cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cytotoxic effects of vanadium on rabbit alveolar macrophages in vitro

Because of the suspected action of lung irritants on pulmonary defense mechanisms, studies were performed in vitro to assess the potential toxicity of vanadium oxides on rabbit alveolar macrophages. Alveolar macrophages obtained by lung lavage and maintained in supplemented Medium 199 were exposed to particulate forms of vanadium pentoxide (V2O5), vanadium trioxide (V2O3), or vanadium dioxide (VO2). Cell viability after a 20-hr exposure was reduced by 50% at approximately 13 μg V/ml as V2O5, 21 μg V/ml as V2O3, and 33 μg V/ml as VO2. Cytotoxicity was determined to be directly related to solubility in the order V2O5 > V2O3 > VO2. When V2O5 was dissolved in media prior to exposure of cells, only about 9 μg V/ml was required to reduce viability by 50% and to decrease total cell numbers by 70% in 20 hr as compared to control cultures. Dissolved V2O5 at 6 μg V/ml also reduced phagocytosis of polystyrene-latex spheres by about 50% as compared to controls after 20 hr. Exposure of cells or cell-free sonicates to dissolved V2O5 at concentrations as high as 50 μg V/ml produced only small changes in the specific activities of lysozyme or β-glucuronidase. However, acid phosphatase in the cell-free system was 70% inhibited by dissolved V2O5 at 1 μg V/ml. These findings suggest that exposure to vanadium oxides may alter alveolar macrophage integrity and function to the detriment of pulmonary defense.
Effects of gender and tie strength on Twitter interactions

We examine the connection between language, gender, and social relationships, as manifested through communication patterns in social media. Building on an analysis of 78,000 Twitter messages exchanged between 1,753 gender-coded couples, we quantitatively study how the gender composition of conversing users influences the linguistic style apparent in the messages. Using Twitter data, we also model and control for the strength of ties between conversing users. Our findings show that, in line with existing theories, women use more intensifier adverbs, pronouns, and emoticons, especially when communicating with other women. Our results extend the understanding of gender-driven language use in the semi-public settings of social media services, and suggest implications for theory and insights for sociolinguistics.
Out of America to Africa or Asia: Inference of dispersal histories using nuclear and plastid DNA and the S-RNase self-incompatibility locus

The plant genus Lycium (Solanaceae) originated in the Americas and includes approximately 85 species that are distributed worldwide. The vast majority of Old World species occur in southern Africa and eastern Asia. In this study, we examine biogeographic relationships among Old World species using a phylogenetic approach coupled with molecular evolutionary analyses of the S-RNase self-incompatibility gene. The phylogeny inferred from nuclear granule-bound starch synthase I (GBSSI), nuclear conserved ortholog set II (COSII) marker C2_At1g24360, and plastid spacer data (trnH-pbsA, trnD GUC – trnT GGU , rpl32–trnL UAG , and ndhF–rpl32) includes a clade of eastern Asian Lycium nested within the African species, suggesting initial dispersal from the Americas to Africa, with subsequent dispersal to eastern Asia. Molecular dating estimates suggest that these dispersal events occurred relatively recently, with dispersal from the Americas to Africa approximately 3.64 Ma (95% highest posterior density [HPD]: 1.58–6.27), followed by subsequent dispersal to eastern Asia approximately 1.21 Ma (95% HPD: 0.32–2.42). In accordance, the S-RNase genealogy shows that S-RNases isolated from Old World species are restricted to four lineages, a subset of the 14 lineages including S-RNases isolated from New World Lycium species, supporting a bottleneck of S-RNase alleles concomitant with a single dispersal event from the Americas to the Old World. Furthermore, the S-RNase genealogy is also consistent with dispersal of Lycium from Africa to Asia, as eastern Asian alleles are restricted to a subset of the lineages that also include African alleles. Such a multilocus approach, including complementary data from GBSSI, COSII, plastid spacer regions, and S-RNase, is powerful for understanding dispersal histories of closely related species.
Genetic and epigenetic variants contributing to clofarabine cytotoxicity

2-chloro-2-fluoro-deoxy-9-D-arabinofuranosyladenine (Clofarabine), a purine nucleoside analog, is used in the treatment of hematologic malignancies and as induction therapy for stem cell transplantation. The discovery of pharmacogenomic markers associated with chemotherapeutic efficacy and toxicity would greatly benefit the utility of this drug. Our objective was to identify genetic and epigenetic variants associated with clofarabine toxicity using an unbiased, whole genome approach. To this end, we employed International HapMap lymphoblastoid cell lines (190 LCLs) of European (CEU) or African (YRI) ancestry with known genetic information to evaluate cellular sensitivity to clofarabine. We measured modified cytosine levels to ascertain the contribution of genetic and epigenetic factors influencing clofarabine-mediated cytotoxicity. Association studies revealed 182 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 143 modified cytosines associated with cytotoxicity in both populations at the threshold P≤ 0.0001. Correlation between cytotoxicity and baseline gene expression revealed 234 genes at P ≤ 3.98 × 10−6. Six genes were implicated as: (i) their expression was directly correlated to cytotoxicity, (ii) they had a targeting SNP associated with cytotoxicity, and (iii) they had local modified cytosines associated with gene expression and cytotoxicity. We identified a set of three SNPs and three CpG sites targeting these six genes explaining 43.1% of the observed variation in phenotype. siRNA knockdown of the top three genes (SETBP1, BAG3, KLHL6) in LCLs revealed altered susceptibility to clofarabine, confirming relevance. As clofarabine's toxicity profile includes acute kidney injury, we examined the effect of siRNA knockdown in HEK293 cells. siSETBP1 led to a significant change in HEK293 cell susceptibility to clofarabine.
Experimental evaluation of a robotic image-directed radiation therapy system

