cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of complementary and alternative therapies in managing rheumatoid arthritis.

Summary:Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disease that is characterized by joint stiffness in the morning, symmetric joint swelling, and generalized fatigue. Given the limitations of medical treatment and the ongoing problems with symptom management, it is not at all su
Previous Experience as a Confounding Factor in Comparing Cochlear-Implant Processing Schemes

It is of great importance to compare the relative merits of different cochlear-implant speech-processing strategies. Some groups have compared different strategies within single subjects, but usual...
Unilateral naevoid telangiectasia syndrome associated with metastatic carcinoid tumour

Summary A patient is described who developed unilateral naevoid telangiectasia following metastases from a carcinoid tumour of the stomach.
Twenty-Three-Month-Old Children Have a Grammatical Category of Noun.

This study investigated experimentally the nature and development of children's early productivity with nouns, both in verb-argument structure and with plural morphology. Eight 20- to 26-month-old boys and girls were, in the context of playing a game over a several week period, exposed to four novel nouns, modeled in experimentally controlled ways. The question was whether, when, and in what ways the children would become productive with these nouns in their spontaneous speech, going beyond the particular linguistic forms they had heard. In terms of verb-argument structure, 7 of the 8 children used their nouns in productive argument roles, that is, in semantic roles they had not heard them used in. Five of the 8 children used the plural morpheme productively with the novel nouns as well. Implications for theories of grammatical category formation are discussed.
Microscopic and submicroscopic localization of succinic dehydrogenase activity in the muscle cells of mouse diaphragm.

A CONVINCING body of biochemical evidence shows that certain enzyme systems in mitochondria are spatially organized [lo]. Other evidence correlates Iireb’s cycle activity with osmium-fixed mitochondrial membrane fragments identifiable in the electron microscope [a, 20, 23’. More direct verification of specific spatial localization of succinic. dehydrogenase was attempted by Barrnett and Palade [Z]. They incubated tissues in a solution containing a tellurium salt, and compared the location of the electron-opaque crystals formed with the usual morphology of mitochondria seen after osmium fixation. The crystals of reduced tellurium seem, however, too large to allow for precise determination of the centers of succinic dehydrogenase activity. Recent preliminary reports [4, 191 discussed the staining of mitochondria for succinic. dehydrogenase activity using a tetrazolium salt, but the localization of the dye was not described in detail. Barrnett [3] subsequently published electron micrographs demonstrating the localization of formazan on mitochondrial membranes, but the methods used were not described in detail. Pearse and Scarpelli [ 171 described the intramitochondrial localization of DPX-diaphorase using a formazan-metal-sulphide complex method. Tetrazolium salts were also used by Nelson [16] to localize succinic dehydrogenase activity in the peripheral longitudinal fibers of rat sperm flagella after freezing and drying. The dried sperm were placed direc,tly into the aqueous staining medium cont.ainin, @ succinate and the tetrazolium, and the cells were subsequently dehydrated in tertiary butyl alcohol and embedded in methacrylate in the usual manner. n’hile Nelson’s method was suitable for sperm, it n-as not successful when applied to other cells. It was felt that some method of post-fixation was necessary to preserve strwture without severely inac,tirating succinic dehydrogenase. Several anhydrous fixatives which haye an appreciable vapor
Constipation: assessment and management in an institutionalized elderly population.

OBJECTIVES: To examine prescribing and utilization patterns of laxatives, stool softeners, and enemas in a large, long-term care facility, to compare self-reports of constipation with specific, bowel-related symptoms in residents of this facility, and to examine concordance between bowel symptoms reported by residents and the assessments of the nursing staff. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING AND SUBJECTS: All individuals residing in an academically oriented long-term care facility in the United States for at least 1 month (n = 694). MEASUREMENTS: Clinical, functional, and medication data were abstracted from the medical and nursing records. Individual interviews regarding bowel-related symptoms were conducted with all able participants (n = 456 (66%)) and their respective primary nurses, and concordance was determined. The study definition of symptom-specific constipation was no more than 2 bowel movements per week and/or straining on more than 1 in 4 bowel movements. RESULTS: Fifty percent (n = 367) of all residents used at least 1 daily laxative, stool softener or enema during a 1-month study period. Over half of all laxative users (n = 200) took more than 60 doses per month. Stool softeners were most commonly prescribed, followed by saline laxatives, stimulant laxatives, hyperosmolar laxatives, and bulk laxatives. Forty-seven percent (n = 213) of the 456 interview responders reported constipation (“self-reporters”), but only 62% of self-reporters met the study criteria for symptom-specific constipation. Concordance between resident's and nurse's report regarding specific bowel symptoms was only fair to slight (kappa 0.12–0.38). Self-reporters of constipation took almost twice as many laxatives, stool softeners, and enemas as residents who did not report constipation. CONCLUSION: Our findings emphasize the need for a more systematic approach to the assessment of constipation in the long-term care setting, particularly when pharmacologic treatment is being considered.
Optimal criteria for rapid detection of myocardial reperfusion by creatine kinase MM isoforms in the presence of residual high grade coronary stenosis

