cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Leveraging domain knowledge to facilitate visual exploration of large population datasets.

Observational patient data provides an unprecedented opportunity to gleam new insights into diseases and assess patient quality of care, but a challenge lies in matching our ability to collect data with a comparable ability to understand and apply this information. Visual analytic techniques are promising as they permit the exploration and manipulation of complex datasets through a graphical user interface. Nevertheless, current visualization tools rely on users to manually configure which aspects of the dataset are shown and how they are presented. In this paper, we describe an approach that utilizes characteristics of the data and domain knowledge to assist users with summarizing the information space of a large population. We present a representation that captures contextual information about the data and constructs that operate on this information to tailor the data’s presentation. We describe a use case of this approach in exploring a claims dataset of individuals with spinal dysraphism.
Dissolution of the Realism/Antirealism Problem

This paper investigates the way to dissolve the adversary either/or position represented by realism and antirealism by suggesting the complementarity approach which was so successfully introduced by Niels Bohr in his revolutionary way of thinking applied to modern physics. Bohr himself hoped that one day the complementarity principle would become the backbone of everyone’s education and would be applied in the entire spectrum of our society. However, Bohr’s approach is regarded as revolutionary only in the western philosophico-scientific tradition. Outside of it there are similar philosophical, moral, and spiritual perspectives to be found in Taoism, Buddhism, Upanishads, and Jainism whose followers regard complementarity of Bohr as more-or-less commonplace.
Accreditation, Quality, and Centers of Excellence

Obesity is a chronic and debilitating disease that has become a global epidemic. Multiple treatment options are available, but metabolic and bariatric surgery offers the most effective and durable treatment for obesity. Accreditation standards were developed to ensure that patients received the highest quality care with safe outcomes. This chapter reviews general history of quality improvement, and discusses its evolution to the current accreditation standards and quality improvement programs being utilized by metabolic and bariatric surgeons today. A highly successful metabolic and bariatric surgery program requires embracing a change in safety culture, effective leadership, a rich data registry, but mostly, a commitment to provide standardized high quality care for metabolic and bariatric surgery patients.
Introducing first year medical students to oncology care through an elective seminar series.

e18193Background: Advancing the quality of cancer care requires that physicians be educated in oncology and its various disciplines. An oncology seminar series was designed and implemented for firs...
Technical Manifestations of the Everted Brain: The Impact and Legacy of Raja Parasuraman

Abstract Technical prosthetics and orthotics are prior visions made material in the world. Predominantly, they replicate and magnify inherent human abilities. Such biomimetic propensities are applicable and evident in all everted human bodily systems. However, the brain is the most special of these, the elaboration of which has exerted and continues to exert the most profound impact upon the world around us.
Studies on inhibition of viral oncogenesis

Newborn Syrian hamsters (Mesocricatus auratus) were inoculated subcutaneously at birth with adenovirus-12, Hollinshead strain, and 4–5 days later they were treated with clam (M. mercenaria) liver extracts (CLE). The animals were segregated according to sex at 3 weeks of age. The tumor incidence in the males, both treated and controls, was statistically lower than in the corresponding females. The treated hamsters, both males and females, developed significantly fewer tumors than the corresponding controls. During the course of study the virus lost much of its oncogenicity but all animals inoculated with either the virulent or attenuated virus responded to treatments. The CLE in a total dose of 100–350 mcg per hamster given in 2–3 subcutaneous injections within 12 days after birth was effective in protecting some of the hamsters from developing tumors during the later part of their life. The common antitumor drug, methotrexate (MTX), also showed some inhibitory activity, at least in the male hamsters. The over-all results of 11 assay experiments, using 663 hamsters, carried out in our laboratory during the past several years showed that treatment with clam extracts reduced the tumor incidence by 50% or more as compared to the controls.
Timely Interventions for Children with ADHD through Web-Based Monitoring Algorithms

The aim of this study was to evaluate an automated trigger algorithm designed to detect potentially adverse events in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), who were monitored remotely between visits. We embedded a trigger algorithm derived from parent-reported ADHD rating scales within an electronic patient monitoring system. We categorized clinicians’ alert resolution outcomes and compared Vanderbilt ADHD rating scale scores between patients who did or did not have triggered alerts. A total of 146 out of 1738 parent reports (8%) triggered alerts for 98 patients. One hundred and eleven alerts (76%) required immediate clinician review. Nurses successfully contacted parents for 68 (61%) of actionable alerts; 46% (31/68) led to a change in care plan prior to the next scheduled appointment. Compared to patients without alerts, patients with alerts demonstrated worsened ADHD severity (β = 5.8, 95% CI: 3.5–8.1 [p < 0.001] within 90 days prior to an alert. The trigger algorithm facilitated timely changes in the care plan in between face-to-face visits.
Hemodynamic profiles following digoxin use in patients with sepsis in the ICU.