At the Cleveland Clinic, a novel means of cancer treatment, image-directed radiation therapy (IDRT), is being explored experimentally. Using a linear accelerator manipulated by a robot and computed tumor coordinates based on machine vision, this treatment means offers the potential for more highly targeted radiation dose delivery to tumors, reducing the collateral damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This paper presents the motivation for IDRT, identification of the challenges in accomplishing IDRT, and simulated and experimental results for evaluating the potential benefits of IDRT, specifically with respect to lung cancer treatment.
The Evolution of Environmental Policy in the People’s Republic of China

This paper outlines how the evolution of China’s policy and study of the environment are reflected in the scholarly literature, paying special attention to the impact of the country’s environmental developments on international relations. In particular, it examines accounts of how China has moved from an isolated national scientific and environmental control infrastructure into the centre of international environmental debates as its society has opened and the geographical scale of ecological problems has expanded. The paper also identifies the continuing inhibitors to China’s ability to control environmental degradation – including lack of transparency, elite manipulation, and bureaucratic weaknesses – despite the opening of China’s system to limited participation of civil society in its environmental debates.
Progression Pattern of Initial Parafoveal Scotomas in Glaucoma

Objective To characterize the progression pattern of initial parafoveal scotomas (IPFSs) using cross-sectional and longitudinal 10-2 visual field (VF) data. Design Retrospective, observational study. Participants Glaucoma patients with an IPFS in either hemifield based on 2 reliable 24-2 Swedish interactive threshold algorithm standard VFs (≥3 adjacent points with P P Methods To simulate a cohort with an extended follow-up, eyes with an IPFS were divided into subgroups based on the severity of glaucoma using their 10-2 VF pattern standard deviation (PSD). Cross-sectional data were used to create an average pattern deviation map that was generated by averaging pattern deviation map values of 10-2 VF point-by-point within each subgroup. Longitudinal data (eyes with 5 or more 10-2 VFs) was used to perform pointwise linear regression analysis of pattern deviation values. Patterns of IPFS progression were identified from these cross-sectional and longitudinal assessments. Main Outcome Measures Average pattern deviation maps (cross-sectional) and maps of progression rates (longitudinal) in different disease severity subgroups. Results Eighty eyes (80 patients) and 40 eyes (40 patients) with an IPFS were included for cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, respectively. The mean age ± standard deviation, 24-2 VF mean deviation, and 24-2 VF PSD for all eyes were 63±10 years, −3.27±2.18 dB, and 5.46±2.40 dB, respectively. Based on maps generated in both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, IPFS in the superior hemifield had an arcuate pattern initially that later deepened approximately 3° to 5° above fixation. The scotoma then elongated toward the physiologic blind spot and spread toward the nasal periphery, sparing the area corresponding to the papillomacular bundle. The IPFS in the inferior hemifield had a similar pattern, but was slightly farther from fixation. Conclusions Superior and inferior IPFS have a similar characteristic pattern of progression, although the latter tend to be farther from fixation. Understanding these patterns should help in the management of such patients and in improving VF testing algorithms. Financial Disclosure(s) Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.
Quantum Dynamics of the Excited State Intramolecular Proton Transfer in 2-(2'-Hydroxyphenyl)-Benzothiazole

The excited-state intramolecular proton-transfer dynamics and pho- toabsorption associated with the ketoenolic tautomerization reaction in 2-(2¢-hydr oxyphenyl)benzothiazole are simulated according to a numerically exact quantum- dynamics propagation method and a full-dimensional excited-state potential energy surface based on an ab initio reaction surface Hamiltonian. The simulations involve the propagation of 69-dimensional wave packets according to the matching-pursuit/ split-operator Fourier transform (MP/SOFT) method (Wu, Y.; Batista, V.S. J.�Chem.� Phys. 2004, 121, 1676-1686). The underlying propagation scheme recursively ap- plies the time-evolution operator as defined by the Trotter expansion to second-or - der accuracy in dynamically adaptive coherent-state expansions. Computations of time-dependent survival amplitudes, the time-dependent product population, and photoabsorption linewidths are compared to experimental data. The reported results provide fundamental insight on the nature of the excited-state reaction dynamics and demonstrate the capabilities of the MP/SOFT method as a powerful computational tool to study ultrafast reaction dynamics in polyatomic systems.
MEMS technology and applications

