cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increased synthesis and deposition of extracellular matrix proteins leads to endoplasmic reticulum stress in the trabecular meshwork

Increased synthesis and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in the trabecular meshwork (TM) is associated with TM dysfunction and intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation in glaucoma. However, it is not understood how ECM accumulation leads to TM dysfunction and IOP elevation. Using a mouse model of glucocorticoid (GC)-induced glaucoma, primary human TM cells and human post-mortem TM tissues, we show that increased ECM accumulation leads to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the TM. The potent GC, dexamethasone (Dex) increased the secretory protein load of ECM proteins in the ER of TM cells, inducing ER stress. Reduction of fibronectin, a major regulator of ECM structure, prevented ER stress in Dex-treated TM cells. Overexpression of fibronectin via treatment with cellular fibronectin also induced chronic ER stress in primary human TM cells. Primary human TM cells grown on ECM derived from Dex-treated TM cells induced ER stress markers. TM cells were more prone to ER stress from ECM accumulation compared to other ocular cell types. Moreover, increased co-localization of ECM proteins with ER stress markers was observed in human post-mortem glaucomatous TM tissues. These data indicate that ER stress is associated with increased ECM accumulation in mouse and human glaucomatous TM tissues.
Use of a Modified Continent Ileovesicostomy in Adults with Prior Enterocystoplasty

Background/Aims: To describe our initial experience with a novel modification of the Mitrofanoff conduit technique utilizing the Yang-Monti ileovesicostomy and th
Geschäftsbericht (Jahresbericht, Rechenschaftsbericht)

Die Vorlage eines Geschaftsberichts neben der Jahresbilanz und der Gewinn- und Verlustrechnung wird in der Krankenhausbuchfuhrungsverordnung nicht ausdrucklich gefordert. Uberwiegend wird davon ausgegangen, das der beim Jahresabschlus von Aktiengesellschaften vorgeschriebene „Geschaftsbericht“ auch zum Jahresabschlus in Krankenhauser gehort. Diese Auffassung stutzt sich auf § 4 Abs. 3 KHBV. Fur kommunale und andere offentliche Krankenhauser wird in den meisten Krankenhaus- oder Eigenbetriebsgesetzen bzw. -verordnungen der Lander ein „Jahresbericht“ oder „Rechenschaftsbericht“ verlangt.
Emerging Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologies for Radiation Therapy Planning and Response Assessment

Functional and molecular MRI techniques are capable of measuring biologic properties of tumor tissue. Knowledge of these biological properties may improve radiation treatment by more accurately identifying tumor volumes, characterizing radioresistant subvolumes of tumor before radiation therapy (RT), and identifying recurrent disease after RT. Intravoxel incoherent motion MRI, blood oxygenation level-dependent MRI, tissue oxygenation level-dependent MRI, hyperpolarized 13C MRI, and chemical exchange saturation transfer MRI are relatively new MRI techniques that have shown promise for contributing to RT planning and response assessment. This review critically evaluates these emerging MR techniques, their potential role in RT planning, utility to date, and challenges to integration into the current clinical workflow.
Thermal evaluation of urbanization using a hybrid approach.

Abstract Urban development increases runoff temperatures from buildings and pavement, which can be harmful to aquatic life. However, our ability to predict runoff temperature as a function of land use is limited. This paper explores available tools for simulating runoff temperature with respect to brook trout (Salvelinus sp.), a sensitive species. The Minnesota Urban Heat Export Tool (MINUHET) and the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) were applied to a 14.1 km2 portion of the Stroubles Creek watershed near Blacksburg, Virginia for two summers. Streamflow, water temperature, and weather data were acquired from the Virginia Tech StREAM Lab (Stream Research, Education, and Management) monitoring stations. SWMM and MINUHET were calibrated and validated for streamflow, and stream temperature, respectively. The models were sensitive to imperviousness (SWMM-predicted streamflow) and dew point temperature (MINUHET-predicted water temperature). While the models output time-step was 15 min, the model performance in simulating streamflow was evaluated using Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) on hourly time-steps. NSE values were 0.67 and 0.65 for SWMM and 0.62 and 0.57 for MINUHET during the calibration and validation periods, respectively, indicating that SWMM performed better than MINUHET in streamflow simulation. Stream temperatures were simulated using MINUHET with NSE value of 0.58 for the validation period, demonstrating a satisfactory simulation of water temperature. Since SWMM is not capable of stream temperature simulation beyond simple mixing. Hydrologic and thermal outputs from SWMM and MINUHET were combined in a hybrid approach that emphasized the strength of each respective model, i.e. SWMM for runoff and streamflow and MINUHET for water temperature. Heat loads were simulated using the MINUHET and the Hybrid models; the Hybrid model (0.56) had a greater NSE than MINUHET (0.45) alone. MINUHET predictions indicated water temperatures would exceed the trout toxicity threshold of 21 °C during 39% and 38% of calibration and validation periods, respectively. Since the observed temperature exceeded the toxicity threshold 59% and 53% of the time for the calibration and validation periods, respectively, MINUHET was not a conservative predictor of the duration of temperatures exceeding the toxicity threshold value.
Distributed Connectivity Preserving Target Tracking With Random Sensing

