Abbreviations and Notations Glossary 0. Introduction Korean and its speakers 1. Writing system 2.1. History 2.2. Inventory 2.3. Romanization 2. Pronunciation 2.1. The Syllable 2.2. Consonants 2.3. Vowels 2.4. Intonation 3. Sentence 3.1. The elements of a simple sentence 3.1.1. Subject 3.1.2. Object 3.1.2. Predicate 3.2. Sentence patterns 3.3. Basic word order 4. Words 4.1. Types of vocabulary 4.2. Expanding words 5. Verbs 5.1. Action verbs 5.2. Descriptive verbs 5.3. Two kinds of 'be' 5.4. Making new verbs 5.5. Marking time and aspect 5.6. Honorification 5.6.1. Subject honorification 5.6.2. Addressee honorification 5.6.3. Reference honorification 5.7. Causatives and passives 6. Nouns, pronouns, classifiers, noun phrases 6.1. Proper and common nouns 6.2. Pronouns 6.3. Numerals and numeral classifiers 6.3. Making new nouns 6.4. Making noun phrases 6.5. Noun compounds 6.6. Word order in noun phrases 6.7. Case marking 7. Modifiers 7.1 Adverbs 7.2 Noun modifiers 7.3 Deictics 8. Mimetic words 8.1. Reduplication 8.2. Vowel 9. Negation 9.1. Short-form 9.2. Long-form 10. Expanded sentences 10.1. Compound sentences 10.2. Complex sentences 11. Casual speech 12. Linguistic protocol 12.1. Choosing the appropriate speech form 12.2. Honorific readjustments and politeness strategies 12.3. Language, ideology, and society Glossary of terms with explanations List of particles, suffixes, and sentential endings Further reading
A bootstrap method for estimating uncertainty of water quality trends

Estimation of the direction and magnitude of trends in surface water quality remains a problem of great scientific and practical interest. The Weighted Regressions on Time, Discharge, and Season (WRTDS) method was recently introduced as an exploratory data analysis tool to provide flexible and robust estimates of water quality trends. This paper enhances the WRTDS method through the introduction of the WRTDS Bootstrap Test (WBT), an extension of WRTDS that quantifies the uncertainty in WRTDS-estimates of water quality trends and offers various ways to visualize and communicate these uncertainties. Monte Carlo experiments are applied to estimate the Type I error probabilities for this method. WBT is compared to other water-quality trend-testing methods appropriate for data sets of one to three decades in length with sampling frequencies of 6-24 observations per year. The software to conduct the test is in the EGRETci R-package. Display Omitted Block bootstrap approach for water quality trends is developed.Used in conjunction with a flexible statistical model for river water quality.Trends in concentration and trends in flux can be evaluated.Confidence intervals can be estimated for trend magnitude.Based on WRTDS: Weighted Regressions on Time, Discharge, and Season.
Relationship of Crash Test Procedures to Vehicle Compatibility

This paper examines the effect that test barriers currently used for frontal and side impact tests have had on collision compatibility between different-sized vehicles. The peak force levels generated by the vehicles' front structures are one of the significant factors in determining vehicle compatibility. It is shown from principles of mechanics that the use of fixed barriers as a test device may lead to higher force levels for front ends of larger vehicles and thus increase the incompatibility between large and small vehicles. Review of data from various sources supports this conclusion that the peak force levels of vehicles' front ends have increased in proportion to their test mass. Available crash data is also examined for a relationship between NCAP ratings of vehicles and the likelihood of serious and fatal injuries to occupants of those vehicles. These data do not show any relationship between the frontal NCAP ratings of vehicles and their rate of serious or fatal injuries. The side impact (or LINCAP) rating, however, shows relationship of decreasing fatalities and serious injuries with higher test ratings.
The Role of Retail Competition, Demographics and Account Retail Strategy as Drivers of Promotional Sensitivity