Abstract Purpose To explore the impact of digoxin on hemodynamic parameters in patients with sepsis and tachycardia admitted to the intensive care unit. Materials and methods Retrospective review of adult patients admitted to the medical and mixed ICU at Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota from March 2008 to February 2018, initiated on digoxin within 24 h of ICU stay. Hemodynamic parameters were reviewed before digoxin administration and at 6, 12 and 24 h after. Adverse events including new onset conduction abnormalities or arrhythmias during the first 48 h after digoxin administration were reviewed by a critical care cardiologist. Results Study included 180 patients. We observed significant decrease in heart rate from 124 (115–138) beats/min 1 h before digoxin to 101 (87–117) 6 h after digoxin and 94 (84–112) 12 h after (p Conclusions Early digoxin administration in patients with sepsis and tachycardia is uncommon but associated with improvements of hemodynamic parameters. These preliminary results will help formulate future hypotheses for focused trials on utility, efficacy and safety of digoxin in sepsis.
What information do patients recall from the third molar surgical consultation

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine whether the use of a professionally prepared educational video on third molar extraction enhances comprehension and retention of general and informed consent information. A prospective cohort study of adult patients undergoing consultation followed by extraction of third molars in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic, University of Illinois at Chicago was completed. At the initial consultation, the subjects viewed an educational video and received specific verbal individual information about their case. A written examination (group 1) was then completed; a subgroup of the subjects (group 2) was selected randomly to complete the same examination at the next visit prior to the procedure. The primary predictor variable was utilization of the video. The primary outcome variable was comprehension of information regarding third molars, assessed by examination scores. The secondary outcome variable was retention of the information, assessed by repeat examination scores. One hundred adults (34 male, 66 female; group 1) completed the examination at least once; 54 (19 male, 35 female) completed both examinations (group 2). Correct responses ranged from 64% to 100% in group 1 and from 37% to 100% in group 2. In group 2, all questions answered incorrectly at the first visit were answered correctly at the second visit, without any additional information being provided. Patient comprehension and retention of pertinent pre-surgical information is poor, despite use of an educational video to supplement the usual verbal consultation. These results confirm those of prior studies and may have medico-legal implications regarding the informed consent process for third molar surgery.
eBay, iTunes, and propositional logic: comparing expressiveness of different query languages

We outline a series of exercises that relate propositional logic to various straightforward query languages as used by some popular programs. The exercises naturally motivate the use of boolean algebra to translate between equivalent formulas (including a practical application of converting a formula to conjunctive normal form). They also illustrate connections between topics student see in logic/discrete math, programming topics, and topics in design.
An Equilibrium Search Model of Inventory Management

We present an equilibrium search model with dynamic inventory and revenue management. Buyers purchase goods produced by sellers through intermediaries. The presence of search frictions creates demand uncertainty and makes instantaneous replenishment impossible. To avoid the risk of stockout, intermediaries hold inventory and employ inventory-based pricing and order strategies. In equilibrium, when its inventory is high, the dealer posts a lower retail price to speed up sales and depresses wholesale price to slow down purchases, generating unimodal steady-state distributions of both inventory holdings and retail prices. Using a dataset that contains detailed information on used car listings, we examine the dynamics of car dealers' inventory, new orders, sales, and retail prices and find evidence supporting the theory. We calibrate the model and show that the proposed mechanism can generate a non-trivial proportion of observed price dispersion.
INSIDERS AND OUTSIDERS

This essay takes as its theme the humanistic principle of antithetical discourse as exemplified in the Irish literary tradition. In demonstrating the differences between external American views and internal Irish views of Irish writers, it traces the changing critical judgments of Yeats' and Joyce's respective places in the tradition.
Resurgent Russian Ingress in Afghanistan: Implications for Pakistan

After the fall of soviet-empire, Afghanistan became the playground of international players, with covert and overt agenda towards the country. It has also become a breeding ground for militant organization. Russia, after her recent show of power in the Middle East has set her eye on its regional chessboard. For protecting its borders from incursion of extremism and the menace of drug trafficking which is gaining pace, Russia is entering Afghanistan again. This time she has found her 'favorite' jihadis on their side, the Taliban. How the entrance of resurgent power in the existing world order will have an impact on the country already going through the tough tides of unfolding international arena, Pakistan. The paper delineates, how the geo-political scenario compelled Moscow to get into bargaining with its rivals and what are the impacts on Pakistan.
The disproportionate rise in COVID-19 cases among Hispanic/Latinx in disadvantaged communities of Orange County, California: A socioeconomic case-series