A networked multiagent system is tasked to cooperatively track a mobile target, where agents experience random loss of sensing due to occlusions resulting from the target moving in a complex environment. A directed random graph is used to model the time-varying availability of the target states to agents, where the connection of the directed edge in the graph is assumed to be probabilistic and evolves according to a two-state Markov Model. An almost sure consensus algorithm is developed for all agents to achieve consensus on the target position. Due to limited communication capabilities (i.e., the agents can only communicate within a certain range), agent motion may result in a disconnected communication network, leading to the failure of consensus to the target states. Motivated to preserve the graph connectivity of the position-dependent communication network, an algebraic-connectivity-based distributed motion controller is developed to ensure that the communication network remains connected during cooperative target tracking. Compared to existing results, our approach allows agents to break existing links when necessary as long as the algebraic connectivity remains positive, which provides more motion freedom for agents in mission operation. Moreover, our approach only requires information exchange within two-hop neighbors to preserve the network connectivity, which eliminates the need of iterative estimation of the algebraic connectivity.
Outcomes of Surgical Repair of Complex D-Transposition of the Great Arteries:

Background:D-transposition of the great arteries (TGA) or TGA-type double outlet right ventricle (DORV) with ventricular septal defect (VSD) and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) m...
‘Unfair’ Advertising and the FTC: Structural Evolution of the Law and Implications for Marketing and Public Policy:

The Federal Trade Commission's power over ‘unfair’ advertising (and other marketing practices) is of major importance to marketers, advertising agencies, and public policymakers. This power has und...
Detection of lentiviral constructs for release testing of CAR- T cells using digital droplet PCR

Background & Aim Viral vectors are commonly used to introduce chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) constructs into cell therapy products for the treatment of human disease. While viral vectors are efficient at gene delivery and able to stably integrate into the host genome for subsequent replication, they also pose a safety risk if replication competent lentivirus (RCL) remains in the final patient product. FDA guidelines require testing of CAR-T products to ensure absence of RCL before delivery to the patient. Current testing methods include cell based assays that require significant time to produce results or qPCR based assays that provide rapid results but lack the limit of detection for such low copies of target DNA. We describe here the development of digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) for detection of the vesicular stomatitis virus G glycoprotein (VSV-G) envelope sequence, a component required for the assembly of competent viral particles. Validation of this method provides several advantages over qPCR by improving limit of detection, reducing sources of human error by elimination of the standard curve and reducing hands on technical time. Methods, Results & Conclusion We used the BioRad QX200 ddPCR system to test samples of defined concentration over a broad range of conditions. Samples of limiting dilution were tested to prove assay linearity over a broad range of concentrations. Reproducibility was established by running the defined samples in multiple wells or over consecutive days to compare variability over time, within an assay and between assays. Specificity was demonstrated by running replicates of positive and negative samples to determine a false positive rate and limit of detection. Taken together, we have provided experimental and statistical evidence for the use of ddPCR as a reliable release test for the manufacture of CAR-T products. Our results demonstrate the reproducibility, linearity, specificity and sensitivity to detect RCL and assure the safety of patient products in a rapid manner. Future efforts will be focused on adapting this technology to detect other valuable targets throughout cell product manufacturing.
Natural melanoma-derived extracellular vesicles

Melanoma cells produce a variety of extracellular vesicle (EV) types including shedding vesicles and exosomes (EXOs). These EVs are defined by their mechanism of cellular production. To date, the majority of EV investigations has centered around melanoma EXOs or small EVs (sEVs). Natural melanoma sEVs mediate pro-tumor processes including angiogenesis, immune regulation and modification of tissue microenvironments. A thorough examination of these processes reveals that they are interdependent. They work in concert to support tumor growth and survival. Pro-tumor functions attributed to melanoma cells are reproduced by melanoma sEVs. This ensures a certain degree of redundancy within the melanoma pathogenic process. It also allows for rapid adaptation of melanoma cells to changing microenvironments, anti-tumor immune responses, and therapeutic challenges. Further, as a result of their composition and inherent ability to engage the immune system, natural melanoma EVs possess excellent biomarker potential and might be used therapeutically as tumor vaccines.
HH Protocols (HHP)

The P kernel for HH includes nine elements: six rules (three positive and three negative), two rites (individual and collective), and one reasoning. These are driven by both the H and O components of HH; while each may serve more than one element of H and O, typically there is a one-to-one correspondence.
Long-term outcomes of conjunctival limbal autograft in patients with unilateral total limbal stem cell deficiency.

