cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factors that predict the need for early surgeon presence in the setting of pediatric trauma.

Abstract Introduction Evidence based variables predicting the need for surgeon presence (NSP) on arrival of an injured child are limited. We sought to identify prehospital factors that best correlate with NSP and highest level of activation in pediatric trauma. A secondary analysis was also performed to determine whether injury severity score (ISS) was predictive of NSP in pediatric trauma. Methods This was a retrospective, single institution study of injured patients age ≤ 16 years delivered from scene to our Pediatric Level I trauma center between January 2016 and June 2017. 526 patients had complete data available for analysis. NSP was previously described as the presence of any of these factors: intubation, transfusion, emergent operation with the trauma team/craniotomy with the neurosurgery team, vasopressors, interventional radiology, spinal cord Injury, chest tube, emergency department thoracotomy, intracranial pressure monitor, pericardiocentesis, or death in the trauma bay. Multivariable analysis was performed with covariates of interest including scene and ED arrival vitals and interventions. Results Independent predictors of NSP and highest level of activation were GCS of ≤ 12 (OR 22.3), penetrating trauma (OR 5.4), and hypotension (age adjusted) (OR 10.2). We also found that ISS ≥ 16 was a poor indicator of NSP with a sensitivity of only 61%. Conclusion A validated model based on these variables may be useful in predicting NSP and highest level of activation prior to arrival of pediatric trauma patients. NSP may augment assessment of over and undertriage in pediatric trauma patients as compared to the ISS/Cribari system alone. Level of evidence Level III, retrospective cohort study
Performance Budgeting in the U.S.: A Long History of Institutional Change

This chapter reviews the long history of performance budgeting reform in the US, the institutional contexts behind the reform, and the hurdles faced by US reformers. The US experiences show that performance budgeting reform is likely to be a long journey of institutional evolution with many ups and downs because of changing political, economic, and fiscal contexts. At the beginning of the twentieth century, US policymakers at all levels were struggling with these questions. As municipal and state budgetary reforms took off in the late 1900s and early 1910s, US federal policymakers began to take notice. The momentum of federal reforms increased when some of the state and municipal reform leaders assumed federal positions. Federal performance budgeting reform was relatively silent in the 1980s and the early 1990s because the US Congress, President Ronald Reagan, and his successor President George H. W. Bush were preoccupied with the mounting federal deficit problems and tax reform debates.
The Concept of the Hologenome, an Epigenetic Phenomenon, Challenges Aspects of the Modern Evolutionary Synthesis

John Tyler Bonner's call to re-evaluate evolutionary theory in light of major transitions in life on Earth (e.g., from the first origins of microbial life to the evolution of sex, and the origins of multicellularity) resonate with recent discoveries on epigenetics and the concept of the hologenome. Current studies of genome evolution often mistakenly focus only on the inheritance of DNA between parent and offspring. These are in line with the widely accepted Neo-Darwinian framework that pairs Mendelian genetics with an emphasis on natural selection as explanations for the evolution of biodiversity on Earth. Increasing evidence for widespread symbioses complicates this narrative, as is seen in Scott Gilbert's discussion of the concept of the holobiont in this series: Organisms across the tree of life coexist with substantial influence on one another through endosymbiosis, symbioses, and host-associated microbiomes. The holobiont theory, coupled with observations from molecular studies, also requires us to understand genomes in a new way-by considering the interactions underlain by the genome of a host plus its associated microbes, a conglomerate entity referred to as the hologenome. We argue that the complex patterns of inheritance of these genomes coupled with the influence of symbionts on host gene expression make the concept of the hologenome an epigenetic phenomenon. We further argue that the aspects of the hologenome challenge of the modern evolutionary synthesis, which requires updating to remain consistent with Darwin's intent of providing natural laws that underlie the evolution of life on Earth.
Outcomes of combined modality treatment in elderly patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer.

7049 Background: The use of combined modality treatment (CMT) has been demonstrated to improve survival in patients with inoperable, locally advanced NSCLC. Elderly patients have been traditionally...
Retinol-binding protein 2 (RBP2): biology and pathobiology.

Retinol-binding protein 2 (RBP2; originally cellular retinol-binding protein, type II (CRBPII)) is a 16 kDa cytosolic protein that in the adult is localized predominantly to absorptive cells of the...
Characterization of Bacillus anthracis Spore Proteins Using a Nanoscaffold Vaccine Platform

