cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clarifying General Jurisdiction

This Article highlights the due process limitations on a state's assertion of general in personam jurisdiction, predicated partially on a survey of some 3,000 federal and state opinions. While the judiciary is still encountering difficulty defining the parameters of dispute-blind jurisdiction, I did identify and catalog six existing doctrinal approaches. But as none of these approaches is satisfactory, I propose a new principle that comports with the holdings, although not necessarily the reasoning, of the Supreme Court, most federal circuit courts, and a number of federal district courts and state courts. This proposal is that the minimum contacts analysis for general jurisdiction should be based on two interrelated components: a qualitative and then quantitative comparison of the defendant's forum conduct to the activities of a local business. The qualitative component is satisfied if the nonresident defendant is conducting those types of activities in the forum - such as directing its business operations from the state, producing its goods or services in the state, or selling such goods or services through in-state business transactions - that typically define a commercial domiciliary of the state. The quantitative component then adjudges whether the nonresident defendant engages in such forum activities in a comparable frequency to at least some local businesses. I finally examine the theoretical foundation of general adjudicatory jurisdiction under this model. Employing an analogy to traditional substantive due process doctrine, I conclude that the constitutional limitations on a state's jurisdictional reach are premised on both fairness and state sovereign interests. Nonetheless, the predominant underpinning for general adjudicatory jurisdiction is the absence of state sovereign interests over those defendants not conducting activities in the forum similar to a domiciliary owing its allegiance to the state.
Effects of Sutured Pelvic Elements on Turtle Shell Strength: A Comparison of Pleurodire and Cryptodire Shell Mechanics

Abstract The two extant clades of turtles, Pleurodira and Cryptodira, can be distinguished by the fact that the pelvic elements of pleurodire turtles are extensively sutured to both the carapace an...
Characterizing Hand Infections in an Underserved Population: The Role of Diabetic Status in Antibiotic Choice and Infection Location.

Introduction Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) in underserved communities are at greater risk for hand infections. We aimed to describe the features of hand infections presenting to an urban hospital via laboratories, microbiology, and antibiotic choice with respect to diabetic status. Materials and Methods Patients presenting with any hand infection were reviewed and stratified by DM status and infection location. Labs, culture results, antibiotic regimens, and significant predictors of laboratories or infection location were analyzed. Results Fifty-three patients were included: DM (n = 24), no-DM (n = 24), and unknown status (n = 5). Culture rates were comparable between all groups. Mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was significantly higher in DM (76.19 vs. 51.33); mean white blood cell count (WBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were comparable. Diabetics had higher odds of increased ESR (odds ratio [OR] = 1.03). Diabetics received vancomycin/piperacillin/tazobactam (VAN/PTZ) significantly more often (52% vs. 8%). Providers treated DM with VAN/PTZ or any VAN-containing regimen more often than with any other regimen. Proximal infections had significantly higher mean CRP (136.9 vs. 50.5) and WBC (5.19 vs. 3.9) and higher CRP (OR = 1.02). Conclusion This study highlights the need for systematic criteria to better risk- stratify patients for appropriate antibiotic treatment. It may not be appropriate to treat both groups differently, as overly aggressive antibiotic selection may contribute to drug-resistance development.
Health Toll From Open Flame and Cigarette-Started Fires on Flame-Retardant Furniture in Massachusetts, 2003–2016

Objectives. To evaluate the risk of death and injury in residential fires started on upholstered furniture, with a focus on open flame and cigarette-related heat sources.Methods. We used civilian d...
Does the Association of Diabetes With Stroke Risk Differ by Age, Race, and Sex? Results From the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study.

OBJECTIVE Given temporal changes in diabetes prevalence and stroke incidence, this study investigated age, race, and sex differences in the diabetes–stroke association in a contemporary prospective cohort, the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We included 23,002 non-Hispanic black and white U.S. adults aged ≥45 years without prevalent stroke at baseline (2003–2007). Diabetes was defined as fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL, or random glucose ≥200 mg/dL, or use of glucose-lowering medication. Incident stroke events were expert adjudicated and available through September 2017. RESULTS The prevalence of diabetes was 19.1% at baseline. During follow-up, 1,018 stroke events occurred. Among adults aged CONCLUSIONS In this contemporary cohort, the diabetes–stroke association varied by age, race, and sex together, with a more pronounced effect observed among adults aged
Clinical characteristics and conservative treatment of perineal groove.