Abstract Purpose To investigate the long-term clinical outcomes of conjunctival limbal autograft (CLAU) in patients with unilateral total limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). Methods In this retrospective interventional case series, the medical charts of patients with unilateral total LSCD were reviewed. Patients who underwent CLAU and no other allograft ocular stem cell transplantation with a minimum follow-up of 1 year were included. Main outcome measures were ocular surface stability, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and postoperative complications. Results 27 eyes fulfilled the inclusion criteria with a mean follow-up period of 49.8 ± 36.6 months (4.15 years; range 12–186.72 months; 1–15.56 years). Ocular surface stability was achieved in 77.8% (n = 21) of eyes at last follow-up, while 22.2% (n = 6) developed partial surface failure. Optical penetrating or deep lamellar anterior keratoplasty was performed in 44.45% (n = 12). BCVA improved from 1.42 ± 0.95 mean LogMAR (equivalent to 20/400) preoperatively to 0.53 ± 0.47 mean LogMAR (equivalent to 20/70) at last follow-up (p Conclusions CLAU can provide long-term ocular surface stability and successful visual outcomes in patients with unilateral LSCD.
Using herbicides to control interfering understories in Allegheny hardwood stands, 1. Early development of prescriptions

I came to work at the Forestry Sciences Laboratory in 1973, about 10 years after harvest cutting had begun in the maturing second-growth Allegheny hardwood forest. Clearcutting had been selected as the forest regeneration technique because it seemed to have worked well in the turn of the 20th century harvests on the Allegheny Plateau. But at this time, only about half the stands regenerated to desirable species; the other half regenerated to hay-scented fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula), New York fern (Thelypteris noveboracensis), grasses and sedges, or to shade-tolerant understory trees such as striped maple (Acer pensylvanicum) and American beech (Fagus grandifolia). Abundant small seedlings were required to regenerate these stands. Small seedlings were typically either inadequate or absent. Instead, ground cover was of hay-scented and New York fern, grasses and sedges, or understory trees of striped maple and American beech.
Microcatheter-Protected Orbital Atherectomy for Severely Calcified Bifurcation Coronary Artery Disease With Single-Guiding Catheter Technique

Bifurcation coronary artery intervention may increase the risk of occlusion of an angulated side branch due to the plaque shift while treating (balloon, atherectomy, or stent) the main branch. Although debulking with atherectomy may reduce this risk, side branch compromise is still of concern. The
Evaluating anti-tumor activity of palbociclib plus radiation in anaplastic and radiation-induced meningiomas: pre-clinical investigations

Meningiomas are common brain tumors, the majority of which are considered benign. Despite surgery and/or radiation therapy, recurrence rates are approximately 8–10%. One likely cause is the dysregulation of cyclin d-cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6)-retinoblastoma (Rb) pathway, which controls the cell cycle restriction point. This pathway is commonly dysregulated in anaplastic meningioma cell lines (AM) and radiation-induced meningioma cells (RIM), making it a rational target for anti-meningioma therapy. In this study, we investigate the effect of a CDK4/6 inhibitor, palbociclib, with radiation in relevant pre-clinical models. In vitro cell culture, ex vivo slice culture and in vivo cell line-derived orthotopic xenograft animal models of AM/RIM were utilized to assess treatment efficacy with palbociclib plus radiation. Treatment effects were examined by immunoblot, cell viability, apoptosis, and cell cycle progression. The in vitro and ex vivo studies demonstrate that palbociclib plus radiation treatment reduced proliferation and has additional effects on cell cycling, including induction of an RB-associated G (1) arrest in Rb+ AM and RIM cells, but not in Rb− cells. Our results also demonstrated reduced CDK4 and CDK6 expression as well as reduced E2F target gene expression (CCNA2 and CCNE2) with the combination therapy. MRI results in vivo demonstrated reduced tumor size at 5 weeks when treated with 14 days palbociclib (10 mg/kg) plus 6 Gy radiation compared to saline-treated tumors. Finally, no hepatic toxicity was found after treatments. A pre-clinical murine model provides preclinical evidence for use of palbociclib plus radiation as a therapeutic agent for Rb+ meningiomas.
Evaluating the prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysms in the United States through a national screening database.