We study the determinants of sensitivity to the promotional activities of temporary price reductions, displays, and feature advertisements. Both the theoretical and empirical literatures on price promotions suggest that retailer competition and the demographic composition of the shopping population should be linked to response to temporary price cuts. However, datasets that span different market areas have not been used to study the role of retail competition in determining price sensitivity. Moreover, little is known about the determinants of display and feature response. Very little attention has been focused on retailer strategic decisions such as price format (EDLP vs. Hi-Lo) or size of stores. We assemble a unique dataset with all U.S. markets and all major retail grocery chains represented in order to investigate the role of retail competition, account retail strategy, and demographics in determining promotional response. Previous work has not simultaneously modeled response to price, display, and feature promotions, which we do in a Bayesian Hierarchical model. We also allow for retailers in the same market to have correlated sales response equations through a variance component specification. Our results indicate that retail strategic variables such as price format are the most important determinants of promotional response, followed by demographic variables. Surprisingly, we find that variables measuring the extent of retail competition are not important in explaining promotional response.
Interpretations for observations of astronomical masers

Studies of astronomical masers have progressed in parallel with research on complex molecules, beginning with the original detections of both which occurred some twenty-five or so years ago. Basic aspects of the interpretation of the observational data are discussed with particular application to the 22 GHz water masers in regions of star formation. Specific issues include the nature of the gas dynamical environment based on pumping and other considerations, the structure and energetics from information in the spectral line profiles, and inferences about the strengths of magnetic fields at the highest gas densities from the polarization of maser radiation.
Equilibrium Statistical Physics – Phases of Matter and Phase Transitions: by Marc Baus and Carlos F. Tejero (based on a series of lectures given in 2000 – translation by M. López de Haro), Springer, 2008, 364 pp., US$129, ISBN: 987-3-540-746317.

The book is intended as an undergraduate text for students in condensed-matter, physical chemistry or materials sciences as well as students in theoretical physics. There are no problems presented ...
MARITAL CORRELATES OF BLOOD PRESSURE

In 1982, 1,260 white spouse pairs, aged 18 years and over, were interviewed as part of the Connecticut Blood Pressure Survey. The present report is based on a systematic analysis of 1) the personal characteristics and behavior of the spouse, 2) the roles and responsibilities of the material partners, and 3) similarity between spouses on selected variables. Results indicated that a number of these marital variables were associated with either systolic or diastolic blood pressure in husbands and in wives. Some components of the marital situation were associated with lower blood pressure whereas others were associated with higher blood pressure. Effects of marriage on blood pressure were observed both for husband's and wife's blood pressures, although the effects varied by sex. Similarity in spouses' behaviors and characteristics were more frequently associated with blood pressure than the individual effects of these behaviors. Age difference, measured as husband older than wife, was associated with lower blood pressure in husband's but with higher blood pressure in wives. Spouse's educational level and occupational status were not significantly related to blood pressure. Responsibility for common household chores (e.g., cooking) was associated with higher blood pressure in wives but responsibility for the family's health care was associated with lower blood pressure in both spouses.
The chemical vapor deposition of copper and copper alloys

Abstract The chemical vapor deposition of copper and copper alloys for very large scale integrated interconnects is described using a series of Lewis base stabilized copper (I) 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedionato (hfac) complexes. When the Lewis base is dimethyl-1,5-cyclooctadiene, high-purity copper metal is deposited at substrate temperatures from 150 to 250 °C. The deposition rate becomes mass-transport limited at the higher substrate temperatures, but excellent filling of sub-micron vias (3:1 aspect ratio) was achieved. The deposition of copper-tin alloys can also be achieved when vinyl trialkyltin is used as the Lewis base. At 180 °C, a carbon-free copper film, containing 0.6 at.%Sn, is deposited. A very strong substrate temperature dependence towards film purity was observed and results from thermal decomposition of the tin-containing ligand. These preliminary results demonstrate the utility of using single-source, mixed-metal precursors for copper alloy formation.
The use of radiotherapy in the management of follicular cystitis refractory to conservative and surgical management

Follicular cysitis is a proliferative benign lesion which can act locally malignant. Conservative management is best; however, when this fails, surgical resection is necessary up to and including cystectomy in extreme refractory cases. We present a clinical review and our results using radiation in this disease in a woman facing cystectomy.
Escalated aggression after alcohol drinking in male mice: dorsal raphé and prefrontal cortex serotonin and 5-HT(1B) receptors.

