cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Proadrenomedullin Predicts Severe Disease in Children With Suspected Community-acquired Pneumonia

Background Proadrenomedullin (proADM), a vasodilatory peptide with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, predicts severe outcomes in adults with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) to a greater degree than C-reactive protein and procalcitonin. We evaluated the ability of proADM to predict disease severity across a range of clinical outcomes in children with suspected CAP. Methods We performed a prospective cohort study of children 3 months to 18 years with CAP in the emergency department (ED). Disease severity was defined as: mild (discharged home), mild-moderate (hospitalized but not moderate-severe or severe), moderate-severe (e.g., hospitalized with supplemental oxygen, broadening of antibiotics, complicated pneumonia), and severe (e.g., vasoactive infusions, chest drainage, severe sepsis). Outcomes were examined using proportional odds logistic regression within the cohort with suspected CAP and in a subset with radiographic CAP. Results Among 369 children, median proADM increased with disease severity [mild: median 0.53 nmol/L (IQR:0.43, 0.73), mild-moderate: 0.56 nmol/L (IQR:0.45, 0.71), moderate-severe: 0.61 nmol/L (IQR:0.47, 0.77), severe: 0.70 nmol/L (IQR:0.55, 1.04) (p=.002)]. ProADM was significantly associated with increased odds of developing severe outcomes (suspected CAP odds ratio (OR) 1.68 [95% CI, 1.2, 2.36], radiographic CAP OR 2.11 [95% CI, 1.36, 3.38]) adjusted for age, fever duration, antibiotic use, and pathogen. ProADM had an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.64 (95%CI, 0.56,0.72) in those with suspected CAP and AUC 0.77 (95% CI, 0.68,0.87) in radiographic CAP. Conclusions ProADM was associated with severe disease and discriminated moderately well children who developed severe disease from those who did not, particularly in radiographic CAP.
Case Report: Frontoparietal Metastasis From a Primary Fallopian Tube Carcinoma

Background: Metastatic brain tumors typically arise from primary malignancies of the lung, kidney, breast, skin, and colorectum. Brain metastases originating from malignancies of the female genital tract are extremely rare. We present a case of fallopian tube brain metastasis and in so doing review the pertinent literature. Case Description: We describe a 59-year-old patient with a history of fallopian tube carcinoma who presented with an incidentally identified left frontal brain mass. MRI demonstrated an enhancing lesion in the left centrum semiovale with a second enhancing lesion noted in the cerebellar vermis. She underwent a left parietal craniotomy for resection of the dominant and clinically symptomatic lesion. Immunohistochemical stains were positive for PAX8 and p53, confirming fallopian tube origin. Conclusions: Fallopian tube cancer brain metastasis is extremely uncommon. We highlight the treatment and surgical resection of this patient's BRCA1 metastatic fallopian lesion and systematically review the literature regarding the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and histologic characteristics of the previously identified fallopian tube metastases to the central nervous system. The optimal course of treatment for brain metastasis of fallopian tube carcinoma has not been clearly defined due in part to the rarity of this condition. Consistent with BRCA1 neoplasms involving the breast and ovaries, the BRCA1 status of the patient's primary tumor likely increased the risk of central nervous system dissemination. This highlights a potential benefit of early screening of individuals with metastatic gynecologic malignancies associated with BRCA1 in the absence of any neurological symptoms.
Minimally invasive delivery of therapeutic agents by hydrogel injection into the pericardial cavity for cardiac repair

Cardiac patches are an effective way to deliver therapeutics to the heart. However, such procedures are normally invasive and difficult to perform. Here, we develop and test a method to utilize the pericardial cavity as a natural “mold” for in situ cardiac patch formation after intrapericardial injection of therapeutics in biocompatible hydrogels. In rodent models of myocardial infarction, we demonstrate that intrapericardial injection is an effective and safe method to deliver hydrogels containing induced pluripotent stem cells-derived cardiac progenitor cells or mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes. After injection, the hydrogels form a cardiac patch-like structure in the pericardial cavity, mitigating immune response and increasing the cardiac retention of the therapeutics. With robust cardiovascular repair and stimulation of epicardium-derived cells, the delivered therapeutics mitigate cardiac remodeling and improve cardiac functions post myocardial infarction. Furthermore, we demonstrate the feasibility of minimally-invasive intrapericardial injection in a clinically-relevant porcine model. Collectively, our study establishes intrapericardial injection as a safe and effective method to deliver therapeutic-bearing hydrogels to the heart for cardiac repair. Current routes to deliver therapeutics to the heart are normally invasive or difficult to perform. Here the authors develop intrapericardial injection as an efficient, easy-to-perform and minimally invasive method to deliver therapeutics for cardiac repair.
Patterns of Cannabis Use Among Individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Results from an Internet Survey.