Author(s): Chow, Daniel S; Soun, Jennifer E; Glavis-Bloom, Justin; Weinberg, Brent; Chang, Peter D; Mutasa, Simukayi; Monuki, Edwin; Park, Jung In; Xie, Xiaohui; Bota, Daniela; Wu, Jie; Thompson, Leslie; Amin, Alpesh N; Khan, Saahir; Boden-Albala, Bernadette | Abstract: AbstractBackgroundRecent epidemiological evidence has demonstrated a higher rate of COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths among minorities. This pattern of race-ethnic disparities emerging throughout the United States raises the question of what social factors may influence spread of a highly transmissible novel coronavirus. The purpose of this study is to describe race-ethnic and socioeconomic disparities associated with COVID-19 in patients in our community in Orange County, California and understand the role of individual-level factors, neighborhood-level factors, and access to care on outcomes.MethodsThis is a case-series of COVID-19 patients from the University of California, Irvine (UCI) across six-weeks between 3/12/2020 and 4/22/2020. Note, California’s shelter-in-place order began on 3/19/2020. Individual-level factors included race-ethnicity status were recorded. Neighborhood-level factors from census tracts included median household income, mean household size, proportion without a college degree, proportion working from home, and proportion without health insurance were also recorded.ResultsA total of 210-patients tested were COVID-19 positive, of which 73.3% (154/210) resided in Orange County. Hispanic/Latinx patients residing in census tracts below the median income demonstrated exponential growth (rate = 55.9%, R2 = 0.9742) during the study period. In addition, there was a significant difference for both race-ethnic (p l 0.001) and income bracket (p = 0.001) distributions prior to and after California’s shelter-in-place. In addition, the percentage of individuals residing in neighborhoods with denser households (p = 0.046), lower levels of college graduation (p l 0.001), health insurance coverage (p = 0.01), and ability to work from home (p l 0.001) significantly increased over the same timeframe.Conclusions and RelevanceOur study examines the race-ethnic disparities in Orange County, CA, and highlights vulnerable populations that are at increased risk for contracting COVID-19. Our descriptive case series illustrates that we also need to consider socioeconomic factors, which ultimately set the stage for biological and social disparities.
α-proteobacteria synthesize biotin precursor pimeloyl-ACP using BioZ 3-ketoacyl-ACP synthase and lysine catabolism

Pimelic acid, a seven carbon α,ω-dicarboxylic acid (heptanedioic acid), is known to provide seven of the ten biotin carbon atoms including all those of the valeryl side chain. Distinct pimelate synthesis pathways were recently elucidated in Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis where fatty acid synthesis plus dedicated biotin enzymes produce the pimelate moiety. In contrast, the α-proteobacteria which include important plant and mammalian pathogens plus plant symbionts, lack all of the known pimelate synthesis genes and instead encode bioZ genes. Here we report a pathway in which BioZ proteins catalyze a 3-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) synthase III-like reaction to produce pimeloyl-ACP with five of the seven pimelate carbon atoms being derived from glutaryl-CoA, an intermediate in lysine degradation. Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains either deleted for bioZ or which encode a BioZ active site mutant are biotin auxotrophs, as are strains defective in CaiB which catalyzes glutaryl-CoA synthesis from glutarate and succinyl-CoA.
Scalable photonics: an optimized approach

Classical and quantum photonics with superior properties can be implemented in a variety of old (silicon, silicon nitride) and new (silicon carbide, diamond) photonic materials by combining state of the art optimization and machine learning techniques (photonics inverse design) with new fabrication approaches. In addition to making photonics more robust to errors in fabrication and temperature, more compact, and more efficient, this approach is also crucial for enabling new photonics applications, such as on chip laser driven particle accelerators, and semiconductor quantum simulators.
Deep Reinforcement Learning for Snake Robot Locomotion

Abstract The design of gaits for underactuated robots is often unintuitive, with many results derived from either trial and error or simplification of system structure. Recent advances in deep reinforcement learning have yielded results for systems continuous in either states or actions, which may extend to a variety of locomoting robots. In this work we employ reinforcement learning to derive efficient and novel gaits for both terrestrial and aquatic multi-link snake robots. Although such systems operate in different environments, we show that their shared geometric structure allows us to utilize the same learning techniques in both cases to find gaits without any human input. We present results learned and rolled out in simulation, and we describe preliminary efforts to implement the entire learning process on a physical system.
Role-Based Protection and Delegation for Mobile Object Environments

PrincipalDomain is an administrative scoping construct for establishing system and service security policies. The scoping is based on principals which invoke object services that might result in the service objects moving around a network to accomplish their task. The privileges attached to the principal determines the privileges of those mobile objects. These privileges effectively define the access control rules for any resource the object might request.
Parallel computing using the prefix problem

The prefix operation on a set of data is one of the simplest and most useful building blocks in parallel algorithms. This introduction to those aspects of parallel programming and parallel algorithms that relate to the prefix problem emphasizes its use in a broad range of familiar and important problems. The book illustrates how the prefix operation approach to parallel computing leads to fast and efficient solutions to many different kinds of problems. Students, lecturers, and programmers will want to read this clear exposition of an important approach.
Reversible binding and fluorescence energy transfer between surface-derivatized CdS nanoparticles and multi-functionalized fluorescent mesoporous silica nanospheres