A significant minority of individuals engages in escalated levels of aggression after consuming moderate doses of alcohol (Alc). Neural modulation of escalated aggression involves altered levels of serotonin (5-HT) and the activity of 5-HT1B receptors. The aim of these studies was to determine whether 5-HT1B receptors in the dorsal raphe (DRN), orbitofrontal (OFC), and medial prefrontal (mPFC) cortex attenuate heightened aggression and regulate extracellular levels of 5-HT. Male mice were trained to self-administer Alc by performing an operant response that was reinforced with a delivery of 6% Alc. To identify Alc-heightened aggressors, each mouse was repeatedly tested for aggression after consuming either 1.0 g/kg Alc or H2O. Next, a cannula was implanted into either the DRN, OFC, or mPFC, and subsets of mice were tested for aggression after drinking either Alc or H2O prior to a microinjection of the 5-HT1B agonist, CP-94,253. Additional mice were implanted with a microdialysis probe into the mPFC, through which CP-94,253 was perfused and samples were collected for 5-HT measurement. Approximately 60% of the mice were more aggressive after drinking Alc, confirming the aggression-heightening effects of 1.0 g/kg Alc. Infusion of 1 μg CP-94,253 into the DRN reduced both aggressive and motor behaviors. However, infusion of 1 μg CP-94,253 into the mPFC, but not the OFC, after Alc drinking, increased aggressive behavior. In the mPFC, reverse microdialysis of CP-94,253 increased extracellular levels of 5-HT; levels decreased immediately after the perfusion. This 5-HT increase was attenuated in self-administering mice. These results suggest that 5-HT1B receptors in the mPFC may serve to selectively disinhibit aggressive behavior in mice with a history of Alc self-administration.
Peripapillary nerve fiber layer thickening, telangiectasia, and retinal hemorrhages in Wernicke encephalopathy

A young woman who underwent gastric bypass surgery for morbid obesity had intractable nausea and vomiting for several weeks postoperatively, leading to poor intake and excessive weight loss. In the ninth postoperative week, she became confused and off balance and reported blurred and double vision. Examination disclosed slow saccades, nystagmus, and impaired abduction of both eyes as well as memory loss and ataxia. Visual acuity was slightly subnormal, and ophthalmoscopy disclosed a thickened and telangiectatic peripapillary nerve fiber layer with retinal hemorrhages. MRI showed high T2 and FLAIR signal in the dorsomedial thalamus and mamillary bodies bilaterally, substantiating a clinical diagnosis of Wernicke encephalopathy (WE). After thiamine treatment, visual acuity returned to normal and eye movements and alignment almost completely normalized. Fundus abnormalities eventually regressed. Although the ocular motor findings of WE have been well documented, the ophthalmoscopic findings have not. Resembling the findings in Leber hereditary and toxic optic neuropathies, they may represent manifestations of impaired mitochondrial function in retinal ganglion cells and capillaries. Recognition that these ophthalmoscopic findings may occur in WE is important to avoid procedures such as lumbar puncture that may delay urgent treatment with thiamine.
Stromal-epithelial interaction in prostate cancer progression

Cancer is not a single-cell disease, and its existence and behavior are constantly modulated by the host. Cancer gene expression and genetics are also highly dynamic and are regulated epigenetically by the host through gene-environment interaction. In this article, we describe the molecular pathways leading to an unusual property of cancer cells: the ability to mimic the host microenvironment and, in particular, the characteristics of osteomimicry and vasculogenic mimicry, which are likely to be regulated by soluble and insoluble factors in the tumor-adjacent microenvironment. We also discuss the importance of host inflammatory and stem cells that contribute to the growth and survival of cancer cells. By understanding the salient features of cancer-host interaction, novel therapeutics might be developed to target the cancer and its host in the treatment of lethal prostate cancer metastases.
Ethylene dibromide and disulfiram toxic interaction.