Summary form only given. This talk will primarily discuss several representative systems applications of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) for smart physical sensing, minimally invasive surgery, robotics, and bioanalytic medicine. This talk will describe MEMS materials, processing technologies, and device applications including i) physical microsensors for detecting force, pressure, and acoustic energy, 2) microvalves, micropumps, and capillaries for microfluidic controls; 3) biosensors based on molecular recognition structures; 4) miniature linear micromotors for precision positioning and manipulation of cells; and 5) surgical and scientific microinstruments. Selected successful systems demonstration applications from the fields of ophthalmology, arthroscopic surgery, gynecology, and laboratory medicine will be presented. Design issues, technology limitations, systems integration approaches, and future opportunities of MEMS will be discussed.
Spatial abilities at different scales: Individual differences in aptitude-test performance and spatial-layout learning

Abstract Most psychometric tests of spatial ability are paper-and-pencil tasks at the “figural” scale of space, in that they involve inspecting, imagining or mentally transforming small shapes or manipulable objects. Environmental spatial tasks, such as wayfinding or learning the layout of a building or city, are carried out in larger spaces that surround the body and involve integration of the sequence of views that change with one's movement in the environment. In a correlational study, 221 participants were tested on psychometric measures of spatial abilities, spatial updating, verbal abilities and working memory. They also learned the layout of large environments from direct experience walking through a real environment, and via two different media: a desktop virtual environment (VE) and a videotape of a walk through an environment. In an exploratory factor analysis, measures of environmental learning from direct experience defined a separate factor from measures of learning based on VE and video media. In structural-equation models, small-scale spatial abilities predicted performance on the environmental-learning tasks, but were more predictive of learning from media than from direct experience. The results indicate that spatial abilities at different scales of space are partially but not totally dissociated. They specify the degree of overlap between small-scale and large-scale spatial abilities, inform theories of sex differences in these abilities, and provide new insights about what these abilities have in common and how they differ.
Experimental Studies in Load Balancing

This paper takes an experimental approach to the load balancing problem for parallel simulation applications. In particular, it focuses upon a conservative synchronization protocol, by making use of an optimized version of Chandy&Misra null message method, and propose a dynamic load balancing algorithm which assumes no compile time knowledge about the workload parameters. The proposed scheme is also implemented on an Intel Paragon A4 multicomputer, and the performance results for several simulation models are reported.
MEG-SIM: A Web Portal for Testing MEG Analysis Methods using Realistic Simulated and Empirical Data

MEG and EEG measure electrophysiological activity in the brain with exquisite temporal resolution. Because of this unique strength relative to noninvasive hemodynamic-based measures (fMRI, PET), the complementary nature of hemodynamic and electrophysiological techniques is becoming more widely recognized (e.g., Human Connectome Project). However, the available analysis methods for solving the inverse problem for MEG and EEG have not been compared and standardized to the extent that they have for fMRI/PET. A number of factors, including the non-uniqueness of the solution to the inverse problem for MEG/EEG, have led to multiple analysis techniques which have not been tested on consistent datasets, making direct comparisons of techniques challenging (or impossible). Since each of the methods is known to have their own set of strengths and weaknesses, it would be beneficial to quantify them. Toward this end, we are announcing the establishment of a website containing an extensive series of realistic simulated data for testing purposes (http://cobre.mrn.org/megsim/). Here, we present: 1) a brief overview of the basic types of inverse procedures; 2) the rationale and description of the testbed created; and 3) cases emphasizing functional connectivity (e.g., oscillatory activity) suitable for a wide assortment of analyses including independent component analysis (ICA), Granger Causality/Directed transfer function, and single-trial analysis.
Timing measurements of the extraction kicker system at the Spallation Neutron Source

The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) extraction kicker system is a high power 60 hertz pulsed power system [1]. The system consists of fourteen identical modulators, each driving a magnet to extract a proton beam from the accumulator ring through the beam transfer line to the target. The kickers are required to reach maximum magnetic flux density during a 200-250 ns beam gap in the accumulator ring. Timing variations in the modulator and/or trigger system could cause firing outside of the beam gap causing beam loss resulting in residual activation and possible equipment damage. Each modulator is a Blumlein Pulse Forming Network (PFN) with a fast high current switching thyratron and low inductance capacitor banks. This paper describes measurements made to characterize the jitter and drift associated with the trigger system, thyratron and PFN. Furthermore, the effect of firing asynchronously to the line voltage on jitter of the thyratron trigger system is discussed.
The Majority of 9,729 Group A Streptococcus Strains Causing Disease Secrete SpeB Cysteine Protease: Pathogenesis Implications

