cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Additive Effect of Age on Disability for Individuals With Spinal Cord Injuries

Abstract Objective To examine the additive effect of age on disability for adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). Design Prospective cohort study. Setting SCI Model Systems. Participants Individuals with SCI (median age at injury, 32y; range, 6–88y) with a discharge motor FIM score and at least 1 follow-up motor FIM score who also provided measures of other covariates (N=1660). Of the total sample, 79% were men, 72% were white, 16% had incomplete paraplegia, 33% had complete paraplegia, 30% had incomplete tetraplegia, and 21% had complete tetraplegia. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures The primary study outcome was the motor subscale of the FIM. A mixed-models approach was used to examine the additive effect of age on disability for individuals with SCI. Results When controlling for motor FIM at discharge from rehabilitation, level and severity of injury, age at injury, sex, race, and the age × time interaction were not significant ( P =.07). Age at the time of SCI was significantly associated with motor FIM (F 1,238 =22.49, P P =.03, P =.02) and age × time-square ( P =.01, P =.006) models. Trajectory of motor FIM scores is moderated slightly by age at the time of injury. The older participants were at the time of injury, the greater the curvature and the more rapid decline were found in later years. Conclusions These findings indicate that age moderately influences disability for some individuals with SCI: the older the age at the time of injury, the greater the influence age has on disability. The findings serve as an important empirical foundation for the evaluation and development of interventions designed to augment accelerated aging experienced by individuals with SCI.
Passive TCF compensation in high Q silicon micromechanical resonators

This paper reports on passive temperature compensation techniques for high quality factor (Q) silicon microresonators based on engineering the geometry of the resonator and its material properties. A 105 MHz concave silicon bulk acoustic resonator (CBAR) fabricated on a boron-doped substrate with a resistivity of 10−3 Ω-cm manifests a linear temperature coefficient of frequency (TCF) of −6.3 ppm/°C while exhibiting a Q of 101,550 (fQ = 1.06×1013). The TCF is further reduced by engineering the material property via a wafer-level aluminum thermomigration process to −3.6 ppm/°C while maintaining an fQ of over 4×1012. Such high fQ products with low TCF values are being reported for the first time in silicon and are critical for successful insertion of these devices into low-power low-phase noise frequency references and high performance resonant sensors.
Thermal characterization of shape memory polymer blends for biomedical implantations

Abstract Two solution-based shape memory polymers (SMPs) were investigated that undergo 50-fold changes in their elastic moduli as these polyurethanes are heated above their respective glass transition temperatures (Tg) of 25 and 55°C. Because biomedical implantations require transformation temperatures that are nominally 37°C, such polymer solutions must be blended to achieve the correct Tg. After the temperature of solvent evaporation and the quantity of solvent present were measured by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), a drop of each as-received solution and five blends were isothermally heated to +150°C for 5 min using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Thereafter, the mean Tg s were determined at the start, midpoint, and finish of the transition following two successive runs. Values of the complex modulus (E∗) and loss tangent (tan δ) were measured for each blend at 1.1, 11, and 110 Hz from −20 to + 100°C by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). From the results we conclude that these SMPs do not deliver a reliable Tg in the temperature range of interest, a narrow temperature transformation, or an extended range of E∗ values. Consequently, these SMPs do not support our present biomedical implantations that require “elasticity memory”.
Deflating Existence Away? A Critique of Azzouni's Nominalism

In his Deflating Existential Consequence, Azzouni claims to be a nominalist. Yet, he also says that it is philosophically indeterminate which criterion for what exists is correct. Nominalism is the view that certain objects (i.e., abstract objects) do not exist, and not the view that it is philosophically indeterminate whether or not they do. I resolve the dilemma that Azzouni's claims pose: Azzouni is a non-factualist about what exists, but he is a factualist about which criterion for what exists our community of speakers has adopted. It is in the latter sense only that Azzouni can call himself a nominalist.
Understanding the effects of oxygen administration in haemorrhagic shock.