Abstract A MCM-41 types of Mesoporous Silica Nanosphere material ( MSN ) covalently anchored with a fluorescent dye (Texas Red™) is synthesized. The Texas-Red-doped MSNs is also functionalized with a second organic group, i.e., mercaptopropyl or aminopropyl functionalities. These organic groups of the resulting bifunctional MSN s are utilized as reversible linkers to entrap two corresponding surface-derivatized cadmium sulfide ( CdS ) nanoparticles. The kinetics of encapsulation and release as well as the photophysical properties of the photoluminescent quantum dots and the MSN composites are investigated by examining the fluorescence resonance energy transfer between the two species. We demonstrated that the fluorescence energy transfer between CdS and Texas Red molecules can be “ switched off” by chemically cleaving the covalent linkage between the mesopore-entrapped CdS and the fluorescent MSN . Our results indicated that these MSN materials provided with proper pore-surface functional groups could serve as reversible hosts to entrap and release surface-derivatized cadmium sulfide nanoparticles.
A Quantitative Approach to Medieval Population Change

GEOGRAPHERS and city planners, endeavoring to explain or foretell changes in urban population, sometimes use an approach called basic-nonbasic.1 A basic factor is one which brings in money from outside of the city and which usually sells its products beyond the city limits. The nonbasic factor furnishes services and supplies to the city. Thus a factory would normally be a basic factor, while grocery stores, barber shops, and similar institutions, together with most professional groups, would be nonbasic. A factory employing a thousand workmen would add to the city not merely the workmen's families but about an equal group of nonbasic families, perhaps a total of six or seven thousand persons. This concept is a very useful one in modern society and is worth testing for its possibilities for medieval settlements. In the Middle Ages life was simple. Instead of a thousand-employee mill as a possible basic factor, there were fairs, markets, fisheries, and guilds which attracted buyers from the countryside; and castles, courts, and monasteries where people were supported by outside money. The question is whether nonbasic groups appeared inevitably alongside or near these basic factors and, if they did, what size did they attain with respect to the basic groups. Should we be surprised at the appearance of a village under a castle, explaining it as existing under the protection of the lord, or should we learn to expect it as a normal nonbasic complement to the basic
Zea Mays (Maize, Corn)

Zea mays L. (maize, corn) is a member of the grass family (Poaceae). It has been an important food crop since ancient times, especially among the peoples of Central and South America. Although most grasses have bisexual florets the mature florets of Z. mays are functionally unisexual on the sample plant, a condition referred to as monoecy. The functionally male florets are borne on the tassel whereas the functionally female florets are borne on the ear. All of the components of the adult Z. mays plant are initiated within the first 4 weeks after germination. Research on maize genetics has led to some exciting discoveries (some associated with the award of a Nobel prize). These discoveries have clarified the putative origin and biology of Z. mays and have also provided significant insights for plant biology as a whole. An overview of the taxonomy of Z. mays is provided. Key Concepts: The species, Zea mays L. (maize/corn), is a member of the grass family (Poaceae) and a member of the genus Zea. Taxonomically and nomenclaturally maize is known as Z. mays L. ssp. mays. Maize is considered to have evolved from the Mexican annual teosintes (Z. mays ssp. parviglumis and ssp. mexicana). A large number of exciting genetic discoveries originated from the research on maize. One of these discoveries, the phenomenon of transposable elements, resulted in the awarding of a Nobel prize. The flowers of Z. mays, typically referred to as florets, are initially bisexual but before the florets are reproductively functional they become unisexual, resulting in monoecy. The functionally male florets are borne terminally on the plant in the tassel. The functionally female florets are borne laterally on the plant in one or more ears. The occurrence of separate male and female florets in separate flowering structures (inflorescences) on the Z. mays plant (monoecy) has enabled the genetics of this species to be extensively studied because controlled pollinations are relatively easily performed. The morphological structure of the very young florets in Z. mays is typical of the florets in the grass family (Poaceae) in that each floret is subtended by a lemma and a palea. Pairs of florets form spikelets. In the tassel, both florets in each spikelet are functionally male and produce pollen. In the ear one of the two florets in each spikelet aborts. The remaining floret results in a kernel following successful pollination and fertilisation. Keywords: corn; grass; maize; Poaceae; Zea mays; monoecy; transposons; C4 photosynthesis; cold sensitivity
EFFECT OF CURVATURE AND SURFACE AREA ON COLORIMETER READINGS—A MODEL STUDY

The effect of sample curvature and surface area on colorimeter color readings was determined using samples with different radii of curvature (23.5, 28.5, 36.0, and 48.5 mm) on one side and flat on other side. No curvature effect was observed with an instrument having a small aperture (8 mm, Minolta chroma meter). An effect of surface area and curvature was observed for total color difference (ΔE), lightness (L) and chroma (C) but not hue angle with an instrument having a larger aperture (91 mm, Gardner XL-845). L and C increased with increasing surface area and radius of curvature while ΔE decreased with increasing surface area and radius of curvature. The data from this experimental work indicate that reducing the area ratio (ratio between curved and flat surface area of the text sample) to less than 1.023 by using a smaller aperture will eliminate significant effects of sample curvature on colorimeter color readings. Hue angle results were unaffected by the curvature and can be reported if the area ratio criterion cannot be met.
The Fanconi syndrome and mechanisms of tubular transport dysfunction.