Abstract Purpose Perineal groove is a rare congenital anomaly of the perineum, and only a few papers describing a small number of cases have been reported in the medical literature. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and proper management of perineal groove. Methods We performed a retrospective review of 26 pediatric patients who were diagnosed with perineal groove between January 2012 and October 2018 at our institution. Results Perineal groove was extremely prevalent among the females: 25 of the 26 patients were girls, and only one patient was a boy. All the patients presented with an unusual lesion at the anus or perineum, but no symptoms related to this anomaly. The median age at the first visit to our clinic was 1.5 month (range, 0.3–11.4 month). Two types, complete and partial, were used to categorize the appearance of perineal groove. In a sample group, 55% (12/22) of the patients had complete perineal groove while 45% (10/22) had partial perineal groove. One patient underwent an anoplasty at another hospital following the diagnosis of an imperforate anus. One male and 13 female patients were followed beyond the age of two, and 10 patients (71%) showed a natural healing process. Conclusion Perineal groove manifested as two types of appearance and showed excellent results with conservative treatment in our study. A natural healing process can be expected in the long-term follow-up. Perineal groove must be differentiated from other defects to avoid unnecessary surgical treatment. Levels of Evidence Therapeutic Study, Level IV.
Imatinib Mesylate (STI571) Abrogates the Resistance to Doxorubicin in K562 Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Cells by Inhibition of BCR/ABL Kinase-Mediated DNA Repair.

Imatinib mesylate (STI571), a specific inhibitor of the BCR/ABL tyrosine kinase, exhibits potent antileukemic effects in the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). However, the precise mechanisms by which inhibition of BCR/ABL activity results in pharmacological responses remain unknown. BCR/ABL-positive human CML cells resistant to doxorubicin K562doxoR and their sensitive K562doxoS counterparts were used to determine the mechanism by which the STI571 inhibitor may overcome drug resistance. K562 wild type cells and CCRF-CEM lymphoblastic leukemia cells without BCR/ABL were used as controls. We examined kinetics of DNA repair after cell treatment with the drug by the alkaline comet assay. MTT assay was used to estimate resistance against doxorubicin and Western Blot analysis with Crk-L antibody was performed to evaluate BCR/ABL kinase inhibition by STI571. We provide evidence that treatment of CML-derived BCR/ABL-expressing leukemia K562 cells with STI571 results in the inhibition of DNA repair and abrogation of the resistance of these cells to doxorubicin. We found that doxorubicin-resistant K562doxoR cells exhibited accelerated kinetics of DNA repair in comparison to doxorubicin-sensitive K562doxoS cells. Inhibition of BCR/ABL kinase in K562doxoR cells with 1 μM STI571 decreased the kinetics of DNA repair and abrogated drug resistance. The results suggest that STI571-mediated inhibition of BCR/ABL kinase activity can affect the effectiveness of the DNA repair pathways, which in turn may enhance drug sensitivity of leukemia cells.
Are those whiffs of fascism that I smell? Living behind the orange curtain

Into my heart on air that killsFrom yon far country blows:What are those blue remembered hills,What spires, what farms are those?That is the land of lost content, 5I see it shining plain,The ...
Uterine Luminal Epithelium as the Transient Gateway for Embryo Implantation

The uterine luminal epithelium (LE) is the first maternal contact for an implanting embryo. Intrauterine fluid resorption, cessation of LE proliferation and apoptosis, and LE structural changes are prerequisites for establishing transient uterine receptivity for embryo implantation. Vesicle trafficking in the LE and receptor-mediated paracrine and autocrine mechanisms are crucial both for LE preparation and LE communications with the embryo and stroma during the initiation of embryo implantation. This review mainly covers recent in vivo studies in LE of mouse models from 0.5 days post-coitus (D0.5) to ∼D4 20 h when the trophoblasts pass through the LE layer for embryo implantation. The review is organized into three interconnected sections: preimplantation LE preparation for embryo attachment, embryo–LE communications, and LE–stroma communications.
Management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A review focusing on exacerbations.

PURPOSE Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Exacerbations- acute worsening of COPD symptoms-can be mild to severe in nature. Increased healthcare resource use is common among patients with frequent exacerbations, and exacerbations are a major cause of the high 30-day hospital readmission rates associated with COPD. SUMMARY This review provides a concise overview of the literature regarding the impact of COPD exacerbations on both the patient and the healthcare system, the recommendations for pharmacologic management of COPD, and the strategies employed to improve patient care and reduce hospitalizations and readmissions. COPD exacerbations significantly impact patients' health-related quality of life and disease progression; healthcare costs associated with severe exacerbation-related hospitalization range from $7,000 to $39,200. Timely and appropriate maintenance pharmacotherapy, particularly dual bronchodilators for maximizing bronchodilation, can significantly reduce exacerbations in patients with COPD. Additionally, multidisciplinary disease-management programs include pulmonary rehabilitation, follow-up appointments, aftercare, inhaler training, and patient education that can reduce hospitalizations and readmissions for patients with COPD. CONCLUSION Maximizing bronchodilation by the appropriate use of maintenance therapy, together with multidisciplinary disease-management and patient education programs, offers opportunities to reduce exacerbations, hospitalizations, and readmissions for patients with COPD.
Multi-day scenario analysis for battery electric vehicle feasibility assessment and charging infrastructure planning