Subunit vaccines are theoretically safe and easy to manufacture but require effective adjuvants and delivery systems to yield protective immunity, particularly at critical mucosal sites such as the lung. We investigated nanolipoprotein particles (NLPs) containing the Toll-like receptor 4 agonist monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) as a platform for intranasal vaccination against Bacillus anthracis. Modified lipids enabled attachment of disparate spore and toxin protein antigens. Intranasal vaccination of mice with B. anthracis antigen-MPLA-NLP constructs induced robust IgG and IgA responses in serum and in bronchoalveolar and nasal lavage. Typically, a single dose sufficed to induce sustained antibody titers over time. When multiple immunizations were required for sustained titers, specific antibodies were detected earlier in the boost schedule with MPLA-NLP-mediated delivery than with free MPLA. Administering combinations of constructs induced responses to multiple antigens, indicating potential for a multivalent vaccine preparation. No off-target responses to the NLP scaffold protein were detected. In summary, the NLP platform enhances humoral and mucosal responses to intranasal immunization, indicating promise for NLPs as a flexible, robust vaccine platform against B. anthracis and potentially other inhalational pathogens.
Ultrasound Treasure Hunt: A Novel Teaching Method that Overcomes Direct-Patient Care Restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Prioritizing trainee safety during the COVID-19 era is paramount. In March 2020, the AAMC recommended prohibiting medical students from direct patient care in significantly affected regions. Guidelines continue evolving; however, the AMA continues to recommend clinical experiences, not requiring direct patient care, be achieved through virtual formats.
An Angle-dependent Synchrotron Self-Compton Model for Relativistic Jet Sources

We report on the development of a numerical code to calculate the angle-dependent synchrotron + synchrotron self-Compton radiation from relativistic jet sources with partially ordered magnetic fields and anisotropic particle distributions. Using a multi-zone radiation transfer approach, we can simulate magnetic-field configurations ranging from perfectly ordered (unidirectional) to randomly oriented (tangled). We demonstrate that synchrotron self-Compton model fits to the spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of extragalactic jet sources may be possible with a wide range of magnetic-field values, depending on their orientation with respect to the jet axis and the observer. This is illustrated with the example of a spectral fit to the SED of Mrk 421 from multiwavelength observations in 2006, where acceptable fits are possible with magnetic-field values varying within a range of an order of magnitude for different degrees of B-field alignment and orientation.
Profitability of Producers Who Purchase Beef Cows vs. Those Who Raise Replacements

Because the cow-calf sector of the beef industry is mature, average sale price (including high profit and low profit years) hovers around the average cost of production. For cow-calf operations to maintain profitability, producers must either command a higher price or produce calves at below average cost. With the exception of the seed stock sector, calves are usually considered a commodity product; consequently, focusing on producing calves at below average cost is generally more profitable. Comments are often made that it is cheaper to purchase replacements rather than raise heifers. Our objective was to evaluate the profitability and overall production cost of producers who purchase cows compared to producers raising replacement females.
Design of mid-infrared cascade micro-ring sensing devices using a machine learning algorithm

An intelligent mid-infrared (mid-IR) integrated photonic device was demonstrated applying a machine learning (ML) algorithm. The design model and the estimation model of mid-IR micro-rings were trained by the artificial neural network (ANN) to create the performance-structure relationships. The sensing devices were then designed to align the micro-ring resonance with the characteristic mid-IR absorption wavelengths according to the gases of interest. Further applying the cascade micro-ring structures enables the device to monitor several gas analytes simultaneously. The ML-based mid-IR device provides a miniaturized sensing platform for remote and precise environmental monitoring.
Gene-environment interaction in posttraumatic stress disorder: Review, strategy and new directions for future research

The purpose of this article is to encourage research investigating the role of measured gene-environment interaction (G × E) in the etiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is uniquely suited to the study of G × E as the diagnosis requires exposure to a potentially-traumatic life event. PTSD is also moderately heritable; however, the role of genetic factors in PTSD etiology has been largely neglected both by trauma researchers and psychiatric geneticists. First, we summarize evidence for genetic influences on PTSD from family, twin, and molecular genetic studies. Second, we discuss the key challenges in G × E studies of PTSD and offer practical strategies for addressing these challenges and for discovering replicable G × E for PTSD. Finally, we propose some promising new directions for PTSD G × E research. We suggest that G × E research in PTSD is essential to understanding vulnerability and resilience following exposure to a traumatic event.
Adaptive critic design based neurocontroller for a STATCOM connected to a power system

A novel nonlinear optimal neurocontroller for a static compensator (STATCOM) connected to a power system using artificial neural networks is presented in this paper. The heuristic dynamic programming (HDP), a member of the adaptive critic designs (ACDs) family, is used for the design of the STATCOM neurocontroller. This neurocontroller provides nonlinear optimal control with better performance compared to the conventional PI controllers.
A POMDP Approximation Algorithm that Anticipates the Need to Observe

This paper introduces the even-odd POMDP, an approximation to POMDPs (Partially Observable Markov Decision Problems) in which the world is assumed to be fully observable every other time step. This approximation works well for problems with a delayed need to observe. The even-odd POMDP can be converted into an equivalent MDP, the 2MDP, whose value function, V2MQP, can be combined online with a 2-step lookahead search to provide a good POMDP policy. We prove that this gives an approximation to the POMDP's optimal value function that is at least as good as methods based on the optimal value function of the underlying MDP. We present experimental evidence that the method finds a good policy for a POMDP with 10,000 states and observations.
Equatorial F-region neutral winds and shears near sunset measured with chemical release techniques