Within the past several decades disorders with deranged transport functions in renal proximal tubule cells have become clinically prominent. Every textbook of medicine or pediatrics contains a discussion of inherited or acquired diseases involving defects in the absorption of specific amino acids, sugars, or other solutes. The inherited disorders may involve specific amino acids, such as in classic cystinuria with dibasic aminoaciduria, iminoglycinuria, and Hartnup disease with neutral aminoaciduria, sugars as in renal glycosuria and glucose-galactose malabsorption, or phosphate as in hypophosphatemic rickets or uric acid. Although the exact defect in cell function in these disorders has not been delineated, the likely explanation has been that they result from a malfunctioning or absent specific carrier mechanism for the transport of the particular substances involved. The renal Fanconi syndrome (De Toni-Debre-Fan-coni syndrome), which has been thoroughly discussed by Morris et al [1] and by Brodehl [2], on the other hand, is characterized by a generalized disorder in proximal renal tubule transport affecting amino acids, glucose, and phosphate, as well as uric acid, bicarbonate, and other substances. The clinical consequences are acidosis, rickets, impaired growth, polyuria, dehydration, and hypokalemia.
STUDY OF THE REACTION K$sup -$n $Yields$ $lambda$$pi$$sup -$ AT 3.9 AND 3.6 GeV/c: TEST OF EXCHANGE DEGENERACY IN THE t REGION AND AN OBSERVATION OF A BACKWARD PEAK IN THE u REGION.

Angular distributions in the low-$|t|$ region in the reaction ${K}^{\ensuremath{-}}n\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\Lambda}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and in the linereversed reaction ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\Lambda}{K}^{0}$ and from other complementary experiments do not support the predictions of exchange degeneracy between the ${{K}_{\frac{1}{2}}}^{*}(890)$ and the ${{K}_{\frac{1}{2}}}^{*}(1420)$ up to $s\ensuremath{\sim}11$ ${\mathrm{GeV}}^{2}$. In the low-$|u|$ region of the reaction ${K}^{\ensuremath{-}}n\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\Lambda}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ at 3.9 GeV/c, we observe a peak with a slope of 10\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}3 ${\mathrm{GeV}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ followed by a valley from $u=\ensuremath{-}0.15 \mathrm{to} \ensuremath{-}0.4$ ${\mathrm{GeV}}^{2}$. A simple Regge-pole fit to this backward-scattering region using the ${N}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}}$ trajectory is presented.
A note on context free languages, complexity classes, and diagonalization

Two techniques from recursive function theory are examined in the hope that they might be of use in establishing complexity bounds for the context free languages. It is found that no context free language can be “hard” or productive with respect to any complexity class. From this one could argue that attempts to find the complexity of the context free languages through diagonalization strategies must fail.
Managing ethics under managed care.

Understandably, many social workers lament the profound impact that managed care has had on their professional lives. Regardless of managed care's merits, social workers have had to alter the way they deliver their services. For many practitioners, managed care has imposed severe constraints on their ability to initiate services and provide services with sufficient frequency and duration to address clients' problems meaningfully.
Fingered morphology of niobium (110) grown by molecular-beam epitaxy

We report a regime of temperature film thickness and substrate miscut in which thin films of niobium (110) grow faceted on sapphire $(112\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}0),$ and with a surface morphology that contains long fingers oriented along the niobium in-plane [001] direction. The origins of these features are discussed.
Characterization of TiN films alternately treated with PVD and Cr ion implantation

Abstract The projected ranges of the conventional ion implantation are generally below submicrons. This makes it difficult to apply the implantation techniques to the tribological uses. The combined process of the physical vapor deposition (PVD) and the ion implantation was developed to form the thick implanted layers over a few microns. In this process, firstly, the PVD films are deposited by the cathodic arc ion plating method with a film thickness of 50 to 250 nm. Secondly, the metal ions are implanted using the pulsed arc ion source at an energy below 80 keV without mass separation. These two processes were alternately conducted up to the film thickness of a few microns. Using this combined process, Cr implanted PVD-TiN films were studied. The film thicknesses of the implanted layers were 2–7 μm, which are over ten times larger than those of conventionally implanted layers. Furthermore, these films showed excellent wear resistances compared with the unimplanted PVD-TiN films.
Animal-Assisted Play Therapy An Interview With Rise VanFleet

Rise VanFleet is a well-known family therapist who is a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania, and a leading expert in Filial Therapy, having studied with the founders and creators, Bernard and Louise Guerney. She is also a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor and a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant. In this telephone interview, VanFleet discusses her involvement in animal-assisted play therapy (AAPT), her research, and the training methods she has developed. She is a prolific author and conducts trainings throughout the globe in both filial therapy and AAPT.
Can Propofol Cause Dystonia and Movement Disorders