Abstract Multi-day activity-travel patterns help create potential vehicle usage profiles that contain vehicle operations and battery status under different scenarios with varying location-based charging opportunities, based on travel needs and charging availability/behaviors. Utilizing a multi-day data sampling method, analyses of scenarios are designed to provide insights on bounds of potential BEV market under different charging opportunities, including level 2 activity charging and level 3 trip charging. Single-day data results tend to overestimate travelers’ BEV feasibility assuming that multi-day sample data provides accurate estimations. Facility utilization can be improved without affecting travelers’ charging demand under correct pricing scheme for most cost-sensitive users. Smart grid charging strategy can greatly reduce the total number of operating chargers during the same time in a day, and BEV users’ charging behaviors have minor impact on this improvement. Our numerical results indicate that an appropriate number of chargers installed in shopping and leisure locations should be more profitable and have higher charger utilization rate since those chargers help cover BEV users’ trips.
Opportunities and Challenges for Developing Syndromic Surveillance Systems for the Detection of Social Epidemics

This commentary explores the potential and challenges of developing syndromic surveillance systems with the ability to more rapidly detect epidemics of addiction, poverty, housing instability, food insecurity, social isolation and other social determinants of health (SDoH). Epidemiologists tracking SDoH heavily rely on expensive government surveys released annually, delaying the timely detection of spikes in social epidemics for months if not years. Conversely, infectious disease syndromic surveillance is an effective early warning tool for epidemic diseases using various types of non-traditional epidemiological data from emergency room chief complaints to search query data. Based on such experience, novel social syndromic surveillance systems for early detection of social epidemics with health implications are not only possible but necessary. Challenges to their widespread implementation include incorporating disparate proprietary data sources and database integration. Significantly more resources are critically needed to address these barriers to allow for accessing, integrating and rapidly analyzing appropriate data streams to make syndromic surveillance for social determinants of health widely available to public health professionals.
Style Drift among Value and Growth Funds

In the United States, retail investors rely heavily on the mutual fund industry to meet long-term objectives such as preparing for retirement. One segment of the mutual fund industry identifies as value stock funds, while another identifies as growth stock funds. Anecdotal evidence suggests that mutual funds in both categories deviate from their stated style for some of their purchases. We identify what proportion of each types’ funds are invested in crossover stocks that do not fit the funds’ stated investment styles and whether this deviation earns abnormal positive returns. We find that mutual fund managers frequently hold stocks outside their identified style; this effect is larger for value fund managers holding growth stocks. We find that, on average, growth fund managers earn higher returns than their index on these “crossover” stock holdings. We conduct a simple attribution analysis and provide weak evidence that managers of large-cap growth funds can time their investment in value stocks, and strong evidence that both large and small-cap growth fund managers can successfully select underpriced value stocks. The same is not true of value fund managers. TOPICS:Exchange-traded funds and applications, mutual fund performance, manager selection Key Findings • Managers of value funds, particularly small-cap value funds, frequently and consistently deviate from their stated fund objective. • Deviating from fund style does not generate excess returns for value fund managers by either timing or selection. • Growth fund managers generate excess returns by investing in value stocks, particularly from selecting underpriced Value stocks, though they deviate from style less often.
Methodology for Important Sensor Screening for Fault Detection and Classification in Semiconductor Manufacturing

Feature design and selection is challenging because of huge data volume and high-mix production systems. Most engineers still rely on human experts to suggest the specific sensor channel and specific time frames of data from which to design the features. This study proposes a novel approach for important sensor screening to prioritize the useful sensor channels for FDC model development in semiconductor manufacturing. The proposed method can be used as a pre-processing step prior to feature extraction, and the selected sensor channels can be leveraged by process engineers for finer feature design. In this research, firstly, time series alignment kernels (TSAKs) are proposed to handle multivariate trace data. Then, the proposed method combines 5 different time series alignment kernels (TSAKs) with a feature selection algorithm, minimum Redundancy Maximum Relevance (mRMR), to identify the important sensor channels. Furthermore, a TSAK+Kernel Principal Component Analysis (KPCA) algorithm is proposed for a visualization tool. Lastly, the TSAK+Support Vector Machine (SVM) is employed for results validation. In this study, validation of the proposed method is based on both open-source datasets and the proprietary datasets from a real production line.
Diverse β-lactam antibiotic-resistant bacteria and microbial community in milk from mastitic cows

Intramammary bacterial infection, the most common cause of mastitis, is the most costly disease in dairy cattle in the US and reason for antibiotic usage. Ceftiofur, a third-generation cephalosporin, is generally used to treat such disease, but it has a high treatment failure rate. Though the reason is not known clearly, it is hypothesized that multiple factors are associated with the treatment failure. In this study, we analyzed 169 milk samples from cows with mastitis in two independent dairy farms (Farm A and B) in which 19.4% (Farm A) and 14.3% (Farm B) of the antibiotic treated cows were not cured. The prevalence of cephalosporin-resistant bacteria (CRB) in milk was 72.0% and 42.1% in Farm A and B, respectively. Nineteen and nine bacterial genera were identified in Farm A and B respectively, with the most abundant genus being Staphylococcus (27.1%; Farm A) and Bacillus (63.5%; Farm B). However, no strong relationship between the treatment failure rate and the CRB prevalence was observed. Furthermore, the metagenomic analysis showed no significant differences in the α- and β-diversities of microbiota in milk samples from cured and uncured cows, suggesting that antibiotic-resistant bacteria were not the sole reason for the antibiotic treatment failure. KEY POINTS: • The mastitic milk samples had high prevalence of cephalosporin-resistant bacteria (CRB). • The CRB identified belong to diversified species. • Antibiotic treatment failure was not solely caused by the abundance of CRB.
Allocation Method of Voltage Sag Based on User’s Quantitative Demand

