cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Prevalence of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection

Objective To evaluate the impact of race and ethnicity upon the prevalence and clinical spectrum of congenital cytomegalovirus infection (cCMV). Study design From 2007 to 2012, 100 332 infants from 7 medical centers were screened for cCMV while in the hospital. Ethnicity and race were collected and cCMV prevalence rates were calculated. Results The overall prevalence of cCMV in the cohort was 4.5 per 1000 live births (95% CI, 4.1-4.9). Black infants had the highest cCMV prevalence (9.5 per 1000 live births; 95% CI, 8.3-11.0), followed by multiracial infants (7.8 per 1000 live births; 95% CI, 4.7-12.0). Significantly lower prevalence rates were observed in non-Hispanic white infants (2.7 per 1000 live births; 95% CI, 2.2-3.3), Hispanic white infants (3.0 per 1000 live births; 95% CI, 2.4-3.6), and Asian infants (1.0 per 1000 live births; 95% CI, 0.3-2.5). After adjusting for socioeconomic status and maternal age, black infants were significantly more likely to have cCMV compared with non-Hispanic white infants (adjusted prevalence OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.4-2.5). Hispanic white infants had a slightly lower risk of having cCMV compared with non-Hispanic white infants (adjusted prevalence OR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.5-1.0). However, no significant differences in symptomatic cCMV (9.6%) and sensorineural hearing loss (7.8%) were observed between the race/ethnic groups. Conclusions Significant racial and ethnic differences exist in the prevalence of cCMV, even after adjusting for socioeconomic status and maternal age. Although once infected, the newborn disease and rates of hearing loss in infants are similar with respect to race and ethnicity.
Long-Range, Border-Crossing, Horizontal Axon Radiations Are a Common Feature of Rat Neocortical Regions That Differ in Cytoarchitecture.

Employing wide-field optical imaging techniques supported by electrophysiological recordings, previous studies have demonstrated that stimulation of a spatially restricted area (point) in the sensory periphery results in a large evoked neuronal activity spread in mammalian primary cortices. In rats’ primary cortices, such large evoked spreads extend diffusely in multiple directions, cross cortical cytoarchitectural borders, and can trespass into other unimodal sensory areas. These point spreads are supported by a spatially matching, diffuse set of long-range horizontal projections within gray matter that extend in multiple directions and cross borders to interconnect different cortical areas. This horizontal projection system is in addition to well-known area-to-area clustered projections to defined targets through white matter. Could similar two-projection cortical systems also be found in cortical regions that differ in their cytoarchitectural structure? To address this question, an adeno-associated viral vector expressing GFP was injected as an anterograde tract tracer into granular somatosensory cortex (trunk area), dysgranular cortex (somatosensory dysgranular zone and extrastriate cortex), and agranular motor cortex. Irrespective of the injection site the same two projection systems were found, and their quantification revealed a close similarity to findings in primary sensory cortices. Following detailed reconstruction, the diffuse horizontal axon radiation was found to possess numerous varicosities and to include short, medium and long axons, the latter extending up to 5.2 mm. These ‘proof of concept’ findings suggest that the similarity of the two projection systems among different cortical areas could potentially constitute a canonical motif of neocortical organization.
Independent Predictors of Recurrent Thromboembolic Events in Patients with Cancer and Ischemic Stroke (S35.006)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the independent predictors of recurrent thromboembolic events (RTE) in patients with cancer and ischemic stroke. BACKGROUND: Patients with cancer are hypercoagulable and face a high risk of stroke and other thromboembolic events. However, the clinical factors associated with RTEs after stroke are unknown. DESIGN/METHODS: We retrospectively identified all adults admitted to Memorial Sloan-Kettering from 2006 to 2009 with active cancer and ischemic stroke. Study neurologists reviewed all electronic records for the occurrence of a post-stroke RTE, defined as a composite of recurrent ischemic stroke, TIA, MI, systemic arterial thrombosis, or DVT/PE. Based on the results of prior studies, the following clinical factors were chosen a priori as potential predictors of RTE: age, hypertension, adenocarcinoma histology, systemic metastases, unconventional stroke mechanisms, recent chemotherapy, and definite or possible marantic endocarditis. Definite marantic endocarditis required cardiac vegetation, negative blood cultures, and a radiographic cardioembolic infarct pattern; possible required an undetermined stroke mechanism and a radiographic cardioembolic infarct pattern. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between potential predictors and RTE. RESULTS: Of 213 patients (mean age 67 [SD 12]; 48% women) with active cancer and acute ischemic stroke, 74 (35%) had 99 RTEs despite a median survival of only 88 days (IQR 24-435 days). Most underlying cancers originated from the lung (30%) or gastrointestinal system (27%), were adenocarcinomas (60%), and had metastasized systemically (69%). RTEs consisted of 47 DVT/PEs, 32 recurrent ischemic strokes, 9 systemic arterial thromboses, 8 MIs, and 1 TIA. Only recent chemotherapy (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.00-2.68) was independently associated with RTE, although there were non-significant trends for definite or possible marantic endocarditis (OR 1.56, 95% CI 0.85-2.85) and unconventional stroke mechanisms (OR 1.50, 95% CI 0.82-2.73). CONCLUSIONS: Recent chemotherapy, marantic endocarditis, and unconventional stroke mechanisms may increase the risk of RTE in cancer patients with ischemic stroke. Disclosure: Dr. Stone has nothing to disclose. Dr. Singer has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cheng has nothing to disclose. Dr. Merkler has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kamel has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Journal Watch Neurology. Dr. DeAngelis has received personal compensation for activities with the NFL Players Association as a consultant. Dr. Navi has nothing to disclose.
Physicians’ Religious Characteristics and Their Perceptions of the Psychological Impact of Patient Prayer and Beliefs at the End of Life: A National Survey:

Background:Physicians who are more religious or spiritual may report more positive perceptions regarding the link between religious beliefs/practices and patients’ psychological well-being.Methods:...
Latina Mothers' Perceptions and Experiences of Home-Based Speech and Language Therapy

Purpose Positive experiences in early intervention are vital for families to feel supported when addressing the speech and language needs of their children. However, when a speech-language patholog...
Indices for Dynamic Pricing in the Event Ticketing Industry

As dynamic pricing becomes more common for event tickets including NFL, MLB, NBA and NCAA games, the ability to effectively measure and track prices changes for an event over time becomes critical. Standard price measures that are currently used for price measurement are ill suited to capture the complexities of an event ticket. This article outlines new industry-specific measures for event tickets that enable lifecycle trend analysis for ticket prices and effective price tracking over time, adjusting for ticket quality and varying inventory. The measures introduced are designed to be invariant under large ticket sales, volume changes, and differences in seat values. Additionally, we also briefly discuss the impact of brokers on secondary market pricing to add to literature dynamics that remain presently unexplored.
Migration and chemical modification of silicone in women with breast prostheses.

Studies using magnetic resonance spectroscopy in human volunteers to evaluate their livers in vivo and to analyze their blood in vitro suggest that there are measurable amounts of silicon compounds in the blood of some women with implants and that there is migration of silicone to other organs such as the liver.
Breast Cancer and miR-SNPs: The Importance of miR Germ-Line Genetics

Recent studies in cancer diagnostics have identified microRNAs (miRNAs) as promising cancer biomarkers. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in miRNA binding sites, seed regions, and coding sequences can help predict breast cancer risk, aggressiveness, response to stimuli, and prognosis. This review also documents significant known miR-SNPs in miRNA biogenesis genes and their effects on gene regulation in breast cancer, taking into account the genetic background and ethnicity of the sampled populations. When applicable, miR-SNPs are evaluated in the context of other patient factors, including mutations, hormonal status, and demographics. Given the power of miR-SNPs to predict patient cancer risk, prognosis, and outcomes, further study of miR-SNPs is warranted to improve efforts towards personalized medicine.
Blood viscosity in Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia

Patients with Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia were studied for the presence or absence of the hyperviscosity syndrome, the relative serum viscosity value, and the calculated whole blood viscosity to identify a level at which symptoms occurred. The majority of symptomatic patients had whole blood viscosity values above 8.0 centipoises. There was a direct correlation between whole blood viscosity and relative serum viscosity, r = 0.75. One patient with central nervous system abnormalities was identified as having a high whole blood viscosity but a low serum viscosity. It was concluded that the vast majority of patients with the hyperviscosity syndrome will be identified by measuring the relative serum viscosity. In patients with central nervous system findings and a low serum viscosity, the whole blood viscosity should be determined either by direct measurement or by calculation.
Prognostic significance of patent foramen ovale in anticoagulated patients with atrial fibrillation

Objective Previous studies have postulated a causal role of patent foramen ovale (PFO) in the aetiology of embolic stroke in the general population. We hypothesised that the presence of concomitant PFO and atrial fibrillation (AF) will add incremental risk of ischaemic stroke to that linked to AF alone. Methods We analysed data on 3069 consecutive patients (mean age 69.4±12.2 years; 67.1% men) undergoing transoesophageal echocardiography-guided electrical cardioversion (ECV) for AF between May 2000 and March 2012. PFO was identified by colour Doppler and agitated saline contrast study. All patients were followed up after ECV for first documentation of ischaemic stroke. Outcomes were compared using Cox regression models. Results The prevalence of PFO was 20.0% and the shunt direction was left-to-right in the majority of patients (71.4%). Patients with PFO had a higher frequency of obstructive sleep apnoea (21.7% vs 17.1%, p=0.01) and higher mean peak left atrial appendage emptying velocity (38.3±21.8 vs 36.1±20.4 cm/s; p=0.04) compared with those without PFO. Otherwise, baseline characteristics were similar between groups. During a mean follow-up period of 7.3±4.6 years, 214 patients (7.0%) had ischaemic stroke. Multivariable analysis showed no significant association between PFO and ischaemic stroke (HR, 0.82 (95% CI 0.57 to 1.18)). PFO shunt direction was strongly associated with stroke: HR, 1.91 (95% CI 1.16 to 3.16) for right-to-left shunt and HR, 0.58 (95% CI 0.36 to 0.93) for left-to-right shunt. Conclusions The presence of concurrent PFO in this largely anticoagulated group of patients with AF was not associated with increased risk of ischaemic stroke.
Mending Disconnects in Cancer Care: Setting an Agenda for Research, Practice, and Policy