Abnormal movement disorders have been reported in association with the use of propofol for the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. These movements were described as involuntary movemen...
A large sample investigation of a multiple decrement life table estimator

Abstract A widely used multiple decrement life table estimator, designed to deal with grouped and censored data, is rigorously defined and investigated. The relationship of the estimator to the problem of competing risks is also discussed, and its large sample covariance structure is worked out. The results of this paper may be applied not only in the study of human and animal mortality but also in evaluating the use-effectiveness of contraceptives, where incorrect formulas for estimating standard errors have sometimes been used.
The Third Chair in the Examination Room: Practical Ethics of Decision-Making for the Pediatric Dermatologist

Decision-making in pediatric dermatology follows a model common to pediatric care. The parent or legal guardian provides informed permission for interventions with the child’s assent, where possible, acting in the best interests of the child. In most cases, this model works smoothly, but if the parent’s wishes and/or parenting style or the physician’s recommendations conflict with the wishes of the child, the minor patient may demand care that conflicts with the better judgment of the physician or parent, or the parent may not always act in what the physician believes to be the child’s best interests. Practical strategies for dealing with the ethical challenges of shared decision-making are presented.
Application of percent labeled mitoses (PLM) analysis to the investigation of melanoma cell responsiveness to MSH stimulation throughout the cell cycle

Abstract Using a modification of the percent labeled mitoses (PLM) method of cell cycle analysis, the approximate lengths of the cell cycle phases of Cloudman S91 mouse melanoma cells were determined to be: G1, 10.0 h; S, 8.0 h; G2, 2.0 h; and M, 4.0 h. Studies were then carried out to investigate melanoma cell responsiveness to MSH (melanocyte stimulating hormone) throughout the cell cycle. In contrast to previous reports of a G2-specific cell response to MSH, melanoma cells demonstrated increased tyrosinase activity when exposed to MSH for the time periods: 0–8 h, 8–16 h, or 16–24 h. These times correspond to late M-G1; G1-S; and late S-G2-M, respectively. Cells exposed to cycloheximide (10 −6 M) during any of these time periods were inhibited from responding to MSH, suggesting that continued protein synthesis is required throughout the cell cycle for MSH action. These results demonstrate that MSH responsiveness is not necessarily expressed exclusively during the G2 phase of the cell cycle in Cloudman S91 mouse melanoma cells in culture, as reported by others.
Frost damage and its cascading negative effects on Aesculus glabra

Frost damage and re-foliation are seldom quantified for forest species, but are of ecological and evolutionary importance. This study of Aesculus glabra (Ohio buckeye) in a deciduous forest remnant in Illinois, USA, quantified frost damage to leaves and flowers after sub-freezing temperatures in April 2007. It also documented re-foliation and later growth, reproduction, and survival in 2007–2009 for the 355 study individuals of four life stages growing 0–200 m from the forest edge. Life stages differed in % leaf damage because of differences in phenology during the frost. Large saplings with fully expanded, immature leaves had higher % damage and lower % canopy fullness after re-foliation than smaller saplings with partially or fully mature leaves and canopy trees undergoing shoot expansion with folded leaflets. Percent damage increased for saplings closer to edges. Large saplings with heavier frost damage to leaves had partial re-foliation in deep shade, lower % canopy fullness, earlier senescence, a shorter growing season, and greater death of next year’s buds. By 2008, large saplings with greater damage in 2007 had more dead branches and lower % canopy fullness. By 2009, 11% of large saplings had died. In 2007, frost damaged no flowers, but final fruit crop size was negatively related to % leaf damage. Edge trees with total leaf damage aborted all fruits. The frost event differentially affected individuals in their length and time of growing season, energy budget, and, ultimately, reproduction, and survival. The population’s local-scale demography and spatial pattern also changed as large saplings died.
The relationship of blood cadmium level to hypertension and plasma norepinephrine level: A Romanian study.

The associations of blood cadmium levels with hypertension and plasma norepinephrine concentrations were determined in normotensive and hypertensive nonsmokers and smokers. Statistical analysis showed that after adjustment for age alone, the estimated mean values of blood cadmium and plasma norepinephrine in nonsmokers were significantly lower than in smokers. However, after adjustment for age and blood cadmium, the estimated mean values for plasma norepinephrine were not significantly different between nonsmokers and smokers or normotensives and hypertensives. In contrast the estimated mean value for blood cadmium as a function of blood pressure and smoking habit was still significant after adjustment for age and plasma norepinephrine. We suggest that smoking and blood pressure affect the level of blood cadmium, and through this change in blood cadmium the level of plasma norepinephrine is affected.
Precision Measurement of the Total Neutron Cross Section of U 233 between 0.000818 and 0.0818 ev