Abstract Analysis of isoforms of MM creatine kinase (CK) in plasma is being developed as a means for rapid detection of coronary recanalization in patients given thrombolytic agents. To determine whether flow-limiting residual stenosis typical of that seen in patients affects plasma isoform profiles, stenosis sufficient to preclude reactive hyperemia was induced in dogs before coronary occlusion, followed by recanalization in 2 h. Plasma activities of the MM CK isoform released from myocardium (MM 3 ) and its two conversion products elaborated sequentially (MM 2 and MM 1 ) were assayed in serial samples with a rapid quantitative chromatofocusing procedure. Reperfusion in 10 dogs shortened the mean intervals (±SD) to the occurrence of peak MM 3 activity (3.7 ± 0.9 h), peak MM 3 expressed as a percent of total CK activity (MM 3 %, 2.5 ± 0.3 h) and the maximal ratio of MM 3 to MM 1 (2.7 ± 0.3 h) compared with results in 10 control dogs without reperfusion. Nevertheless, the appearance of these peaks was delayed by 8% to 57% when residual stenosis was present. In contrast, the rate of increase of MM 3 % was delineated before the peak, was fivefold greater with recanalization (1.19 ± 0.46 versus 0.26 ± 0.11% min −1 in control dogs) and was not attenuated by residual stenosis. Thus, this criterion appears capable of delineating recanalization early after thrombolysis whether or not high grade residual stenosis is present.
Board-to-board optical interconnects using a parabolic mirror for high angular misalignment tolerance

A free space optical board-to-board interconnect is presented, utilizing a parabolic mirror to achieve high angular tolerance. A relation between the input and output angle of the system is calculated and simulation results are given.
Partial pedigree analysis of the segregation of yeast mitochondrial genes during vegetative reproduction.

A three-factor cross of Saccharomyces cerevisiae involving the cap1, ery1, and oli1 loci was done, with partial pedigree analyses of 117 zygotes. First, second, and third buds were removed and the genotypes of their diploid progeny determined, along with those of the residual zygote mother cell. Results were analyzed in terms of frequencies of individual alleles and of recombinant genotypes in the dividing cells. There is a gradual increase in the frequency of homoplasmic cells and in gene frequency variance during these three generations, as would result from stochastic partitioning of mtDNA molecules between mother and bud, probably coupled with random drift of gene frequencies in interphase cells. These phenomena are more pronounced for buds than for mothers, suggesting that buds receive a smaller sample of molecules. End buds are more likely to be homoplasmic and have a lower frequency of recombinant genotypes than do central buds; an end bud is particularly enriched in alleles contributed by the parent that formed that end of the zygote. Zygotes with first central buds produce clones with a higher recombination frequency than do those with first end buds. These results confirm previous studies and suggest that mixing of parental genotypes occurs first in the center of the zygote. If segregation were strictly random, the number of segregating units would have to be much smaller than the number of mtDNA molecules in the zygote. On the other hand, there is no evidence for a region of the molecule (“attachment point”) which segregates deterministically.
Developing institutions to encourage the use of animal wastes as production inputs

Animal feeding operations have come under increased scrutiny as sources of water pollution. Due to the concentration of animals at individual locations and in certain regions, the local environment may not be able to use all of the nutrients contained in the manure. Particularly, problematic are waters being impaired by nitrogen and phosphorus from animal manure. Since federal and state regulations have not been totally successful in precluding water contamination from manure nutrients, scientists and policymakers might seek ways to encourage the use of manure as a resource for crop production. By analyzing diverse state regulations, this paper identifies several strategies that would treat animal waste as a recyclable production input rather than a production byproduct. Citizens and regulators can encourage more sustainable livestock production by proffering regulations that mandate selected production requirements or practices. Agronomic rate regulations, limitations on manure application and timing, lagoon safety requirements, closure mandates, and alternative uses of manure constitute possibilities to remedy some pollution problems.
Nuclear Anomalous Dispersion in Fe 57 by the Method of Total Reflection

The recoil-free coherent resonant scattering of the 14.4-keV ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{57}$ gamma rays has been investigated by employing the techniques of the M\"ossbauer effect together with those of total reflection. Of particular interest are the observed large interference effects attributed to the coherent superposition of the several resonant nuclear contributions and the nonresonant electronic contribution to the scattering amplitude in the forward direction. Gamma rays from a 300-mCi ${\mathrm{Co}}^{57}$ source, diffused into the thin edge of a stainless steel plate, were reflected at small glancing angle $\ensuremath{\theta}$ by an optically flat ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{57}$ mirror through a narrow slit into a NaI scintillation detector. The resonant frequency spectrum of the ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{57}$ nuclei in the mirror was scanned by varying the source velocity $v$. Values of the absolute reflectivity $R(\ensuremath{\theta}, v)$ were obtained by comparison of the direct and reflected measured intensities. In an auxiliary experiment $R(v)$ was measured with an external magnetic field applied to the mirror. The results of these measurements were compared with computerprogrammed calculations based on the classical optical theory of total reflection. Appropriately averaged quantum-mechanical expressions were introduced for the coherent resonant nuclear scattering amplitude in the forward direction. Separate computations were made for each polarization state of the incident radiation; these were averaged to give $R(\ensuremath{\theta}, v)$ appropriate for an unpolarized source and a polarization-insensitive detector. Suitable integrations were performed to take into account the frequency spread and angular width of the incident radiation. For $\ensuremath{\theta}=4$ mrad, $R(v)$, computed with the six resonances of normal ferromagnetic ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{57}$, agreed in shape and magnitude with the observed reflectivity, when the resonance width was assumed to be four times the natural width. For $\ensuremath{\theta}=2$ mrad, where the gamma-ray penetration depth is small, anomalies in the magnetic and chemical environment of the ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{57}$ nuclei near the mirror surface required the introduction of additional resonances for FeO and for nonmagnetic Fe.
On the development of fatigue failure maps for titanium matrix composites