Aims and objectives: The aim of this article is to provide a review of the literature regarding oxygen administration and the use of oxygen in patients experiencing haemorrhagic shock (HS). Results: Oxygen is administered to patients to assist them in maintaining oxygenation. The administration of oxygen is complex and varies significantly among patients. In order to optimize patient care, clinicians need to be aware of the potential effects, both beneficial and harmful, that oxygen can have on the body. Inclusion and exclusion criteria: Literature inclusion criteria for this article was any article (1995 to present) pertaining to oxygen administration and HS. Also included were articles related to tissue injury caused by an overabundance of free radicals with the administration of oxygen. Articles related to oxygen and wound healing, pollution, aerospace, food and industrial uses were excluded. Conclusions: This review of the literature provides an overview of the use of oxygen in clinical practice and HS. The harmful effects of oxygen are highlighted to alert the clinician to this potential when there is an overabundance of oxygen. Relevance to clinical practice: Oxygen is one of the most common drugs used in the medical community; however, the effects of oxygen on the body are not well understood. The use of oxygen if not prescribed correctly can cause cellular damage and death. Clinicians need to be more aware of the effects of oxygen and the damage it may cause if not administered properly.
Voltage control obtained by varying transformer ratio

The general principle of changing the ratio of power transformers without interrupting the load, by means of transformer taps and a multiple circuit, is described. Although this principle is not new, a detailed description of the characteristics of this method of securing voltage control is desirable on account of the increasing number of applications to large power transformers.
Indoor tanning by adolescents: prevalence, practices and policies

Despite known acute and chronic health effects from the use of indoor tanning, including the potential for all forms of skin cancer, the practice is popular in the United States (US) and Europe. A review of the scientific literature that examines adolescents and indoor tanning use was undertaken, summarising what is known about prevalence and practices among adolescents, characteristics associated with adolescent use, and policies that regulate adolescent access to indoor tanning facilities. The prevalence of indoor tanning is consistently found to be higher among girls than boys and to increase with age in both Europe and the US. An examination of other demographic characteristics, skin cancer risk factors, knowledge, attitudes and social factors points to higher prevalence of the behaviour among adolescents with positive attitudes towards tans and whose friends or parents also tan indoors. Adolescent access to indoor tanning is rarely regulated in the US or Europe, and where regulations exist, business compliance is low. In addition, businesses actively market their product to adolescents as they organise to limit further regulations prohibiting adolescent access. Pricing, licensure, advertising restrictions and media campaigns, in combination with adolescent-targeted interventions, are possible strategies that could be tested for their effectiveness to reduce adolescent indoor tanning use. Harm reduction policies, such as eye protection, that reduce risk for adolescents who choose to tan indoors, are also important.
Eliminating catheter-related bloodstream infections in the intensive care unit.

Objective To determine whether a multifaceted systems intervention would eliminate catheter-related bloodstream infections (CR-BSIs). Design Prospective cohort study in a surgical intensive care unit (ICU) with a concurrent control ICU. Setting The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Patients All patients with a central venous catheter in the ICU. Intervention To eliminate CR-BSIs, a quality improvement team implemented five interventions: educating the staff; creating a catheter insertion cart; asking providers daily whether catheters could be removed; implementing a checklist to ensure adherence to evidence-based guidelines for preventing CR-BSIs; and empowering nurses to stop the catheter insertion procedure if a violation of the guidelines was observed. Measurement The primary outcome variable was the rate of CR-BSIs per 1,000 catheter days from January 1, 1998, through December 31, 2002. Secondary outcome variables included adherence to evidence-based infection control guidelines during catheter insertion. Main results Before the intervention, we found that physicians followed infection control guidelines during 62% of the procedures. During the intervention time period, the CR-BSI rate in the study ICU decreased from 11.3/1,000 catheter days in the first quarter of 1998 to 0/1,000 catheter days in the fourth quarter of 2002. The CR-BSI rate in the control ICU was 5.7/1,000 catheter days in the first quarter of 1998 and 1.6/1,000 catheter days in the fourth quarter of 2002 (p = .56). We estimate that these interventions may have prevented 43 CR-BSIs, eight deaths, and 1,945,922 dollars in additional costs per year in the study ICU. Conclusions Multifaceted interventions that helped to ensure adherence with evidence-based infection control guidelines nearly eliminated CR-BSIs in our surgical ICU.
University/industry research

The problems encountered in mixing industrial and university research goals can be major, but so can the benefits. The National Science Board (NSB) recently released a report on “University-Industry Research Relationships: Selected Studies” (U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC, 1983). It is an analysis of the much-discussed new trend toward increased industrial funding of university research projects. University laboratories cannot generally solve industry's R&D problems. Success for the corporation in sponsoring academic research is realized in the value of cooperative research programs as training exercises for future industrial scientists. An occasional patent arising from such a project is considered an added benefit, not a primary goal.
Leading-Edge Flow Structure of a Dynamically Pitching NACA 0012 Airfoil