Abstract Background Americans increasingly use cannabis, including those with psychiatric disorders. Yet little is known about cannabis use among individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Thus, we conducted the first survey of cannabis users with OCD. Methods Adults with OCD (i.e., prior professional diagnosis and/or score above the cutoff on a validated scale) who reported using cannabis were recruited from internet sources to complete a survey querying demographic information, medical/psychiatric history, cannabis use patterns, and perceived cannabis effects. Results Of 1096 survey completers, 601 met inclusion criteria. Inhalation/cannabis flower were the most common method/formulation participants endorsed; most identified using high-potency cannabis products; 42% met criteria for cannabis use disorder. Nearly 90% self-reported using cannabis medicinally, 33.8% had a physician's recommendation, and 29% used specifically to manage OCD symptoms. Most participants reported cannabis improved obsessions/compulsions; those with increased obsession severity perceived less benefit. Finally, most participants were not receiving evidence-based OCD treatment, and the odds of receiving treatment decreased with increased cannabis use. Conclusions In this survey, participants with OCD reported both subjective benefits and harms from cannabis use. Future research should clarify the risks and benefits of cannabis use to those with OCD and develop treatment models to better support this population.
Communication partner engagement: A relevant factor for functional outcomes in speech language therapy for aphasic dementia.

Objectives Previous reports established the feasibility of a telehealth model for delivering speech-language therapy via Internet videoconferencing, which connects individuals with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) to an expert speech and language pathologist for treatment. This study reports feasibility of the same telehealth intervention in a larger set of progressive aphasia participants and explores factors potentially influencing functional intervention outcomes. Methods Participants with PPA or progressive aphasia in the context of a neurodegenerative dementia syndrome and their communication partners were enrolled into an 8-session intervention, with 3 evaluations (Baseline, 2- and 6-months post-enrollment). Half of the participants were randomized into a "check-in" group and received three monthly half-hour sessions post-intervention. Mixed linear models with post hoc testing and percent change in area under the curve (AUC) were used to examine communication confidence over time, the primary patient reported outcome, as well as the influence of check-in sessions and role of communication partner engagement on communication confidence. Results Communication confidence improved at the 2-month evaluation and showed no significant decline at the 6-month evaluation. Item-level analysis revealed gains in communication confidence across multiple communication contexts. Gains and maintenance of communication confidence were only present for the engaged communication partner group and were not bolstered by randomization to the check-in group. Discussion Internet-based, person-centered interventions demonstrate promise as a model for delivering speech-language therapy to individuals living with PPA. Maintenance is possible for at least 6-months post-enrollment and is better for those with engaged communication partners, which supports the use of dyadic interventions.
The crystalline sponge method: quantum chemical in silico derivation and analysis of guest binding energies

Previously published crystalline sponge structures were analysed computationally using DFT-D2. Geometry optimisations and single point energy calculations were performed to obtain guest binding energies. Geometry optimisations afforded structures that closely matched experimental crystal structures. Relating binding energies with guest B-factors provided additional means to analyse crystalline sponge host–guest interactions.
The Wake Structure of a Stationary and a Rotary Wall-Mounted Low-Aspect-Ratio Cylinder

This paper investigates the wake structure of a low-aspect-ratio rotating cylinder mounted wall-normal to a flat plate at a diameter-based Reynolds number of Red=1000. The cylinder is driven at a c...
Clinical and genomic features of SPOP-mutant prostate cancer.

Background Inactivating missense mutations in the SPOP gene, encoding speckle-type poxvirus and zinc-finger protein, are one of the most common genetic alterations in prostate cancer. Methods We retrospectively identified 72 consecutive prostate cancer patients with somatic SPOP mutations, through next-generation sequencing analysis, who were treated at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. We evaluated clinical and genomic characteristics of this SPOP-mutant subset. Results SPOP alterations were clustered in the MATH domain, with hotspot mutations involving the F133 and F102 residues. The most frequent concurrent genetic alterations were in APC (16/72 [22%]), PTEN (13/72 [18%]), and TP53 (11/72 [15%]). SPOP-mutant cancers appeared to be mutually exclusive with tumors harboring the TMPRSS2-ERG fusion, and were significantly enriched for Wnt pathway (APC, CTNNB1) mutations and de-enriched for TP53/PTEN/RB1 alterations. Patients with mtSPOP had durable responses to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with a median time-to-castration-resistance of 42.0 (95% confidence interval [CI], 25.7-60.8) months. However, time-to-castration-resistance was significantly shorter in SPOP-mutant patients with concurrent TP53 mutations (hazard ratio [HR] 4.53; p = 0.002), HRD pathway (ATM, BRCA1/2, and CHEK2) mutations (HR 3.19; p = 0.003), and PI3K pathway (PTEN, PIK3CA, and AKT1) alterations (HR 2.69; p = 0.004). In the castration-resistant prostate cancer setting, median progression-free survival was 8.9 (95% CI, 6.7-NR) months on abiraterone and 7.3 (95% CI, 3.2-NR) months on enzalutamide. There were no responses to PARP inhibitor treatment. Conclusions SPOP-mutant prostate cancers represent a unique subset with absent ERG fusions and frequent Wnt pathway alterations, with potentially greater dependency on androgen signaling and enhanced responsiveness to ADT. Outcomes are best for SPOP-altered patients without other concurrent mutations.
On the Effectiveness of Crowd Sourcing Avian Nesting Video Analysis at Wildlife@Home