The period near sunset is a dynamic and critical time for the daily development of the equatorial nighttime ionosphere and the instabilities that occur there. It is during these hours that the pre-conditions necessary for the later development of Equatorial Spread F (ESF) plasma instabilities occur. The neutral dynamics of the sunset ionosphere are also of critical importance to the generation of currents and electric fields; however, the behavior of the neutrals is experimentally understood primarily through very limited single-altitude measurements or measurements that provide weighted altitude means of the winds as a function of time. To date, there have been very few vertically-resolved neutral wind measurements in the F region at sunset. We present two sets of sounding rocket chemical release measurements, one from a launch in the Marshall Islands on Kwajalein atoll and one from Alcantara, Brazil. Analysis of the release motions has yielded vertically-resolved neutral wind profiles that show both the mean horizontal winds and the vertical shears in the winds. In both experiments, we observe significant vertical gradients in the zonal wind that are unexpected by classical assumptions about the behavior of the neutral wind at these altitudes at sunset near the geomagnetic equator.
Comparison of FIMR Programs With Other Perinatal Systems Initiatives

Objectives: While the goals of fetal and infant mortality review (FIMR) programs and other perinatal systems initiatives (PSI) are similar, our knowledge of the processes they use to meet their goals is limited. This article compares a nationwide sample of FIMR programs and PSIs with regard to their roles and involvement in performance of eight essential maternal and child health services (EMCHS) as part of a national evaluation of FIMR. Methods: The evaluation was a cross-sectional observational study in which geographic units were sampled based on the presence or absence of a FIMR or other PSI using FIMRs as the sampling frame of reference. Telephone interviews were conducted with 74 FIMR and 62 PSI directors in the sampled communities. Results: Both programs performed several of the essential MCH services. FIMRs were significantly more likely to be located in a local health department than were PSIs. The results of multiple logistic regression analyses indicate that the performance of the essential MCH services by the programs was increased when both a FIMR and a PSI were in the community. FIMR programs alone had reduced odds of performing several essential MCH services than did PSIs alone. The findings also indicate that performance of some essential MCH services was reduced for FIMR programs and PSIs located in a local health department. Conclusions: Comparisons between FIMR and other PSIs suggest that both programs are currently engaged in diverse efforts to attain their goal of improving the health and health care delivery system for pregnant women, infants, and their families. FIMR programs appear to be more circumscribed in their activities than PSIs, but the presence of both programs in a community appears to enhance the programs' performance of the essential MCH services.
Topological organization of the "small-world" visual attention network in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed childhood psychiatric disorder. Disrupted sustained attention is one of the most significant behavioral impairments in this disorder. We mapped systems-level topological properties of the neural network responsible for sustained attention during a visual sustained task, on the premise that strong associations between anomalies in network features and clinical measures of ADHD would emerge.Methods: Graph theoretic techniques (GTT) and bivariate network-based statistics (NBS) were applied to fMRI data from 22 children with ADHD combined-type and 22 age-matched neurotypicals, to evaluate the topological and nodal-pairing features in the functional brain networks. Correlation testing for relationships between network properties and clinical measures were then performed. Results: The visual attention network showed significantly reduced local-efficiency and nodal-efficiency in frontal and occipital regions in ADHD. Measures of degree and between-centrality pointed to hyper-functioning in anterior cingulate cortex and hypo-functioning in orbito-frontal, middle-occipital, superior-temporal, supra-central, and supra-marginal gyri in ADHD. NBS demonstrated significantly reduced pair-wise connectivity in an inner-network, encompassing right parietal and temporal lobes and left occipital lobe, in the ADHD group. Conclusions: These data suggest that atypical topological features of the visual attention network contribute to classic ADHD symptomatology, and may underlie the inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsivity that are characteristics of this syndrome.
The formation of a rational S matrix using phase shifts from elastic scattering

Abstract Three linear methods for constructing a rational S matrix from phase shifts are presented and compared. Applications to 1 S 0 neutron-proton elastic scattering data and to potential model problems show them to be efficient and in some cases superior to the Newton-Raphson (NR) and Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) methods. The relative power of the three methods is seen to depend upon the smoothness of the data. One exacting test we have made is to take as data some phase shifts computed to high accuracy from a spin-averaged NN potential of Malfliet and Tjon (MTV). We truncate the MTV potential at different ranges R. The known analytic structure resulting from the truncation, including Gamow state poles, is stably reproduced. One method, which we designate as KKH, is superior in this problem with smooth data. In another class of problems, when even small random noise is injected into our neutron-proton data, another method, which we label HY, is superior.' In this ease, LM, NR, and KKH are sometimes completely ineffective. Slight improvements are sometimes made with NR or LM iterations after the other methods have achieved their optimum parameter values. Therefore, we recommend that all five methods be programmed together as different options. Such a program should contain a number of important rational function checks.
ADAR2: Towards a Structural and Kinetic Understanding of RNA Editing