The purpose of the present article is to demonstrate how fatigue failure maps can be constructed for fiber-reinforced titanium alloys. The maps are constructed using a combination of micromechanical models and experimental measurements of fatigue cracking and fracture. The maps are used to identify the regimes in which various failure mechanisms dominate. Moreover, they provide information about the fatigue life and the critical amount of crack extension at failure. Examples of such maps for a well-characterized titanium matrix composite are presented and used to illustrate the sensitivity of fatigue life and critical crack extension to both the applied stress and the length of pre-existing cracks or notches.
THE PRESENCE OF ONCOFOETAL ANTIGENS IN LARGE BOWEL CARCINOMA

This paper is an immunohistological study of the occurrence of the oncofoetal antigens, (carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), small intestine mucin antigen (SIMA), and normal large bowel mucin antigen (LIMA) in 60 surgically resected colons: 10 non-malignant specimens and 50 colorectal carcinomas. SIMA is a new oncofoetal antigen found in mucinous carcinoma of the large bowel. In the adult it is normally present only in the duodenum and jejunum. Of the 50 carcinoma specimens, 13 were mucinous, 17 non-mucinous and 20 mixed mucinous and non-mucinous. LIMA was the only antigen detected in the mucosa of non-malignant specimens. In mucinous carcinomas only SIMA was present, whilst in the non-mucinous specimens CEA was always found and to a lesser extent LIMA. The same relationship was observed in mixed tumours: SIMA in mucinous and CEA-LIMA in the non-mucinous parts. In the mucosa adjacent to the cancer in all 50 cases there was evidence of an increase or decrease in LIMA. In 42 cases (84%) both oncofoetal antigens (CEA and SIMA) could also be detected in this transitional or perineoplastic epithelium at varying distances from the tumour. These results provide evidence to suggest that the majority of large bowel carcinomas occur in areas of metaplastic change.
Analgesic and Reinforcing Properties of ?9-THC-Hemisuccinate in Adjuvant-Arthritic Rats

Abstract The use of ?9-THC hemisuccinate (HS) in a suppository formulation is an attempt to develop a cannabinoid possessing possible therapeutic effects with a minimal side effect profile. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antinociceptive and reinforcing effects of rectally administered ?9-THC-HS in rats. Tests were conducted in two groups of animals: Complete Freund's adjuvant-inflamed animals (CFA) and non-inflamed controls. A hotplate test was administered to index hyperalgesia and possible analgesic effects of ?9-THC-HS on thermal nociception. CFA animals demonstrated shorter latencies than non-inflamed animals. The highest dose of ?9-THC-HS produced longer hotplate latencies. Additionally, the reinforcing properties of ?9-THC-HS were evaluated using the Conditioned Place Preference (CPP) paradigm. ?9-THC-HS produced an increase in preference scores in non-inflamed animals (positive reinforcement), but did not affect preference scores in CFA animals. These data suggest that ?9-THC-HS h...
Urinary biomarkers of 1,3-butadiene in environmental settings using liquid chromatography isotope dilution tandem mass spectrometry

Abstract Although, 1,3-butadiene is a known human carcinogen emitted from mobile sources, little is known about traffic-related human exposure to this toxicant. This pilot study was designed to characterize traffic-related environmental exposure to 1,3-butadiene and evaluate its urinary mercapturic acids as biomarkers of exposure in these settings. Personal air samples and multiple urine samples were collected on two separate occasions from three groups of individuals that differed by spatial proximity as well as intensity of traffic: (i) toll collectors, (ii) urban-weekday and (iii) suburban-weekend group. Air samples were analyzed using thermal desorption followed by GC/MS and urine samples were analyzed using isotope dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (ID-LC-MS/MS) for two mercapturic acids of 1,3-butadiene: monohydroxy-3-butenyl mercapturic acid (MHBMA) and 1,2-dihydroxybutyl mercapturic acid (DHBMA). Exposure differed between groups (p 0.05). This study is the first to evaluate 1,3-butadiene biomarkers for subtle differences in environmental exposures. However, additional research will be required to ascertain whether the lack of statistical association observed here is real or attributable to unexpectedly small differences in exposure between groups (
The Compactness of Far-Infrared Bright Galaxies