Abstract Wildlife@Home is citizen science project developed to provide wildlife biologists a way to swiftly analyze the massive quantities of data that they can amass during video surveillance studies. The project has been active for two years, with over 200 volunteers who have participated in providing observations through a web interface where they can stream video and report the occurrences of various events within that video. Wildlife@Home is currently analyzing avian nesting video from three species: Sharptailed-Grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) an indicator species which plays a role in determining the effect of North Dakota's oil development on the local wildlife, Interior Least Tern (Sternula antillarum) a federally listed endangered species, and Piping Plover (Charadrius Melodus) a federally listed threatened species. Video comes from 105 grouse, 61 plover and 37 tern nests from multiple nesting seasons, and consists of over 85,000 hours (13 terabytes) of 24/7 uncontrolled outdoor surveillance video. This work describes the infrastructure supporting this citizen science project, and examines the effectiveness of two different interfaces for crowd sourcing: a simpler interface where users watch short clips of video and report if an event occurred within that video, and a more involved interface where volunteers can watch entire videos and provide detailed event information including beginning and ending times for events. User observations are compared against expert observations made by wildlife biology research assistants, and are shown to be quite effective given strategies used in the project to promote accuracy and correctness.
Designation of a neotype for the kyphosid fish Kyphosus sectatrix (Linnaeus, 1758).

Several major systematic papers have recently been published on the perciform fish family Kyphosidae. One is a world revision of the family by Knudsen and Clements (2013), based largely on information summarized from an unpublished molecular phylogenetic analysis, supplemented by meristic and morphometric data. The second, by Sakai and Nakabo (2014), is a review of the genus Kyphosus from the Atlantic and eastern Pacific oceans only, based solely on conventional morphological and meristic information. The two papers include disagreements regarding identifications of two jointly examined specimens, erroneous or misleading information relative to types and type terminology, and conflicting meristic data. All of these have important taxonomic and nomenclatural implications, especially as regards Kyphosus sectatrix . Finally, the two studies were conducted completely independent of one another, and this is reflected both in the treatment of species and in certain of the respective conclusions.
Comparison ofDactylotenium Willd. andEleusine Gaertn. Spermoderm patterns

Seeds ofDactyloctenium Willd. andEleusine Gaertn. may be distinguished from each other by spermoderm patterns.Dactyloctenium seeds are transversed by ridges crossed by wavy lines forming a verrucated, reticulate pattern.Eleusine seeds have a pitted, tuberculate spermoderm pattern.
Using peer-assisted learning to teach and evaluate residents’ musculoskeletal skills

Although direct observation and corrective feedback are established methods of increasing select aspects of residents’ musculoskeletal (MSK) clinical skills, the evaluation and management of patients with MSK complaints remains an underemphasized part of internal medicine training. This paper reports on the development of an innovative peer-assisted learning (PAL) model to teach five MSK areas (back, knee, shoulder, neck, or hip pain). Based on data from 42 participating interns and 44 senior residents from an urban US academic medical center, results from an objective structured clinical exam (OSCE) demonstrate gains in both knowledge and self-reported confidence in MSK skills. Moreover, subsequent focus group results reveal a strong preference for the PAL model. In conclusion, an educational module that utilizes the OSCE format holds much promise for teaching MSK skills to both intern and senior residents.
A Supermajority of Californians Supports Limits on Law Enforcement Access to Cell Phone Location Information

While law enforcement increasingly locates individuals by gaining access to wireless phone records, a supermajority of Californians supports judicial intervention and informing suspects before law enforcement acquires retrospective (historical) location data on individuals from wireless phone companies. A majority of Californians understands that wireless phones can track their location, and that there is broad support for location tracking in emergency situations. When compared with Professor Alan Westin's three privacy segments, "Fundamentalists," "Pragmatists," and the "Unconcerned," Californians are more likely to be privacy pragmatists or fundamentalists, and less likely to be unconcerned about privacy. Generally, Westin's segmentation was not predictive of Californians' attitudes towards law enforcement access to wireless location data.
Diagnosis, Treatment, and Educational Implications for Students With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom

For many years there has been debate over Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and whether this condition, which commonly afflicts adolescent children, is a medical or social condition and whether it is exclusively an American phenomenon. This article reviews the basis of ADHD's definition, diagnosis, treatment, and educational implications across three countries: the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The differences in approach have clear and significant consequences for children and their futures.
More is not always better: a hidden cost of the flight-fecundity trade-off in the hawk moth, Manduca sexta (1100.2)

Flight and reproduction are two energetically demanding life-history traits, but empirical data for the existence of a trade-off between them is equivocal. Trade-offs are partly determined by the amount of resources available: trade-offs are more pronounced when resources are scarce and can be undetectable when resources are abundant. Using Manduca sexta hawk moths (Sphingidae) we tested the effects of nectar concentration (0%, 6%, 12%, 24%) and flight duration (0.5 h and 2.0 h) on flight performance, fecundity and the trade-off between these two traits. Flight performance was highest on 24% nectar with significant within-subjects interaction effects for distance and duration with diet, flight, and days flown. Nectar concentration was positively correlated with flight metabolic rate when standardized for speed and postprandial metabolic rate increased with nectar concentration. As a consequence, moths that were fed 6% nectar produced significantly more eggs compared to unfed moths or moths fed higher conc...
Isolation and characterization of a temperature-sensitive mutant of Salmonella typhimurium defective in prolipoprotein modification