Adenosine Deaminases that Act on RNA (ADARs) are a small family of enzymes found in metazoans which edit pre-mRNAs by modifying the base adenosine to inosine. This editing results in translational mutations as inosine is interpreted as guanosine by translational machinery. Two editing events occur in humans on the Ionotropic Glutamate Receptor (GluR) pre-mRNA and are known to modify its ion permeability and resensitization kinetics. ADARs promiscuously edit perfectly complementary dsRNAs, however, in the context of complex secondary and tertiary structure, ADARs gain significant specificity for their substrates. Toward understanding the elements of ADARs which drive specificity in the context of a wild type substrate, we sought to generate a co-crystal structure of human ADAR2 with RNA and determine the structure of a flexible loop of the catalytic domain to ascertain its function. Crystals of GluR-B RNA and an ADAR2 truncation PP-R2D have been produced in small scale screens, and work to produce larger crystals suitable for x-ray diffraction is ongoing. Several mutants of the ADAR2 catalytic domain (CD), S458G and R455A, have been solved. Both of these mutant structures give some insight into the previously undefined electron density of an unstructured loop located near the catalytic site. These structures remain incomplete, yet provide a better descriptor of the dynamicity of the loop. To understand the kinetic role of the loop we have replaced it with glycine and found that editing is strongly inhibited. Current work focuses on further mutations to the loop to determine its kinetic role. The results of these studies have shown that large complexes of ADAR2 and substrate mimics can be crystallized, which is fortuitous for further structure determination, and that the unstructured loop of the catalytic domain remains highly dynamic despite mutations to decrease mobility.
Voltage/pitch control for maximization and regulation of active/reactive powers in wind turbines with uncertainties

This paper addresses the problem of controlling a variable-speed wind turbine with a Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG), modeled as an electromechanically-coupled nonlinear system with rotor voltages and blade pitch angle as its inputs, active and reactive powers as its outputs, and most of the aerodynamic and mechanical parameters as its uncertainties. Using a blend of linear and nonlinear control strategies (including feedback linearization, pole placement, uncertainty estimation, and gradient-based potential function minimization) as well as time-scale separation in the dynamics, we develop a controller that is capable of maximizing the active power in the Maximum Power Tracking (MPT) mode, regulating the active power in the Power Regulation (PR) mode, seamlessly switching between the two modes, and simultaneously adjusting the reactive power to achieve a desired power factor. The controller consists of four cascaded components, uses realistic feedback signals, and operates without knowledge of the C p -surface, air density, friction coefficient, and wind speed. Finally, we show the effectiveness of the controller via simulation with a realistic wind profile.
Repeated measurement of the intermountain risk score enhances prognostication for mortality.

Background The Intermountain Risk Score (IMRS), composed of the complete blood count (CBC) and basic metabolic profile (BMP), predicts mortality and morbidity in medical and general populations. Whether longitudinal repeated measurement of IMRS is useful for prognostication is an important question for its clinical applicability. Methods Females (N = 5,698) and males (N = 5,437) with CBC and BMP panels measured 6 months to 2.0 years apart (mean 1.0 year) had baseline and follow-up IMRS computed. Survival analysis during 4.0±2.5 years (maximum 10 years) evaluated mortality (females: n = 1,255 deaths; males: n = 1,164 deaths) and incident major events (myocardial infarction, heart failure [HF], and stroke). Results Both baseline and follow-up IMRS (categorized as high-risk vs. low-risk) were independently associated with mortality (all p<0.001) in bivariable models. For females, follow-up IMRS had hazard ratio (HR) = 5.23 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.11, 6.64) and baseline IMRS had HR = 3.66 (CI = 2.94, 4.55). Among males, follow-up IMRS had HR = 4.28 (CI = 3.51, 5.22) and baseline IMRS had HR = 2.32 (CI = 1.91, 2.82). IMRS components such as RDW, measured at both time points, also predicted mortality. Baseline and follow-up IMRS strongly predicted incident HF in both genders. Conclusions Repeated measurement of IMRS at baseline and at about one year of follow-up were independently prognostic for mortality and incident HF among initially hospitalized patients. RDW and other CBC and BMP values were also predictive of outcomes. Further research should evaluate the utility of IMRS as a tool for clinical risk adjustment.
Determination of Transient Stability Constrained Interface Real Power Flow Limit Using Trajectory Sensitivity Approach

Fast determination of the transient stability constrained interface power transfer limit is a critical problem in power system real time operation. Conventional methods normally require repeated time domain simulations to determine this interface transfer limit; therefore, they are computationally burdensome and time consuming. This paper presents an application of the trajectory sensitivity method to determine the transient stability constrained interface transfer limit. For a specified contingency, the trajectory sensitivity method is used to determine the stability constrained maximum output of the key generators that affect the power flow of the interface. Then using the power transfer distribution factors (PTDFs) of those key generators on the tie-lines constituting the interface, the maximum interface transfer increment can be determined. The advantage of this method is that it requires much less computation compared to the conventional methods while having the same level of accuracy. An application of the proposed method to the WECC test system is presented in detail. The results obtained demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method.
Energy optimization of hydrogen production from lignocellulosic biomass