Group A streptococcus (GAS), the causative agent of pharyngitis and necrotizing fasciitis, secretes the potent cysteine protease SpeB. Several lines of evidence suggest that SpeB is an important virulence factor. SpeB is expressed in human infections, protects mice from lethal challenge when used as a vaccine, and contributes significantly to tissue destruction and dissemination in animal models. However, recent descriptions of mutations in genes implicated in SpeB production have led to the idea that GAS may be under selective pressure to decrease secreted SpeB protease activity during infection. Thus, two divergent hypotheses have been proposed. One postulates that SpeB is a key contributor to pathogenesis; the other, that GAS is under selection to decrease SpeB during infection. In order to distinguish between these alternative hypotheses, we performed casein hydrolysis assays to measure the SpeB protease activity secreted by 6,775 GAS strains recovered from infected humans. The results demonstrated that 84.3% of the strains have a wild-type SpeB protease phenotype. The availability of whole-genome sequence data allowed us to determine the relative frequencies of mutations in genes implicated in SpeB production. The most abundantly mutated genes were direct transcription regulators. We also sequenced the genomes of 2,954 GAS isolates recovered from nonhuman primates with experimental necrotizing fasciitis. No mutations that would result in a SpeB-deficient phenotype were identified. Taken together, these data unambiguously demonstrate that the great majority of GAS strains recovered from infected humans secrete wild-type levels of SpeB protease activity. Our data confirm the important role of SpeB in GAS pathogenesis and help end a long-standing controversy.
A Sister-Strand Exchange Mechanism for Reca-Independent Deletion of Repeated DNA Sequences in Escherichia Coli

In the genomes of many organisms, deletions arise between tandemly repeated DNA sequences of lengths ranging from several kilobases to only a few nucleotides. Using a plasmid-based assay for deletion of a 787-bp tandem repeat, we have found that a recA-independent mechanism contributes substantially to the deletion process of even this large region of homology. No Escherichia coli recombination gene tested, including recA, had greater than a fivefold effect on deletion rates. The recA-independence of deletion formation is also observed with constructions present on the chromosome. RecA promotes synapsis and transfer of homologous DNA strands in vitro and is indispensable for intermolecular recombination events in vivo measured after conjugation. Because deletion formation in E. coli shows little or no dependence on recA, it has been assumed that homologous recombination contributes little to the deletion process. However, we have found recA-independent deletion products suggestive of reciprocal crossovers when branch migration in the cell is inhibited by a ruvA mutation. We propose a model for recA-independent crossovers between replicating sister strands, which can also explain deletion or amplification of repeated sequences. We suggest that this process may be initiated as post-replicational DNA repair; subsequent strand misalignment at repeated sequences leads to genetic rearrangements.
The impact of clinical, psychological, behavioral, social, and environmental factors on self-perceived symptom severity in a male cohort with intermittent claudication.

Objective To understand the relationship between self-perceived severity of intermittent claudication and various associated nonclinical factors, we examined how correlates in domains of physical activity (ie, clinical, psychological, behavioral, social, and environmental factors) relate to exertional limb symptoms. Methods A survey was administered to individuals with intermittent claudication during their initial outpatient assessment. The subjects' self-reported exertional limb symptom severity and classic-versus-atypical claudication classification was based on the Walking Impairment Questionnaire (WIQ) and San Diego Claudication Questionnaire (SDCQ), respectively. We evaluated psychosocial and environmental factors, osteoarthritis symptoms, health, behaviors, and beliefs. Logistic and linear regressions identified factors with a strong independent association with total WIQ scores and the SDCQs. Results A cohort of 102 subjects (99.0% male) was enrolled in the study. The median age was 65 years with a median ankle-brachial index of 0.69. Forty-three subjects (43%) had "typical" claudication per SDCQs. Individuals with atypical claudication were more likely to report higher Aberdeen Clinical Back Pain Questionnaire scores (odds ratio, 1.04; P = .04) and no depressive symptoms (odds ratio, 8.30; P = .03). Exertional limb symptom severity among the entire cohort was significantly associated with increasing osteoarthritis symptoms ( P P = .02), a reserved personality ( P = .008), and the belief that an exercise regimen would not improve symptoms ( P = .005), self-perceived levels of boredom ( P = .002), and the belief that exercise ( P = .002) was the best way to improve symptoms were associated with decreased symptom severity. When restricted to those with atypical pain, significant factors associated with increasing exertional symptom severity included age greater than 60 years ( P = .005), osteoarthritis ( P = .02), alcohol use ( P = .01), belief that exercise would not improve walking ( P = .03), and difficulty walking around the neighborhood ( P = .02). When restricted to those with classic claudication, significant factors associated with increasing exertional limb symptom severity included frequent pain or aching in the calves while walking or sitting ( P = .03 [walking]; P = .01 [sitting]) and occasional morning joint stiffness ( P = .007). Exertional limb symptom severity was also associated with high limitations at home ( P = .003) and a belief that exercise would not improve walking ( P = .005) among those with classic claudication. Conclusions Symptom severity and type of pain are associated with a number of nonclinical factors. A multidomain approach, as indicated by the models above, would benefit the continuum of care for intermittent claudication, where management is integrated and coordinated among multiple lines of care.
Sarcocystidae: Sarcocystinae (Sarcocystis) in Marsupials