A temperature-sensitive (ts) mutant of Salmonella typhimurium that accumulated unmodified murein prolipoprotein at 42 degrees C but not at 30 degrees C was identified. In vivo and in vitro studies of the biosynthesis of Braun's lipoprotein revealed that this mutant (SE5221) was defective in the glyceryl modification of prolipoprotein. The ts mutation was mapped to 60.6 min of the S. typhimurium chromosome and was linked to argA and cysH. A clone with a 1.4-kilobase S. typhimurium DNA insert that complemented the ts mutation and restored the prolipoprotein modification activity both in vivo and in vitro was isolated. DNA sequencing of the complementing region revealed an open reading frame encoding a protein with 291 amino acids lacking NH2-terminal signal sequence. This open reading frame is immediately 5' to the thyA gene and is allelic to umpA of Escherichia coli. Wild-type strains harboring the cloned gene exhibited elevated levels of prolipoprotein modification activity. At the non-permissive temperature, the mutation affected both growth and viability, and the mutant cells exhibited anomalous cell morphology. The ts phenotype was suppressed by the introduction of a lpp::Tn10 mutation. These results suggest that the cloned gene encodes prolipoprotein glyceryl transferase (lgt), and in the wild-type background, this prolipoprotein modification enzyme is essential for the growth and viability of S. typhimurium.
Regulation of microsomal UDP-glucoronyltransferase--mechanism of activation by UDP-N-acetylglucosamine.

Abstract UDP- N -acetylglucosamine, in vitro , increases the rate of glucuronidation of p -nitrophenol by microsomal UDP-glucuronyltransferase. In contrast, UDP- N -acetylglucosamine inhibits the reverse reaction. Inhibition is competitive with respect to UDP. UDP- N -acetylglucosamine does not compete, however, with UDP-glucuronic acid in assays in the forward direction. Inhibition of the reverse reaction by UDP- N -acetylglucosamine must be due, therefore, to an allosteric effect. This was verified in studies of the extent of end-product inhibition by UDP in the presence and absence of UDP- N -acetylglucosamine. The mechanism of activation by UDP- N -acetylglucosamine is suited ideally for efficient function of this enzyme.
Cost effectiveness in treating ventilator-associated pneumonia

Ventilator-associated pneumonia is a common illness in intensive care unit patients. The costs of management are increased when infection involves resistant organisms, as well as unnecessary and prolonged therapy. Efforts at accurate diagnosis, therapy and prevention can reduce the cost impact of this illness.
Reclaiming the community: the strengths perspective and deinstitutionalization

In the past decade, concern for the plight of severely mentally ill people has centered on such issues as mental illness among the homeless population, the burden placed on families who care for ill loved ones, and the impoverished quality of life experienced by those who attempt to survive on their own. Some have called for a rethinking of the abandonment of the asylum and a relaxation of civil commitment laws, while others have advocated for increasing community-based services that specifically target severely mentally ill people. This article discusses these issues and considers how the response to severe mental illness has overrelied on pathology-based models of helping. The strengths perspective provides an alternative. Although severe mental illness presents a formidable obstacle to the afflicted, mentally challenged individuals have strengths and abilities that can be tapped to foster their continued integration in community settings. This adjustment is best conducted through the use of naturally occurring community resources rather than specialized, segregated programs.
Current levelling behaviour under pulse current electroplating conditions: the role of reaction pseudocapacitance

Despite growing interest in pulse current electroplating, published theories have not evolved beyond treatments of simple, single-step reaction kinetics. This omission of multiple-step kinetics and associated reaction pseudocapacitance is responsible for the inability to interpret mechanistically several key pulse current electrodeposition process characteristics.
Extreme data reduction: the case for the research Tanka

This article demonstrates how research Tankas can be used as a means of data reduction and representation in qualitative research. This study consists of a secondary analysis of several data sources, and utilizes a process of co-constructed data analysis using the thematic analysis and research poetry. The authors explore the nature of poetry in qualitative research. Original data are juxtaposed with cocreated themes and research poems which are used as containers for data reduction and the creation of additional layers of meaning. Implications for qualitative research area presented.
A pilot study of rituximab in patients with recurrent, classic Hodgkin disease.

