cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anästhetika und Analgetika in Schwangerschaft und Stillzeit

Die Betreuung von Schwangeren unter der Geburt gehort zu den Routineaufgaben des Anasthesisten. Gelegentlich mussen operative Eingriffe auch zu einem fruheren Zeitpunkt wahrend der Schwangerschaft vorgenommen werden. Einige grundsatzliche Feststellungen zur Perinataltoxikologie und zu den Gesetzmasigkeiten der Arzneimitteltherapie wahrend der Stillzeit sollen daher in diesem Kapitel zusammengefast werden.
Relations between visceral and behavioral function in men at bedrest

Multiple physiological measurements as well as a self-assessment of arousal was made in eight men on the first, third, and fifth days of bedrest. On the third day, additional measurements of performance on memory and dexterity tasks were made. Univariate analysis did not reveal any physiological variable to either predict subsequent performance well or to co-vary acutely with it; however, self-rating scores did prove to be useful predictors of subsequent performance. Principal components analysis suggested an“alertness” factor comprised of physiological measures as well as selfratings which helped in predicting better performance. Although the individual patterns of correlations between variables on each of the three test days was variable, even more variability between subjects was found on the performance testing day. We believe this effect of behavioral activation may be due to the injection of common, slow temporal trends into many of the different data sets.
Partially catalyzed deuterium and tritium-assisted plasma characteristics

Partially catalyzed deuterium (PCD) fuel cycles and their sensitivity to ash buildup, radiation losses, T /SUB i/ /T /SUB e/ and /sup 3/He consumed are investigated. The study is machine independent, using a simple zero-dimensional steady-state model. The PCD fuel cycles include semi-catalyzed-deuterium where only a fraction of the /sup 3/He fuses and tritium-catalyzed-deuterium where /sup 3/He extracted from the plasma is converted into tritium, which is reinjected. Also considered is tritium-assisted operation where a fraction of the fusion neutrons is used to produce tritium, which is added to the PCD plasma. The PCD and tritium-assisted operation is shown to be attractive for certain nonelectrical applications. They avoid /sup 3/He recirculation required for catalyzed deuterium (Cat-D) operation and enable simplified blanket designs. The ignition temperature, n /SUB epsilon/ /tau/, and power density of PCD plasmas are very energy balance sensitive, but under certain conditions these properties can be comparable or superior to those of Cat-D. Cyclotron radiation losses can significantly impair, whereas tritium assistance can strongly improve, PCD performance.
Is It Ethical to Use Prognostic Estimates from Machine Learning to Treat Psychosis

Machine learning is a method for predicting clinically relevant variables, such as opportunities for early intervention, potential treatment response, prognosis, and health outcomes. This commentary examines the following ethical questions about machine learning in a case of a patient with new onset psychosis: (1) When is clinical innovation ethically acceptable? (2) How should clinicians communicate with patients about the ethical issues raised by a machine learning predictive model?
Evaluating anaerobic soil disinfestation and other biological soil management strategies for open-field tomato production in Florida

In the search for alternative practices to chemical soil fumigation (CSF), anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) has proven to be a promising tool for soil-borne pest management and crop production improvement. The ASD treatment with composted poultry litter (CPL) and molasses (M, a labile carbon source) was identified as an effective approach for a biologically based soil disinfestation system in tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum L.) production in Florida. However, environmental and food-safety concerns are associated with animal manure-based amendments, which led to the exploration of composted yard waste (CYW) as a potential substitute for CPL in ASD application. In this study, field trials were conducted in Citra and Immokalee, FL to examine the effects of ASD using CYW, CPL and M compared with a commercially available microbial amendment system on root-knot nematodes, weeds, fruit yield and quality of fresh-market tomato. Treatments included (1) ASD with CPL (11 Mg ha −1 ) and M (6.9 m 3 ha −1 ) (ASD0.5), (2) ASD with CYW (26.9 Mg ha −1 ) and M (CYW1 + M), (3) ASD with CYW (13.5 Mg ha −1 ) and M (CYW0.5 + M), (4) Soil Symphony Amendment (SSA), (5) CYW (26.9 Mg ha −1 ) alone (CYW1) and (6) a combination of CYW1 + SSA, in comparison with (7) untreated control and (8) CSF (Pic-Clor 60 at 224 kg ha −1 ). Cumulative soil anaerobiosis was greater in ASD0.5 compared with all the other treatments. The root-knot nematode gall index ratings on the tomato crop were significantly lower in CSF, ASD0.5, CYW1 + M and CYW0.5 + M than untreated control in Citra. Although CYW1 and SSA alone had a moderately suppressive effect on weed coverage and root-knot nematodes, their positive impact on crop performance was limited when used alone. ASD0.5, CYW1 + M and CSF had significantly higher marketable and total fruit yields than untreated control in both locations, while all treatments showed promising results in the Immokalee trial in comparison with untreated control. In general, few differences in major fruit quality attributes were found. Although using CYW in ASD was not as effective as CPL in creating soil anaerobic conditions, the enhanced crop performance in CYW1 + M and CYW0.5 + M suggests the potential of using CYW as an alternative source of organic amendment in combination with M to achieve benefits similar to those obtained with CPL-based ASD.
The impact of pediatric atopic dermatitis on families: A review.

Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an extremely common childhood disease, with considerable impact on the quality of life of affected children and their families. While pruritus is the hallmark symptom of this disease, AD has been well-documented to impact patients beyond physical symptoms, resulting in behavior problems, mood disorders, and sleep disturbance. Objective This literature review outlines how atopic dermatitis impacts the quality of life of families of children affected by AD. Methods A total of 3436 articles were identified via an online search of the MEDLINE health literature database and were screened for relevance to quality of life impacts on families with children affected by AD. Results Caring for children affected by AD can be an extremely time-consuming task that can impair personal relationships, decrease psychosocial functioning, and cause sleep loss among family members of affected patients. Additionally, AD may result in work absence or decreased work productivity for caregivers. Special diets, irritant and allergen avoidance strategies, and alternative therapies are commonly used by patients to manage their disease and require large amounts of family involvement. Conclusions Atopic dermatitis can greatly decrease quality of life of families of affected children in various domains, including sleep, finances, and relationships. Early intervention and psychotherapy may be needed in some patients to address these quality of life impairments.
Activity of brentuximab vedotin in AIDS-related primary effusion lymphoma.

Key Points Brentuximab vedotin is active in primary effusion lymphoma, a rare CD30-positive lymphoma with an extremely poor prognosis.
Disability and Educators in Mathematics Schooling Research: A Critical Exploratory Review

In this exploratory review, we use a disability studies lens to analyze the focus and outcomes of 15 recently published research articles that spotlight the role of educators in the mathematics schooling of students with disabilities. The results of our review not only point to continuation of problematic positioning and paradigms in research, but also underscore the value in supporting special educators’ mathematics understandings. Moreover, we note advancements in socio-contextual and socio-political research approaches that afford better understanding of the re/construction of disabled students, spaces, and pedagogy phenomena. We assert that outcomes of this review can inform more just research and practices for students with disabilities in mathematics education.
Loss of Community-Dwelling Status Among Survivors of High-Acuity Emergency General Surgery Disease

Objectives To examine loss of community-dwelling status 9 months after hospitalization for high-acuity emergency general surgery (HA-EGS) disease among older Americans. Design Retrospective analysis of claims data. Setting US communities with Medicare beneficiaries. Participants Medicare beneficiaries age 65 years or older hospitalized urgently/emergently between January 1, 2015, and March 31, 2015, with a principal diagnosis representing potential life or organ threat (necrotizing soft tissue infections, hernias with gangrene, ischemic enteritis, perforated viscus, toxic colitis or gastroenteritis, peritonitis, intra-abdominal hemorrhage) and an operation of interest on hospital days 1 or 2 (N = 3319). Measurements Demographic characteristics (age, race, and sex), comorbidities, principal diagnosis, complications, and index hospitalization disposition (died; discharged to skilled nursing facility [SNF], long-term acute care [LTAC], rehabilitation, hospice, home (with or without services), or acute care hospital; other) were measured. Survivors of index hospitalization were followed until December 31, 2015, on mortality and community-dwelling status (SNF/LTAC vs not). Descriptive statistics, Kaplan-Meier plots, and χ2 tests were used to describe and compare the cohort based on disposition. A multivariable logistic regression model, adjusted for age, sex, comorbidities, complications, and discharge disposition, determined independent predictors of loss of community-dwelling status at 9 months. Results A total of 2922 (88%) survived index hospitalization. Likelihood of discharge to home decreased with increasing age, baseline comorbidities, and in-hospital complications. Overall, 418 (14.3%) HA-EGS survivors died during the follow-up period. Among those alive at 9 months, 10.3% were no longer community dwelling. Initial discharge disposition to any location other than home and three or more surgical complications during index hospitalization were independent predictors of residing in a SNF/LTAC 9 months after surviving HA-EGS. Conclusion Older Americans, known to prioritize living in the community, will experience substantial loss of independence due to HA-EGS. Long-term expectations after surviving HA-EGS must be framed from the perspective of the outcomes that older patients value the most. Further research is needed to examine the quality-of-life burden of EGS survivorship prospectively. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:2289-2297, 2019.
PERK-STING Signaling Drives Neuroinflammation in Traumatic Brain Injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) resulting from excessive contact in sports, blast injuries in war, or occupational hazards is a widespread public health concern. Symptoms associated with TBI include neurocognitive deficits, psychiatric disorders, and encephalopathies. Neuroinflammation plays an
Whale burial and organic matter impacts on biogeochemical cycling in beach aquifers and leachate fluxes to the nearshore zone