Abstract Objective The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force guidelines for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening are based mainly on studies of older Caucasian males from non-U.S. populations. This study was designed to analyze the findings of a large, all-inclusive AAA screening program in the United States. Methods Screening events were held nationally by a U.S. nonprofit organization between 2001 and 2017. AAA screening was offered regardless of risk profile. Participants filled out a demographics form with known comorbidities. Significant risk factors were determined using logistic regression with backward stepwise variable selection. Odds ratios (OR) are reported with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results A total of 9457 screened participants (47% male) were analyzed. The mean age was 67 ± 9 years with 40.8% between 65 and 75 years old. Most participants were Caucasian (83.4%), followed by African American (13.1%). Screened risk factors included hypertension (58.1%), hyperlipidemia (54.9%), smoking (52.0%), cardiac disease (29.2%), diabetes mellitus (18.4%), a family history of AAA (22.4%) or brain aneurysms (8.6%), and body mass index (26.9 ± 5.28). Overall, 267 participants (2.82%) were found to have an AAA (>3 cm). Those ages 65 to 75 had a prevalence of 2.98%. In a fully adjusted, multivariate logistic regression, there was an increased risk of AAA in males (OR, 3.24; 95% CI, 2.39-4.40), current smokers (OR, 3.28; 95% CI, 2.36-4.54), previous smokers (OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.41-2.47), cardiac disease (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.01-1.68), family history of AAA (OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.20-2.14), and advancing age (P Conclusions This study shows that there remain high-risk groups outside the current guidelines that would likely benefit from AAA screening. Risk factors for AAA include male gender, smoking, cardiac disease, family history of AAA, and advancing age. The most significant risk factor is current smoking status.
Parent Stress in Relation to Use of Bedside Telehealth, an Initiative to Improve Family-Centeredness of Care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth technologies have become critical to providing family and patient-centered care. Little is known about the impact of these technologies on parent stress levels in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). We sought to determine the impact of bedside web cameras on stress levels of parents in the NICU in order to work toward interventions that might improve family-centered care. A validated survey, the Parental Stress Scale NICU, was administered to parents of babies admitted to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Neonatal/Infant Intensive Care Unit on days 7 to 10 of hospitalization. Parents were also asked if they used the available AngelEye Camera while their baby was hospitalized. Stress levels were analyzed for associations with the use of the bedside cameras. Parents who reported using the bedside camera also reported lower levels of stress relating to being separated from their babies. Bedside web camera interventions may hold potential for reducing parent stress related to separation from their babies, especially in the setting of a global pandemic.
Technological constraints to energy-related carbon emissions and economic growth decoupling: A retrospective and prospective analysis

Abstract Decoupling the trends of energy-related carbon emissions from economic growth is an essential precondition and condition for cost-effective climate stabilization. Using an extended Kaya identity and the Tapio decoupling definitions, this study explored the role and magnitude of drivers associated with carbon emissions and economic growth decoupling across 134 countries. The retrospective (1995–2015) decomposition analysis was complemented by exploring the future decoupling projections using assumptions of the Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSP) framework. The results indicate that less mature developing economies are carbonizing their energy systems at faster rates (about 1–4%/year) compared to developed economies. While emerging developing economies are progressively transitioning towards weak decoupling. Overall the deterioration of structural and intensity technology drivers, including conversion efficiency, emission factor, and fossil fuel mix, are the major pinch points to achieving absolute decoupling among developing economies. The prospective analysis of the SSP assumptions also indicate that - developing economies exhibit very minimal signs of decoupling and decarbonization relative to developed economies. The study provides instructive insights about the urgency of addressing global decarbonization, especially among developing economies.
Automated building change detection with amodal completion of point clouds

Abstract When updating digital models of existing buildings, changes in the built environment are detected by comparing outdated BIMs with captured point clouds representing current conditions. Here we show that point cloud completion (i.e. automated filling-in of missing data) improves the accuracy of change detection. We perform point cloud completion using a hierarchical deep variational autoencoder (a type of artificial neural network) modified to include skip connections between the convolution and deconvolution layers. The resulting receiver operating characteristic curve shows that completion boosts change detection performance from a total area under the curve of 0.55 to 0.75. Completion achieves this by eliminating differences between the BIM and point cloud inputs that are a consequence of incompleteness while distilling the differences due to building change. We anticipate that automated change detection methods with resilience to imperfect data will become more critical as automated building analyses become increasingly abstracted from data collection.
Effect of Carrier Volume and Spray Quality on Glyphosate-Resistant Soybean Response to Sublethal Dicamba Exposure

Background Field experiments were conducted across three sites in Mississippi in 2018 to evaluate carrier volume and spray quality effects on glyphosate-resistant soybean response to dicamba. Treatments consisted of dicamba (5.6 g ae ha-1 ) plus glyphosate (8.7 g ae ha-1 ) applied to soybean at R1 using 140, 105, 70, 35, 14, or 7 L ha-1 . Each carrier volume was applied with TT11002 and XR110015 nozzles which resulted in Fine and Coarse spray qualities, respectively. A colorimetric dye was included in spray solutions to quantify spray coverage of each treatment. Results Spray coverage decreased with carrier volume and ranged from 21 to 3%. Conversely, soybean injury increased as carrier volume decreased. Soybean height 14 d after treatment (DAT) was reduced 34 to 37% from carrier volumes of 70 to 140 L ha-1 ; however, carrier volumes of 14 and 7 L ha-1 resulted in 45% height reductions. By 28 DAT soybean height was similar among volumes of 35 to 140 L ha-1 (39 to 42% reduction); however, volumes of 14 and 7 L ha-1 resulted in 46 and 51% reductions, respectively. Grain yield was reduced 14% from treatment at 140 L ha-1 and reductions increased with decreased carrier volume to 41% loss at 7 L ha-1 . Averaged across carrier volumes, Fine and Coarse sprays caused 30 and 26% yield loss, respectively. Conclusion These data suggest that carrier volume profoundly affects soybean response to dicamba. Therefore, soybean response to sublethal dicamba doses applied at a constant carrier volume may not reflect physical drift exposure. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
The Federal Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic - A Study in Maladministration