In recent years, the key work of power grid company is to provide voltage sag management service for high-precision and sensitive load. The current voltage sag treatment scheme mainly determines the capacity of the standby power supply through the equipment tolerance assessment, and the treatment cost is too high. In this paper, the configuration method of voltage sags control device is put forward, and the comprehensive benefit evaluation index system of power quality control for power user’s is established, the quality problem of a large number of products caused by voltage sags in the customer’s production line is solved, and the unnecessary economic loss is reduced. The research results presented in this paper effectively reduce the equipment trip, production process interruption, reduce user’s loss, improve product quality.
Application of manure from cattle administered antibiotics has sustained multi-year impacts on soil resistome and microbial community structure

Abstract In agroecosystems, application of manure from livestock treated with antibiotics has the potential to spread antibiotic compounds, resistant bacteria, and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) to soil. Although environmental transmission of antibiotic resistance is a major human health concern, few studies have looked at long-term effects on soil microbial communities from applying manure from livestock administered antibiotics. We examined the impacts of three years of repeated manure additions from cattle under different antibiotic treatments on microbial community structure and ARG abundances. While manure additions altered both soil bacterial and fungal communities, manure from cattle administered antibiotics further altered soil bacterial communities, but not fungal, compared to manure from antibiotic-free cattle. Furthermore, addition of manure from antibiotic-free cattle resulted in increased abundances of several ARGs compared to soil with no manure inputs, but manure from cattle administered antibiotics did not change overall profiles of ARG abundances compared to manure from antibiotic-free cattle. Finally, although bacterial and fungal community structure and ARG abundances varied among years, manure treatment effects on each were persistent during the full three-year period. Taken together, our results suggest that manure and antibiotic impacts on soil microbial communities can persist for long periods of repeated manure application. Furthermore, soil management strategies for addressing the antibiotic resistance crisis should consider the broader context of manure management.
Combinatorial treatment for unresectable unicentric Castleman disease.

Unresectable, symptomatic unicentric Castleman disease (UCD) can represent a formidable therapeutic challenge. UCD masses are often highly vascularized offering the opportunity for therapeutic embolization. Herein, we report on 6 patients in which therapeutic embolization was combined with other medical interventions including surgery (n = 3), rituximab (n = 6), cryoablation (n = 2), and chemotherapy (n = 3). Five patients had significant tumor volume reductions (median: 83.2%; range: 76.7-100). All five responding patients had resolution of symptomatology. There were no serious complications in the patients who received embolization and proceeded to surgery. In conclusion, effective disease and symptom control can be obtained in patients with symptomatic, unresectable UCD by combining different therapeutic interventions.
Specialization in Criminal Courts: Decision Making, Recidivism, and Re-victimization in Domestic Violence Courts in Tennessee

Local governments increasingly rely on “specialized” or “problem solving” courts as a way to improve the provision of criminal justice. Using administrative data on misdemeanor DV cases between 2000 and 2006, we exploit the arbitrary courtroom assignment of low-income defendants to evaluate the social impact of specialized domestic violence courts in the General Sessions Court of Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee. We find that, compared to traditional court, defendants assigned to specialized court are less likely to be convicted, but no more likely to be charged with a future crime 1 to 3 years later. This offenderfocused measure of recidivism masks a potentially important increase in safety. Police records suggest that victims in cases assigned to specialized court are less likely to be involved in a future domestic incident. Conditional on future police involvement, these same victims appear to be more willing to cooperate with police and prosecutors
Evaluation of Piperacillin-Tazobactam for Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Traumatic Grade III Open Fractures