This chapter presents the current information on parasites in the Apicomplexan genus Sarcocystis (Eimeriorina: Sarcocystidae: Sarcocystinae) known to parasitize marsupials in both the Americas and Australia. To date, there are 10 named (valid) Sarcocystis species, nine of which are found in four Didelphis , one Marmosa , and one Philander species in North ( Sarcocystis greineri , Sarcocystis inghami , Sarcocystis neurona , Sarcocystis speeri ), Central ( Sarcocystis garnhami ), and South ( Sarcocystis didelphidis , Sarcocystis falcatula , S. garnhami , Sarcocystis lindsayi , Sarcocystis marmosae ) America. Sarcocystis didelphidis , S. garnhami , S. greineri , S. inghami , and S. marmosae use American marsupials as intermediate hosts in which sarcocysts are found in their muscles, while S. falcatula , S. lindsayi , S. neurona , and S. speeri use them as definitive hosts in which sexual development takes place in their intestine and sporulated, thin-walled oocysts (sometimes) and sporocysts (most often) are discharged in the feces of the host marsupial. Only Sarcocystis mucosa is known from Macropus , Petrogale , and Thylogale species in Australian marsupials, and all of them serve as intermediate hosts in which sarcocysts are found in their muscle tissues.
The Market as God and Marketing as Proselytizing

Most religions have images of their gods or spirits. There is often a preferred 'veronica' or true image. The function of images is, according to the Catholic Church, to provide a focus for contemplation and the reflection of faith (McCrone, 1996). Often the image of the sacred is shrouded from human view, destructive to gaze upon or an imperfect reflection. Aspects of divinity are often perceived by some peoples in the spread of a disease through a population or its natural history in the signs and symptoms it creates in a body. Here we see an image of the god of capitalism (Figure 1). We can produce it from a variety of data, on the value of stock, prices of a variety of goods and services, and other means. But in general, the image is very similar. It traces the behavior of man’s faith in the value of his creations and in his future wealth. It is the single most important representation of the health of the world economy. In a Durkheimian sense, it gives as a representation of the sum total of society’s active mood and reflects, as some economists have said, the attitude and character of humanity. In a sociobiological sense, it represents the pushing and shoving of the actors involved, each trying to capture a greater share of the wealth available now and in the future, like ants (described by E.O. Wilson, 1976) trying to individually seize a piece of food, their common actions can be argued to be a tide of social consequence increasing the fitness of all concerned as they result in the arrival of the food in the nest.
The Uneasy Case for National ID Cards as a Means to Enhance Privacy

A book chapter analyzing the debate regarding national ID cards. The chapter argues that an ID card regime is likely to contribute to the continued erosion of personal privacy.
Catholic perspectives: youth sport and spirituality

Fr. Patrick Kelly’s edited collection, Youth Sport & Spirituality, is an interesting if at times uneven text. Kelly has two aims. First, he wants to create a field manual by which the ‘youth coache...
Estrus, ovulation, progesterone and luteinizing hormone after prostaglandin F2a in mares.

SummaryAfter a control estrous cycle, 10 mg PGF2α was deposited in the uterus in six mares (300-500 kg; 3-20 yr) at 7-9 days after ovulation. Blood plasma progesterone fell from 13.6 to 5.8 ng/ml within 12 hr and to 0.9 ng/ml at 48 hr after PGF2α, estrus began in 2.2 days and ovulation occurred at Day 5.8 of estrus. The estrus after PGF2α persisted longer than estrus in control cycles (7.5 vs 5.2 days; P < 0.05), but the interval from ovulation to the end of estrus was unchanged (1.6 vs 1.5 days). An increase in blood plasma LH began the day before estrus and continued past ovulation; LH declined beginning 2 days after ovulation and continuously for 8 days. A control estrous cycle after the PGF2α cycle resembled in every measurement the control cycle before PGF2α, indicating no carry-over effect of PGF2α. Subcutaneous injection of 15 mg PGF2α 7-9 days after ovulation also caused luteolysis, estrus, and ovulation — resembling in every detail the comparable events after intrauterine PGF2α. We conclude that ...
Anatomy of the eyelids.

This article accurately defines the structures of the eyelid and adnexa as they apply to cosmetic blepharoplasty, discussing first the structures found in both upper and lower lids, then considering the anatomic entities unique to specific regions.
Multi-level optimization approach for directly coupled photovoltaic-electrolyser system

Abstract In this study, directly coupled photovoltaic-electrolyser system is designed and optimized and a new method for optimization is given. The accurate electrical models of advanced alkaline electrolyser, photovoltaic system, and hydrogen storage tank are simulated using Matlab. The system is investigated for a day using actual meteorological data of Miami, FL. The purpose of the optimization, which has been performed using genetic algorithm, is to produce maximum hydrogen, minimum excess power, and minimum energy transfer loss. In each iteration of the optimization, due to crucial role of temperature in overall performance of the system, the average operating temperature is optimized using genetic algorithm. The system is optimized in a way that the operating condition is as close as possible to the maximum power point of the photovoltaic array. The operation of the system is discussed in 24 h period and working hours to make the system comparable to other studies with different power sources. The result of the analysis shows that optimal system for a 10 kW electrolyser can produce the average hydrogen of 0.0151 mol/s when the system is operating with 2.2% power loss and 4.7% power transfer loss.
Nationwide trends and predictors of inpatient mortality in 83884 transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt.