The linear size distribution of 218 galaxies in the IRAS infrared bright galaxy sample is studied by examining new measurements of the 1.49 Hz radio continuum emitting regions. We find that the radio surface brightness varies over a wide range at a given luminosity, but its median scales approximately as luminosity to the power of 6/5. Consequently, the median effective radio size of galaxies in a given luminosity range actually decreases with increasing luminosity, especially among galaxies with LFIR greater than 10 exp 11 solar luminosities. The close correlation between FIR and radio fluxes of these star-forming galaxies then leads to a picture contrary to earlier theoretical predictions that the sizes of FIR emitting regions should increase with luminosity. We propose that such a steep increase of surface brightness in luminous galaxies is a direct result of a high interstellar medium density and an enhanced radiation density of the heating photons driven by more active star formation.
Reflections on George Rogers Taylor's The Transportation Revolution, 1815–1860: A Twenty-five Year Retrospect

“All books are dead in twenty-five years,” Mr. Justice Holmes wrote to Sir Frederick Pollock. An example of Holmes’ mastery of the art of over-statement, the dictum has its notable exceptions, as even a relatively young discipline such as economic and business history reveals. Professors Scheiber and Salsbury make the case for the permanent impact of one such exception. At the Editor's discretion, communications like the following may be published in the future about other milestones.
A Bayes Rule for Density Matrices

The classical Bayes rule computes the posterior model probability from the prior probability and the data likelihood. We generalize this rule to the case when the prior is a density matrix (symmetric positive definite and trace one) and the data likelihood a covariance matrix. The classical Bayes rule is retained as the special case when the matrices are diagonal. In the classical setting, the calculation of the probability of the data is an expected likelihood, where the expectation is over the prior distribution. In the generalized setting, this is replaced by an expected variance calculation where the variance is computed along the eigenvectors of the prior density matrix and the expectation is over the eigenvalues of the density matrix (which form a probability vector). The variances along any direction is determined by the covariance matrix. Curiously enough this expected variance calculation is a quantum measurement where the co-variance matrix specifies the instrument and the prior density matrix the mixture state of the particle. We motivate both the classical and the generalized Bayes rule with a minimum relative entropy principle, where the Kullbach-Leibler version gives the classical Bayes rule and Umegaki's quantum relative entropy the new Bayes rule for density matrices.
Pathogenic CD4+ T cells recognizing an unstable peptide of insulin are directly recruited into islets bypassing local lymph nodes

In the nonobese diabetic mouse, a predominant component of the autoreactive CD4+ T cell repertoire is directed against the B:9-23 segment of the insulin B chain. Previous studies established that the majority of insulin-reactive T cells specifically recognize a weak peptide-MHC binding register within the B:9-23 segment, that to the 12–20 register. These T cells are uniquely stimulated when the B:9-23 peptide, but not the insulin protein, is offered to antigen presenting cells (APCs). Here, we report on a T cell receptor (TCR) transgenic mouse (8F10) that offers important new insights into the biology of these unconventional T cells. Many of the 8F10 CD4+ T cells escaped negative selection and were highly pathogenic. The T cells were directly recruited into islets of Langerhans, where they established contact with resident intra-islet APCs. Immunogenic insulin had to be presented in order for the T cells to localize and cause disease. These T cells bypassed an initial priming stage in the pancreatic lymph node thought to precede islet T cell entry. 8F10 T cells induced the production of antiinsulin antibodies and islets contained immunoglobulin (IgG) deposited on β cells and along the vessel walls.
The host transcriptome remains unaltered during the establishment of coral-algal symbioses

Coral reefs are based on the symbiotic relationship between corals and photosynthetic dinoflagellates of the genus Symbiodinium. We followed gene expression of coral larvae of Acropora palmata and Montastraea faveolata after exposure to Symbiodinium strains that differed in their ability to establish symbioses. We show that the coral host transcriptome remains almost unchanged during infection by competent symbionts, but is massively altered by symbionts that fail to establish symbioses. Our data suggest that successful coral–algal symbioses depend mainly on the symbionts' ability to enter the host in a stealth manner rather than a more active response from the coral host.
Progress of therapy in acute leukemia 1948-1981: randomized versus nonrandomized clinical trials.

This paper gives a review of selected clinical studies in acute leukemia over the last 33 years and addresses two questions: What advances in the practice of medicine have resulted from clinical trials, both randomized and nonrandomized? What generalizations can be made about clinical trials which have led to advances in treatment? The review demonstrates that nonrandomized studies have been the primary mechanism for establishing the efficacy of new therapies. Such studies have also been utilized to determine patient characteristics related to prognosis and some important concepts of treatment (e.g., independent action of some drugs). Randomized studies have tended to yield positive results concerning treatment differences when there were prior suggestions of activity from nonrandomized studies. Analyses of randomized studies have been made to determine patient features related to prognosis and concepts for the treatment of patients (e.g., independent action of some drugs and the importance of treating patients in a disease-free state).
Characterizing Crop Responses to Background Ozone in Open-Air Agricultural Field by Using Reflectance Spectroscopy