When the first suspected human-to-human transmission of the novel coronavirus was reported in January 2020, the United States had in place an elaborate set of pandemic disaster and response plans that spanned hundreds of pages. The George W. Bush administration spearheaded national pandemic planning in 2005 as part of the post-September 11 efforts to modernize the country’s disaster response capabilities. Subsequent administrations revisited and revised the various pandemic plans, including the Trump administration as recently as 2017 and 2018. Despite these detailed plans, the Trump administration was slow to respond to the emerging public health crisis or implement any of the prescribed protocols. Federal officials lost valuable time as they downplayed the risk posed by COVID-19 and repeatedly assured the American people that the virus would simply “go away.” By March 2020, a frightening spike in cases in the Northeast made the pandemic impossible to ignore. President Trump and other administration officials shifted tactics and began to characterize COVID-19 as the quintessential “black swan” – a threat that no one could have foreseen. President Trump repeatedly told the American people that “no one could have predicted something like this” even though official federal policy suggested a very different story. Far from being a black swan, the COVID-19 pandemic was widely anticipated and, according to many epidemiologists, inevitable. This article argues that our botched federal response was not so much a failure of policy per se, but rather a failure of political will. The federal government had a robust pandemic policy in place; it simply chose not to follow it. This failure of political will illustrates the dangers that arise when public health measures are politicized and weaponized for partisan advantage and demands strong interventions to ensure federal accountability and transparency. The first section of this article outlines the evolution of our national pandemic plans within the broader context of disaster and response planning. The second section explains the pandemic staging framework that is used to organize and coordinate decision making within a pandemic. The third section charts the federal response during the crucial first three months of the public health crisis, specifically identifying instances where the federal government failed to follow its own clearly articulated pandemic policy. The final section outlines some lessons learned from the pandemic and proposes reforms to insulate public health measures from partisan wrangling and keep our federal government faithful to its foremost obligation, namely to promote the general welfare
Meningioma resection surgery in elderly patients: An analysis of a national database (P6.128)

Objective: To investigate mortality rates for elderly patients undergoing craniotomy for meningioma. Background: Meningiomas are the most frequently diagnosed primary brain tumor accounting for 33.8% of all primary brain and central nervous system tumors. They are often benign and mostly asymptomatic, and the treatment approaches may include open surgical resection, radiosurgery, and/or watchful waiting. Reported morbidity and mortality rates for elderly patients undergoing meningioma resection vary widely. Design/Methods: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) datasets from 2003 to 2014 were used to identify patient admissions for open meningioma resection based on the ICD-9-CM code 01.51. Age categories were defined as ≤ 70 years and >70 years of age. Primary outcomes were in-hospital mortality, poor outcomes (defined as death or discharge to a facility other than home), cost and length of hospitalization. Results: A total of 24,953 patients were identified who underwent meningioma resection during 2003–2013 of which 20.4% were elderly (>70 years). Each of the primary outcomes were heavily influenced by the advancing age. In-patient mortality was higher in the elderly as compared to the younger patients (3.5% vs 1% p Conclusions: In our study, age > 70 was strongly associated with adverse outcomes after meningioma resection. This increased risk should be taken into account when considering surgical intervention in this subgroup; closer perioperative monitoring may be warranted. Disclosure: Dr. Lobbous has nothing to disclose. Dr. Youssef has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gupta has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hays Shapshak has nothing to disclose.
Influence of conceptus presence and preovulatory estradiol exposure on uterine gene transcripts and proteins around maternal recognition of pregnancy in beef cattle.

Abstract The uterine environment must provide sufficient endocrine conditions and nutrients for the pregnancy maintenance and conceptus survival. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of preovulatory estradiol and conceptus presence on uterine transcripts and uterine luminal fluid (ULF) proteins. Beef cows/heifers were synchronized and artificially inseminated (d 0). Uteri were flushed (d 16); conceptuses and endometrial biopsies were collected. Total cellular RNA was extracted from endometrium for RNA sequencing and RT-PCR validation. There were two independent ULF pools made for each of the following groups: highE2/conceptus, highE2/noconceptus, lowE2/conceptus, and lowE2/noconceptus that were analyzed using the 2D LC-MS/MS based iTRAQ method. There were 64 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 77 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in common among the highE2/conceptus vs highE2/noconceptus and lowE2/conceptus vs lowE2/noconceptus groups. In summary, the interaction between preovulatory estradiol and the conceptus induces the expression of genes, proteins, and pathways necessary for pregnancy.
Management of Hypertension in Stroke