Abstract In this paper we address the conceptual design for the production of hydrogen from switchgrass. The process is modeled as a mixed-integer non linear programming problem (MINLP) for a superstructure embedding two different gasification technologies, direct and indirect, and two reforming modes, partial oxidation or steam reforming, gas cleaning and a water gas shift reactor (WGSR) with membrane separation is used to obtain pure hydrogen. Given the small number of structural alternatives, the problem is solved by constraining the binary variables of the MINLP so as to select each gasifier and reforming mode yielding four NLP's. Next, the energy is integrated, and finally, an economic evaluation is performed. It is shown that indirect gasification with steam reforming is the preferred technology providing higher production yields than the ones reported in the literature for hydrogen from natural gas and at a potentially lower and promising production cost 0.67$/kg.
Simulating the Solar Spectrum with a Filtered High-Pressure Xenon Lamp

The spectral irradiance of a 1000-watt xenon lamp was determined prior to modifying its radiant output to simulate the solar spectrum. A survey of filter glasses was made and the transmission characteristics of two types found useful for this problem are described. The spectral irradiance of the xenon lamp after passing the radiation through UV-6 and KG-2 filter glasses was measured and compared with noonday solar radiation at Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1960 and 1961 (42° N latitude). The spectral distribution of the lamp filter combination agrees closely with the solar spectrum although the rate of change in the ultraviolet region is greater than that for solar radiation.
Large-distance and long-time properties of two-dimensional solids and hexatic liquid crystals

Phenomenological models for the nonlinear hydrodynamic behavior of 2D solids and hexatic liquid crystals are proposed and analyzed by perturbation expansions and renormalization-group techniques. It is shown that conventional hydrodynamics breaks down in two dimensions due to infrared divergences. Nonlinear effects give rise to long-time tails and anomalous dispersions.
Generation of a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response using a Salmonella antigen-delivery system

We have constructed a general-use vector for the cloning and stable expression of foreign genes in the chromosome of attenuated Salmonella typhimurium. Using this chromosomal expression vector (CEV), we expressed the circumsporozoite (CS) gene of the mouse malaria Plasmodium yoelii in an aroA S. typhimurium strain. Mice immunized with CS-expressing Salmonella recombinants mount a CS-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response. This is the first demonstration that attenuated Salmonella can elicit a specific CTL response to a foreign protein in mice. The ability to easily and stably express foreign genes from the Salmonella chromosome and the generation of specific CTL greatly expands the potential of Salmonella as an antigen-delivery system.
Restructuring the international telecommunication regulations

Abstract Recent efforts to revise the International Telecommunication Regulations have proved extraordinarily conflictual. Fundamental differences have emerged among ITU delegations as to the purpose and coverage of the new arrangement. The Preparatory Committee approved Draft Regulations in 1987 without consensus, with US, UK and corporate observes objecting to the majority view. More recently, the Secretary General of the ITU has offered his own suggestions in an effort to break a deadlock which could undermine the effectiveness of the international telecommunications regime. The author traces the WATTC process, underscoring the sources of disagreement, and argues that the ‘Butler Draft’ constitutes an effective compromise between diverse national preferences.
LUNAR DUST GRAIN CHARGING BY ELECTRON IMPACT: COMPLEX ROLE OF SECONDARY ELECTRON EMISSIONS IN SPACE ENVIRONMENTS

Dust grains in various astrophysical environments are generally charged electrostatically by photoelectric emissions with radiation from nearby sources, or by electron/ion collisions by sticking or secondary electron emissions (SEES). The high vacuum environment on the lunar surface leads to some unusual physical and dynamical phenomena involving dust grains with high adhesive characteristics, and levitation and transportation over long distances. Knowledge of the dust grain charges and equilibrium potentials is important for understanding a variety of physical and dynamical processes in the interstellar medium, and heliospheric, interplanetary/ planetary, and lunar environments. It has been well recognized that the charging properties of individual micron-/submicron-size dust grains are expected to be substantially different from the corresponding values for bulk materials. In this paper, we present experimental results on the charging of individual 0.2-13 m size dust grains selected from Apollo 11 and 17 dust samples, and spherical silica particles by exposing them to mono-energetic electron beams in the 10-200 eV energy range. The dust charging process by electron impact involving the SEES discussed is found to be a complex charging phenomenon with strong particle size dependence. The measurements indicate substantial differences between the polarity and magnitude of the dust charging rates of individual small-size dust grains, and the measurements and model properties of corresponding bulk materials. A more comprehensive plan of measurements of the charging properties of individual dust grains for developing a database for realistic models of dust charging in astrophysical and lunar environments is in progress.
A furanocoumarin from Dorstenia contrajerva