The absolute value of the total neutron cross section of ${\mathrm{U}}^{233}$ was measured at neutron energies between 0.000818 ev and 0.0818 ev for two types of samples, a metallic foil and ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$O solutions of uranium nitrate. Balanced solutions of ${\mathrm{U}}^{233}$${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$${(\mathrm{N}{\mathrm{O}}_{3})}_{2}$ and ${\mathrm{U}}^{238}$${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$${(\mathrm{N}{\mathrm{O}}_{3})}_{2}$ were used to determine the difference between the total cross sections of ${\mathrm{U}}^{233}$ and ${\mathrm{U}}^{238}$. This value when combined with the relatively small known value of the total cross section for ${\mathrm{U}}^{238}$ gives ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{T}({\mathrm{U}}^{233})=587\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5$ barns at 0.0253 ev. The measurements on the metallic ${\mathrm{U}}^{233}$ foil agreed with the measured total cross section determined from the liquid solution data to better than 1%, yielding ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{T}({\mathrm{U}}^{233})=586\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2$ barns at 0.0253 ev.
Practical considerations in development of solid dosage forms that contain cyclodextrin

The following is a review of the literature that addresses the use of cyclodextrin in solid dosage forms. Care was taken to exclude physical and chemical characteristics of cyclodextrin, which have been discussed in the literature. A flow diagram is provided to outline the decision-making steps that are involved in the development process. Both preparation of physical mixtures and inclusion complexes are considered. Analytical techniques to determine the presence of inclusion complexes, the effect of other excipients on complex formation, the effect of size limitation of solid dosages forms, powder processing, and storage of solid dosage forms are discussed.
High Gradient Superconducting Quadrupoles

Prototype superconducting quadrupoles with a 5 cm aperture and gradient of 16 kG/cm have been built and tested as candidate magnets for the final focus at SLC. The magnets are made from NbTi Tevatron style cable with 10 inner and 14 outer turns per quadrant. Quench performance and multipole data are presented. Design and data for a low current, high gradient quadrupole, similar in cross section but wound with a cable consisting of five insulated conductors are also discussed.
New Field Method to Determine Streamflow Timing Using Electrical Resistance Sensors

Electrical resistance (ER) sensors were constructed to monitor streambed saturation to infer ephemeral streamflow timing. The sensors were evaluated in an ephemeral stream through comparison with temperature-based methods, a stream gauge, and soil water content sensors. The ER sensors were more accurate at estimating streamflow timing and the resultant data required less interpretation than data from temperature-based methods. Accuracy was equivalent to timing methods using stream gauge and soil water content measurements. The ER sensors are advantageous for use in ephemeral stream channels because they are inexpensive, deployable above or below the sediment surface, insensitive to depth, and do not require connecting wires to an external datalogger or power source. On the basis of these results, we conclude that ER sensors may be used to monitor changes in soil water content within the vadose zone. Additionally, the sensors can be used to infer the presence of surface water in diversion canals, storm-water sewers, and in the form of overland runoff.
Endoscopic optical coherence tomography imaging for surgical diagnostics and guidance in the gastrointestinal tract

Technologies capable of imaging subsurface tissue structures offer improved visualization for surgical diagnostics and guidance. Endoscopic ultrasound catheters have been used for imaging the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract with 50 - 100 micrometers resolution. However, these resolutions are insufficient to resolve epithelial layers or early epithelial changes which occur in neoplasias and Barrett's esophagus. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a fiber- optic based imaging technology capable of acquiring in vivo image data of biological tissue at real-time rates and at resolutions 10 times higher than clinical endoscopic ultrasound. Using a compact amplifier super-luminescent diode light source, a portable OCT system has been constructed for use with minimally invasive endoscopic and surgical instruments including catheters, laparoscopes, microscopes, and hand-held surgical probes. The in vivo rabbit gastrointestinal tract is used as a model system. Beam delivery is accomplished with a radial-imaging OCT catheter that can be inserted into the working channel of an endoscope. This in vivo demonstration suggests that resolutions and acquisition rates are sufficient for imaging the human gastrointestinal tract. OCT shows promise for high-resolution image-guidance during diagnostic and surgical procedures.
Distributed Decode and Forward Beamforming

Distributed transmit beamforming is a wireless communication technique in which multiple independent antennas transmit a common message while controlling their transmitted carrier phases to constructively interfere the message at a destination. Depending on the transmission goals and choice of network parameters, certain noteworthy benefits arise from beamforming. These benefits may include improved received signal to noise ratios, increased transmission ranges, power consumption reductions, or physical layer security against eavesdropping. We present a distributed cross-layer cooperative beamforming protocol implemented into the IEEE 802.11 wireless communication stack: Distributed Decode and Forward Beamforming. In this paper we conduct a brief literature review of current beamforming research, and present a detailed discussion on the mathematical foundation of the single- and multi-destination decode and forward beamforming technique. We then describe our distributed multi-destination decode and forward beamforming protocol, and present results from our in-depth evaluation of our protocol in a realistic simulation environment. In our evaluation, we investigate five aspects of our distributed beamforming protocol: beamforming event frequency, queue length, latency, participation level, and throughput.
Ambulatory rounds: a venue for evidence-based medicine.