We examine the spectral signatures and foliar biophysical and biogeochemical properties of different soybean cultivars that are known to be sensitive in varying degrees to background concentrations of ozone (O3). Specifically, the potential of plant biophysical variables from leaf reflectance spectra, including chlorophyll index, photochemical reflectance index, and leaf area index, to detect foliar O3 damage is explored. The study was conducted at an agricultural test site located in Maryland Heights, Missouri, during the summer of 2014 where five different soybean cultivars were planted. Our results show that the soybean cultivars demonstrated different sensitivity to background O3 as demonstrated by spectral indices and plant biophysical measurements. The outcome of this research has potential implications for development of space-based observation of large-scale crop responses to O3 damage, as well as for biotechnological breeding efforts to improve O3 tolerance under future climate scenarios, as background O3 concentrations are expected to increase through the twenty-first century.
Reconfiguring Workflows of Web Services

Workflow reconfiguration traditionally involves modifying workflow specifications to adapt to changing architectural conditions. Causes include the introduction of new services or the alteration of goals. Dynamic reconfiguration is currently achieved in workflow specifications employing Web services using techniques that modify endpoint bindings and control structures. Abstract specification of service endpoints delay the point at which the endpoint for a Web service is bound, and modifications to control structures can allow for a variety of complex workflows to be specified. These approaches work with limited changes. This paper defines an improved process of dynamically reconfiguring Web service workflows. Our double loop approach utilizes companion meta-data specifications and reconfiguration plans that are associated with workflow specifications. The approach maps external change requests to workflow actions to determine an appropriate reconfiguration plan without changing the workflow language. Dynamic reconfiguration concepts are reused from architecture reconfiguration research to offer a wider range of potential changes
Anti-angiogenesis effect of the novel anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving lipid mediators.

Purpose Resolvins and lipoxins are lipid mediators generated from essential polyunsaturated fatty acids that are the first dual anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving signals identified in the resolution phase of inflammation. Here the authors investigated the potential of aspirin-triggered lipoxin (LX) A4 analog (ATLa), resolving (Rv) D1, and RvE1, in regulating angiogenesis in a murine model. Methods ATLa and RvE1 receptor expression was tested in different corneal cell populations by RT-PCR. Corneal neovascularization (CNV) was induced by suture or micropellet (IL-1 beta, VEGF-A) placement. Mice were then treated with ATLa, RvD1, RvE1, or vehicle, subconjunctivally at 48-hour intervals. Infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages was quantified after immunofluorescence staining. The mRNA expression levels of inflammatory cytokines, VEGFs, and VEGFRs were analyzed by real-time PCR. CNV was evaluated intravitally and morphometrically. Results The receptors for LXA4, ALX/Fpr-rs-2 and for RvE1, ChemR23 were each expressed by epithelium, stromal keratocytes, and infiltrated CD11b(+) cells in corneas. Compared to the vehicle-treated eye, ATLa-, RvD1-, and RvE1-treated eyes had reduced numbers of infiltrating neutrophils and macrophages and reduced mRNA expression levels of TNF-alpha, IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, VEGF-A, VEGF-C, and VEGFR2. Animals treated with these mediators had significantly suppressed suture-induced or IL-1 beta-induced hemangiogenesis (HA) but not lymphangiogenesis. Interestingly, only the application of ATLa significantly suppressed VEGF-A-induced HA. Conclusions ATLa, RvE1, and RvD1 all reduce inflammatory corneal HA by early regulation of resolution mechanisms in innate immune responses. In addition, ATLa directly inhibits VEGF-A-mediated angiogenesis and is the most potent inhibitor of NV among this new genus of dual anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving lipid mediators.
Sleep panic attacks: A micromovement analysis

Earlier work by our group and others has pointed to a role for movement during sleep in sleep-panic attacks. Specifically, our group has reported that panic disorder patients, as a group, appear to move more during sleep than age-matched controls, whereas the subgroup of panic disorder who "panic" during sleep move less on the nights they experience sleep-panic attacks than they do on nights without sleep-panic attacks. We studied the movement of sleep-panic patients in a more detailed fashion with more than one sleep movement index. Fourteen patients with sleep-panic attacks were compared with 14 waking panic patients, 13 social phobic patients, and 14 normal controls. Subjects from the other groups were age matched to the sleep-panic group. Their comparison study night corresponded to the night number of the sleep-panic attack. Sleep-panic patients did move less on panic nights than did the normal controls on the corresponding sleep-panic night according to two separate sleep movement indices. Although not statistically significant, sleep-panic patients also moved less on their panic night than did either of the other anxious groups on corresponding nights. Rechtshaffen and Kales' Movement Time (MT) measure appears to overestimate actual min of movement during sleep in all subjects. The movement noted in sleep-panic patients may have some role in the pathophysiology of sleep-panic attacks. A possible mechanism is explained.
Protocol weaning of mechanical ventilation in medical and surgical patients by respiratory care practitioners and nurses: effect on weaning time and incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Study objectives (1) To determine the effect of a single ventilator management protocol (VMP) used in medical and surgical ICUs on the duration of mechanical ventilation. (2) To determine the effect of a VMP on the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Design Prospective, randomized, controlled study. Setting : University medical center. Patients Three hundred eighty-five patients receiving mechanical ventilation between June 1997 and May 1998. Interventions A respiratory care practitioner- and registered nurse-driven VMP. Results Intervention and control groups were comparable with respect to age, sex, severity of illness and injury, and duration of respiratory failure at the time of randomization. The duration of mechanical ventilation for patients was decreased from a median of 124 h for the control group to 68 h in the VMP group (p = 0.0001). Thirty-one total instances of VAP were noted. Twelve patients in the surgical control group had VAP, compared with 5 in the surgical VMP group (p = 0.061). The impact of the VMP on VAP frequency was less for medical patients. Mortality and ventilator discontinuation failure rates were similar between control and VMP groups. Conclusions A VMP designed for multidisciplinary use was effective in reducing duration of mechanical ventilatory support without any adverse effects on patient outcome. The VMP was also associated with a decrease in incidence of VAP in trauma patients. These results, in conjunction with prior studies, suggest that VMPs are highly effective means of improving care, even in university ICUs.
Low platelet monoamine oxidase activity and schizophrenia.