This chapter discusses the management of hypertension in stroke. Hypertension is the single most important risk factor for stroke. In patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke, approximately 70% are hypertensive and approximately 50% of these patients have a history of chronic hypertension. Cerebral blood flow is maintained at a consistent rate by virtue of a process known as cerebral autoregulation. Autoregulation occurs through changes in cerebral vascular resistance leading to vasodilation when peripheral blood pressure is reduced and vasoconstriction when blood pressure is elevated. In addition to the high rate of chronic hypertension in acute stroke patients, a certain degree of acute or reactive hypertension occurs in the immediate poststroke period. Longitudinal studies have revealed that even without treatment, blood pressure will decrease in the first week. Hypertensive patients with cerebrovascular disease often have other chronic diseases which must be considered when determining the preferred antihypertensive agent. Diabetes mellitus, previous myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure and peripheral vascular occlusive disease are all common comorbidities which influence the choice of regimen. It is suggested that selection of a single agent which serves a dual therapeutic purpose offers advantages to the patient in both cost and convenience.
The treatment of gonorrhea in the female with sulfathiazole

Abstract 1. 1. The coordinated effort of a clinician, bacteriologist and medical social worker will improve the management of gonorrhea in women in large clinics. A joint male and female clinic aids materially in case control. 2. 2. A comprehensive treatment routine is more effective than unplanned haphazard methods. 3. 3. Group recording of results is desirable for statistical evaluation and for comparison of treatment procedures. 4. 4. The use of specialized techniques by qualified personnel is essential to good case holding, case finding, and patient management. 5. 5. Sulfathiazole is a safe and efficient chemical for the treatment of gonorrhea. A single five-day 20 Gm. course of this drug has given us a cure percentage of 94.9.
Appendix to George W. Kuney, A Taxonomy and Evaluation of Successor Liability, 6 Fla. St. Bus. L. Rev. 9 (2007), April 15, 2011 Update

This appendix to an earlier published article represents the author’s attempt to continue to explain the characteristics and contours of each of the judge-made forms of successor liability in the 50 states and other jurisdictions listed. These presentations should be thought of as a set of “field notes” as they are often based on sketchy, brief observations of the doctrines in jurisdictions where the reported case law is thin or where the state supreme court has not spoken. As the story of Cyr v. Offen in New Hampshire shows, at times, long standing assumptions about the doctrine can be quickly reversed or undermined.This appendix is updated annually to track the state of the law in this field. Please note that while the author and editors are cognizant of the formalities of the blue-book form, we have chosen to abandon the use of “Id.,” in order to avoid confusion between different versions of the document.Comments are welcome and will be incorporated into future editions of this document.
EVALUATING ACOUSTIC WARNING SIGNALS IN AUTOMOBILE INTERIORS

The use of acoustic warning signals to provide information about vehicle conditions to the driver and passengers is now possible through application of advanced electronics in recent automobile designs. These acoustic warning signals may be tones or synthesized voice. The signals can only be effective if they are audible and distinguishable by the vehicle occupants without being at an irritating level. This paper presents a method for measuring acoustic intensity in an automobile interior using the cross-spectral technique which may assist in determining audibility of signals. Effective methods for displaying these quantitative vector measurements using computer graphics are presented along with the results of testing. Finally, an important future need of correlating acoustic intensity measurements with published human perception levels is discussed.
The effect of nitric oxide on blockade of the norepinephrine transporter, uptake-1, by methylphenidate (1145.6)

We previously showed that fresh synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) mediates transport of substrates across uptake -1, norepinephrine (NE), tyramine (T), mephentermine, ephedrine, imipramine and atomoxe...
The Two Tank Experiment: A Benchmark Control Problem

This paper describes an experimental process control system under development at Caltech. It is intended to be a source of benchmark control and identification problems. A first principles theoretical model is developed and compared to preliminary experimental data.
Reporting Terminal for Sequential Multiple Analysis and a Positive Identification System for Serum Specimens

The Sequential Multiple Analysis Reporting Terminal (SMART) and the Bio-Logics Specimen Identification System have been interfaced with the SMA 6/60 and the SMA 12/60. This installation, first of its kind, accurately converts and condenses SMA output into compact, easily read reports, with concomitantly increased efficiency in serum handling and accuracy in patient identification.
The Lysine and Total Sulfur Amino Acid Requirements of Six- to Twelve-Kilogram Pigs1

Abstract Three experiments were conducted to determine the Lys and TSAA requirement of 6- to 12-kg pigs. There were 5 replications of 5 or 6 pigs per pen (for Exp. 1, 2, and 3, n = 150, 150, and 168 with initial BW of 6.3, 6.7, and 6.4 kg and final BW of 10.8, 11.7, and 11.2 kg, respectively). In Exp. 1, pigs were fed in a 13-d growth assay and treatments were: positive control (PC, 40% corn, 38% soybean meal, 10% whey, 3% fish meal, 3% fat, and 1.45% true ileal digestible (TID) Lys), and TID Lys levels of 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, and 1.5%. The addition of Lys increased G:F (linear, P
Tobacco Endgame: The Poverty Conundrum