Cancer in the United States accounts for $600 billion in health care costs, lost work time and productivity, reduced quality of life, and premature mortality. The future of oncology delivery must mend disconnects to equitably improve patient outcomes while constraining costs and burden on patients, caregivers, and care teams. Embedding learning health systems into oncology can connect care, engaging patients and providers in fully interoperable data systems that remotely monitor patients; generate predictive and prescriptive analytics to facilitate appropriate, timely referrals; and extend the reach of clinicians beyond clinic walls. Incorporating functional learning systems into the future of oncology and follow-up care requires coordinated national attention to 4 synergistic strategies: (1) galvanize and shape public discourse to develop and adopt these systems, (2) demonstrate their value, (3) test and evaluate their use, and (4) reform policy to incentivize and regulate their use.
A Supervisory Model Predictive Control Framework for Dual Temperature Setpoint Optimization

In this paper, a model predictive control (MPC) framework for building energy system setpoint optimization is developed and tested. The performance of the MPC framework is presented in comparison to a baseline case, where a fixed setpoint schedule is used. To simulate the MPC procedure, an EnergyPlus building model is used to represent the actual building that the optimal setpoints are applied to, and a Gaussian process (GP) regression meta-model is used in the MPC procedure that generates the optimal setpoints. The performance outputs that are used for evaluation are total heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) energy usage and the Fanger predicted mean vote (PMV) thermal comfort measure. The inputs for the GP regression meta-models are selected to be representative of data points that could be obtained by modern supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems to support data-driven building models. The supervisory MPC framework is capable of reducing the total energy usage with minor adjustments in thermal comfort.
Work-in-Progress—Utilizing Virtual Reality to Promote Active Learning in Construction Management

This work in progress paper discusses a Virtual Reality system dubbed Virtual Reality Construction Site Safety Simulator (VR-C3S). Within VR-C3S, students can assess the safety of a virtually simulated construction site by utilizing measurement tools available in the simulation. VR-C3S provides a hands-on learning experience to Construction Management students and involves them in active learning. VR-C3S was deployed in Oculus Go and Windows environment. A user evaluation study was conducted to determine how the application performs when compared to traditional learning methods.
Adam Smith and Musgrave's Concept of Merit Good

In this paper I claim that Adam Smith distinguished between economic activities without labeling these distinctions and that those distinctions correspond with the modern concepts of private, public and merit good. Musgrave introduced the concept of merit good, but he himself (and several commentators) limited the applicability of the concept merit good. I argue that a close reading of Adam Smith solidifies the distinction conceptualized by the modern ideas of public and merit good; gives the concept merit good a broader domain of applicability; and makes of the ideas of public and merit good concepts, which are ideal concepts, and can therefore be applicable jointly and in degrees to particular economic activities.
Contemporary predoctoral paediatric behaviour guidance education in the United States and Canada.

Purpose To determine the contemporary educational experiences of predoctoral dental students in the United States and Canada regarding behaviour guidance (BG) of the child patient and assess trends from a previous study in 2004. Methods Data were collected from 32 predoctoral paediatric dentistry programme directors in the United States and Canada via a web-based survey. Results The didactic curriculum hours devoted to the teaching of BG techniques in 2019 are similar to 2004. A majority (60.7%) of programmes do not have a formal assessment of competency with BG techniques. Lectures (n = 28), clinical experience (n = 28) and observation (n = 26) were the most common techniques implemented to teach BG techniques, and tell-show-do (100%), non-verbal communication (82.1%), positive reinforcement (89.3%) and distraction (82.1%) were the techniques that more than 75% of dental students most commonly have hands-on experience with during their dental education. In 2019, students tended to have more hands-on experience with nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation and less hands-on experience with aversive techniques and sedation. Conclusions The majority of dental schools do not have a formal competency in BG of the child patient. Compared with 2004, nitrous oxide/oxygen is used more by dental students and there is less predoctoral education in aversive BG techniques.
Timing of HIV testing among pregnant and breastfeeding women and risk of mother-to-child HIV transmission in Malawi: a sampling-based cohort study.