Nationwide trends and predictors of inpatient mortality in 83884 transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
Signal Transduction in Vertebrate Olfactory Receptor Cells

When exposed to odorants, olfactory receptor neurons respond with the generation of action potentials. This conversion of odorous information in the inhaled air into electrical nerve impulses is accomplished by an intracellular enzymatic cascade, which leads to the opening of ion channels and the generation of a receptor current. The resulting depolarisation of the neuron activates voltage-gated ion channels to trigger action potentials, which are conveyed to the olfactory bulb in the brain. This review summarises the information gained over recent years about the details of olfactory signal transduction, including many biophysical parameters helpful for a quantitative description of olfactory signalling.
PERIPHERAL ANATOMIC DISTRIBUTION OF THROMBUS DOES NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING SURGICAL PULMONARY EMBOLECTOMY FOR SUBMASSIVE AND MASSIVE PULMONARY EMBOLISM

Background: Thrombus located distal to the primary pulmonary arteries has been previously viewed as a relative contraindication to surgical pulmonary embolectomy. We compared outcomes for surgical pulmonary embolectomy for submassive and massive pulmonary embolism in patients with central vs
Worldwide Surface-Soil Polychlorinated Biphenyl Regulatory Guidance Values

AbstractPolychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a family of synthetic chlorinated organic compounds that were manufactured in huge quantities and used worldwide in numerous commercial and industrial a...
Evolving self view and body image concerns in female postoperative bariatric surgery patients.

Aims and objectives To explore the experience of postoperative bariatric surgery patients as they adjust to diminished weight and differentiate that adjustment from the more general concept of body image. Background Bariatric surgery is an effective way to reduce weight and comorbidities associated with obesity. Complete success requires that patients must adjust psychologically as they lose weight. If this does not occur, bariatric patients may experience a "mind-body lag," in which the patient's internal body image lags behind the external changes. Hermans' Dialogical Self Theory of "I-positions" is a foundation with which to understand this problem. Design Descriptive correlational study of postoperative bariatric patients explored the concept of "I-obese" and "I-ex-obese" in an effort to quantify previous qualitative findings and develop a survey questionnaire. Methods Bariatric patients (N = 55) between 18-30 months postoperative completed one-hour interviews. Cluster analysis and chi-squared analysis compared mean scores and explored the prevalence of "I-positions" and body image concerns in the participants. Results Cluster analysis of the survey data identified participants as falling into either "I-obese," "I-ex-obese" or "mixed I-obese" categories. There were significantly higher body image concerns in the "I-obese" participants than those identified as "I-ex-obese." The majority of female participants reported high body image concerns. There was no significant association with weight loss percentage. Conclusion This research establishes a connection in this study sample of women who experience body image concerns and prolonged "I-obese" identification 18-30 months after their bariatric surgery. Relevance to clinical practice To date, the primary measure of bariatric surgery success has focused almost exclusively on the amount of weight loss. Implementing psychological as well as physiological care, however, may be the key to full recovery and long-term success. Practitioners can use this new information to plan effective pre- and postoperative psychological preparation and support.
An Excursion into the Venture Capital Industry Stratified by Locations and Industries 1996-2005

This paper studies venture capital investment activity in the United States stratified by both locations and industries. Is geographical location an important factor to venture capital investment? Is industry classification important in explaining the amount of dollars invested in venture capital? This paper is motivatd by the reemerging importance of economic geography, and the recognition that industrial location is fundamental to understanding the field of economic geography. The quarterly data are from the MoneyTree Survey, a regularly used source for the financial community. This study affirms that location and industry are important in explaining investment trends in venture capital.
Anuria in Infants and Children

The urologist may be involved in the initial evaluation of a child with anuria. In our experience the most common cause of anuria in neonates was perinatal hypoxia and in older children it was the hemolytic uremic syndrome. Obstructive uropathy as a cause of anuria in infants and children appears to be uncommon.
Do Faith-Based Prisons Work?

This Article examines everything we know about the effectiveness of faith-based prisons, which is not very much.Most studies cannot be taken seriously because they are tainted by the “self-selection problem.” It is hard to determine the effect of faith-based prison programs because they are voluntary, and volunteers are more likely to be motivated to change and are therefore already less likely to commit infractions or be re-arrested. This problem is the same one that education researchers have struggled with in determining whether private schools are better than public schools.The only credible studies done so far compare participants with non-participants who volunteered for the program but were rejected. Some studies in this category find no effect, but some do find a modest effect. But even those that find an effect are subject to additional critiques: for instance, participants may have benefited from being exposed to treatment resources that non-participants were denied.Thus, based on current research, there is no strong reason to believe that faith-based prisons work. However, there is also no strong reason to believe that they do not work. I conclude with thoughts on how faith-based prison programs might be improved, and offer a strategy that would allow such experimentation to proceed consistent with the Constitution.
Die palliative Sedierung