BACKGROUND To explore the potential role of infiltrating benign B cells in classic Hodgkin disease (HD) lesions in supporting the survival of malignant Hodgkin and Reed–Sternberg (H/RS) cells, the authors initiated a pilot study of rituximab. Rituximab is used to primarily deplete normal B cells from HD lesions. METHODS Patients with recurrent, classic HD who had received a minimum of two prior treatment regimens, regardless of whether H/RS cells expressed CD20, were treated with 6 weekly doses of 375 mg/m2 rituximab to selectively deplete infiltrating benign B cells. Objective tumor response was determined 3 weeks after completion of the last dose of rituximab and every 3 months thereafter. Serum samples were collected from patients before they started rituximab therapy and 3 weeks after the final course of rituximab. Serum cytokine levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, and interferon γ were determined using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. RESULTS Twenty-two patients with nodular sclerosis histology were evaluable for treatment response. Five patients (22%) achieved partial or complete remission that lasted for a median of 7.8 months (range, 3.3–14.9 months). Remissions were observed in patients only at lymph node and splenic sites, but not at extranodal sites, and were irrespective of CD20 expression by H/RS cells. Furthermore, systemic (B) symptoms resolved in six of seven patients after therapy. In two patients, partial remissions were associated with a decline in serum IL-6 levels. CONCLUSIONS The current data suggest that rituximab therapy in patients with recurrent, classic HD can alter serum IL-6 cytokine levels, can improve B symptoms, and may result in clinical remissions. Cancer 2003;98:310–4. © 2003 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.11511
Dendritic calcium channels and their activation by synaptic signals in auditory coincidence detector neurons.

The avian nucleus laminaris (NL) encodes the azimuthal location of low-frequency sound sources by detecting the coincidence of binaural signals. Accurate coincidence detection requires precise deve...
The Heat Transport and Spectrum of Thermal Turbulence

In this paper a theoretical investigation is made of various properties of the steady-state inhomogeneous turbulent convection of heat in a fluid between horizontal conducting surfaces. An upper limit to the heat transport is found subject to the constraint that some minimum eddy size exists which is effective in this transport. The spectrum of convecting motions, the mean thermal gradients at each point and the eddy conductivity are then determined in terms of the minimum eddy size. The relation between the boundary conditions and eddy size is studied by an extension of the work of Pellew & Southwell using the mean thermal gradients deduced when n 0 modes of motion are present to establish the Rayleigh number at which the ( n 0 +1)th mode first becomes unstable. In a final section the spectra and mean-square values of the fluctuating velocity and temperature fields are estimated from the Boussinesq form of the hydrodynamic equations. The previously reported experimental heat transports are within 10% of those predicted. The discrete transitions are within the error limits of the observations. However, further data must be mgathered to justify the use of minimum eddy size as a defining parameter in situations of geophysical scale.
The reduction of pertechnetate-99 by stannous chloride—II. The stoichiometry of the reaction in aqueous solutions of several phosphorus(V) compounds☆

Abstract The reduction of pertechnetate-99 by excess stannous chloride in 1 M sodium phosphate at pH 7 produced a mixed-metal complex of Tc(III), Tc(IV), and Sn(II). This was shown by polarography and spectrophotometry. Coulometry at fixed potential produced a Tc(III) complex which was air-oxidized to a Tc(IV) complex, in agreement with other reports. In 0.2 M sodium pyrophosphate at pH 7, both coulometry at fixed potential and reduction by excess SnCl 2 produced compounds which slowly turned deep blue. From their identical visible absorption spectra, it was tentatively concluded that they were the same, as were their oxidation products (pink), and from the coulometry it was concluded that Tc(III) has been formed. In 1 M potassium pyrophosphate at pH 7, excess SnCl 2 and coulometry produced almost colorless solutions; dilution to 0.2 M pyrophosphate did not cause the blue complex to appear. Qualitatively, it was shown that the pyrophosphate complex was more stable than one formed in a sodium polyphosphate solution. The close resemblance between the spectrum of Tc(III) phosphate and that of Tc(III) pyrophosphate was explained by assuming that the phosphate complex was formed from a hydrogen-bonded dimer of phosphoric acid.
Creating Qungasvik (a Yup'ik intervention "toolbox"): case examples from a community-developed and culturally-driven intervention.

This paper describes the development of a Yup’ik Alaska Native approach to suicide and alcohol abuse prevention that resulted in the creation of the Qungasvik, a toolbox promoting reasons for life and sobriety among youth. The Qungasvik is made up of thirty-six modules that function as cultural scripts for creating experiences in Yup’ik communities that build strengths and protection against suicide and alcohol abuse. The Qungasvik manual represents the results of a community based participatory research intervention development process grounded in culture and local process, and nurtured through a syncretic blending of Indigenous and Western theories and practices. This paper will provide a description of the collaborative steps taken at the community-level to develop the intervention modules. This process involved university researchers and community members coming together and drawing from multiple sources of data and knowledge to inform the development of prevention activities addressing youth suicide and alcohol abuse. We will present case examples describing the development of three keystone modules; Qasgiq (The Men’s House), Yup’ik Kinship Terms, and Surviving Your Feelings. These modules each are representative of the process that the community co-researcher team took to develop and implement protective experiences that: (1) create supportive community, (2) strengthen families, and (3) give individuals tools to be healthy and strong.
Effects of product recycle and temperature on autocatalytic reactions

The effect of product recycle and temperature on the maximum yield of product for several different autocatalytic reactions taking place in a tubular reactor is studied. A generalized version of the maximum principle is used to determine the maximum conversion and optimal temperature profile for each of the reactions considered. The fraction of product recycled, which affects the concentration of autocatalytic agent entering the reactor, is investigated to determine its effect on the maximum conversion.
Planning for Future Care Needs: Experiences of Unmarried Heterosexual and Sexual Minority Women