Abstract Coastal managers are increasingly faced with the challenge of disposing of stranded whale carcasses on beaches. Direct burial in the beach is often used as a cost effective method of disposal. However, whale burial management plans are often met with public resistance owing to the perceived risk of shark attraction to burial leachate that may discharge from the seabed. A reactive transport model was combined with a numerical variable-density groundwater flow model to assess buried whale leachate plume formation, transport, influence on beach aquifer reactivity, and discharge to coastal surface water for a range of burial setback distances, depths, and whale sizes. A second set of simulations was performed to evaluate aquifer nitrate removal efficiencies for a range of buried wrack scenarios and to evaluate the role of organic carbon source on beach reactivity. A sensitivity analysis was performed for both sets of models across ten physical and reaction parameters. Simulations using the best estimate parameter set showed that whale burials can produce DOC and ammonium leachate plumes in the beach aquifer that are transported to and discharge near the low tide line in water depths of 0.4–2.4 m. DOC and ammonium concentrations in discharging whale leachate were1.6 and 26 times higher than typical surf zone concentrations, respectively. Of the factors tested, the burial distance inland from the high tide line was the most important factor affecting leachate fluxes to surface water. Burials placed farther inland led to smaller DOC fluxes to surface water, but increased ammonium fluxes. Burial depth also affected whale leachate to the subtidal zone, with deeper burials resulting in smaller fluxes of DOC. Leached DOC from whale decomposition and from buried wrack can fuel denitrification hotspots within beach sediments. The sensitivity analysis showed that nitrate removal supported by buried wrack and whale leachate fluxes are highly dependent on beach properties, hydrologic forcing, and reaction parameters. The wrack model results have implications for beach scraping and the whale burial models show that whale leachate can be delivered to the shallow subtidal zone via groundwater discharge pathways, with potential implications for shark attraction and whale burial management practices.
First-Principles Collision Cross Section Measurements of Large Proteins and Protein Complexes.

Rotationally averaged collision cross section (CCS) values for a series of proteins and protein complexes ranging in size from 8.6 to 810 kDa are reported. The CCSs were obtained using a native ele...
Response of exercise-onset vasodilator kinetics to L-citrulline supplementation during different phases of the menstrual cycle.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether L-citrulline (CIT) supplementation during the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle would present differential effects on vasodilator kinetics in dynamically contracting muscle. Twenty-four women were studied during the follicular (day 15 after onset of menses, n = 13) or the luteal phase (day 25 after onset of menses, n = 11). Supplementation with CIT (6g/day) or placebo occurred 7-days prior to testing in a crossover design across two menstrual cycles. Forearm vascular conductance (FVC) was calculated from blood flow and mean arterial pressure measured continuously during handgrip exercise performed at 10% maximal grip strength. FVC was calculated for each duty cycle (contract:relax, 1:2s) and expressed as a change from baseline (ΔFVC) before being fit with a monoexponential model. Amplitude of the ΔFVC response and the number of duty cycles for ΔFVC to reach 63% of steady-state amplitude (τΔFVC) were derived from the model. Analysis of variance showed no difference in the amplitude of ΔFVC between CIT and placebo (p = .45) or between menstrual cycle phases (p = .11). Additionally, τΔFVC was not different (p = .35) between CIT and placebo in women tested during the follicular (6 ± 3 versus 5 ± 3 duty cycles) or luteal phase (9 ± 1 versus 8 ± 1 duty cycles) although τΔFVC was found to be slower for women tested during the luteal as compared to the follicular phase (8 ± 4 versus 5 ± 3 duty cycles, p = .02). These results indicate that exercise-onset vasodilator kinetics is unaltered with CIT supplementation in young healthy women irrespective of menstrual cycle phase.
Racial Disparities in Access to and Utilization of Jail- and Community-Based Mental Health Treatment in 8 US Midwestern Jails in 2017.

Objectives. To examine the dual disproportionality that individuals with serious mental illness and people of color (PoC) occupy in the criminal–legal system.Methods. This study follows a cohort of...
Claims Trading Committee- Sponsor Liability, Including Liability Relating to Sponsors Purchasing Debt or Equity in Their Portfolios- American Bankruptcy Institute 2019 Winter Leadership Conference (Presentation Slides)

These slides accompanied a presentation provided by the American Bankruptcy Institute's Claims Trading Committee at the organization's 2019 Winter Leadership Conference. The presentation was entitled "Sponsor Liability, Including Liability Relating to Sponsors Purchasing Debt or Equity in Their Portfolios,." The presenter was Jay D. Rao and the panel was moderated by the Hon. Elizabeth S. Stong of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of New York. Judge Stong serves as a Co-Chair of the American Bankruptcy Institute's Claims Trading Committee.
Poly-logarithmic approximation for maximum node disjoint paths with constant congestion

We consider the Maximum Node Disjoint Paths (MNDP) problem in undirected graphs. The input consists of an undirected graph G = (V, E) and a collection {(s1, t1),..., (sk, tk)} of k source-sink pairs. The goal is to select a maximum cardinality subset of pairs that can be routed/connected via node-disjoint paths. A relaxed version of MNDP allows up to c paths to use a node, where c is the congestion parameter. We give a polynomial time algorithm that routes Ω(OPT/poly log k) pairs with O(1) congestion, where OPT is the value of an optimum fractional solution to a natural multicommodity flow relaxation. Our result builds on the recent breakthrough of Chuzhoy [17] who gave the first poly-logarithmic approximation with constant congestion for the Maximum Edge Disjoint Paths (MEDP) problem.
Preparation and characterization of anion exchange adsorptive nonwoven membranes with high protein binding capacity