Intrigued by the finding that blood platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity is low in some schizophrenic patients, we and others in the field have been involved in a continuous effort to determine the potential significance of this low enzyme activity to schizophrenia. In this review, we examine this effort and assess the possible influence on our findings of the large number of artifacts that have plagued the investigation of biological factors related to psychiatric disorders.
Effects of low-flow ischemia on the positive inotropic action of angiotensin II in isolated rabbit and rat hearts

Objective: Angiotensin II (ANG II) has recently been reported to increase inotropy in adult rabbit myocytes by a mechanism of alkalinization and consequent increased myofilament sensitivity to calcium. Accordingly, we tested the hypothesis that ANG II would have a greater inotropic effect during ischemic conditions than it would during normoxia, since ischemia-induced intracellular acidosis contributes to ischemic contractile depression by decreasing myofilament calcium sensitivity. Methods: We studied the effects of ANG II in isolated, red-blood-cell-perfused, isovolumic rat and rabbit hearts during normoxic perfusion conditions and at graded reductions in coronary perfusion pressure (CPP). At each level of perfusion, ANG II was infused at progressively increasing concentrations ranging from 10−11 to 10−5 M. The maximal effective ANG II concentration was 10−7 M. Results: Our studies show that ANG II caused comparable absolute increases in isovolumic LV developed pressure in normoperfused and hypoperfused rabbit hearts. However, since contractile function was markedly depressed in ischemic hearts prior to ANG II administration, the relative inotropic response to ANG II was significantly greater during ischemia than normoxia. Similarly, ANG II had no positive inotropic effect in the rat during normoxia, but increased contractility during ischemia. To assess specifically the potential of ANG II to reverse the negative inotropy of acidosis, normoxic non-ischemic rat hearts were perfused with a hypercarbic acidotic perfusate (pH = 7.1). During the hypercarbic perfusion when contraction was depressed by acidosis, ANG II [10−7]M increased LV developed pressure by 19% and + dP/dt by 27% ( P < 0.05), in contrast to its lack of inotropic effect at a normal pH. The positive inotropic effect observed in rat hearts with ANG II during ischemia was significantly attenuated ( P < 0.001) by concomitant infusion with amiloride, 5-( N -ethyl- N -isopropyl) (EIPA), a Na+/H+ exchange inhibitor. Conclusions: We conclude that during normoxia, ANG II has a different inotropic potency in rabbits from that in rats. In both species, the relative inotropic responsiveness of ANG II is potentiated during low-flow ischemia. These results are consistent with a relative intracellular alkalinization that occurs secondary to ANG II's action to stimulate Na+/H+ exchange.
All-optical 2R regeneration of BPSK and QPSK data using a 90° optical hybrid and integrated SOA-MZI wavelength converter pairs

We demonstrate all-optical 2R regeneration with a 90° optical hybrid and integrated MZI-SOA pairs for 10 Gb/s BPSK and 20 Gb/s QPSK with negative power penalty. Power penalty and OSNR improvements of 7 dB and 5 dB are shown with additive ASE noise.
Evolution of coenzyme B12 synthesis among enteric bacteria: evidence for loss and reacquisition of a multigene complex

We have examined the distribution of cobalamin (coenzyme B12) synthetic ability and cobalamin-dependent metabolism among enteric bacteria. Most species of enteric bacteria tested synthesize cobalamin under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions and ferment glycerol in a cobalamin-dependent fashion. The group of species including Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium cannot ferment glycerol. E. coli strains cannot synthesize cobalamin de novo, and Salmonella spp. synthesize cobalamin only under anaerobic conditions. In addition, the cobalamin synthetic genes of Salmonella spp. (cob) show a regulatory pattern different from that of other enteric taxa tested. We propose that the cobalamin synthetic genes, as well as genes providing cobalamin-dependent diol dehydratase, were lost by a common ancestor of E. coli and Salmonella spp. and were reintroduced as a single fragment into the Salmonella lineage from an exogenous source. Consistent with this hypothesis, the S. typhimurium cob genes do not hybridize with the genomes of other enteric species. The Salmonella cob operon may represent a class of genes characterized by periodic loss and reacquisition by host genomes. This process may be an important aspect of bacterial population genetics and evolution.
Understandable requirements: the first step for efficient software development