There is no more striking public health triumph than the demise of the “brown plague.” The cigarette was once the accoutrement of a good life, but smoking is now a tragic habit of the poor. By the mid-1960s, half of all men and a third of women in the United States smoked. Today the national prevalence is 18 percent, with rates in major cities below 15 percent. A suite of policies drove down smoking rates—antismoking campaigns, taxation, clean air laws, package labeling, and marketing curbs. These policies, and the resultant behavior changes, however, have diminishing returns. Is it possible that tobacco rates will remain relatively stagnant? If so, what “endgame” strategies might drive rates to negligible levels, say, lower than 5 percent? And if society does achieve such an audacious goal, how attentive should it be to the problems of social justice?
Radiation somnolence syndrome

Although initially described 7 decades ago, somnolence syndrome remains a poorly understood subacute effect of cranial irradiation. Despite the relatively transient and benign nature of somnolence syndrome, its symptoms can be distressing for children and caregivers. Anticipatory guidance related to radiation-induced somnolence remains a critical nursing intervention. This article reviews what is known about somnolence syndrome, including its causes, symptoms, and management.
Symmetrica: test case for transportation electrification research

In recent years, transportation electrification has emerged as a trend to support energy efficiency and CO2 emissions reduction targets. The true success, however, of this trend depends on the successful integration of electric vehicles into the infrastructure systems that support them. In effect, electric vehicles and their supporting charging infrastructure couple the transportation and electrical power systems into a nexus. In the absence of fully deployed large scale electrified transportation systems, this paper argues the need for a transportation electrification test case analogous to those used ubiquitously in the power systems engineering field. It then presents such a test case; aptly called Symmetrica. It consists of a multi-modal electrified transportation system topology, an electric power topology, and activity-based use case data that spans transportation and charging. The paper concludes with several potential research areas where the test case may be applied.
Health Care Worker Protection in Mass Casualty Respiratory Failure: Infection Control, Decontamination, and Personal Protective Equipment

Maintenance of a safe and stable health care infrastructure is critical to an effective mass casualty disaster response. Both secondary contamination during chemical disasters and hospital-associated infections during epidemic illness can pose substantial threats to achieving this goal. Understanding basic principles of decontamination and infection control during responses to chemical and biologic disasters can help minimize the risks to patients and health care workers. Effective decontamination following toxic chemical exposure should include both removal of contaminated clothing and decontamination of the victim's skin. Wet decontamination is the most feasible strategy in a mass casualty situation and should be performed promptly by trained personnel. In the event of an epidemic, infection prevention and control measures are based on essential principles of hand hygiene and standard precautions. Expanded precautions should be instituted as needed to target contact, droplet, and airborne routes of infectious disease transmission. Specific equipment and measures for critical care delivery may serve to decrease risk to health care workers in the event of an epidemic. Their use should be considered in developing comprehensive disaster response plans.
Adolescent health: Changing needs

In 1995 there will be 512 million young people aged 15-19; 426 million of them will be living in developing countries. The pregnancy rate among adolescents is increasing. In certain parts of Latin America and Africa 30-40% of all adolescent females experience motherhood before the age of 18. In some Sub-Saharan African countries 1/5 of adolescent females gives birth each year. Among developed countries the United States of America has one of the highest rates of adolescent pregnancies: 89/1000. In England and Wales the pregnancy rate among women aged 15-19 was in 1990 56/1000: 40% of these pregnancies ended in abortion. Contraceptive use among adolescents is much lower than among married adults. In Bangladesh where 66.8% of adolescents are married only 9% of them use contraceptives compared with 19.1% married adults. In Egypt where 40% of adult women use contraception the comparative figure among married adolescents is 6%. Complications of pregnancy and childbirth and unsafe abortion are among the main causes of death in adolescents. They suffer from toxemia prolonged labor and cephalopelvic disproportion anemia cervical trauma premature birth and death. Adolescents aged 15-19 account for at least 10% of the 50 million induced abortions that occur each year throughout the world. According to the World Health Organization at least half of those infected with HIV are under the age of 25. The highest rates of STDs are often observed in the 20-24 age group followed by those aged 15-19. The most common among teenagers are gonorrhea chlamydia syphilis herpes genital warts and HIV. People who are in their twenties now who have AIDS became infected with the HIV when adolescents. An estimated two million girls are subjected to female genital mutilation every year mainly in North Africa Middle East Sub-Saharan Africa and some countries in Asia. Sex education programs need to take into account the adolescents right to sexual health and provide easy access to competent staff with information on risks of unprotected sex.
The structure of four waxy starches related to gelatinization and retrogradation