Abstract An anion exchange poly(butylene therephthalate) (PBT) nonwoven membrane with high protein binding capacity was developed by covalent coupling of diethylamine (DEA) to photo-induced poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (polyGMA) brushes grafted to the PBT fibers. The grafted layers were characterized using FTIR and SEM. The rates of adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) to membranes with different grafted layer thicknesses (different average DEA concentrations) were determined. The static BSA binding capacities were found to be 820, 400 and 183 mg BSA/g-membrane at average DEA concentrations of 0.84, 0.35 and 0.20 mmol DEA/g-membrane respectively. These high capacities are indicative of multilayer binding of protein within the grafted layers. The larger binding capacities required longer adsorption times to reach equilibrium, indicating a diffusional resistance to mass transfer within the grafted layers. The average diffusion coefficient was determined. A column packed with anion exchange nonwoven membranes was used to separate human immunoglobulin G (hIgG) from human serum albumin (HSA). The obtained purity and yield of hIgG flowing through the column were 93.4±2% and 94.5±1.5% respectively. The purity and yield of HSA bound and eluted from the membrane were 98±1% and 94±4% respectively. The nonwoven packed column exhibited a high flow permeability (1.1×10 −8 cm 2 ) due to high bed porosity (78%).
Integrable Structures for 2D Euler Equations of Incompressible Inviscid Fluids

In this article, I will report a Lax pair structure, a Backlund-Darboux transformation, and the investigation of homoclinic structures for 2D Euler equations of incompressible inviscid fluids.
Hasim: cycle-accurate multicore performance models on fpgas

The goal of this project is to improve computer architecture by accelerating cycle-accurate performance modeling of multicore processors using FPGAs. Contributions include a distributed technique controlling simulation on a highly-parallel substrate, hardware design techniques to reduce development effort, and a specific framework for modeling shared-memory multicore processors paired with realistic On-Chip Networks. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
Dimensions of 401(k) Plan Design

This paper explores why plan sponsors design their 401(k) plans the way they do. Employing a unique, rich dataset of over five hundred 401(k) plans, we find that these plans are principally a form of tax-motivated compensation under the restriction of federal non-discrimination rules. In other words, to appeal to better-paid workers, employers offer more generous monetary and nonmonetary plan design features. At the same time, complex federal tax rules restrict pay discrimination in favor of the highly-paid employees.
Inversion of the substrate specificity of yeast alcohol dehydrogenase

The relationship between the size of the substrate binding pocket and the catalytic reactivities with varied alcohols was studied with the Saccharomyces cerevisiae alcohol dehydrogenase I (ScADH) and compared with the liver enzymes from horse (EqADH, EE isoenzyme) and monkey (MmADH alpha, alpha-isoenzyme). The yeast enzyme is most active with ethanol, and its activity decreases as the size of the alcohol is increased, whereas the activities of the liver enzymes increase with larger alcohols. The substrate pocket in ScADH was enlarged by single substitutions of Thr-48 to Ser (T48S), Trp-57 to Met (W57M), and Trp-93 to Ala (W93A), and a double change, T48S:W93A, and a triple, T48S:W57M:W93A. The T48S enzyme has the same pattern of activity (V/K) as wild-type ScADH for linear primary alcohols. The W57M enzymes have lowered reactivity with primary and secondary alcohols. The W93A and T48S:W93A enzymes resemble MmADH alpha in having an inverted specificity pattern for primary alcohols, being 3- and 10-fold more active on hexanol and 350- and 540-fold less active on ethanol, and are as reactive as the liver enzymes with long chain primary alcohols. The three Ala-93 enzymes also acquired weak activity on branched chain alcohols and cyclohexanol.
Chinese Remainder Theorem Based Hierarchical Access Control for Secure Group Communication

Secure group communication with hierarchical access control refers to a scenario where a group of members is divided into a number of subgroups located at different privilege levels and a high-level subgroup can receive and decrypt messages within any of its descendant lower-level subgroups; but the converse is not allowed. In this paper, we propose a new scheme CRTHACS, which is based on the Chinese Remainder Theorem. The scheme not only enables secure hierarchical control but also provides the following properties: hiding of hierarchy and receivers, authentication of both senders and messages, and a mechanism for the receiver to directly derive the key of a message.
Metabolic Acidosis of CKD: An Update

The kidney has the principal role in the maintenance of acid-base balance. Therefore, a decrease in renal ammonium excretion and a positive acid balance often leading to a reduction in serum bicarbonate concentration are observed in the course of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The decrease in serum bicarbonate concentration is usually absent until glomerular filtration rate decreases to 24 mEq/L might be associated with worsening of cardiovascular disease adds complexity to treatment decisions. Further study of the mechanisms through which metabolic acidosis contributes to the progression of CKD, as well as the pathways involved in mediating the benefits and complications of base therapy, is warranted.
K2xSn4−xS8−x (x = 0.65–1): a new metal sulfide for rapid and selective removal of Cs+, Sr2+ and UO22+ ions