INTRODUCTION Pregnant women living with HIV can achieve viral suppression and prevent HIV mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) with timely HIV testing and early ART initiation and maintenance. Although it is recommended that pregnant women undergo HIV testing early in antenatal care in Malawi, many women test positive during breastfeeding because they did not have their HIV status ascertained during pregnancy, or they tested negative during pregnancy but seroconverted postpartum. We sought to estimate the association between the timing of last positive HIV test (during pregnancy vs. breastfeeding) and outcomes of maternal viral suppression and MTCT in Malawi's PMTCT programme. METHODS We conducted a two-stage cohort study among mother-infant pairs in 30 randomly selected high-volume health facilities across five nationally representative districts of Malawi between 1 July 2016 and 30 June 2017. Log-binomial regression was used to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) and risk ratios (RR) for associations between timing of last positive HIV test (i.e. breastfeeding vs. pregnancy) and maternal viral suppression and MTCT, controlling for confounding using inverse probability weighting. RESULTS Of 822 mother-infant pairs who had available information on the timing of the last positive HIV test, 102 mothers (12.4%) had their last positive test during breastfeeding. Women who lived one to two hours (PR = 2.15; 95% CI: 1.29 to 3.58) or >2 hours (PR = 2.36; 95% CI: 1.37 to 4.10) travel time to the nearest health facility were more likely to have had their last positive HIV test during breastfeeding compared to women living <1 hour travel time to the nearest health facility. The risk of unsuppressed VL did not differ between women who had their last positive HIV test during breastfeeding versus pregnancy (adjusted RR [aRR] = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.48 to 1.57). MTCT risk was higher among women who had their last positive HIV test during breastfeeding compared to women who had it during pregnancy (aRR = 6.57; 95% CI: 3.37 to 12.81). CONCLUSIONS MTCT in Malawi occurred disproportionately among women with a last positive HIV test during breastfeeding. Testing delayed until the postpartum period may lead to higher MTCT. To optimize maternal and child health outcomes, PMTCT programmes should focus on early ART initiation and providing targeted testing, prevention, treatment and support to breastfeeding women.
Rechargeable Zinc-Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide (EMD) Battery with a Flexible Chitosan-Alkaline Electrolyte

A high-performing flexible chitosan-based gel electrolyte with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) additive was prepared and swelled in varying concentrations of potassium hydroxide (KOH) solutions. A highes...
Using a "Big Events" framework to understand emergency department use among women experiencing homelessness or housing instability in San Francisco during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic created a major public health crisis that disrupted economic systems, social networks and individual behaviors, which led to changes in patterns of health care use. Factors associated with emergency department (ED) visits during the pandemic among especially high-risk individuals are unknown. We used a “Big Events” approach, which considers major disruptions that create social instability, to investigate ED use in people experiencing homelessness or housing instability, many of whom use drugs. Methods Between July and December 2020, we conducted a community-based San Francisco study to compare homeless and unstably housed (HUH) women who did and did not use an ED during the first 10 months of the pandemic. Results Among 128 study participants, 34% had ≥1 ED visit during the pandemic. In adjusted analysis, factors significantly associated with ED use included experiencing homelessness, cocaine use and increased difficulties receiving drug use treatment during the pandemic. Conclusion These findings build on the “Big Events” approach to considering risk pathways among people who use drugs. They suggest the importance of ensuring access to housing and low-barrier non-COVID health services, including drug treatment, alongside crisis management activities, to reduce the health impacts of public health crises.
Wood anatomy and plant hydraulics in a changing climate

Anthropogenic climate change will profoundly affect woody plants across the globe through rising atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, increasing temperatures, and an accelerating hydrological cycle with more wet and dry extremes. Here, we provide an overview of how changing environmental conditions influence woody plant anatomy and hydraulics, and how anatomical and hydraulic traits can inform and predict plant responses to environmental stressors, such as mortality triggered by severe drought. We highlight that hydraulic traits may be useful in predicting cross-species patterns of drought and temperature stress, but the variability and plasticity within a species, and potential for recovery after stress are poorly known and critical to understand. We conclude with promising future research directions to connect plant anatomy and hydraulics to demographic outcomes that will help underpin and guide prediction of climate change impacts on woody plants globally.
Manipulator Interactive Design with Interconnected Flexible Elements

This paper describes the development of an analysis tool for the interactive design of control systems for manipulators and similar electro-mechanical systems amenable to representation as structures in a topological chain. The chain consists of a series of elastic bodies subject to small deformations and arbitrary displacements. The bodies are connected by hinges which permit kinematic constraints, control, or relative motion with six degrees of freedom. The equations of motion for the chain configuration are derived via Kane's method, extended for application to interconnected flexible bodies with time-varying boundary conditions. A corresponding set of modal coordinates has been selected. The motion equations are imbedded within a simulation that transforms the vector-dyadic equations into scalar form for numerical integration. The simulation also includes a linear, time-invariant controller specified in transfer function format and a set of sensors and actuators that interface between the structure and controller. The simulation is driven by an interactive set-up program resulting in an easy-to-use analysis tool.
Controlling Shareholders’ Fiduciary Duties Owed to Minority Shareholders – A Comparative Approach: The United States and France

This Chapter explores the duties that controlling shareholders have towards minority shareholders, either directly or indirectly. Whereas controlling shareholder’s rights are quite vast, their duties tend to be very limited. This Chapter affirms that a balance between controlling shareholders’ rights and duties is needed and analyzes the equilibrium developed in two legal systems: the US common-law system and the French civil law system. Whereas controlling shareholders seem to be assigned more duties in France than in the US, enforcement rules and case laws mitigate this fact.
Epidemiology of Herpes Viruses 6 and 7 in Children