This study examined the experiences of legally unmarried, middle-aged and older sexual minority (e.g., lesbian, bisexual) and heterosexual women in planning for future care needs and long-term assistance. A total of 215 women (90 sexual minority women and 125 heterosexual women) 41-78 years of age completed a survey about long-term care planning strategies, including: (1) executing a will; (2) naming a health care proxy; (3) purchasing long-term care insurance; and (4) discussing potential living arrangements with at least one family member. Overall, 18.5% of women reported completing zero of the strategies, and 3.4% reported completing all four. Over half (59%) had completed at least two strategies. Women were most likely to have executed a will (68%) and named a health care proxy (61%). Both sexual minority women and heterosexual women were most likely to have talked to a family member of choice, rather than a biological family member about living with them if they were unable to care for themselves. Currently, serving as a health care proxy was an important correlate for having made long-term care plans and was particularly important for sexual minority women. Women who are not in traditional marriage relationships tend to adopt long-term care planning strategies that legally clarify and establish the nature of their important relationships.
The impact of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 on home healthcare agencies and nurses.

"Medicare home health agencies are facing a regulatory purgatory as measures to reduce home health spending by about $16 billion over five years take effect with little government guidance. Home health providers are grappling with new surety bond requirements, the banning of venipuncture as a qualifying procedure for other home health services, and an interim payment system to scale back reimbursement levels before a prospective payment system takes effect in fiscal year 2000" (Cassil, 1998). The challenges of surviving and conquering all of the current issues facing home healthcare nurses and agencies seem overwhelming. All of these legislative and regulatory issues with the resulting financial and clinical implications are occurring as agency staff and administrators continue to provide quality home healthcare services to patients of all ages. Please share your strategies for meeting the challenges of 1998 with the editor.
Solid-phase, Pd-catalyzed silicon-aryl carbon bond formation. Synthesis of sansalvamide A peptide.

A palladium-catalyzed silicon−aryl carbon bond formation on solid-phase is reported. A phenylalanine silane resin was prepared directly from protected iodo-substituted phenylalanine with butyl diet...
Exogenous β-glucanases and pentosanases and their impact on mashing

Abstract Commercial enzymes differ in their content of β-glucanases and xylanases and, in their ability to reduce mash viscosity and increase extract. No simple relationship exists between measurable enzyme activity and these parameters, suggesting that the benefit of these enzymes in mashing is not simply predicted from absolute levels of enzyme, reinforcing the view that enzyme efficacy should be evaluated directly in mashes. Preparations comprising principally xylanase increase wort viscosity when added in lower levels to mashes, probably by releasing β-glucan from its entrapment by arabinoxylan within the cell walls of barley. The glucanases have greater impact than xylanases on viscosity. Combinations of xylanase and β-glucanase have the greatest impact on viscosity and extract yield.
Development in vitro of Nephrolepis exaltata cv. Bostoniensis Runner Tissues

Study of organogenesis in vitro in runner tissues of the fern Nephrolepis exaltata cv. Bostoniensis has shown that the process involves two stages: the first being primoirdium initiation and the second involving release of these primordia from an apparent quiescent state. In vitro shoot development from the primordia required light and an exogenous supply of carbohydrate. No exogenous growth regulators were necessary, but rate of shoot development was promoted by both NAA and kinetin. Root initiation occurred in both the light and dark and was promoted by 2,4-D and NAA, but neither was essential. Organogenesis was generally inhibited with standard levels of Murashige and Skoog inorganic salts, but inhibition could be avoided with the use of dilute levels.
High concentrations of adrenergic antagonists prolong sciatic nerve blockade by tetrodotoxin.

Background: Millimolar-range concentrations of some adrenergic antagonists have been shown to have local anesthetic-like properties, and to stimulate GTPase activity in vitro. In this report, we investigate whether these agents can potentiate the effect of tetrodotoxin (TTX) and bupivacaine, a conventional local anesthetic, and whether GTPase activation plays a role. Methods: Rats received sciatic nerve blockade with tetrodotoxin or bupivacaine co-injected with adrenergic antagonists and/or agonists, or pertussis toxin. Thermal nociceptive blockade was quantified with modified hotplate testing. Results: Nerve block from TTX alone lasted 153 (99–223) min (median and 25th and 75th percentiles). Co-injection with 20 mM phentolamine, propranolol, and yohimbine prolonged TTX block to 856 (765–862), 486 (444–510), and 465 (413–495) min respectively (P<0.005 in all cases, compared to TTX alone). Micromolar concentrations of adrenergic antagonists (which inhibited the prolongation of TTX block by epinephrine) did not prolong TTX block. Injection of adrenergic antagonists alone did not produce specific nerve block. They did not prolong TTX block when injected at a remote subcutaneous site. Prolongation of TTX block by phentolamine was not inhibited by co-injection with pertussis toxin. Adrenergic antagonists did not prolong bupivacaine block. Conclusions: High concentrations of adrenergic antagonists markedly prolonged TTX block, but not bupivacaine block. This locally mediated action does not appear to be adrenergic-receptor-specific, or mediated by GTPase activation.
A stability indicating high-performance liquid chromatography determination of Triple Corticoid Integrated System in a cream