The fission of uranium produces radionuclides, 137Cs and 90Sr, which are major constituents of spent nuclear fuel. The half-life of 137Cs and 90Sr is nearly 30 years and thus that makes them harmful to human life and the environment. The selective removal of these radionuclides in the presence of high salt concentrations from industrial nuclear waste is necessary for safe storage. Here we report the synthesis and crystal structure of K2xSn4−xS8−x (x = 0.65–1, KTS-3) a material which exhibits excellent Cs+, Sr2+ and UO22+ ion exchange properties in varying conditions. The compound adopts a layered structure which consists of exchangeable potassium ions sandwiched between infinite layers of octahedral and tetrahedral tin centers. K2xSn4−xS8−x (x = 0.65–1, KTS-3) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c with cell parameters a = 13.092(3) A, b = 16.882(2) A, c = 7.375(1) A and β = 98.10(1)°. Refinement of the single crystal diffraction data revealed the presence of Sn vacancies in the tetrahedra that are long range ordered. The interlayer potassium ions of KTS-3 can be exchanged for Cs+, Sr2+ and UO22+. KTS-3 exhibits rapid and efficient ion exchange behavior in a broad pH range. The distribution coefficients (Kd) for KTS-3 are high for Cs+ (5.5 × 104), Sr2+ (3.9 × 105) and UO22+ (2.7 × 104) at neutral pH (7.4, 6.9, 5.7 ppm Cs+, Sr2+ and UO22+, respectively; V/m ∼ 1000 mL g−1). KTS-3 exhibits impressive Cs+, Sr2+ and UO22+ ion exchange properties in high salt concentration and over a broad pH range, which coupled with the low cost, environmentally friendly nature and facile synthesis underscores its potential in treating nuclear waste.
Bioconversion of solar energy to methane

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to report the results of an investigation of the energy conversion efficiency of an aquatic based fuel-from-biomass system. The bases of the system are the biochemical conversions of solar energy to algal biomass to methane which is, in turn, used as auxiliary fuel for a fossil-fuel-fired steam-electric power plant. The alga used in the research was Anabaena flos-aque , a blue-green alga possessing many of the characteristics desired in an energy crop. The results of the research indicate that renewable methane can significantly reduce the imported fossil fuel requirement of the power station; that an overall efficiency of the conversion of solar energy to methane of one percent is attainable; and that energy inputs account for 12% of the methane fuel value.
Preparation and characterization of bone and tooth collagen for isotopic analysis

Abstract Criteria are presented for the identification of diagenetic alteration of carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios of bone and tooth collagen prepared by a widely used method. Measurements of collagen concentrations in tooth and bone, atomic C:N ratios, and carbon and nitrogen concentrations in collagen of 359 historic and prehistoric African humans, and modern and prehistoric East African non-human mammals are described. Carbon isotope ratios of collagen lipids from four bones are also presented. Compared to bone, whole teeth have significantly lower collagen concentrations, lower carbon and nitrogen concentrations in collagen, and similar C:N ratios. Carbon and nitrogen concentrations and C:N ratios are relatively constant over a wide range of collagen concentrations. However, prehistoric specimens with very low collagen concentrations have highly variable C:N ratios, very low carbon and nitrogen concentrations in collagen, and stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios unlike collagen. At the transition from well-preserved to poorly preserved collagen the most reliable indicator of collagen preservation is the concentration of carbon and nitrogen in collagen. Concentrations of C and N drop abruptly by an order of magnitude at this transition point. These attributes provide simple criteria for assessing sample quality. Since collagen preservation can vary greatly within prehistoric sites, these attributes should be reported for each specimen. Use of purification procedures that remove acid- and base-soluble contaminants and particulate matter (carbonates, fulvic acids, lipids, humic acids, sediments and rootlets) are recommended. Wider adoption of these procedures would insure comparability of results between laboratories, and permit independent and objective evaluation of sample preservation, and more precise dietary, climatic, and habitat interpretations of collagen isotopic analyses.
Salvia Divinorum Use among a College Student Sample

The recreational use of Salvia divinorum has received increased attention by media outlets and policy-makers in recent years. The vast absence of research to guide the dissemination of information has prompted this research note describing the use of this substance in a large public institution of higher education. The prevalence of Salvia divinorum is described in this context and a description of patterns of use, methods of acquisition, and a subjective estimation of continuance are proffered.
Evaluation of a tunable bandpass reaction cell inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer for the determination of selenium in serum and urine

Abstract A Dynamic Reaction Cell™ inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (DRC-ICP-MS) was evaluated for the determination of selenium in serum and urine. Reaction cell conditions were evaluated for the suppression of Ar2+ dimer at m/z 78 and 80 using methane as the reaction gas. A diluent containing 10% ethanol, 1% nitric acid, 0.5% Triton X-100 with gallium and yttrium internal standards was used to dilute urine and serum samples. Instrument response calibration was achieved by using aqueous acidic standards spiked into a urine matrix. Slopes for aqueous inorganic selenium, seleno- dl -cystine, seleno- dl -methionine and trimethylselenonium iodide spiked into urine and serum matrices were nearly identical. In general, reagent blank readings and detection limits were significantly lower in the DRC mode (reaction cell pressurized) than the standard mode (cell vented). Average results for the analysis of National Institute of Standards and Technology Standard Reference Material (NIST SRM) 1598 bovine serum (attained over 13 days) are: 43.8±3.6 μg Se/l. Reference concentration is 43.6±3.6 μg Se/l. For NIST SRM 2670 Normal Urine the DRC-ICP-MS results are 30.7±4.6 μg Se/l with a certified concentration of 30±8 μg Se/l. For NIST SRM 2670 Elevated Urine the DRC-ICP-MS results are 463±35 μg Se/l with a certified concentration of 460±30 μg Se/l. The DRC-ICP-MS results for selenium determinations in urine and serum survey samples from the Institut National de Sante Publique du Quebec were compared with the reference concentrations and results produced by conventional ICP-MS. While conventional ICP-MS gave acceptable results for survey samples, DRC-ICP-MS gave excellent results for both urine and sera. Closer correlation was observed for DRC-ICP-MS results with target concentrations than with conventional ICP-MS.
Differential responses of DNA and RNA polymerase to modifications of the template rat liver DNA caused by action of the carcinogen acetylaminofluorene in vivo and in vitro.