Abstract Human herpes viruses (HHV) 6 and 7 are two of three recently identified members of the human herpes virus family. They infect most of the human population by early childhood and exhibit properties similar to other herpes viruses including life-long infection, asymptomatic shedding and periodic reactivations during periods of immune suppression, which may or may not be clinically relevant. The asymptomatic shedding, mainly in the saliva, is the major source of transmission, and hence a formidable barrier to disruption of transmission. These viruses cause self-limited infections in immunocompetent individuals, but have been associated with serious morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised hosts, especially HHV-6B. Patients with immunosuppression may be treated with manipulation of the immune system and use of antiviral medications. No vaccine candidate is being currently studied for either of the two viruses.
Prospective Cohort Study of Impulse Control Disorders in Parkinson’s Disease

Impulse control disorders (ICDs) are potentially serious side effects of dopamine agonist therapy in Parkinson's disease (PD), but prospective data are lacking about their incidence, time course, and risk factors. This work was a 4-year, prospective cohort study of outpatients with PD and no previous ICDs (N = 164). All subjects treated with a dopamine agonist during the study were followed longitudinally for new-onset ICDs. Baseline characteristics were compared in groups with (ICD+) and without (ICD-) subsequent ICDs. Forty-six subjects were treated with a dopamine agonist, including 25 who were newly treated and 21 who received ongoing dopamine agonist therapy. Of these 46 subjects, 18 (39.1%) developed new-onset ICDs. The timing of ICD onset varied from 3.0 to 114.0 months (median, 23.0) after initiation of dopamine agonist therapy. Baseline demographic characteristics were similar in ICD+ and ICD- groups. At baseline, ICD+ subjects had a greater prevalence of motor complications (61.1% versus 25.0%; P = 0.01) than ICD- subjects, despite comparable total dopaminergic medication usage in both groups (median, 150.0 versus 150.0 levodopa equivalents; P = 0.61). Compared with ICD- subjects, ICD+ subjects had a greater baseline prevalence of caffeine use (100% versus 66.7%; P = 0.007) and higher lifetime prevalence of cigarette smoking (44.4% versus 14.3%; P = 0.04). Peak dopamine agonist doses were higher in ICD+ than ICD- subjects (median 300.0 versus 165.0 L-dopa equivalents; P = 0.03), but cumulative dopamine agonist exposure was similar in both groups. In summary, the timing of new-onset ICDs in PD is highly variable. Risk factors include cigarette smoking, caffeine use, motor complications, and higher peak dopamine agonist dosage.
Immunoglobulin classes, IgG subclasses, Gm genetic markers, and Clq following bone marrow transplantation in X-linked combined immunodeficiency**

Patient D. C. with X-linked lymphopenic immunodeficiency (LID) underwent successful immunologic reconstitution by bone marrow transplantation at age 5 months. Quantitations of Ig classes, IgG subclasses, Gm genetic heavy chain markers, and Clq component of complement during the subsequent 4 1/2 years were compared with data of the donor, parents, and age-matched controls. A striking rise in all five classes of immunoglobulins in D.C. was noted. IgG1 and IgG3 subclasses rose significantly in excess of normal without evidence of monoclonal synthesis. IgG2 levels prior to transplantation were normal and exhibited a lesser rise. The IgG1 and IgG3 genetic markers Gm(f) and Gm(b) rose in parallel with their respective subclasses and the IgG2 marker Gm(n) rose more slowly. Within three months after transplant the Gm markers Gm(a) and Gm(g) disappeared, reflecting either catabolism of administered gamma globulin or maternal gene complex markers absent in the donor. The synthesized Gm markers Gm(f+b+n+) corresponded to those of the donor. the Clq component of complement exhibited a rise and subsequent return to normal levels paralleling and slightly antedating the changes observed in concentrations of immunoglobulins known to bind to Clq.
Fine-Tuning S1P Therapeutics

Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor-1 (S1P 1 ), a novel therapeutic target for multiple sclerosis, regulates lymphocyte trafficking, heart rate, and vascular function. The discovery of NIBR-0213, a competitive antagonist for S1P 1 that inhibits autoimmune inflammation while sparing bradycardia (Quancard et al., in this issue of Chemistry & Biology ), suggests that fine-tuning of S1P 1 modulators may lead to novel immune modulators with better efficacy to adverse events ratio.
Some Extraction Studies on Digitalis

Following the Bay and Gisvold procedure, aqueous, chlorophyll-free extracts containing the active principles were obtained from the fresh leaves of Digitalis purpurea. Frog assays revealed that the more dilute aqueous extracts of fresh leaves were more effective in the removal of the active principles. By saturating the aqueous extract with a neutral salt as anhydrous sodium sulfate, the active principles and other plant materials were forced out of solution onto filter-cel. This mixture was dried and stored in this form. Various solvents were used to remove the active principles from this material with a minimum amount of other plant constituents. By treating the aqueous extract with a series of solvents it was possible to separate the extract residue into a digitoxin group of glycosides and a gitalin group. The method may be useful in the separation of the glycosides for further purification. The fresh leaves of Digitalis purpurea can be frozen and stored in the frozen state without a loss of activity.
Un tremblement d’attitude révélant une maladie de Huntington