(1978). Ethylene Dibromide and Disulfiram Toxic Interaction. American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal: Vol. 39, No. 7, pp. A-35-A-35.
Potassium-induced depolarization displaces exogenously incorporated gangliosides from cortical slices

Freshly diced rat cerebral cortical tissue was incubated with [3H]gangliosides for 30 min, then perfused for 2 h with different physiological solutions. Significantly more labeled (exogenous) gangliosides were displaced when mildly depolarizing concentrations (25 mM) of KCl were included in the perfusion medium. This provides new evidence for an interaction between gangliosides and membrane mechanisms of excitation.
Surface nucleated crystallization in Ge15Te80As5 semiconducting glasses

Abstract The crystalline morphology of electrically conductive surface layers in thermally annealed bulk samples of Ge15Te80As5 glass has been studied using a scanning electron microscope. Results confirm previous suggestions that crystallization is surface nucleated. Two regions of different crystalline morphology are observed and result from a two-stage crystallization process. Selected-area electron diffraction on extracted particles was used to identify the crystalline phases. The crystallites near the inner glassy material are Te, the first phase to segregate upon annealing. The crystalline material near the sample surface is more dense and contains two phases: GeTe (second-stage crystallization product) and crystalline Te. Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis with spacial resolution of 2–3 μm and accuracy of ±10% has shown that the “average” composition is the same for these crystalline regions and for the glassy material.
A comparison of intramedullary and juxtacortical low-grade osteogenic sarcoma.

While low-grade juxtacortical and low-grade intramedullary osteogenic sarcomas are histologically indistinguishable, they have been studied as separate entities. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical, radiographic, histologic features and treatment of 59 patients treated surgically to compare the rate of local recurrence, grade progression, and survival between low-grade intramedullary and low-grade juxtacortical osteogenic sarcoma. Forty-five (76%) patients were treated for low-grade juxtacortical osteogenic sarcoma and 14 (24%) were treated for low-grade intramedullary osteogenic sarcoma. Local recurrence rates of 7% were similar for both groups studied. The rate of distant metastases was also similar for both groups. . The rate of dedifferentiation for the entire group was 29%. Dedifferentiated lesions were treated with adjuvant chemotherapy in 16 of 17 cases. Recurrence preceded dedifferentiation in four cases. Five-year survival was over 90% in both groups. Low-grade intramedullary and low-grade juxtacortical osteogenic sarcoma were clinically indistinguishable with identical rates of local recurrence, distant metastases, dedifferentiation, and survival.
Combined sensor approach to the detection and discrimination of antipersonnel mine

In this study we investigate the detection of plastic anti- personnel mine simulants of several sizes using radar and IR imaging. The problem is first studied numerically with the finite-difference, time-domain method and an inverse synthetic aperture radar imaging algorithm to estimate the optimum conditions in dielectric contrast between the mine (epsilon) m and the soil (epsilon) s . It is found that to obtain a recognizable shape, the size of the simulant should be about two wavelengths when the dielectric contrast is low. Range of soil permittivity considered is from 2.8 to 6.0 corresponding to dry and wet soil conditions up to a volumetric soil moisture of 10 percent. The diameter of the mines ranged from 6 cm to 12 cm and their height ranges from 3.5 cm to 5 cm. It is found that when a mine diameter is larger than a wavelength, its image is discernible and becomes clearer when its diameter exceeds two wavelengths. It is found that a plastic mine with a dielectric constant of 2.5 embedded in a dry soil medium with a dielectric constant of 2.8 and locally flat surface can generate an image with the correct geometric shape. An experimental study of microwave-IR imaging is also conducted in this study. The key impact on IR imaging is the change in the amount of moisture in the soil medium caused by the presence of the simulant. Thus, different amounts of moisture are being heated by the microwave in regions with and without the simulant. This in turn causes a temperature difference leading to the IR image. Since the simulant contains no appreciable moisture, the temperature over the simulant is generally lower than the region around it. The soil inhomogeneity and heating pattern effects are discernible in the IR images.
Prevalence and biology of endosymbionts of fleas (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) from dogs and cats in Alachua County, Florida.