Abstract Rats were fed a diet containing 2-acetylaminofluorene fot periods of 2–32 weeks, then sacrificed; DNA isolated from their livers was used as template in RNA polymerase (nucleosidetriphosphate: RNA nucleotidyltransferase, EC 2.7.7.6) and DNA polymerase (deoxynucleosidetriphosphate: DNA deoxynucleotidyltransferase, EC 2.7.7.7) systems. The activity of the liver DNA in supporting RNA synthesis, as measured by the incorporation of [3H]CMP, showed considerable (up to 58 %) decrease as a result of feeding 2-acetylaminofluorene, while the incorporation of [3H]UMP and [3H]AMP showed smaller decreases as compared to the levels of incorporation when DNA isolated from the livers of the control animals was used as template. The DNA polymerase priming activity of the same DNA isolates, as measured by the incorporation of [3H]dT (in the presence of the kinases), showed no significant change as a result of feeding 2-acetylaminofluorene, until the appearance (after 20–32 weeks) of macroscopically visible neoplasms. The DNA isolated from these cancerous livers showed significantly higher priming activity than the liver DNA of the control animals. Treatment of rat liver DNA in vitro with relatively high concentrations of N- acetoxy -2- acetylaminofluorene resulted in an extensively modified DNA. This material had no activity as a template for RNA polymerase and a diminished priming activity for DNA polymerase. It competitively inhibited the priming of RNA and DNA polymerases by untreated DNA at concentration ratios of 1:5 and 1:100, respectively.
Applying complexity measures to rule-based prolog programs

Abstract Four measures are developed and empirically tested that attempt to quantify the complexity of rule-based Prolog programs in terms of measuring the dependency between rules. The measures are lines of code (LOC), number of rules (NR), number of unique predicate nodes (UPN), and McCabe's cyclomatic complexity model, v(G). The UPN and v(G) measures are developed by reducing a Prolog program to its most abstract graphical form and then counting the nodes and arcs represented by the graph. The four measures are tested in terms of their ability to distinguish between a set of 80 professionally developed programs, divided into groups of error-prone and error-free programs. Unpaired student's t-tests showed that UPN is a significantly better measure of complexity (ρ=0.002–0.006) than any of the other measures (ρ=0.096–0.609). Finally, by plotting the cumulative frequency of errors across the sample, it is possible to observe a threshold point of around 35 ± 5 UPN, above which Prolog programs contain significantly more errors (ρ=0.000).
Up‐regulation of D3 dopamine receptor mRNA by neuroleptics

The effects of 14 days neuroleptic treatment on the expression of the D3 dopamine receptor gene was investigated in rats using a sensitive polymerase chain reaction assay. In olfactory tubercle, D3 mRNA levels increased following haloperidol (40%), pimozide (56%), and sulpiride (63%) administration, and in nucleus accumbens, levels increased after haloperidol (50%) and sulpiride (50%). D3 expression in the motor striatum did not change with any antagonist tested. Clozapine did not affect D3 expression in any brain region. These data suggest that dopamine antagonists can regulate the expression of the D3 receptor in a brain region selective manner. The findings also suggest that the motor complications of chronic antipsychotic therapy are not due to D3 receptor up-regulation in the striatum.
Claudio Ciborra: his life as a formative context

I am pleased to be invited to join in this tribute to Claudio Ciborra, someone whose influence on me was early and continuous, while constantly developing new directions and insights. Our last meet...
A simultaneous endoscopic and laparoscopic approach for management of early iatrogenic bile duct obstruction.

Background Bile duct occlusion secondary to inadvertent application of a surgical clip or suture usually is managed with endoscopic or surgical exploration. Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel method of simultaneous endoscopic and laparoscopic approach in patients with acute iatrogenic bile duct obstruction. Design Single arm study and single center design. Setting University medical center. Patients Three consecutive patients diagnosed with complete or near-complete obstruction of a bile duct after cholecystectomy were identified for inclusion. Interventions Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and laparoscopy was performed simultaneously. Surgeon removes the surgical clips or suture from the bile duct with concurrent ERCP by endoscopist to assess and treat bile duct injury following resolution of the block. Main Outcome Measurements Technical and clinical success rate and adverse events. Results All of the patients were seen between 5 and 7 days after cholecystectomy. The diagnosis of obstructed bile duct was established by ERCP. The guidewire failed to negotiate across the obstruction in one of these patients. In another patient, a guidewire could be passed, but a biliary stent could not be deployed across the high-grade stricture. In a third patient, only a single biliary stent (7F × 11 cm) could be placed across the obstruction, with significant difficulty. In all the patients, simultaneous ERCP and laparoscopy were performed immediately to remove the surgical clips and/or sutures from the bile duct, followed by placement of biliary stents. Limitations Small series. Conclusion The concurrent endoscopic and laparoscopic approach for the management of acute iatrogenic common bile duct obstruction is associated with rapid and complete recovery.
Clarification of Lupinus grisebachianus, L. subacaulis and L. subinflatus (Leguminosae).