Resume Introduction Les modes de presentation de la maladie de Huntington (MH) sont nombreux et la choree n’est pas forcement le premier des symptomes moteurs. Observation Nous rapportons ici le cas d’une patiente de 44 ans, aux antecedents familiaux de MH, presentant depuis quatre ans un tremblement isole du chef et des membres superieurs. La biologie moleculaire a confirme le diagnostic de MH et aucune cause de tremblement d’attitude secondaire n’a ete retrouvee. Par analogie avec le traitement du tremblement essentiel, du propanolol a ete introduit avec une bonne efficacite. Conclusion Ce mode de presentation de la MH a tres rarement ete rapporte et principalement dans les formes juveniles de la MH.
Arsenate and arsenite adsorption and desorption behavior on coprecipitated aluminum:Iron hydroxides

Although arsenic adsorption/desorption behavior on aluminum and iron (oxyhydr)oxides has been extensively studied, little is known about arsenic adsorption/desorption behavior by bimetal Al:Fe hydroxides. In this study, influence of the Al:Fe molar ratio, pH, and counterion (Ca2+ versus Na+) on arsenic adsorption/desorption by preformed coprecipitated Al:Fe hydroxides was investigated. Adsorbents were formed by initial hydrolysis of mixed Al3+/ Fe3+ salts to form coprecipitated Al:Fe hydroxide products. At Al:Fe molar ratios 6.5; however, the presence of Ca2+ compared to Na+ as the counterion enhanced As( retention by both hydroxides. There was more As(V) and especially As(III) desorption by phosphate with an increase in Al:Fe molar ratio.
Modulation of nuclear internalization of Tat peptides by fluorescent dyes and receptor-avid peptides

The nuclear internalization of biomolecules by Tat peptide provides a mechanism to deliver drugs to cells. However, translocation of molecular imaging probes to the nucleus may induce undesirable mutagenesis. To assess the feasibility of retaining its cell permeating effect without nuclear translocation, Tat-peptide was conjugated with a somatostatin receptor (STR)-avid ligand (Oct) and labeled with fluorescent dyes. The results show that Tat-Oct-5-FAM (fluorescein 5’-carboxylic acid) remained in the cytoplasm of STR-positive AR42J cells. Co-incubation of Tat-Oct-5-FAM with ATP induced nuclear translocation. These data suggest that both dye and Oct-STR endocytosis complex could modulate nuclear internalization of Tat peptides.
The Relation between Capacity for Growth and Length of Growing Season: Evidence for and Implications of Countergradient Variation

Abstract Evidence suggests that the capacity for growth (i.e., maximum growth potential) within a species may vary inversely with the length of the growing season across a latitudinal gradient. I evaluated this hypothesis with data on three species—American shad Alosa sapidissima, striped bass Morone saxatilis, and mummichog Fundulus heteroclitus—having wide latitudinal ranges (≈29–46°N) along the east coast of North America. For each of these species, the length of the first growing season decreases by a factor of about 2.5 with increasing latitude within the species' range, yet body size at the end of the first growing season is independent of latitude. Northern fish must, therefore, grow substantially faster within the growing season than do southern fish. This “countergradient variation” in growth rate may be more widespread than has been recognized. A similar latitudinal pattern in growth rate has a genetic basis in the Atlantic silverside Menidia menidia, and data on Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, lar...
Saxs and tem study of the kinetics of phase separation in Al-Zn

Abstract Kinetics of phase separation and coarsening in Al-22 at.% Zn-0.1 at. % Mg, from very early to very late annealing times, has been studied by correlating the time evolution of the small-angle X-ray scattering spectrum and the microstructure, as revealed by transmission electron microscopy. Three kinetic regimes were recognized. The dominant coarsening mechanisms were interpreted as arising from cluster coagulation at early times and single atom diffusion at late times. The intermediate times probably combined both. The microstructure consisted of interconnected spherical clusters at early times and regularly spaced platelets at late times; with a mixture of both during the transition period. At later annealing times, the intensity spectra exhibited a “shoulder” whose appearance was associated with the change of morphology. The intensity spectra from different times could all be made to coincide on one curve through appropriate scaling, provided the microstructure was not changing during that time period. Simple analytical forms described the shape of the scaled intensity curves.
Rate of Return to Acute Care Hospital Based on Day and Time of Rehabilitation Admission

Objective To determine if a patient's return to the acute care hospital (RTACH) from an inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) because of medical acuity is affected by the day of the week and time of rehabilitation admission. Design Retrospective chart review. Setting Inpatient rehabilitation facility. Participants All adult patients admitted to the IRF from January 1, 2009, to June 30, 2011. RTACH was defined as an interruption in the patients' rehabilitation course as a result of medical and/or surgical complications requiring a higher level of care. The control group was defined as patients who completed an uninterrupted rehabilitation course. The study included 2282 patients (2026 control patients and 256 case patients). Main Outcome Measures We compared patient demographics, admission impairment groups, discharge diagnosis, admission and discharge Functional Independent Measure (FIM) scores, length of stay, attached hospital versus outside hospital admissions, and RTACH rates between case patients and control patients. Results Out of 2282 patients admitted to the IRF over a 30-month period, 256 patients (10.85%) required an RTACH for a higher level of care not available in the IRF. Two statistically significant results were found for RTACH, including rehabilitation admission time and FIM scores (admission motor and cognition scores). Day of the week for inpatient rehabilitation admission was not statistically significant. Conclusion This study found that the later in the day a patient was admitted to the IRF, the higher the rate of RTACH. In addition, a lower Motor FIM score was found to be correlated with a higher rate of RTACH. Admission day of the week was not found to be statistically significant with regard to the rate of RTACH. Further research is needed to determine the underlying contributing factors that would help decrease the rate of RTACH.
Dynamic modeling of Escherichia coli metabolic and regulatory systems for amino-acid production