Background: Broad-spectrum antibiotic agents are sometimes utilized for prophylaxis of Gustilo grade III open fractures. However, this practice is not recommended by current guidelines, and it is unknown how patient outcomes are impacted. This study aimed to determine if prophylaxis with piperacillin-tazobactam (PT) results in different rates of infection versus guideline-concordant therapy (GCT). Patients and Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study of adult trauma patients with Gustilo grade III open long bone fractures admitted between January 2008 and August 2018. The primary outcome of infection (superficial or deep) at six weeks and secondary outcomes of delayed union, nonunion, Clostridioides difficile, and development of resistant organisms were abstracted from medical records. Guideline-concordant therapy was defined as a first-generation cephalosporin with or without an aminoglycoside. Univariable and multivariable analyses controlling for injury severity score (ISS) were performed. Results: One hundred twenty patients were included; 97 (81%) received PT, 23 (19%) received GCT. Common injury mechanisms were motor vehicle/motorcycle accident (57%) and falls (17%), and a majority involved a lower extremity (65%). Baseline characteristics were similar except higher median ISS in PT (14; interquartile range [IQR], 9-22) versus GCT (9; IQR, 9-14). Guideline-concordant therapy was given for a median of four (range, 2-8) days and PT for six (range, 3-11) days (p = 0.078). On univariable analysis, PT patients had more infections at six weeks (23.7% vs. 4.3%; p = 0.042), but multivariable analysis demonstrated no difference (odds ratio [OR], 5.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73-46.25; p = 0.096). Patients receiving prophylaxis with PT had a longer median length of stay at 16 days (range, 10-22) versus nine days (range, 4-16). No statistically significant differences in delayed union, non-union, Clostridioides difficile, or development of resistant organisms were observed. Conclusions: Broad-spectrum antibiotic prophylaxis with PT did not improve infection rates compared to GCT, suggesting it may not be warranted.
Human hepatic lipase. Cloned cDNA sequence, restriction fragment length polymorphisms, chromosomal localization, and evolutionary relationships with lipoprotein lipase and pancreatic lipase

Abstract Human hepatic lipase is an important enzyme in high density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism, being implicated in the conversion of HDL2 to HDL3. Three human hepatic lipase cDNA clones were identified in two lambda gt11 libraries from human liver. The cDNA-derived amino acid sequence predicts a protein of 476 amino acid residues, preceded by a 23-residue signal peptide. Four potential N-glycosylation sites are identified, two of which are conserved in rat hepatic lipase. On alignment with human, mouse, and bovine lipoprotein lipase, the same two sites were also conserved in lipoprotein lipase in all three species. Stringent conservation of the cysteine residues was also evident. Comparative analysis of amino acid sequences shows that hepatic lipase evolves at a rapid rate, 2.07 x 10(-9) substitutions/site/year, about four times that in lipoprotein lipase and half that in pancreatic lipase. Further, hepatic lipase and pancreatic lipase appear to be evolutionarily closer to each other than either of them is to lipoprotein lipase. Southern blot analysis revealed high frequency restriction fragment length polymorphisms of the hepatic lipase gene for the enzymes HindIII and MspI. these polymorphisms will be useful for haplotype and linkage analysis of the hepatic lipase gene. Using cloned human hepatic lipase cDNA as a hybridization probe, we performed Southern blot analysis of a panel of 13 human-rodent somatic cell hybrids. Concordance analysis of the various hybrid clones indicates that the hepatic lipase gene is located on the long arm of human chromosome 15. Analysis of hybrids containing different translocations of chromosome 15 localized the gene to the region 15q15----q22.
Diel Vertical Movements of the Cyanobacterium Oscillatoria terebriformis in a Sulfide-Rich Hot Spring Microbial Mat.

Oscillatoria terebriformis, a thermophilic cyanobacterium, carried out a diel vertical movement pattern in Hunter's Hot Springs, Oregon. Throughout most daylight hours, populations of O. terebriformis covered the surface of microbial mats in the hot spring outflows below an upper temperature limit of 54/sup 0/C. Upon darkness trichomes moved downward by gliding motility into the substrate to a depth of 0.5 to 1.0 mm, where the population remained until dawn. At dawn the population rapidly returned to the top of the mats. Field studies with microelectrodes showed that the dense population of O. terebriformis moved each night across an oxygen-sulfide interface, entering a microenvironment which was anaerobic and reducing, a dramatic contrast to the daytime environment at the mat surface where oxygenic photosynthesis resulted in a supersaturated O/sub 2/. Laboratory experiments on motility with the use of sulfide gradients produced in agar revealed a negative response to sulfide at concentrations similar to those found in the natural mats. The motility response may help explain the presence of O. terebriformis below the mat surface at night. The movement back to the surface at dawn appears to be due to a combination of phototaxis, photokinesis, and the onset of oxygenic photosynthesis which consumesmore » sulfide.« less
A Review of Crime Scene Investigation

At first glance, Crime Scene Investigation appears to be the long-awaited, up-to-date text on this somewhat neglected area of criminal investigation. However, this is not the case. The book is little more than a brief introduction to the subject of crime scene processing and the collection, preservation, and utilization of physical evidence.
Stability of Antibiotics Used for Antibiotic-Lock Treatment of Infections of Implantable Venous Devices (Ports)

Antibiotic-lock is a treatment for catheter-related bloodstream infections in which a solution containing heparin and an antibiotic dwells in the lumen of the catheter or port. We tested the stability of vancomycin, cefazolin, ticarcillin-clavulanic acid, ceftazidime, or ciprofloxacin combined with heparin after incubation in vitro at 25 or 37°C for intervals of up to 10 days by bioassay. All the antibiotic solutions except ceftazidime retained ≥90% activity at both 25 and 37°C. Thus, studies of antibiotic-heparin lock solutions with dwell times of up to 10 days are feasible.
Nitric Oxide: A Review of Its Role in Retinal Function and Disease