Abstract A new furanocoumarin, 5-[3,4-epoxy-2,7-dimethyl-6,7-octenoyl]psoralen was isolated and identified from Dorstenia contrajerva .
High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of carbaryl and 1-naphthol at residue levels in various water sources by direct injection and trace enrichment

Abstract A high-performance liquid chromatographic method is described for determining carbaryl and its hydrolysis product, 1-naphthol, in water at residue levels by direct injection and trace enrichment. Water from three sources, public water supply, stream and the ocean, was analyzed for carbaryl and 1-naphthol at concentrations as low as 3.78 and 10 ppb, respectively, without a clean-up, concentration or derivatization step. Carbaryl was detected at 0.1 ppb and 1-naphthol at 0.5 ppb by employing a concentration step involving a C 18 Sep-Pak cartridge. The coefficients of variation for all determinations ranged from 2.5 to 10.7%. Fourteen other widely used pesticides—carbofuran, methomyl, thiram, azinphos-methyl, benomyl, monuron, diuron, propham, chlorpropham, pentachlorophenol, the oxygen analogue of azinphosmethyl, pentachloronitrobenzene, simazine and atrazine— were chromatographed using this system. Pentachloronitrobenzene, diuron and thiram interfered with the determination of 1-naphthol, while atrazine co-chromatographed with carbaryl.
Massive subcutaneous emphysema following percutaneous tracheostomy.

Abstract Background: Bronchoscopic subcutaneous dilatational tracheostomy is fast becoming the method of choice for securing an airway in chronic ventilated patients in an intensive care setting. Many studies have demonstrated that it is a cost-effective and safe procedure in experienced hands. Complications appear to be equivalent to those encountered in open tracheostomy. Subcutaneous emphysema following tracheostomy is a rare occurrence. Only 3 cases have been described following percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy. Management can be quite complex. Material and Methods: Retrospective review with case report of a patient with massive subcutaneous emphysema following percutaneous tracheostomy. Conclusion: Massive subcutaneous emphysema following percutaneous tracheostomy is a major complication that is rarely encountered. When due to a posterior tracheal wall tear, management consists of bypassing the laceration and allowing it to heal secondarily. (Am J Otolaryngol 2002;23:300-302. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.)
Epidermal cells rev up reprogramming

Induced pluripotent stem cells have been generated from single human hairs, providing an easily accessible source of cells amenable to efficient reprogramming.
Thermonuclear 36 Cl pulse in natural water

Radionuclides produced by atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons have been used as environmental tracers for the past 30 years. 185W and 90Sr have proved valuable in monitoring atmospheric circulation1, 14C has been applied to oceanic mixing2, and 3H has been routinely used as a tracer in the hydrologic system. Tandem accelerator mass spectrometry4 has made possible measurements of several long-lived radionuclides that were previously virtually undetectable. One of the potentially most valuable of these for studying the movement and mixing of groundwater and surface water is 36Cl. 36Cl is produced continuously in the terrestrial environment in very small amounts by spallation of argon by cosmic radiation and by the capture of naturally produced neutrons by 35Cl. It was also produced in much larger amounts by neutron activation of seawater and released into the environment during atmospheric thermonuclear tests. This 36Cl pulse has many potential applications as a tracer in natural water systems. Here, numerical modelling and analyses of water samples indicate that in the mid-latitudes the fallout peak was 3 orders of magnitude above the natural background, and that the period of enhanced 36Cl fallout was 1953 to about 1964.
Mixed convection between horizontal plates—I. Entrance effects

Entrance effects in mixed convection between horizontal, differentially heated plates were studied in nitrogen by laser Doppler anemometry in a range 1368 < Ra < 8300 and 15 < Re < 170. Two entrance lengths were deduced from velocity profiles: one for the onset of buoyancy-driven convective instability, and one for the full development of the mixed flow. Explicit expressions for both entrance lengths are given. In addition, unsteady longitudinal convection rolls were observed. These are discussed in terms of an admixture of transverse convection rolls and/or contributions from upstream turbulence. The experimental results show that the critical Ra for the transverse convection roils increases as Re increases.
Phonon dispersion curves of fcc La