Three species of caespitose, alpine to subalpine lupines of north-western Argentina, adjacent Bolivia, and northern Chile, that have been misin terpreted and clerically mixed, are described, keyed and illustrated.
Equilibrium in local marijuana games

Abstract We examine black market marijuana agriculture with the tools of game theory, population biology, and marginal analysis. A local marijuana game (LMG) is a nonlinear dynamical system, the totality of optimizing behavior of Growers, Ripoffs, and Narcs in an environment where agent behavior does not affect the constant marijuana price. Growers grow, Ripoffs steal, and Narcs eradicate and arrest. Growers resemble K-strategists, Ripoffs resemble r-strategists, and Narcs resemble predators. We study two types of LMG equilibria: n-person game-theoretic equilibria and ecological steady-state carrying capacities. The population ratio of Growers to Ripoffs drives the game-theoretic equilibria. We show that Narc increase induces Ripoff increase and that optimal Grower planting strategies resemble the optimal nesting strategies of many species. A minimal mathematical model describes the LMG carrying capacity as the maximal sustainable proportion of planted marijuana patchland given any agent mix. The carrying capacity defines a unique fixed-point equilibrium of the LMG dynamical system, and the LMG system quickly converges to it exponentially. A simple testable relationship describes this equilibrium patch proportion Pe: Pe = 1 — (r + n)/g. The equilibrium analysis applies with change of coefficients to black market poppy and coca shrub agriculture. We discuss extensions to similar games, including the “border game” played by Aliens, Bandits, and Patrols.
DC electronic transport in binary arsenic chalcogenide glasses

Abstract dc conductivity and Seebeck measurements have been carried out at temperatures below T g on well characterized bulk samples of amorphous As 2 Te 3 , As 2 Se 3 , and As 2 S 3 . Several models for conduction in these materials have been compared to the data. It is concluded that the models involving polaron hopping conduction are in better agreement with available data than are models involving hopping in the tails of localized band-tail states.
Natural Resource Transformation: Incorporating Identity

Natural resource issues provide a useful context for analysing and intervening in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict because environmental destruction harms both Israelis and Palestinians given their...
The endogenous ligand Stunted of the GPCR Methuselah extends lifespan in Drosophila

Many extracellular signals are transmitted to the interior of the cell by receptors with seven membrane-spanning helices that trigger their effects by means of heterotrimeric guanine-nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins (G proteins)1,2,3,4. These G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) control various physiological functions in evolution from pheromone-induced mating in yeast to cognition in humans5,6. The potential role of the G-protein signalling system in the control of animal ageing has been highlighted by the genetic revelation that mutation of a GPCR encoded by methuselah extends the lifespan of adult Drosophila flies7. How methuselah functions in controlling ageing is not clear. A first essential step towards the understanding of methuselah function is to determine the ligands of Methuselah. Here we report the identification and characterization of two endogenous peptide ligands of Methuselah, designated Stunted A and B. Flies with mutations in the gene encoding these ligands show an increase in lifespan and resistance to oxidative stress. We conclude that the Stunted–Methuselah system is involved in the control of animal ageing.
Combination of Anti-IGF-1R Antibody A12 and Ionizing Radiation in Upper Respiratory Tract Cancers

Purpose The IGF1/IGF-1R signaling pathway has emerged as a potential determinant of radiation resistance in human cancer cell lines. Therefore we investigated the potency of monoclonal anti-IGF-1R antibody, A12, to enhance radiation response in upper respiratory tract cancers. Methods and Materials Cell lines were assessed for IGF-1R expression and IGF1-dependent response to A12 or radiation using viability and clonogenic cancer cell survival assays. In vivo response of tumor xenografts to 10 or 20 Gy and A12 (0.25–2 mg × 3) was assessed using growth delay assays. Combined treatment effects were also analyzed by immunohistochemical assays for tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, necrosis, and vascular endothelial growth factor expression at Days 1 and 6 after start of treatment. Results A12 enhanced the radiosensitivity of HN5 and FaDu head-and-neck carcinomas in vitro ( p p p p Conclusions The results of this study strengthen the evidence for investigating how anti-IGF-1R strategies can be integrated into radiation and radiation-cetuximab regimen in the treatment of cancer of the upper aerodigestive tract cancers.
Does Screening for Depression in Primary Care Improve Outcome

2012 marks one decade since the US Preventive Services Task Force recommended screening for depression. Advances since then include expanded understanding of the mechanisms underlying and influences of psychiatric disease on the development, course and outcomes of medical conditions. They also include collaborative care strategies to improve outcomes. However, the impact of such single disease approaches has been disappointing. Strategies that integrate management of multiple morbidities into primary care practice have greatly improved outcomes. Depression has been the only psychiatric condition incorporated into these strategies. Their expansion to integrate recognition and care of bipolar disease, anxiety disorders including PTSD, and substance abuse could further improve outcomes with modest marginal cost. Development of a screening and treatment monitoring instrument for multiple common psychiatric conditions is a prerequisite. One recently developed instrument, the M3, has the performance characteristics desirable, and provides opportunity to incorporate multiple common psychiatric conditions into multimorbidity integrated management.
Identification of the different intermediates in the interaction of (A)BC excinuclease with its substrates by DNase I footprinting on two uniquely modified oligonucleotides.