Abstract Our aim is to construct a practical dynamic-simulation system that can model the metabolic and regulatory processes involved in the production of primary metabolites, such as amino acids. We have simulated the production of glutamate by transient batch-cultivation using a model of Escherichia coli central metabolism. Kinetic data were used to produce both the metabolic parts of the model, including the phosphotransferase system, glycolysis, the pentose-phosphate pathway, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, the glyoxylate shunt, and the anaplerotic pathways, and the regulatory parts of the model, including regulation by transcription factors, cyclic AMP receptor protein (CRP), making large colonies protein (Mlc), catabolite repressor/activator (Cra), pyruvate dehydrogenase complex repressor (PdhR), and acetate operon repressor (IclR). RNA polymerase and ribosome concentrations were expressed as a function of the specific growth rate, μ, corresponding to the changes in the growth rate during batch cultivation. Parameter fitting was performed using both extracellular concentration measurements and in vivo enzyme activities determined by 13C flux analysis. By manual adjustment of the parameters, we simulated the batch fermentation of glucose or fructose by a wild-type strain (MG1655) and a glutamate-producing strain (MG1655 ΔsucA). The differences caused by the carbon source, and by wild-type and glutamate-producing strains, were clearly shown by the simulation. A sensitivity analysis revealed the factors that could be altered to improve the production process. Furthermore, an in silico deletion experiments could suggested the existence of uncharacterized regulation. We concluded that our simulation model could function as a new tool for the rational improvement and design of metabolic and regulatory networks.
A theoretical examination of hydrogen sulfide metabolism and its potential in autocrine/paracrine oxygen sensing

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) metabolism has been proposed as the oxygen (O2) sensing mechanism coupling hypoxia to effector responses in a variety of tissues including vascular and chemoreceptor cells. Implicit in this sensing system is a mechanism for regulating intracellular H2S concentration, presumably through oxidation. However, verification of this mechanism, or any other pathway of H2S signaling has been hampered by the lack of suitable methods for measuring intracellular concentration and distribution profiles. Here, intracellular H2S concentration profiles are modeled using simple monoexponential diffusion equations and current knowledge of H2S biosynthetic and metabolic pathways. The models predict that; (1) while both mitochondrial oxidation and simple diffusion out of the cell can reduce H2S concentration, the former is considerably more effective as an effector of intracellular H2S and (2) exogenously applied H2S may have unanticipated effects on endogenous signaling processes. In addition, these models provide additional support for mitochondrial H2S oxidation as the key couple in H2S-mediated O2 sensing.
The TMEFF2 tumor suppressor modulates integrin expression, RhoA activation and migration of prostate cancer cells

Cell adhesion and migration play important roles in physiological and pathological states, including embryonic development and cancer invasion and metastasis. The type I transmembrane protein with epidermal growth factor and two follistatin motifs 2 (TMEFF2) is expressed mainly in brain and prostate and its expression is deregulated in prostate cancer. We have previously shown that TMEFF2 can function as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting cell migration and invasion of prostate cells. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in this inhibition are not clear. In this study we demonstrate that TMEFF2 affects cell adhesion and migration of prostate cancer cells and that this effect correlates with changes in integrin expression and RhoA activation. Deletion of a 13 basic-rich amino acid region in the cytoplasmic domain of TMEFF2 prevented these effects. Overexpression of TMEFF2 reduced cell attachment and migration on vitronectin and caused a concomitant decrease in RhoA activation, stress fiber formation and expression of αv, β1 and β3 integrin subunits. Conversely, TMEFF2 interference in 22Rv1 prostate cancer cells resulted in an increased integrin expression. Results obtained with a double TRAMP/TMEFF2 transgenic mouse also indicated that TMEFF2 expression reduced integrin expression in the mouse prostate. In summary, the data presented here indicate an important role of TMEFF2 in regulating cell adhesion and migration that involves integrin signaling and is mediated by its cytoplasmic domain.
Etching and image analysis of prior austenite grain boundaries in hardened steels

Abstract Aqueous solutions saturated with picric acid and containing sodium trideylbenzene sulfonate and HCl effectively reveal prior austenite grain boundaries in hardened steel. Repolishing and re-etching increase grain boundary contrast relative to the matrix, and provide grain boundary networks that can be readily measured by an operator. However, not all boundaries are continuous, and, depending on the care and time available for etching, not all intragranular features can be removed. The latter features cause difficulty in image analysis, but we have found that they can be minimized by defocussing and examining the microstructure at low magnification.
Representation and display of vector field topology in fluid flow data sets