A study was conducted to determine the prevalence and biology of endosymbionts in local populations of fleas collected from dogs and cats in Alachua Co., Florida. Four hundred three Ctenocephalides felis (Bouche), 194 Pulex simulans Baker, and 44 Echidnophaga gallinacea (Westwood) were examined. Fleas were collected from 52 dogs and 51 cats. From 1 to 20 fleas were dissected from each host. A variety of microorganisms and metazoa was observed, including a baculovirus, gram-negative bacteria, rickettsia-like organisms, amoebae, trypanosomatid flagellates, cephaline gregarines, and microsporidia. Microfilariae of the dog heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis, entomophilic nematodes, and metacestodes of the tapeworm Dipylidium caninum were also observed.
Appearance of β-adrenergic response of adenylate cyclase during the induction of differentiation in cell cultures

Abstract Chemical inducers of differentiation, such as dimethylsulfoxide, N-methylacetamide and sodium butyrate, induce various kinds of differentiated characteristics in tumor cell lines as shown by numerous studies. In this study we showed that one common property of this group of chemicals is their ability to induce β-adrenergic response of adenylate cyclase in cell cultures, including Friend erythroleukemic cells, HeLa cells and rat fetal hepatocytes. This induction appears to be an early event in the differentiation, since it precedes the appearance of other differentiated characteristics, such as hemoglobin synthesis in erythroleukemic cells. This induced hormone response may contribute to the regulation of subsequent steps of differentiation.
Increased resistance to extinction as a function of the opportunity to retrace in the runway

Markedly superior resistance to extinction in the runway was shown by rats which were allowed to retrace immediately after entering the goalbox and receiving a buzzer cue formerly associated with reinforcement. Rats also receiving this cue immediately but not allowed to retrace showed reliably less resistance to extinction. Two corresponding groups with delayed reinforcement and cue showed poorer acquisition and extinction performance.
The leukemia-associated Mll-Ell oncoprotein induces fibroblast growth factor 2 (Fgf2)-dependent cytokine hypersensitivity in myeloid progenitor cells

The subset of acute myeloid leukemias (AML) with chromosomal translocations involving the MLL gene have a poor prognosis (referred to as 11q23-AML). The MLL fusion proteins that are expressed in 11q23-AML facilitate transcription of a set of HOX genes, including HOXA9 and HOXA10. Because Hox proteins are transcription factors, this suggests the possibility that Hox target genes mediate the adverse effects of MLL fusion proteins in leukemia. Identifying such Hox target genes might provide insights to the pathogenesis and treatment of 11q23-AML. In the current study we found that Mll-Ell (an MLL fusion protein) induced transcriptional activation of the FGF2 gene in a HoxA9- and HoxA10-dependent manner. FGF2 encodes fibroblast growth factor 2 (also referred to as basic fibroblast growth factor). Fgf2 influences proliferation and survival of hematopoietic stem cells and myeloid progenitor cells, and increased Fgf2-expression has been described in AMLs. We determined that expression of Mll-Ell in myeloid progenitor cells resulted in autocrine production of Fgf2 and Fgf2-dependent cytokine hypersensitivity. Therefore, our results implicated increased Fgf2 expression in progenitor proliferation and expansion in 11q23-AML. Because small molecule inhibitors of Fgf-receptors are in human clinical trials, this suggested a potential therapeutic approach to this treatment refractory leukemia.
John Dewey on Educating the Moral Self

Despite the affirmation below from a chapter entitled “The Moral Self” in his Ethics (1932), Deweyseems not to have used the term “moralself” outside that context. Perhaps he didn’t think it that crucial in his overall philosophy. I argue, on the contrary, that the concept ofthe moralself is fundamental to Deweyan moral psychology and that it provides an illuminating lens through which to view his philosophy of education. This paper explicates Dewey’s perspective on moral education as education of the moral self.
Integrating systems of care in California for youth with severe emotional disturbance III: Answers that lead to questions about out-of-home placements and the AB377 evaluation project