Nitric oxide synthase (NOS), the enzyme that catalyzes the formation of nitric oxide from L-arginine, exists in three major isoforms, neuronal, endothelial, and immunologic. Neuronal and endothelial isoforms are constitutively expressed, and require calcium for activation. Both of these isoforms can be induced (i.e., new protein synthesis occurs) under appropriate conditions. The immunologic isoform is not constitutively expressed, and requires induction usually by immunologic activation; calcium is not necessary for its activation. Neuronal and immunologic NOS have been detected in the retina. Neuronal NOS may be responsible for producing nitric oxide in photoreceptors and bipolar cells. Nitric oxide stimulates guanylate cyclase of photoreceptor rod cells and increases calcium channel currents. In the retina of cats, NOS inhibition impairs phototransduction as assessed by the electroretinogram. Inducible nitric oxide synthase, found in Muller cells and in retinal pigment epithelium, may be involved in normal phagocytosis of the retinal outer segment, in infectious and ischemic processes, and in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. Nitric oxide contributes to basal tone in the retinal circulation. To date, findings are conflicting with respect to its role in retinal autoregulation. During glucose and oxygen deprivation, nitric oxide may increase blood flow and prevent platelet aggregation, but it may also mediate the toxic effects of excitatory amino acid release. This reactive, short-lived gas is involved in diverse processes within the retina, and its significance continues to be actively studied.
Definition of the Specific Binding Site for C3NEF on Factor B: Mechanism and Potential for Creating Mimeotopes to Prevent Action of C3NeF in Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis 1838

It is well known that C3NeF binds specifically and with high affinity(108L/M) to a neoantigen on Factor B and augments the activity of C3bBb as a C3/C5 convertage. By the use of 20-mer peptides overlapping by 8 amino acids derived from the linear structure of Factor B, C3NeF was found to bind almost exclusively to a peptide (RQKQ) on a chain guarding the enzymatic site or specifcity groove of Factor B. In other serine proteases, this chain prevents the entiry of substrate into the zymogen serine protease. Upon activation of the zymogen, this chain is cleaved. It is postulated that the binding of C3NeF either prevents the activity of this chain in Factor B or augments its cleavage.
Friends after traumatic brain injury in children.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a dose-response relation exists between the number of reported close friends and traumatic brain injury (TBI) severity in the postacute phase in school-age children. DESIGN: A retrospective relational study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Primary care hospital/medical center-based study on parental perspectives of recovery following TBI in school-age children (14 with severe TBI; 10 with moderate TBI; 36 with mild TBI; and 16 trauma controls). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Parental ratings on the Child Behavior Checklist and selected neuropsychological test findings and ratings of academic performance. RESULTS: Seventy-five percent of trauma controls but only 38.9% of children with mild and 20% of children with moderate TBI reportedly had 4 or more friends. Only 14.3% of children with severe TBI reportedly had 4 or more friends. Glasgow Coma Scale score at admission correlated with the number of friends postacutely (by parental reports) (r = +0.307, N = 76, P = .007). CONCLUSION: More severe brain injury is associated with fewer friends in the postacute phase following TBI. The relation, however, was not purely linear and the hypothesis was supported only partially. Broadening the social network of children with moderate and severe TBI should be a major goal of neuropsychological rehabilitation. Language: en
Mitomycin-C as a prototype bioreductive alkylating agent: In vitro studies of metabolism and cytotoxicity

The bioreductive alkylating agents are prodrugs for chemotherapy which are enzymatically reduced within cells to species capable of alkylating biological molecules and producing cytotoxic damage. Studies presented in this report show that MIT-C has the characteristics expected of a bioreductive alkylating agent: activation to alkylating species occurs more readily under hypoxic conditions and the drug is selectively cytotoxic to hypoxic cells.
Seven, Plus or Minus Two, is too much to Bear: Three (or Fewer) is the Real Magic Number

Miller's 7±2 is an oft-cited but misleading heuristic in user interface design. Miller extracted this rule of thumb by examining data on memory span, among other things. However, memory span procedures measure short-term memory at its upper limits and thereby greatly overestimate humans' ability to easily hold in mind unrelated, linguistic material. Justifications for using a maximum of 3 items as a design heuristic are presented.
Protein folding and secretion: mechanistic insights advancing recombinant protein production in S. cerevisiae

The emergence of genomic approaches coupled to recombinant DNA technologies have identified the quality control systems that regulate proteostasis — biological pathways that modulate protein biogenesis, maturation, trafficking, and degradation. The elucidation of these pathways has become of growing importance in therapeutics as loss of proteostasis has been suggested to lead to a number of human diseases including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's Disease and Type II Diabetes. We anticipate that the most successful strategies for protein expression and therapeutics development may involve integration of protein engineering strategies with host manipulation, to exploit the cell's native stress response pathways and trafficking mechanisms. This review will highlight recent findings and mechanistic detail correlated to quality control in the early secretory pathway of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Parameters of production and partial characterization of feline interleukin 2.