Large single crystals of fcc La were grown in situ and were used to study the lattice dynamics of this phase of La by coherent inelastic neutron scattering. The phonon dispersion curves have been measured along the [$\ensuremath{\xi}00$], [$\ensuremath{\xi}\ensuremath{\xi}0$], [$\ensuremath{\xi}\ensuremath{\xi}\ensuremath{\xi}$], and [$0\ensuremath{\xi}1$] symmetry directions at 660 and 1100 K. The $T[\ensuremath{\xi}\ensuremath{\xi}\ensuremath{\xi}]$ branch exhibits anomalous dispersion for $\ensuremath{\xi}g0.25$ and, in addition, close to the zone boundary, the phonon frequencies of this branch decrease with decreasing temperature. This soft-mode behavior may be related to the $\ensuremath{\beta}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\alpha}$ transformation in La, an assumption supported by recent band-theoretical calculations of the generalized susceptibility of fcc La. At $X$ the frequencies of the $L[\ensuremath{\xi}00]$ branch are considerably lower than those of the corresponding branch of $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-Ce; a similar but not as pronounced effect is observed for the frequencies of the $L[\ensuremath{\xi}\ensuremath{\xi}\ensuremath{\xi}]$ branch close to the point $L$. Since the calculated generalized susceptibility of fcc La exhibits strong peaks at $X$ and $L$, these anomalies may be due to the renormalization of the phonon frequencies by virtual $f\ensuremath{\leftrightarrow}d$ transitions to the unoccupied $4f$ level in La. The data were used to evaluate the elastic constants, the phonon density of states, and the lattice specific heat at constant pressure ${C}_{P}^{(l)}$.
Modification of the gold/graphite interfacial energy by interfacial adsorption of nickel

The effects of nickel additions on the energy of gold/graphite interfaces was investigated. Nickel was found to segregate to the interface forming an adsorbed layer. Solid-state wetting measurements showed that the contact angle of gold on graphite was decreased by 7.8° by the addition of 15 at % Ni. The corresponding decrease in interfacial energy, determined from the Young-Dupre equation was found to be ∼112 mJm−2. The interfacial excess of nickel corresponding to 15 at % Ni in the bulk was calculated by means of the Gibbs adsorption isotherm to be about 0.45 equivalent monolayers of gold. The presence of nickel at the interface was further confirmed by crater-edge profiling studies performed in a scanning Auger microprobe.
Meta-analysis of a possible signal of increased mortality associated with cefepime use.

Background On the basis of meta-analyses, concern has been raised regarding a possible signal of increased mortality associated with the use of cefepime versus other beta-lactam antibiotics. To further investigate this possible signal, we accessed findings and data from published and unpublished cefepime clinical trials. Methods We performed meta-analyses using trial- and patient-level data from comparative trials. Trial-level analyses were performed using summary data from all patients in the trials, and patient-level analyses were performed on trials for which patient-level data were available. Thirty-day, all-cause mortality was analyzed using the Mantel-Haenszel adjusted risk difference (ARD) method. Results The trial-level meta-analysis was based on 88 trials (9467 cefepime patients and 8288 comparator patients). The 30-day, all-cause mortality rates were 6.21% (588/9467) for the cefepime patients and 6.00% (497/8288) for comparator patients (ARD per 1000 population, 5.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.53 to 12.28). In the patient-level analysis (35 trials, 5058 cefepime patients, and 3976 comparator patients), 30-day, all-cause mortality rates were 5.63% (285/5058) for cefepime patients and 5.68% (226/3976) for comparator patients (ARD per 1000 population, 4.83; 95% CI, -4.72 to 14.38). A sensitivity analysis based solely on the 24 febrile neutropenia trials did not show a statistically significant increase in mortality with cefepime use (ARD per 1000 population, 9.67; 95% CI, -2.87 to 22.21). Conclusions In both trial-level and patient-level meta-analyses, we did not identify a statistically significant increase in mortality among cefepime-treated patients, compared with those treated with other antibacterials.
Statistics on BCS Classification of Generic Drug Products Approved Between 2000 and 2011 in the USA

The Biopharmaceutics Classification system (BCS) classifies drug substances based on aqueous solubility and intestinal permeability. The objective of this study was to use the World Health Organization Model List of Essential Medicines to determine the distribution of BCS Class 1, 2, 3, and 4 drugs in Abbreviated New drug Applications (ANDA) submissions. To categorize solubility and intestinal permeability properties of generic drugs under development, we used a list of 61 drugs which were classified as BCS 1, 2, 3, and 4 drugs with certainty in the World Health Organization Model List of Essential Medicines. Applying this list to evaluation of 263 ANDA approvals of BCS drugs during the period of 2000 to 2011 indicated 110 approvals (41.8%) for Class 1 drugs (based on both biowaiver and in vivo bioequivalence studies), 55 (20.9%) approvals for Class 2 drugs, 98 (37.3%) approvals for Class 3 drugs, and no (0%) approvals for Class 4 drugs. The present data indicated a trend of more ANDA approvals of BCS Class 1 drugs than Class 3 or Class 2 drugs. Antiallergic drugs in Class 1, drugs for pain relief in Class 2 and antidiabetic drugs in Class 3 have received the largest number of approvals during this period.
Correlation of six cores from the equatorial Atlantic and the Caribbean

Curves of late Pleistocene climatic variation based on vertical distribution of planktonic Foraminifera in six cores from the Equatorial Atlantic and Caribbean have been satisfactorily correlated. Variation in percentage of material coarser than 74 microns and variation in coiling direction of Globorotalia truncatulinoides have also been used in correlation. Such correlation is construed as evidence that the sediment sections in these cores have accumulated slowly, and without interruption by slumping or turbidity current deposition.
High-performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of an HIV-1 non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (L-696,229) in plasma samples from animals