Abstract A reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method for Triple Corticoid Integrated System in a cream formulation was developed. This system includes acetate (fluocinonide), propionate (procinonide) and cyclopropyl carboxylate (ciprocinonide) esters of the common alcohol fluocinolone acetonide. The method was demonstrated to be stability-specific as well as linear, accurate (between 70 and 120% of labeled strength) and precise (RSD = 0.9–2.2%). The chromatography utilized a ternary system of THF-acetonitrile-water as the mobile phase with RP-18 column kept at 45°C. A study of the effects of the organic modifiers concentrations on the capacity factors suggested that only partition phenomena were responsible for the retention of the steroids. In addition the effect of column temperature on the capacity factors was evaluated. It was found that increase in temperature reduced retention times with some decrease in resolution capability of the system.
Dynamic symmetries in quantum electronics

We show that two distinct realizations of the SU(3) symmetry---the Gell-Mann SU(3) symmetry in quark physics and the Elliott SU(3) symmetry in nuclear physics---can be applied to the same dynamical system in intense-field electrodynamics under different experimental conditions. We also present a set of simultaneous soliton solutions in the Elliott SU(3)-symmetry scheme which has not been derived previously.
Tissue factor pathway inhibitor and the revised hypothesis of blood coagulation.

Abstract The recent rediscovery, isolation, and characterization of an endogenous coagulation inhibitor termed tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) has provided new insight into the regulation of in vivo coagulation. TFPI is a multivalent, Kunitz-type, protease inhibitor that directly binds and inactivates factor Xa and, in a factor-Xa-dependent fashion, produces feedback inhibition of the factor VIIa-tissue factor catalytic complex. The demonstrated in vitro properties of TFPI have led to the formulation of a revised theory of blood coagulation. In the revised model, coagulation proceeds through a single pathway rather than the alternative and redundant “extrinsic” and “intrinsic” pathways that had previously been postulated.
The Influence of High Plastic Strain on Precipitation from Solid Solution in Third Generation Al-Li Alloys

Different levels of compression plane strain were applied to third generation aluminum alloys to simulate rolling-type deformation following solution heat treatment. The aluminum alloys utilized were extruded production samples provided by Alcoa in a solution heat treated condition (T4). The alloys included in this study are AA2099-T4 containing 1.78 wt% lithium, and AA2055-T4 containing 1.13 wt% lithium and an additional component of 0.45 wt% silver. Following plane strain compression, the samples were isothermally heat treated at 155 °C for times up to about 7 days. Data presented include hardening behavior values and various electron microscopy techniques using conventional TEM to document subsequent precipitate sequence distributions and general kinetics.
EVALUATION OF PLASTICS PACKAGING MATERIALS FOR FOOD PACKAGING APPLICATIONS: FOOD SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

In evaluating a packaging system for food packaging applications, consideration must be given to the physical properties, chemical composition and extractivity of the packaging material. The last point, extractivity, or migration from the packaging material to a food contact phase, is of major concern in the selection and use of plastics packaging materials for food packaging. The present article deals specifically with migration of indirect food additives from plastics packaging materials and the scientific principles related to migrant transport or diffusion, as they apply to food safety. These principles and their experimental basis are discussed.
Evaluation of cross-correlation effects and measurement of one-bond couplings in proteins with short transverse relaxation times.

Various strategies are described and compared for measurement of one-bond J(NH) and J(NC') splittings in larger proteins. In order to evaluate the inherent resolution obtainable in the various experiments, relaxation rates of (15)N-(1)H(N) coupled and heteronuclear decoupled resonances were measured at 600- and 800-MHz field strengths for both perdeuterated and protonated proteins. A comparison of decay rates for the two (15)N-?H(N)? doublet components shows average ratios of 4.8 and 3.5 at 800- and 600-MHz (1)H frequency, respectively, in the perdeuterated proteins. For the protonated proteins these ratios are 3.2 (800 MHz) and 2.4 (600 MHz). Relative to the regular HSQC experiment, the enhancement in TROSY (15)N resolution is 2.6 (perdeuterated; 800 MHz), 2.0 (perdeuterated; 600 MHz), 2.1 (protonated; 800 MHz), and 1.7 (protonated; 600 MHz). For the (1)H dimension, the upfield (1)H(N)-?(15)N? component on average relaxes slower than the downfield (1)H(N)-?(15)N? component by a factor of 1.8 (perdeuterated; 800 MHz) and 1.6 (perdeuterated; 600 MHz). The poor resolution for the upfield (15)N-?(1)H? doublet component in slowly tumbling proteins makes it advantageous to derive the J(NH) splitting from the difference in frequency between the narrow downfield (15)N doublet component and either the (1)H-decoupled (15)N resonance or the peak position in an experiment which J-scales the frequency of the upfield doublet component but maintains some of the advantages of the TROSY experiment.
Familial Cardiac Myxoma: A Study of Relatives of Patients With Myxoma