The visualization of physical processes in general and of vector fields in particular is discussed. An approach to visualizing flow topology that is based on the physics and mathematics underlying the physical phenomenon is presented. It involves determining critical points in the flow where the velocity vector vanishes. The critical points, connected by principal lines or planes, determine the topology of the flow. The complexity of the data is reduced without sacrificing the quantitative nature of the data set. By reducing the original vector field to a set of critical points and their connections, a representation of the topology of a two-dimensional vector field is much smaller than the original data set but retains with full precision the information pertinent to the flow topology is obtained. This representation can be displayed as a set of points and tangent curves or as a graph. Analysis (including algorithms), display, interaction, and implementation aspects are discussed. >
Avoiding Unintended Toxicity

Amyloid-β protein (Aβ) deposition in the brain is one of the pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Considerable data support the concept that the aggregation and accumulation of Aβ in the brain trigger a complex pathological cascade that ultimately results in neuronal dysfunction and neurodegeneration ( 1 ). Thus, therapies for Alzheimer's disease have focused mainly on preventing or slowing Aβ aggregation, neutralizing toxic Aβ aggregates, or clearing and breaking up these aggregates ( 2 ). On page [639][1] of this issue, Serneels et al. ( 3 ) report a theoretically safe approach to decrease Aβ production and thereby slow Aβ aggregation. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.1171176
Alignment of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry data by landmark selection from complex chemical mixtures

Analyzing the response of analytical sensors to complex chemical mixtures is difficult, as signals may overlap and may vary between experiments. The analysis and comparison of data files depends on their repeatability, and misaligned signals will not be directly comparable. We present a method for aligning chromatographic data by the selection of landmarks, the matching of these landmarks across chromatograms, the calculation of a functional approximation describing the amount of shift of the landmarks between files using cubic spline interpolation, and the subsequent shifting of the data by the application of this functional approximation so that the two files are aligned. We demonstrate the effect of this alignment on subsequent principal component analysis.
599 FOOD PROTEIN-INDUCED ENTEROCOLITIS: ALTERED ANTIBODY RESPONSE TO ORAL ANTIGEN CHALLENGE

The etiology of food protein-induced enterocolitis is unknown, but immunologic mechanisms have been suspected. Class specific serum soy antibody response was determined (by ELISA) in 11 infants age 3 to 7 months with a history of enterocolitis, who were undergoing a diagnostic food challenge at least 1 month after recovery. Infants received a single oral dose of antigen (0.6 gm/kg) and challenges were evaluated as previously described (J Ped 93:533). The mean baseline(B) and 6 week followup(F) antibodies to the whole soy protein are shown below, expressed as a percentage of a standard reference pool. Infants with POS response had significantly higher baseline and followup IgG and IgA antibodies (p<.01, ANOVA on log transformed data). IgM antibodies fell in 6 of 7 infants with POS response but rose in those with NEG response (p<.002). The two groups did not differ with respect to age, time since last exposure to soy, or serum immunoglobulin levels. Differences in class specific antibody responses in the two groups suggests either enhanced mucosal penetration of antigen or differences in regulation of immune responses in soy-induced enterocolitis patients.
The impact of Wal‐Mart supercenters on supermarket concentration in U.S. metropolitan areas

Wal-Mart's 1999 sales in its Supercenter stores will rival that of Kroger, the leading national supermarket chain. With estimated sales at $45–47 billion plus growth of 40% from $32 billion in prior year sales, Wal-Mart's growth has been accomplished without expansion by acquisition or merger. This growth was achieved by capital investment, building new or reformatting existing Wal-Mart stores with the Supercenter format, a hypermarket with general merchandising and full-size supermarket areas. Currently, the number of Wal-Mart Supercenters exceeds 721. Wal-Mart opened 275 Supercenters during 1998 and 1999 and will continue the pace, exceeding 1,400 by the year 2005. These Supercenters will affect the market position and competitive strategies of other food retailers. To date, most reformatting has been in smaller cities and rural areas, perhaps because they tend to have less organized labor markets. This study finds Wal-Mart Supercenter entry had little impact on food seller concentration in major metropolitan areas between 1993 and 1999. Wal-Mart entered 54 of the largest 100 metro areas. Wal-Mart tended to enter cities in the south and east. There is no correlation between entry and city size. Multiple linear regression analysis however indicates that Wal-Mart's market shares are highest in lower income and smaller metro areas. [Econ-Lit citations: L130, L200] © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Treatment rationale of fractured posterior teeth.

Treatments for complete and incomplete, vertically and obliquely fractured posterior teeth are described. The complexity of fractured posterior teeth makes necessary a different treatment approach for each type of fracture. A review of the literature and treatments for obliquely and vertically directed complete and incomplete fractures are given.
Transient 2-dimensional simulation of a submicrometre gate-length m.e.s.f.e.t.

The large-signal transient step response of a 0.4 μm-gate-length GaAs m.e.s.f.e.t. has been computed with a full 2-dimensional simulation. The falltime is saturated drift velocity limited. Details of this transient calculation and the use of a higher order [O(h4)] finite-element method are described.