A description is given of a business process modeling technique called IDEF0 (IDEF stands for integrated computer-aided manufacturing definition). Attention is given to an exercise that used IDEF0 for business simplification and requirements generation. The author discusses the environment and commitment that made that exercise a success. The approach discussed constitutes a compromise that allows the user to create a requirements document that is understandable by both the user and the system developer, in a more efficient development cycle. The author also discusses the steps that are necessary in the future to continue improving the development cycle. >
Pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy in ethanol consumption: Animal model and cell culture studies

Using the intragastric ethanol infusion model of IgA nephropathy, we investigated the hypothesis that in this model mesangial changes commence prior to the deposition of IgA. We studied the two cellular components of the glomerular mesangium: the mononuclear phagocyte and the contractile mesangial cell. In the in vivo model, we observed a mononuclear phagocyte influx in the mesangium of alcoholic rats before the deposition of IgA. Using molecular techniques on cultured contractile mesangial cells, we demonstrated a threefold increase in interleukin-6 mRNA expression in contractile cells incubated with ethanol. These mesangial changes in the cellular composition, and in the autocrine cytokine system, suggest a direct role for ethanol in the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy.
Solution self-assembly and solid state properties of fluorinated amphiphilic calix[4]arenes

A novel amphiphilic semifluorinated calix[4]arene has been shown to exhibit liquid crystalline character and to self-assemble in solvents of varying polarity.
Abnormal Returns in the Acquisition Market: The Case of Bank Holding Companies, 1990-1993

Recent evidence suggests that announcements of bank holding company acquisitions result in wealth transfers from the bidding to target shareholders. Empirically, this is demonstrated through findings of negative average abnormal returns to bank holding company acquirers and positive average abnormal returns to targets on announcement. Using a sample of acquisitions from the early 1990s—a period marked by the removal of significant geographic entry barriers—this paper reexamines the issue by applying a general statistical model to the event study framework to more precisely measure abnormal returns. In particular, we model returns according to the GARCH process to control for time-varying volatility. With respect to the unconditional distributions of acquirer and target abnormal returns, our findings are consistent with prior research. Further investigation into the conditional distribution of acquirer returns finds that, on announcement, interstate acquisitions using the purchase method of accounting actually increased shareholder wealth for acquirers (on average) by 1.44%. However, over a longer event horizon, the most important determinants of acquirer abnormal returns appear to be the relative size of the transaction and the method of accounting.
A micromachine-based RF low-noise voltage-controlled oscillator

A voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) employs an aluminum micromachined variable capacitor for frequency tuning. Unlike conventional varactor diodes, the capacitor is fabricated on a silicon substrate and thus amenable to monolithic integration with a standard IC process. Experimental capacitors achieve a 16% tuning range with a nominal capacitance value of 2 pF and a quality factor above 60 at 1 GHz. A prototype VCO exhibits -107 dBc/Hz phase-noise at 100 kHz offset frequency from the carrier. The center frequency of 714 MHz and 14 MHz tuning range are limited by the test setup.
Inter-rater reliability and generalizability of patient note scores using a scoring rubric based on the USMLE Step-2 CS format

Recent changes to the patient note (PN) format of the United States Medical Licensing Examination have challenged medical schools to improve the instruction and assessment of students taking the Step-2 clinical skills examination. The purpose of this study was to gather validity evidence regarding response process and internal structure, focusing on inter-rater reliability and generalizability, to determine whether a locally-developed PN scoring rubric and scoring guidelines could yield reproducible PN scores. A randomly selected subsample of historical data (post-encounter PN from 55 of 177 medical students) was rescored by six trained faculty raters in November–December 2014. Inter-rater reliability (% exact agreement and kappa) was calculated for five standardized patient cases administered in a local graduation competency examination. Generalizability studies were conducted to examine the overall reliability. Qualitative data were collected through surveys and a rater-debriefing meeting. The overall inter-rater reliability (weighted kappa) was .79 (Documentation = .63, Differential Diagnosis = .90, Justification = .48, and Workup = .54). The majority of score variance was due to case specificity (13 %) and case-task specificity (31 %), indicating differences in student performance by case and by case-task interactions. Variance associated with raters and its interactions were modest (<5 %). Raters felt that justification was the most difficult task to score and that having case and level-specific scoring guidelines during training was most helpful for calibration. The overall inter-rater reliability indicates high level of confidence in the consistency of note scores. Designs for scoring notes may optimize reliability by balancing the number of raters and cases.
Long Run Underperformance in REITs Following Seasoned Equity Offerings

Executive Summary. This study examines the long-run performance of real estate investment trusts (REITs) following seasoned equity offerings (SEOs). Over 61% of the 178 REITs examined underperform ...
Comparison of Bovine Blood Absorption Coefficients to Human Curves