Purpose Cardiac myxomas are rare benign tumors of the heart. Although most cases are sporadic, rare familial occurrence has been described. The aim of this study was to evaluate tumor involvement in family members of patients with cardiac myxoma and to compare familial vs nonfamilial cardiac myxoma in relation to age, sex, site and multichamber involvement, endocrine abnormality, embolism, presence of vascular aneurysms, and tumor recurrence. Patients and methods We studied 38 family members of 14 patients with cardiac myxoma by two-dimensional echocar-diography and whenever possible on an annual basis. Patients with cardiac myxoma were then divided into familial cardiac myxoma (6 patients) and nonfamilial cardiac myxoma (12 patients) for the above comparison. Results Four family members (10.5 percent) were found to have cardiac myxoma from two different families. The first included a brother and a sister, both with acromegaly, and the second included a mother, daughter, and two sons, in one of whom the tumor was detected on the second annual sons, in two-dimensional study. The patients with familial cardiac myxoma were younger (34.8 years vs 54 years, p Conclusion Cardiac myxoma is relatively frequent in family members with a higher yield of detection in family members of patients with right-sided or bilateral myxoma. Patients with familial cardiac myxoma are younger and have more frequent right-side involvement and long-term recurrence. Screening by echocardiography of family members of patients with cardiac myxoma is recommended. Annual studies are recommended for relatives of patients with familial cardiac myxoma.
Learning achieved in structured online debates: levels of learning and types of postings

The purpose of this study was to examine the learning process exhibited in restrained online debates in terms of to what extent each of Bloom’s six levels of cognitive learning were exhibited among four types of message (argument, critique, evidence, and explanation). Thirty-three graduate students enrolled in an online entry-level course in distance learning participated in this study. The threaded discussion postings from four structured online debates were analyzed. The results indicated that five of the six levels of cognitive learning (except for knowledge learning) were achieved to a certain extent among the four types of postings. Chi square tests indicated that higher levels of learning were most likely to be exhibited in critique and argument postings. Message–response exchanges ending with critiques or starting with argument messages were most likely to elicit higher levels responses. The results were discussed in light of better understanding of student learning and implications for instructional designs of discussion topics and restraints.
Synthesis of trideuterated O-alkyl platelet activating factor and lyso derivatives.

Racemic heavy isotope analogs of 1-O-alkyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (lysoPAF) and 1-O-alkyl-2-O-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (PAF) were prepared for use as internal standards to facilitate quantitative studies based on mass spectrometry. Starting from pentadencane-1,15-diol andrac-glycerol-1,2-acetonide, a convergent synthesis of 1-O-[16′-2H3]hexadecyl and 1-O-[18′-2H3]octadecylrac-glycero-3-phosphocholine and their acetyl derivatives is described. Three deuterium atoms were introduced at the terminal position of the 1-O-alkyl group by displacement of thep-toluensulfonyl group from 1-O-alkyl-15′-p-toluensulfonate and 1-O-alkyl-17′-p-toluensulfonate with [2H3]-methylmagnesium iodide. The 1-O-alkyl-17′-p-toluensulfonate was obtained by reaction of the 1-O-alkyl-15′-p-toluensulfonate with allylmagnesium bromide, followed by reductive ozonolysis and treatment withp-toluenesulfonyl chloride. The hydroxyl group at C-2 was protected by a benzyl group and removed at a late stage in the synthesis. This provided the corresponding lysoderivatives or allowed preparation of racemic PAF by subsequent acetylation of the free hydroxy group. The phosphocholine moiety was introduced at glycerol C-3 by reaction with bromoethyldichlorophosphate and trimethylamine. The synthetic compounds were analyzed by FAB/MS and GC/NICIMS. They were shown to contain less than 0.6% protium impurity.
Doppler ultrasound findings in reticular veins of the thigh subdermic lateral venous system and implications for sclerotherapy.

BACKGROUND. Treatment of varicose veins is directed towards eliminating sources of reflux causing venous hypertension in the superficial venous system. Doppler ultrasound is routinely used to localize sources of reflux prior to treatment of large varicose veins. OBJECTIVE. To assess the value of Doppler ultrasound in localizing reflux in subcutaneous reticular veins associated with groups of lateral thigh telangiectases. METHODS. Seven hundred patient records in which Doppler ultrasound was performed on thigh reticular veins were reviewed. Patients with reflux of the saphenofemoral junction, saphenopopliteal junction, or major saphenous system perforators were excluded. RESULTS. Audible reflux upon distal calf compression release was noted in thigh subcutaneous reticular veins of 618 out of 700 patients (88%). These incompetent reticular veins were associated with groups or webs of telangiectases and/or venulectases on the lateral thigh in almost all cases. Reflux was loudest just distal to the lateral femoral condyle. In 20 patients Doppler ultrasound was performed on a reticular vein while a telangiectasia associated with the reticular vein was injected with sclerosing solution. In 15 patients a clearly audible flow signal was heard in the reticular vein during injection. CONCLUSION. These findings indicate an association of telangiectatic veins with reticular veins on the thighs. Furthermore, this study underscores the value of Doppler in determining sources of reflux in smaller veins and implies that sclerotherapy of reticular veins is necessary for treatment of thigh telangiectatic webs.