This paper is the third in a series of reports on preliminary empirical findings from replications of an integrated system of care for youth suffering from serious emotional disturbance. The development of the innovative system of care was pioneered in Ventura County, California, and the replications in three other California counties were legislatively enabled through California legislation (Assembly Bill 377). This report presents results on the expenditure and utilization of foster homes, residential placements made through special education programs, and state hospitals. Evaluation results indicate that foster home and state hospital utilization and expenditures are lower for the counties replicating the innovative system of care than for the state of California as a whole. Expenditures for special education residential placements are either at the state rate or lower in one county. The cumulative evidence supports the conclusion that the replication counties are utilizing restrictive levels of care at lower rates than would be expected, given state-wide patterns. The results, in conjunction with prior findings, are discussed in the context of questions about the possible fates of youth who no longer live in publicly funded residential facilities.
Results of the 2012 survey of the American Association of Academic Chief Residents in Radiology.

Rationale and Objective Every year, the American Association of Academic Chief Residents in Radiology conducts a survey of the chief residents in accredited radiology training programs in North America. The survey serves as a tool for gathering information, sharing ideas, and voicing opinions. Materials and Methods An online survey was made available to the chief residents from 187 training programs in North America. Questions were presented in multiple-choice and free response formats, designed to address many issues ranging from program structure to on-call policies, changes for the new board examination format and fellowships, and the effects of health care reform on radiology practices. The results of the survey were tabulated and responses to the repeated questions were compared with those from earlier surveys dating to 2003. Results Among those surveyed, 185 individual responses representing 135 unique programs were completed, yielding a 73% response rate. Thirty-eight percent of programs responded from the northeast and 17% of programs responded from the southeast. Nineteen percent of responses were from central United States, 14% of responses were from western United States, and 12% of responses were from Canada. Conclusions There is an increasing number of programs, which cover more hospitals, during the past decade. There are more programs providing ultrasound and magnetic resonance services after hours, with an associated increase in after-hours attending physician coverage. Many changes are being made for the future board examination format. Health care reform is affecting how residents are preparing themselves for their future practices.
Biodegradation of Three- and Four-Ring Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons under Aerobic and Denitrifying Conditions

PAHs are thought to be particularly persistent in environments where anaerobic conditions exist. This study presents evidence for the biodegradation of three- and four-ringed PAHs (anthracene, phenanthrene, and pyrene) under strict anaerobic, denitrifying conditions. Three pseudomonad strains, isolated from contrasting environments, were used in this study. All three strains were known PAH degraders and denitrifiers. Degradation proceeded to nondetectable levels (<0.001 mg/L) in 12−80 h for anthracene, 12−44 h for phenanthrene, and 24−72 h for pyrene. The rates of anaerobic degradation were typically slower than under aerobic conditions in almost all cases, except for strain SAG-R which had similar removal rates for all three and four-ring PAHs. Denitrification activity was verified by monitoring nitrate utilization and nitrous oxide production. Although none of the pseudomonads were adapted to the denitrifying conditions, only the pseudomonad isolated from a noncontaminated site (strain KBM-1) consistent...
Changes in dynamic foot pressure after surgical treatment of valgus deformity of the hindfoot in cerebral palsy.