Eine gewerbemasige, d. h. auf Wiederholung angelegte Suizidbeihilfe wurde per Gesetz unter Strafe gestellt, danach gehort die Suizidbeihilfe explizit nicht zur arztlichen Aufgabe. Offentlich kaum bekannt, ist die sogenannte palliative Sedierung gegen unertragliches Leid als palliativmedizinische Behandlungsmethode eingefuhrt worden. Es beinhaltet ein Behandlungskonzept, welches bei fortgeschrittenen und fortschreitend Erkrankten zur Linderung unertraglichen Leids eine gezielte medikamentose Bewusstseinsminderung bis zum Eintritt des Todes vorsieht. Die palliative Sedierung ist optionaler Bestandteil einer Palliativgesamtbehandlung und unterliegt damit dem palliativ-ethischen Grundgedanken, das Leben nicht gezielt verkurzen und die Sterbezeit nicht verlangern zu wollen. Basis der palliativen Sedierung bleibt neben der fachlichen Kompetenz und professionellen Reflektion der Behandler die menschliche Zuwendung und hospizliche Begleitung des Betroffenen und seiner haufig seelisch sehr bewegten Bezugspersonen.
Large Cytologically Benign Thyroid Nodules Do Not Have High Rates of Malignancy or False-Negative Rates and Clinical Observation Should be Considered: A Meta-Analysis.

Background: Management of large thyroid nodules is controversial, as data are conflicting regarding overall rates of malignancy (ROM) in all nodules and frequency of false-negative fine-needle aspi...
Representativeness of patients enrolled in a primary care clinical trial for heavy/problem substance use.

BACKGROUND The extent to which participants in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) resemble their broader target groups is of particular concern when studying stigmatized conditions such as substance use disorders (SUDs). The present study compared patients who enrolled in a 4-arm clinical trial of SBIRT (screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment) with eligible patients who declined study participation. METHODS Participants (N = 1338) were primary care patients who anonymously completed a computer-delivered health survey and screened positive for heavy/problem alcohol or drug use. Those who consented to the RCT (n = 713) were compared with those who declined (n = 625) on a variety of demographic, substance use, and psychosocial characteristics. Variables significant at P < .20 in univariate analyses were then examined using multivariate logistic regression to determine their combined effect. RESULTS The sample was 60% female and 76% African American, with a mean age of 45.2 years. Patients who consented to participate differed from those who declined on 34 (60%) of the 57 variables studied. The most parsimonious model by multivariate regression found that those who consented were older, more likely to be unemployed, and more likely to endorse prescription drug misuse, problems related to drug use, family history of alcohol problems, trouble falling asleep, and a health professional recommendation to lose weight. CONCLUSION Patients consenting to the RCT reported a greater number and more severe psychosocial and mental health problems than those who declined study participation. If the higher level of risk among study participants was found in other studies as well, it would raise questions regarding the generalizability of RCT results to broader clinic samples.
Improvising Through Trauma

This paper highlights the positive role that improvisation can have in addressing trauma, and the utililization of improvisation within music therapy and creative music practice. After a brief overview of these topics, the musical piece Wisconsin is examined. Practical insights are gained into the use of improvisation as an effective tool to address and alleviate trauma within the Sikh community. Improvisation can serve as a powerful device to speak to trauma, uncover unconscious experiences, and move towards healing.
A formulation of the relaxation phenomenon for lane changing dynamics in an arbitrary car following model

Abstract Lane changing dynamics are an important part of traffic microsimulation and are vital for modeling weaving sections and merge bottlenecks. However, there is often much more emphasis placed on car following and gap acceptance models, whereas lane changing dynamics such as tactical, cooperation, and relaxation models receive comparatively little attention. This paper develops a general relaxation model which can be applied to an arbitrary parametric or nonparametric microsimulation model. The relaxation model modifies car following dynamics after a lane change, when vehicles can be far from equilibrium. Relaxation prevents car following models from reacting too strongly to the changes in space headway caused by lane changing, leading to more accurate and realistic simulated trajectories. We also show that relaxation is necessary for correctly simulating traffic breakdown with realistic values of capacity drop.
Changes in E-Cigarette Use Behaviors and Dependence in Long-term E-Cigarette Users.