Abstract (A)BC excinuclease is the enzymatic activity resulting from the joint actions of UvrA, UvrB and UvrC proteins of Escherichia coli . The enzyme removes from DNA many types of adducts of dissimilar structures with different efficiencies. To understand the mechanism of substrate recognition and the basis of enzyme specificity, we investigated the interactions of the three subunits with two synthetic substrates, one containing a psoralen-thymine monoadduct and the other a thymine dimer. Using DNase I as a probe, we found that UvrA makes a 33 base-pair footprint around the psoralen-thymine adduct and that UvrA-UvrB make a 45 base-pair asymmetric footprint characterized by a hypersensitive site 11 nucleotides 5′ to the adduct and protection mostly on the 3′ side of the damage. Conditions that favor dissociation of UvrA from the UvrA-UvrB-DNA complex, such as addition of excess undamaged DNA to the reaction mixture, resulted in the formation of a 19 base-pair UvrB footprint. In contrast, a thymine dimer in a similar sequence context failed to elicit a UvrA, a UvrA-UvrB or UvrB footprint and gave rise to a relatively weak DNase I hypersensitive site typical of a UvrA-UvrB complex. Dissociation of UvrA from the UvrA-UvrB-DNA complex stimulated the rate of incision of both substrates upon addition of UvrC, leading us to conclude that UvrA is not a part of the incision complex and that it actually interferes with incision. The extent of incision of the two substrates upon addition of UvrC (70% for the psoralen adduct and 20% for the thymine dimer) was proportional to the extent of formation of the UvrA-UvrB-DNA (i.e. UvrB-DNA) complex, indicating that substrate discrimination occurs at the preincision step.
Phase 1 trial of temozolomide plus irinotecan plus O6-benzylguanine in adults with recurrent malignant glioma

BACKGROUND: The current study was a phase 1 clinical trial conducted with patients who had recurrent or progressive malignant glioma (MG). The trial was designed to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and toxicity of irinotecan (CPT-11) when administered with temozolomide (TMZ) and O6-benzylguanine (O6-BG). METHODS: All 3 drugs, CPT-11, TMZ, and O6-BG, were administered on Day 1 of a 21-day treatment. First, patients were treated with a 1-hour bolus infusion of O6-BG at a dose of 120 mg/m2 followed immediately by a 48-hour continuous infusion of O6-BG at a dose of 30 mg/m2/d. Second, within 60 minutes of the end of the 1-hour bolus infusion of O6-BG, TMZ was administered orally at a dose of 355 mg/m2. Third, 1 hour after administration of TMZ, CPT-11 was infused over 90 minutes. Patients were accrued to 1 of 2 strata based on CYP3A1- and CYP3A4-inducing antiepileptic drug (EIAED) use; dose escalation was conducted independently within these strata. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients were enrolled. In both strata, the dose-limiting toxicities were hematologic and included grade 4 neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, leukopenia, and/or thrombocytopenia. For Stratum 1 (EIAEDs), when TMZ was administered at a dose of 355 mg/m2, the MTD of CPT-11 was determined to be 120 mg/m2. In contrast, for Stratum 2 (no EIAEDs), when TMZ was administered at a dose of 200 mg/m2, the MTD of CPT-11 was determined to be 80 mg/m2. CONCLUSIONS: The authors believe that the results of the current study provide the foundation for a phase 2 trial of O6-BG in combination with CPT-11 and TMZ in patients with MG. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Examining pressure-induced phase transformations in silicon by spherical indentation and Raman spectroscopy: A statistical study

Unloading rate and maximum load have been previously shown to affect theresponse of silicon to sharp indentation, but no such study exists for spherical indentation. In this work, a statistical analysis of over 1900 indentations made with a 13.5-μm radius spherical indenter on a single-crystal silicon wafer over a range of loads (25–700 mN) and loading/unloading rates (1–30 mN/s) is presented. The location of “pop-in” and “pop-out” events, most likely due to pressure-induced phase transformations, is noted, as well as pressures at which they occur. Multiple occurrences of pop-in and pop-out events arereported. Raman micro-spectroscopy shows a higher intensity of metastable silicon phases at some depth under the surface of theresidual impression, where the highest shear stresses are present. A stability range for Si-II is demonstrated and compared with previousresults for Berkovich indentation.
Efficient information compression in sensor networks

In the emerging area of wireless sensor networks, one of the most typical challenges is to retrieve historical information from the sensor nodes. Due to the resource limitations of sensor nodes (processing, memory, bandwidth and energy), the collected information of sensor nodes has to be compressed quickly and precisely for transmission. In this paper, we propose a new technique the Adaptive Learning Vector Quantisation (ALVQ) algorithm to compress this historical information. The Adaptive LVQ (ALVQ) algorithm constructs a codebook to capture the prominent features of the data and with these features all the other data can be piece-wise encoded for compression. In addition, we extend our ALVQ algorithm to compress multidimensional information by transforming the multidimensional data into one-dimensional data array. Finally, we consider the problem of transmitting data in a sensor network while maximising the precision. We show how we apply our algorithm so that a set of sensors can dynamically share a wireless communication channel.