OBJECTIVE The format of inpatient morning reports and ward rounds is infrequently applied in ambulatory medical education. Published reports, however, suggest that this format provides for learner-centered, case-based discussions rather than topic-based lectures in the ambulatory setting.(1) We developed an ambulatory morning report with the specific objective of enhancing evidence-based medical inquiry among our pediatrics housestaff. DESCRIPTION We developed a pediatric encounter form (PEF) by adapting and modifying an instrument described by Paccione et al.(2) The PEF was to be used by residents to document pertinent information and unanswered questions about patients seen during each ambulatory clinic session. Prompts were provided for documenting the patient's primary complaints, the patient's disposition, and questions that the resident needed answered. The PEF was piloted among a group of residents and faculty. The final version incorporated both resident and faculty input. Each resident was asked to complete a PEF for a maximum of two patients per clinic session. We did not direct residents as to what types of questions to formulate. All completed forms were maintained in a central folder. Next, we instituted a one-hour "Ambulatory Rounds" seminar once a week at lunch-time. During these seminars, faculty selected PEF cases from the previous week for discussion. Residents presented the cases and discussed the reasons behind the formulation of their questions. Faculty facilitated and guided residents toward resources for answering their questions. Faculty also helped residents to reformulate their questions to reflect an evidence-based medicine approach. At the end of each seminar, residents elected to research specific questions and present brief reports at the next seminar. To test the hypothesis that residents will formulate a higher proportion of evidence-based medicine (EBM) questions over time, we collected and analyzed 445 questions asked by 12 residents between July 2000 and August 2001. We categorized questions into EBM and non-EBM questions based on faculty assessment. We performed a trend analysis using chi-square to compare questions from July 2000 (as reference value) with the six-month periods of August 2000 to January 2001 and February to August 2001. By the end of the observation period, the proportion of EBM questions had significantly increased from 13% in July 2000 to 28% in the first six-month period and 59% in the second six-month period (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION We describe a new application of outpatient morning reports. This format has been very well received. Housestaff gave the ambulatory rounds an average rating of 4.3 (out of 5) on a Likert scale. Our experience suggests that this format not only provides a forum for case-based learning but can be successfully used to enhance the principles of evidence-based medicine among residents.
An Optical Voltmeter for Studying Cetyltrimethylammonium Interacting with Fused Silica/Aqueous Interfaces at High Ionic Strength†

Electrostatics and counterions play important roles in many supramolecular processes, including surfactant adsorption and aggregation at interfaces. Here, we assess their influence on how the common surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium (CTA) interacts with fused silica/aqueous interfaces by determining thermodynamic, kinetic, and electrostatic parameters for CTA adsorption across a range of NaCl concentrations (10−500 mM NaCl) using second harmonic generation (SHG). Using vibrational sum frequency generation (SFG), we demonstrate that vibrationally resonant contributions and nonresonant background contributions to the SFG signal intensity that depend on the interfacial potential can be quantified simultaneously during the adsorption process, which provides insight into the nonequilibrium dynamics of CTA adsorption. By analyzing the adsorption free energies as a function of interfacial potential at these four salt concentrations, the charge density per adsorbate is determined, indicating that CTA coadsorbs wi...
Therapy of hepatitis C: Overview

Based on the first decade of research on alpha interferon in viral hepatitis, one can conclude that up to 40% of patients with compensated chronic hepatitis C and elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels will respond at least transiently to interferon. Four forms of alpha interferon have been evaluated in large numbers of patients with chronic hepatitis C: alfa-2b, alfa-2a, alfa-n1, and consensus interferon (CIFN). Responses are defined on the basis of biochemical (ALT) or virological (hepatitis C virus [HCV] RNA testing by polymerase chain reaction [PCR]) end points, and as end-of-treatment response (ETR) or sustained response (SR). Biochemical ETR rates to 6 months of therapy range from 35% to 50%, and SR rates 6 months after treatment from 8% to 21%. Although 6-month treatment courses are associated with a significant rate of relapse, 12 months of initial treatment and re-treatment regimens markedly improve the SR rate. Long-term follow-up evaluation in patients with an SR to interferon consistently show long-lasting and significant clinical, virological, and histological improvement. Finally, baseline factors that have been shown to be associated with SR to 6 months of treatment are not accurate enough to predict response. Therefore, the best treatment strategy is a therapeutic trial. Further studies of interferon therapy of hepatitis C are needed to define better virological end points useful in stopping therapy, to understand and better manage significant side effects of interferon, and to evaluate the histological effects of interferon in biochemical nonresponders. Also needed is a better understanding of the causes of resistance to interferon. Finally, newer therapeutic regimens such as the use of induction therapy and combination therapies with ribavirin, other antiviral agents, cytokines, and cytokine modifiers are of primary importance in eventually developing safe and effective means of treatment of hepatitis C.