Abstract The conditions for the production of feline interleukin 2 (IL-2) from peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) and splenocytes by concanavalin A (Con A) stimulation are described. Feline IL-2 was quantitated by measuring DNA synthesis in the murine IL-2-dependent cell line, CTLL-20. In addition, feline IL-2 was generated for the maintenance of long-term cultures of Con A-stimulated feline PBL and for biochemical characterization. Finally, IL-2 production was evaluated from the PBL of feline leukemia virus (FeLV)-infected cats. Con A at 9.6 μg/ml produced a plateau of peak IL-2 activity from 24 to 48 h following stimulation. The tumor promotor, phorbol myristic acetate, stimulated feline IL-2 production and enhanced Con A-stimulated feline IL-2 production. Fetal calf serum (FCS) was not required for IL-2 production; however, FCS at 5% ( v / v ) allowed for maximal Con A-stimulated IL-2 production. Feline IL-2 generated from Con A-stimulated splenocytes migrated with an apparent molecular size of 13.7 to 23 kD by gel filtration chromatography and supported the proliferation of Con A-activated feline PBL at a final concentration of 0.3 to 0.9 units/ml.
A guanylate kinase/HSV-1 thymidine kinase fusion protein enhances prodrug-mediated cell killing.

A guanylate kinase/HSV-1 thymidine kinase fusion protein enhances prodrug-mediated cell killing
Graphical Representation of Multidimensional Item Response Theory Analyses

This paper illustrates how graphical analyses can en hance the interpretation and understanding of multidi mensional item response theory (IRT) analyses. Many unidimensional IRT concepts, such as item response functions and information functions, can be extended to multiple dimensions; however, as dimensionality in creases, new problems and issues arise, most notably how to represent these features within a multidimen sional framework. Examples are provided of several dif ferent graphical representations, including item response surfaces, information vectors, and centroid plots of con ditional two-dimensional trait distributions. All graphs are intended to supplement quantitative and substantive analyses and thereby assist the test practitioner in deter mining more precisely such information as the construct validity of a test, the degree of measurement precision, and the consistency of interpretation of the number- correct score scale.
On the development of fuzzy skyhook control for semiactive magneto-rheological systems

Since the development of the vehicle suspension system, designers have been faced with the conflict of vehicle safety versus ride comfort. Originally, this trade-off was minimized by optimally adjusting a passive damper. In the recent years, the development of computer-controlled suspension dampers and actuators has improved the trade-off between the vehicle handling and ride comfort, and has led to the development of various damper control policies. In this study, the vehicle handling and ride comfort trade-off is studied for a vehicle suspensions with semiactive fuzzy control. The proposed semiactive fuzzy control is based on the control policies that are commonly known as "skyhook" and "groundhook". After describing the mathematical details of the proposed semiactive fuzzy control, it is applied to a roll-plane model of a heavy truck in order to compare its performance with conventional passive suspensions. The results of the study show that semiactive suspensions with fuzzy logic control could improve rollover characteristics during vehicle maneuvers. The results, however, show that for road inputs at the tire, the semiactive suspensions can cause larger body acceleration peaks and a harsher ride.
On a formulation of the bending of elastic plates

Abstract A theory of the bending of linear elastic plates is developed in terms of an arbitrary set of linearly independent functions which forms a basis for the thickness parameter. A canonical system of equations is obtained in terms of stress matrix functions from which all kinematic variables, stress resultant and matrix stress resultants may be obtained. This canonical system of equations uses approximate transverse normal mode shapes which are obtained by solving an eigenvalue problem for the integrated expansion functions.
Endoscopic ultrasound for the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has become a well accepted test for the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. Advantages include its ability to detect subtle and severe changes of the pancreatic duct and parenchyma, and its relative safety compared with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Limitations include inter- and intra-observer variability, operator dependence, and an incomplete understanding of its true accuracy. The Rosemont classification has recently been proposed as a weighted, standardized method that may improve EUS chronic pancreatitis scoring. This paper reviews the published evidence regarding the accuracy of EUS in chronic pancreatitis diagnosis, and enumerates the emerging technologies that have been recently studied which may ultimately improve endosonographic imaging of the pancreas.
An Approach to the Patient with Substance Use and Abuse

Substance use is ubiquitous among medically ill patients. The 2008 National Survey on Drug Abuse and Health survey estimated that 20.1 million Americans aged 12 years or older (8% of the US population) had used an illicit drug during the preceding month. Some licit substances also create havoc. The survey found that slightly more than half (56%) of Americans reported being current drinkers of alcohol. A total of 6.2 million (2.5%) Americans used prescription-type psychotherapeutic drugs for nonmedical purposes and 70.9 million Americans (or 28.4%) used tobacco during the survey period. Substance abuse problems were diagnosed in up to 36% of medically hospitalized patients for whom a psychiatric consultation was requested. Given how prevalent the use of substances is among the medically ill and their potential effect on comorbid medical conditions, it is important for physicians to be mindful of their prevalence and presentation. This article covers the presenting symptoms of intoxication and withdrawal states, addresses the acute management of the most commonly encountered substances, and summarizes all others in a table.
Petrogenesis of a tholeiite-boninite sequence from Ayios Mamas, Troodos ophiolite: evidence for splitting of a volcanic arc?