Abstract Starches from two waxy rices, a waxy maize, a waxy barley showed onset temperatures ( T o ) of gelatinization in excess of water of 349.2, 340.5, 339.1, and 331.1 K, respectively, as determined by differential scanning calorimetry. The T o values, as well as peak ( T p ) and final ( T c ) transition temperatures, decreased in the same order as their X-ray crystallinity. Annealing the starches increased T o and T p , but the differences remained the same. After lintnerization in 2.2 m HCl at 30°, the acid-resistant fractions from the four starches gave the same d.s.c. thermograms and the same constitutive molecular dextrins before and after debranching, as determined by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection. Gels (50% water) of the four starches all had the same, but reduced T o values after retrogradation. These results indicate that the molecular structure of the microcrystalline region is the same in the four granular starches, and that T o is controlled indirectly by the surrounding amorphous regions. The retrogradation of the four waxy starches appeared to be directly proportional to the mole fraction of unit chains with d.p. 14–24 and inversely proportional to the mole fraction of unit chains with d.p. 6–9.
Ubiquitin and intracellular protein degradation.

Abstract In eukaryotes, the ubiquitin-dependent proteolytic pathway is one of the major routes by which intracellular proteins are selectively destroyed. Recent work has shown that conjugation of ubiquitin to substrate proteins is mediated by a remarkably diverse array of enzymes. Proteolytic targeting may also be regulated at steps between ubiquitination of the substrate and its degradation to peptides by the multisubunit 265 protease. The complexity of the ubiquitin system suggests a central role for protein turnover in eukaryotic cell regulation.
Cyclical variations in anti-Rh titer detected by automatic quantitative hemagglutination.

. Daily determination of the anti-Rh1 concentration in the serum of 10 volunteers revealed that in 6 of them cyclical variations were present. In all cases, the period was very similar. The decrease of antibody in the downward phase averaged from 3 to 7% per day, being approximately constant for each case. This is felt to represent catabolic removal of antibody IgG. The findings are interpreted in terms of feedback regulation of the antibody response, and it is postulated that a time-dependent sensor mechanism may be operative, since in all cases the period of the cycle was the same.
Green politics in Switzerland

. This article1 highlights the main shortcomings of the current dominant theories of green politics and green parties. Using Switzerland as a critical case, it explores a different approach as green politics, seen as a result of different attitudes about ways and means to solve environmental problems. The article concludes with some theoretical ideas that would lend themselves to a more comprehensive theory of green politics.
Cadmium sulfate application to sludge-amended soils I. Effect on yield and cadmium availability to plants☆

Abstract Twelve paired soils (only one of each pair having a history of sludge application) with pH values ranging from 3.9 to 7.4 were amended with CdSO4 in a growth chamber experiment. Three crops of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) and one crop of corn (Zea mays L) were sequentially grown for 5 weeks in pot cultures containing the treated soils. After the corn was harvested, soil pH was increased by the addition of 1% CaCO3 and the soil was allowed to incubate for 6 weeks prior to planting another corn and Swiss chard crop. Increasing Cd additions to the soils, whether as CdSO4 or in sewage sludge, resulted in increased Cd uptake by the plants, with the greatest accumulation of Cd by those plants grown on the acid soils. Liming the soils resulted in a decrease of Cd uptake by the two test crops. Regardless of soil pH, corn plants accumulated significantly higher concentrations of Cd than the Swiss chard plants. Results indicated that the added Cd was less available in the soils which had previously received sludge. In those pairs of soils which behaved differently, the pH of the soils which had previously received sludge was lower; thus, the added Cd would be expected to be more available. A comparison of the soils to which no CdSO4 had been added indicated that the Cd originating from sludge was still available for plant uptake. The data indicate the need to consider previous sludge application (cumulative Cd additions) in evaluating potential Cd accumulation by plants from current (annual) Cd additions.
Improved retention of heme with increased resolution of microsomal proteins in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

Abstract Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, using lithium dodecyl sulfate instead of the sodium salt, was used to analyze rat hepatic microsomal hemoproteins. Good resolution of hepatic microsomal proteins was obtained with retention of approximately half of the total microsomal heme on the proteins with molecular weights of 45,000 to 50,000. Both the protein resolution and heme retention are better than with electrophoresis procedures previously described. Treatment of rats with chemicals that either increase or decrease microsomal cytochrome P-450 produced proportional changes in the heme associated with the proteins of 45,000 to 50,000 molecular weights on the gel.
Stand by me: The effects of peer and teacher support in mitigating the impact of bullying on quality of life

Bullying is one of the most common forms of school violence. Engagement in bullying has been shown to have adverse effects on perpetrators and victims of bullying. In this study, the impact of bullying on well-being (quality of life/life satisfaction) was explored in a sample of elementary and middle school children (N = 4,331). Results suggest that students who bully and/or are bullied experience reduced life satisfaction and support from peers and teachers compared to “bystanders” (children who are neither victims nor perpetrators of bullying). Mediational analyses demonstrate that peer and teacher support might mitigate the impact of bullying on the quality of life of victims. This study underscores the value of efforts to promote social support from peers and teachers in both universal bullying prevention programs and school climate initiatives. Furthermore, results support further investigation into the possible contributions of bystanders in supporting school-wide bullying prevention/school climate strategies. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.