Specific curves for the light extinction coefficients of hemoglobin have been generated using oxygenated and deoxygenated human blood samples. These curves are often used with animal blood samples to measure oxygen saturation. This project aims to compare samples of oxygenated and deoxygenated bovine blood to these standard human curves. Creating a large surface area and exposing blood samples to air created oxygenated blood samples. The deoxygenated samples were created using sodium dithionite. Four pairs of samples were placed in a spectrometer to measure light transmission and this data was converted to absorption values. These values were then compared to the given curves. For 48% of the wavelengths between 650 and 1000 nm, the standard curve was within ± 2 standard deviations.
The Grain Crops: An Overview

Grains, the dried fruit or seed of diverse plants, can be produced by both monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous species. Plants grown and marketed as ‘grain crops’ are found in several unrelated plant families. The majority of grain-producing species are members of two plant families, the Poaceae (grasses) and the Fabaceae (legumes). In grasses, the portion of the plant utilized as a grain is the entire fruit, or caryopsis, while in legumes, grains are the dried seeds. Pseudocereals, seeing increased use due to the demand for gluten-free products, are found in various plant families, primarily the Chenopodiaceae, Amaranthaceae, and Polygonaceae.
To Disclose or Not to Disclose: Why the United States Properly Adopted the European Model for Third-Party Participation During Patent Prosecution

The Patent Reform Act of 2011 includes a provision that expands the ability of third parties to submit prior art, including explanations of the relevance of the art, during the patent prosecution process. This provision is very similar to the third-party observations that the European Patent Office has permitted for decades. Allowing third-party participation during patent prosecution could substantially improve patent quality as well as relieve the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s already over-burdened examiners who do not have enough time to conduct a complete prior art search for each and every patent application.
Lacunocanalicular fluid flow transduces mechanical tension stress during distraction osteogenesis

AbstractThe mechanotransduction mechanisms linking distraction device activation to new bone formation remain unknown. We hypothesize that the tension stress of activation during distraction osteogenesis is transmitted through lacunocanalicular fluid flow to initiate the osteogenic signaling cascade
The Research–Teaching Gap in Management

Although other authors have recently spotlighted the research–practice gap in management, we suggest the role of teaching in eliminating this fissure has been neglected. We examine the research–tea...
The differential diagnosis of jaundice.

Icterogenic drugs and new liver function tests are both appearing so rapidly that it is difficult for the physician to keep abreast of them.A reasonable working diagnosis can be made in about 85 per cent of cases of jaundice by means of a careful history and physical examination.Serial determinations of pertinent tests as well as application of some of the newer liver function tests may be necessary in problem cases.Exploratory laparotomy with direct cholangiography is justified as a final diagnostic procedure in obstructive jaundice when the site of the block, intrahepatic or extrahepatic, cannot otherwise be ascertained.
CASE RECORDS of the MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL. Case 13-2016. A 49-Year-Old Woman with Sudden Hemiplegia and Aphasia during a Transatlantic Flight.

A 49-year-old woman was brought to the ED 2 hours after the onset of hemiplegia and aphasia during a transatlantic flight. Examination revealed evidence of acute ischemic stroke. Additional diagnostic studies were performed.
TRAF3IP2 mediates atherosclerotic plaque development and vulnerability in ApoE(-/-) mice.

Abstract Background and aims Atherosclerosis is a major cause of heart attack and stroke. Inflammation plays a critical role in the development of atherosclerosis. Since the cytoplasmic adaptor molecule TRAF3IP2 (TRAF3-Interacting Protein 2) plays a causal role in various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, we hypothesized that TRAF3IP2 mediates atherosclerotic plaque development. Methods TRAF3IP2/ApoE double knockout ( DKO ) mice were generated by crossing TRAF3IP2 −/− and ApoE −/− mice. ApoE −/− mice served as controls. Both DKO and control mice were fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. Plasma lipids were measured by ELISA, atherosclerosis by en face analysis of aorta and plaque cross-section measurements at the aortic valve region, plaque necrotic core area, collagen and smooth muscle cell (SMC) content by histomorphometry, and aortic gene expression by RT-qPCR. Results The plasma lipoprotein profile was not altered by TRAF3IP2 gene deletion in ApoE −/− mice. While total aortic plaque area was decreased in DKO female, but not male mice, the plaque necrotic area was significantly decreased in DKO mice of both genders. Plaque collagen and SMC contents were increased significantly in both female and male DKO mice compared to respective controls. Aortic expression of proinflammatory cytokine (Tumor necrosis factor α, TNFα), chemokine (Chemokine (C-X-C motif) Ligand 1, CXCL1) and adhesion molecule (Vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, VCAM1; and Intercellular adhesion molecule 1, ICAM1) gene expression were decreased in both male and female DKO mice. In addition, the male DKO mice expressed markedly reduced levels of extracellular matrix (ECM)-related genes, including TIMP1 (Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1), RECK (Reversion-Inducing-Cysteine-Rich Protein with Kazal Motifs) and ADAM17 (A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase 17). Conclusions TRAF3IP2 plays a causal role in atherosclerotic plaque development and vulnerability, possibly by inducing the expression of multiple proinflammatory mediators. TRAF3IP2 could be a potential therapeutic target in atherosclerotic vascular diseases.