Lavas and intrusives from Ayios Mamas, at the western end of the Limassol Forest Complex, south of the Arakapas Fault Belt, Troodos, comprise three groups: (A) a basal sequence of pillow lavas (intruded by dikes and sills) with the phenocryst assemblage PLAG+CPX+MT±OL; (B) a middle sequence of pillows and massive flows [CPX+PLAG±OL]; and (C) an upper sequence mostly of pillows and breccia [OL+OPX+CPX+SP]. The lower group is tholeiitic, and the upper two groups boninitic. Group C whole-rock and glass Mg-numbers exceed 72 and range up to 78, with corresponding olivine compositions of Fo92. They are strongly depleted in high-field strength elements, and on the basis of Cr-Y variation and major element mass balances, are interpreted to reflect partial melting of a basalt-depleted (CPX-) harzburgite source. Group A tholeiites, in contrast, are interpreted to derive from a more fertile lherzolite source. Magmaphile and compatible trace element variation is best modelled after an open magma system, involving periodic replenishment, tapping, and fractionation, although neither tholeiites nor boninites represent “steady-state” compositions. The boninites belong to a CaO-rich, SiO2-poor variant, resembling those from Guam, but contrasting with those from Bonin and Cape Vogel. MORB-normalized enrichment of low-field strength elements K, Sr, Ba, and Rb in all groups indicates subduction-derived source contamination. It is proposed that the Ayios Mamas section reflects splitting of a volcanic arc, prior to back-arc spreading in an environment analogous to that of the present-day Andaman Sea.
An autofocus technique for video-SAR

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is designing a real-time, video-SAR (synthetic aperture radar) mode for a test bed radar system. Typically, the flight path for video-SAR is circular with the sensor directed inward and broadside relative to the platform heading, providing continuous surveillance over a region of interest. The SAR frames are processed using the backprojection algorithm onto a Cartesian coordinate system at the nominal ground level and oriented in a fixed direction. Standard autofocus techniques are ineffective since the azimuth dimension will be oblique through the images when the synthetic apertures are not centered at a multiple of π/ 2 along the flight path. We have developed an algorithm that estimates the phase gradient from pseudo point-scatterers, regardless of the platform position, and focuses the images before they are compiled into a SAR video. Thus the efficiency and utility of fixed frame video-SAR processing is retained, while image sharpness and quality are not compromised due to antenna motion error measurements and / or severe atmospheric effects during propagation.
Response of Male Cichlid Fish, Haplochromis burtoni, Reared in Isolation to Models of Conspecifics

Male cichlid fish (Haplochromis burtoni), raised in complete isolation, respond selectively to both yellow and blue models of conspecifics, which have a black eye bar, with an increased rate of biting directed at target fish. Such an increased rate of biting has been observed previously for experienced adults viewing dummies. The selective response to this pattern by. socially inexperienced fish suggests the presence of genetically controlled pattern recognition capability. Zusammenfassung Mannliche Haplochromis burtoni (Fische, Cichlidae), die in volliger Isolation aufwuchsen, reagierten selektiv auf gelbe und blaue Attrappen von Artgenossen, die einen schwarzen Augenstrich trugen. Die Reaktion bestand in Beisangriffen auf die Modelle. Solche Angriffe auf Attrappen waren schon von normal aufgewachsenen Tieren bekannt. Das unerfahrene Fische dieselbe Musterbevorzugung zeigten, last auf ein genetisch festgelegtes Erkennen schliesen.
Discharge container for the analysis of arsine by sealed inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy

Abstract A discharge container suitable for the formation of an inductively coupled plasma discharge that contains high concentrations of a thermally decomposable elemental hydride (i.e. arsine) is described for spectrochemical analysis. This reusable container can support a discharge at pressures above and below atmospheric pressure in either low flow or static modes. The container geometry also prevents grounding of the radio frequency plasma discharge to the gas handling system.
Influence of dual task constraints on gait performance and bimanual coordination during walking in children with unilateral Cerebral Palsy

Abstract The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effects of dual task constraints on walking and bimanual coordination for children with and without unilateral Cerebral Palsy (CP). Ten children with unilateral CP (age 7–11 years; MACS levels I–II) and ten age-matched typically developed children were asked to first stand still while holding a box level (standing condition), second, to walk along a path (baseline condition), and third to walk again while carrying a box steady and level (dual task condition) at a preferred speed. The results showed that children with unilateral CP decreased their walking speed, stride length, step width, and toe clearance from the floor under dual task constraints when compared to the baseline condition (all p's