Background: Calcaneal lengthening osteotomy and extra-articular arthrodesis of the subtalar joint are two methods used for the correction of valgus deformity of the heel and forefoot abduction. The purpose of this study was to compare the operative results of these procedures in patients with cerebral palsy who were able to walk. We focused primarily on changes in radiographic parameters and how altered mobility of the subtalar joint by the two operative methods would modify pressure distribution over the plantar surface of the foot. Methods: A total of eighty-one feet in forty-seven patients were included in the study. The mean age at the time of surgery was eight years and one month, and the mean follow-up period was thirty-nine months. The subjects were divided into two groups; Group I consisted of thirty-seven feet in twenty-two patients who underwent a calcaneal lengthening osteotomy, and Group II comprised forty-four feet in twenty-five patients who underwent an extra-articular subtalar arthrodesis. Preoperative and final follow-up radiographs and dynamic pedobarographs were used to evaluate the results. Results: The feet in both groups were found to be similarly deformed before surgery, by radiographic measurements and dynamic foot-pressure analysis. Both operative procedures led to improved radiographic indices; however, calcaneal pitch failed to improve after the subtalar arthrodesis. After surgery, the relative vertical impulse was decreased for the hallux, first metatarsal head, and medial aspect of the midfoot in both groups, while it was increased for the lateral aspect of the midfoot and calcaneus. On the other hand, postoperatively, the relative vertical impulse of the medial aspect of the midfoot was higher and the relative vertical impulse of the first through fourth metatarsal heads was lower in the group that had subtalar arthrodesis compared with the group that had a calcaneal lengthening osteotomy and the normal control subjects. Conclusions: Extra-articular subtalar arthrodesis appears to be an effective means to achieve predictable correction of severe valgus deformity of the heel in patients with cerebral palsy who are able to walk; however, supination deformity of the forefoot remains and calcaneal equinus is not corrected. On the other hand, we believe that the calcaneal lengthening osteotomy is the treatment of choice because postoperative foot-pressure distribution more closely approximates the normal foot-pressure distribution. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Calculating the Sensitivity and Robustness of Binding Free Energy Calculations to Force Field Parameters

Binding free energy calculations offer a thermodynamically rigorous method to compute protein–ligand binding, and they depend on empirical force fields with hundreds of parameters. We examined the sensitivity of computed binding free energies to the ligand’s electrostatic and van der Waals parameters. Dielectric screening and cancellation of effects between ligand–protein and ligand–solvent interactions reduce the parameter sensitivity of binding affinity by 65%, compared with interaction strengths computed in the gas-phase. However, multiple changes to parameters combine additively on average, which can lead to large changes in overall affinity from many small changes to parameters. Using these results, we estimate that random, uncorrelated errors in force field nonbonded parameters must be smaller than 0.02 e per charge, 0.06 A per radius, and 0.01 kcal/mol per well depth in order to obtain 68% (one standard deviation) confidence that a computed affinity for a moderately sized lead compound will fall wi...
Long-term results of first metatarsophalangeal joint fusion for severe hallux valgus deformity

Summary To evaluate the long-term results of a first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) fusion a series of 70 arthrodeses in 42 patients was reviewed. Thirty-seven out of 42 patients (62 fusions) were available for clinical and radiological evaluation, 2–31 years postoperatively (average: 21.5 years). The surgical technique was identical in all patients and based on a cone shaped ‘ball and socket’ configuration of the first MTPJ. Fixation was achieved with a screw. The study showed that the first MTPJ fusion is a consistently successful operation that relieves pain and corrects deformity and its good results remain unchanged for up to 31 years.
The Remains of the Profession, or What the Butler Knew

The Remains of the Day,the brilliant novel by Kazuo Ishiguro, reminds us, physicians and health care organizations alike, that no matter what the setting or the institutional constraints, authentic...
Computing with data non-determinism: Wait time management for peer-to-peer systems

One of the unusual challenges faced by peer-to-peer algorithms as opposed to classical distributed algorithms is that these have to compute with data non-determinism where there is no guarantee that data from a particular node will be delivered in time or delivered at all. Each distributed component not only has to work in such environment, but also has to decide how long to wait for peers to respond. A large wait can inordinately delay entire computation. A smaller wait can reduce the coverage of the algorithm and drastically degenerate the quality of final result produced. In this paper, we investigate a set of wait management schemas which tries to minimize the overall completion time and maximize the quality of solution. We present detail analyses of the schemas for various scenarios including large power law networks and forms of non-responsiveness. The work promises dramatic improvement in peer-to-peer search and other computations.
A Highly Ca2+-Sensitive Pool of Vesicles Contributes to Linearity at the Rod Photoreceptor Ribbon Synapse