Abstract A sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was developed and validated to separate and quantitate the levels of L-696,229 (I), a novel human immunodeficiency virus type 1 non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, and its hydroxy metabolites (II and III) in plasma samples. The procedure involves the addition of a constant known quantity of internal standard to the biological specimen followed by extraction of the compounds of interest into methyl tert. -butyl ether. The organic phase is evaporated to dryness under a gentle stream of nitrogen. The residue is then dissolved in methanol and water and injected onto a reversed-phase HPLC column. A gradient HPLC method is used to elute the compounds which are monitored using UV detection at 319 nm. Absolute calibration factors (from the standard curve) were calculated by analyzing standards, and these factors were used to determine the concentration of drug (I) and its hydroxy metabolites (II and III) in the samples using the internal standard method. The method was linear using a standard concentration range of 50 to 20 000 ng/ml. The limit of quantitation was 50 ng/ml using 200 μl plasma. The procedure was utilized to monitor plasma levels of I, II and III in acute and chronic toxicity studies in several animal species.
Unitary responses and discrimination learning in the squirrel monkey: The globus pallidus

Abstract Squirrel monkeys were given extensive discrimination training in which a lever response following one tone (S d ) was positively reinforced by a pellet of food and a response following the second tone (S Δ ) was negatively reinforced with electric shock. Time histograms of single unit activity were averaged over ten S d and ten S Δ presentations. Analyses of unit discharge patterns were made during spontaneous control periods, stimulus periods, and poststimulus periods. Of the structures sampled (amygdala, corona radiata, cortex, globus pallidus, internal capsule and putamen) the globus pallidus yielded the highest percentage of differentiated changes in unit activity during conditioned discrimination. The greatest changes in discharge frequency of pallidal units were associated with S d trials with few significant responses to S Δ . The unitary response to S d appeared to consist of two distinct and independent components: facilitatory, inhibitory or complex graded unit response during the presentation of S d and a pronounced period of inhibition during post S d periods. We tentatively suggest that conditioned unitary changes associated with the positive discriminative cue reflect changes in attention, set or anticipation while the post S d inhibitory phenomena are related to voluntary motor sequences leading to and including the consumption of food rewards.
Antitrust and peer review

An antitrust action against a physician is unlikely if the following guidelines are followed: Do not agree with competing independent doctors on any terms of price, quantity, or quality, or the patients one is willing to serve, the location from which one is permitted to draw patients, or where one will locate offices. Also, do not agree to refuse to offer services to alternate delivery systems. Generally, those who serve on peer review committees are protected if decisions are reached after effort has been made to obtain the facts of the case, after adequate notice and fair hearing procedures are afforded to the physician involved, and when the action has been warranted by the facts and is in the furtherance of health care. An attorney who specializes in antitrust should be engaged. Members of peer review committees should not be in a position to benefit from the decision. They should document all transgressions of the accused, treat the accused fairly, and give him or her the opportunity to have due process.
Activated events in glasses : The structure of entropic droplets

Using an effective potential approach, we present a replica instanton theory for the dynamics of entropic droplets in glassy systems. Replica symmetry breaking in the droplet interface leads to a length scale dependent reduction of the droplet surface tension and changes the character of the dynamical heterogeneity and activated dynamics in glasses.
The effects of platelet inhibitors on blood use in cardiac surgery.

Platelet inhibition via glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists has greatly reduced the need for emergent cardiac surgery. However, this change has come at a cost to both the patient and th...
Guaranteed properties of gain scheduled control for linear parameter-varying plants

Gain scheduling has proven to be a successful design methodology in many engineering applications. However, in the absence of a sound theoretical analysis, these designs come with no guarantees on the robustness, performance, or even nominal stability of the overall gain scheduled design. This paper presents such an analysis for one type of gain scheduled system, namely, a linear parameter-varying plant scheduling on its exogenous parameters. Conditions are given which guarantee that the stability, robustness, and performance properties of the fixed operating point designs carry over to the global gain scheduled design. These conditions confirm and formalize popular notions regarding gain scheduled design, such as the scheduling variable should 'vary slowly'.
Receptor for the cell binding site of discoidin I

Abstract Discoidin I, a developmentally regulated lectin in Dictyostelium discoideum, has been implicated in cellsubstratum adhesion and ordered cell migration during aggregation. This depends on the cell binding site of discoidin I, which is distinct from its carbohydrate binding site. We have isolated a receptor for the cell binding site by affinity chromatography. The receptor binds immobilized discoidin I in the presence of 0.3 M galactose and can be eluted with gly-arg-gly-asp-his-asp, a synthetic peptide the sequence of which is found in discoidin I, and which blocks cell migration into aggregates. The receptor is a developmentally regulated cell-surface glycoprotein of apparent M r ∼67,000. Univalent antibodies specific for this glycoprotein block aggregation.