Introduction Little is known about the effects of long-term e-cigarette use, particularly the risks of relapse to cigarette smoking or increased dependence. Methods In a 2012–2014 baseline online e-cigarette survey, 1,863 respondents consented to participate in future research. A follow-up online survey was conducted in 2017–2018 to assess changes in e-cigarette use behaviors and e-cigarette–related dependence. For both surveys, exclusive e-cigarette use was defined as only using e-cigarettes in the past 7 days, and poly use was defined as using both e-cigarettes and other tobacco or nicotine products in the past 7 days. The Penn State Electronic Cigarette Dependence Index (PSECDI) score was calculated for each study subject and was used to evaluate e-cigarette dependence. Paired t-tests or Pearson correlation coefficients were used to examine changes in e-cigarette use behaviors or PSECDI scores between baseline and follow-up. Baseline and follow-up survey data were analyzed in January 2019. Results A total of 494 subjects provided complete data on both surveys. At baseline, 402 subjects (81.4%) were exclusive e-cigarette users, and 71 subjects (14.4%) were poly users. Among baseline exclusive e-cigarette users, the majority (88.3%) continued using e-cigarettes exclusively, but 37 users (9.2%) became poly users and 1 returned to cigarette smoking at follow-up. Among baseline poly users, 60.6% became exclusive e-cigarette users at follow-up. The mean PSECDI score remained similar over time (8.4 at baseline vs 8.3 at follow-up). Conclusions Findings suggest that the risk of relapse to cigarette smoking is low, and e-cigarette-related dependence remains stable in long-term e-cigarette users.
Bariatric Surgery Prior to Total Hip Arthroplasty Is Cost-Effective in Morbidly Obese Patients

Abstract Background The cost-effectiveness of bariatric surgery to achieve weight loss prior to total hip arthroplasty (THA), and decrease the complications and costs associated with THA in the morbidly obese, is unknown. This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of bariatric surgery prior to THA for morbidly obese patients with end-stage hip osteoarthritis (OA). Methods A state-transition Markov model was constructed to compare the cost-utility of 2 treatment protocols for patients with morbid obesity and end-stage hip OA: (1) immediate THA and (2) bariatric surgery 2 years prior to THA (combined protocol). The analysis was performed from both a payer and a societal perspective using direct and indirect costs over a 40-year time horizon. Utilities, associated costs, and probabilities for health state transitions were derived from the literature. One-way, 2-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to validate the robustness of the base case results, using the standard willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000/quality-adjusted life years. Results From the societal perspective, the combined protocol was more effective (13.16 vs 12.26) with less cost ($91,717 vs $92,684) and thus was the dominant strategy over immediate THA. These results were stable across broad ranges for independent model variables. Monte Carlo simulation with 100,000 samples demonstrated that bariatric surgery prior to THA was the preferred cost-effective strategy over 95% of the time from both a societal and payer perspective. Conclusion In the morbidly obese patient with end-stage hip OA, bariatric surgery prior to THA is a cost-effective strategy for improving quality of life and decreasing societal and payer costs. Level of Evidence II
Use of High-Dose Chemotherapy in Front-Line Therapy of Infants Aged Less Than 12 Months Treated for Aggressive Brain Tumors

Introduction: Malignant brain tumors in infants less than 12 months of age are extremely rare, and they have poor prognosis. We evaluated genetic characteristics and response rates of infants with congenital brain tumors subjected to high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplant after gross total tumor resection. Materials and Methods: In total, 10 infants, aged less than 12 months, were enrolled in this study. The median age was 56 days (range: 1-279 days). Pathological examination demonstrated the following: four anaplastic astrocytomas, two glioblastomas, two central nervous system (CNS) embryonal tumors, not otherwise specified (NOS), and two atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors. Results: All patients were exposed to induction chemotherapy regimen, two high-dose chemotherapy courses, and autologous stem cell transplant after maximal surgery. At 1-3-5 years, the global overall survival (OS) was 90, 70, and 70% and the progression-free survival (PFS) was 80-60 and 60%. In all the patients, the copy number variants (CNVs) profile was analyzed using the SNP/CGH array approach. To investigate the clinical relevance of germline SMARCB1 mutation in AT/RT patients, we performed sequence analysis of the coding regions. The two patients with AT/RT were found to have germline SMARCB1 mutations. No BRAF mutations were found, and only NTRK gene fusion was present in one patient. We also have examined the association with OS and PFS and different histological subtypes of infant CNS proving that high-grade astrocytoma has better overall survival than other tumor types (p: 0.007 and p: 0.0590). Conclusion: High-dose chemotherapy regimen represents a valid therapeutic approach for congenital brain tumors with a high rate of response. The molecular analysis has to be analyzed in all infants' brain tumor types. High-grade gliomas are characterized by a better prognosis than other histologies of infant CNS.
Statistical analysis for predicting location-specific data center PUE and its improvement potential

Abstract This paper presents a statistical framework for predictive analysis of data center power usage effectiveness (PUE), with a focus on hyperscale data centers (HDCs). Thermodynamics-based PUE models considering representative economizer choices are proposed, taking climate variables and energy system parameters as inputs for robust PUE predictions. Sobol’s method is used to assess total order sensitivity indices of key modeling parameters, suggesting that climate variables and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) efficiencies are the most important parameters. The PUE values of 17 HDCs operated by Google and Facebook were predicted, considering location-specific weather conditions, and uncertainties in energy system parameters and economizer choices. Results were verified using reported PUE values, indicating the model’s effectiveness in capturing regional and seasonal PUE variations, and in generating point-estimations for macro-level data center (DC) energy models. Finally, achievable PUE values were computed through differential evolution, identifying minimum practical PUE values that could be obtained with state-of-the-art technologies. The framework can be applied in predictions of location-specific PUE values, PUE improvement analysis, and PUE target-setting by policy makers.