Abstract Studies of the properties of synaptic transmission have been carried out at only a few synapses. We analyzed exocytosis from rod photoreceptors with a combination of physiological and ultrastructural techniques. As at other ribbon synapses, we found that rods exhibited rapid kinetics of release, and the number of vesicles in the releasable pool is comparable to the number of vesicles tethered at ribbon-style active zones. However, unlike other previously studied neurons, we identified a highly Ca 2+ -sensitive pool of releasable vesicles with a relatively shallow relationship between the rate of exocytosis and [Ca 2+ ] i that is nearly linear over a presumed physiological range of intraterminal [Ca 2+ ]. The low-order [Ca 2+ ] dependence of release promotes a linear relationship between Ca 2+ entry and exocytosis that permits rods to relay information about small changes in illumination with high fidelity at the first synapse in vision.
A technique for the removal of estuarine seston from Nuclepore filters1

A rapid, quantatative, and trace-metal-clean method of seston removal from Nuclepore filters by acetone soaking is described. The removal efficiency of this technique is > 97% by weight.
Differentiating Alcohol-Induced Driving Behavior Using Steering Wheel Signals

Detection of alcohol-induced driving impairment through vehicle-based sensor signals is of paramount importance for road safety. To differentiate the driving conditions with and without alcohol-induced impairment, data were collected from 108 drivers under both conditions in a high-fidelity driving simulator. With this data set, various quantitative measures of steering wheel movement, including not only simple statistics such as the mean and the standard deviation but nonlinear dynamic invariant measures such as sample entropy and Lyapunov exponent as well, are compared in terms of their differentiating capabilities. Nonlinear invariant measures are more robust and consistent than the simple measures in differentiating the impairment. Furthermore, people respond to alcohol-induced impairment quite differently, and for a certain group of people, the alcohol-induced impairment can be well detected using these nonlinear invariant measures. Many interesting insights into characterizing the effect of alcohol on driving behavior are obtained in this paper. This paper lays a foundation for the future development of a real-time detection method for alcohol-induced impairment.
Benoxaprofen stimulates proteoglycan synthesis in normal canine knee cartilage in vitro

Several nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs which are cyclooxygenase inhibitors (e.g., salicylates, fenoprofen, ibuprofen) have been shown to suppress proteoglycan synthesis by normal joint cartilage in vitro. We examined the effect of benoxaprofen, a long-acting proprionic acid derivative which inhibits lipoxygenase in addition to causing moderate cyclooxygenase inhibition. When added to the culture medium in concentrations comparable with those obtainable in serum of patients treated with the drug (e.g., 10 and 50 micrograms/ml), benoxaprofen increased proteoglycan synthesis in slices of normal canine knee cartilage to 126% and 135%, respectively, of control levels. These concentrations of the drug augmented net protein synthesis to 154% and 123%, respectively, of control levels. Incorporation of 3H glucosamine into 9-aminoacridine precipitable material was increased by benoxaprofen, showing that it stimulates net proteoglycan synthesis, and not merely sulfation. At concentrations of either 10 or 50 micrograms/ml, the drug had no effect on proteoglycan catabolism or on the ability of proteoglycans to interact with cartilage hyaluronic acid to form macromolecular aggregates. Nordihydroguaiaretic acid, a free radical scavenger which, like benoxaprofen, inhibits the lipoxygenase as well as cyclooxygenase pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism, also increased 35S glycosaminoglycan synthesis in cartilage slices. The stimulation of glycosaminoglycan and protein synthesis by benoxaprofen suggests that its action on the chondrocyte may be different from that of most other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs.
The next generation of rf FEL (free electron laser) diagnostics: synchroscan and dual-sweep streak camera techniques☆

Abstract Time-resolved experiments on rf-linac driven free electron laser (FEL) experiments have recently been extended to displaying both the submicropulse and submacropulse effects. By using a synchroscan sweep on a streak camera, key rf phase effects can be studied, and an additional dual sweep feature can provide this information during the macropulse. Successful measurements to date on the Los Alamos and the Boeing FELs include electron-beam micropulse bunching during a macropulse, phase stability effects, micropulse elongation and transit time in a photo-injector, drive-laser phase stability and FEL output evolution. Several of these measurements are the first of their kind on a FEL system.