The leading-edge flow structure of the NACA 0012 airfoil is experimentally investigated under dynamic-stall conditions (M=0.1; α=16.7, 22.4 deg; Rec=1×106) using planar particle image velocimetry. The airfoil was dynamically pitched about the one-fourth chord at a reduced frequency, k=0.1. As expected, on the upstroke, the flow remains attached in the leading-edge region above the static stall angle, whereas during downstroke, the flow remains separated below the static stall angle. A phase-averaging procedure involving triple velocity decomposition in combination with the Hilbert transform enables the entire dynamic-stall process to be visualized in phase space, with the added benefit of the complete phase space composed of numerous wing oscillations. The formation and complex evolution of the leading-edge vortex are observed. This vortex is seen to grow, interact with the surrounding vorticity, detach from the surface, and convect downstream. A statistical analysis coupled with instantaneous realization...
A Taxonomy Based on Revenue Dependency for Private Master's Universities

This article expands on the previous work of Maniaci, Poole, and Wilson by presenting a taxonomy based on the level of reliance for operations from annual giving and endowment payout. The authors anticipate that the taxonomy may be a useful means of increasing situational awareness for institutional decision makers. The authors offer possibilities for using the taxonomy to determine effectiveness and efficiency of fiscal management, selectivity in its admission process, and selection of a president. They also foresee its utility as a consideration in many other aspects of long-term strategic planning.
Prevalence and timing of bend relief disconnection in patients supported by the late version HeartMate II left ventricular assist device.

Background On April 4, 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a Class 1R recall of the HeartMate II (Thoratec Corporation, Pleasanton, CA) left ventricular assist device (LVAD) due to spontaneous detachment of the bend relief from its intended position in patients implanted with the most recent version of the HM II. This study examined the incidence and timing of outflow graft bend relief disconnection in patients implanted with the HM II LVAD. Methods All patients supported with the modified version of the HM II LVAD were asked to report for dedicated abdominal X-ray imaging to assess the position of the bend relief. Also performed was a retrospective review of X-ray images of all patients who had previously been supported with this version but had since received a transplant, undergone LVAD explant, or died. Results Between March 9, 2011, and April 9, 2012, 59 patients underwent primary implant with the modified version HM II. Follow up X-ray images were available for 56 patients (95%). The bend relief was found fully disconnected in 6 of 56 (11%) and partially disconnected in 13 (23%). Two of 6 patients (33%) with full bend relief disconnection and 1 of 13 of the initially partially disconnected patients (7.7%) required urgent surgical intervention due to symptoms of hemolysis and/or heart failure. Conclusions Bend relief disconnection is common and may be observed immediately after implant but may also develop over time. Full bend relief disconnect may present with hemolysis and/or heart failure symptoms and often requires surgical revision. Surveillance abdominal X-ray imaging should be performed routinely on all patients who were implanted with the modified version HM II.
Subclinical immunologic and physiologic responses in hexamethylene diisocyanate-exposed auto body shop workers

Background Diisocyanates are potent sensitizing agents and currently the most commonly identified cause of occupational asthma in industrialized countries. However, diisocyanate asthma is difficult to diagnose and exposure and host risk factors are unclear. Auto body shops, one of the most common hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) exposure settings, are particularly difficult to study due to their small size and episodic exposures. Surveillance studies of such workers are limited. Objectives We have initiated a cross-sectional field epidemiologic study, Survey of Painters and Repairers of Auto bodies by Yale (SPRAY), to characterize the effects of diisocyanate exposures on actively employed auto body shop workers. Methods and Results We present here questionnaire, physiologic, immunologic, and exposure data on 75 subjects enrolled in the study. No overt cases of clinically apparent diisocyanate asthma were identified based on spirometry, methacholine challenge, peak flows, and symptoms. HDI-specific lymphocyte proliferation was present in 30% of HDI-exposed workers and HDI-specific IgG in 34% of HDI-exposed workers, but they were not associated. HDI-specific IgE was detected in two workers. HDI-specific lymphocyte proliferation, increased methacholine responsiveness, and symptoms of chest tightness and shortness of breath were more common in the most heavily HDI-exposed workers, the painters. More long-term follow-up of this cohort should clarify the significance of these HDI-specific immunologic responses, physiologic changes, and symptoms. Conclusions These findings demonstrate the presence of HDI-specific immune responses in a large proportion of healthy HDI-exposed workers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 39:587–597, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A case study of carbon fluxes from land change in the Southwest Brazilian Amazon

Worldwide, land change is responsible for one-fifth of anthropogenic carbon emissions. In Brazil, three-quarters of carbon emissions originate from land change. This study represents a municipal-scale study of carbon fluxes from vegetation in Rio Branco, Brazil. Land-cover maps of pasture, forest, and secondary growth from 1993, 1996, 1999, and 2003 were produced using an unsupervised classification method (overall accuracy = 89%). Carbon fluxes from land change over the decade of imagery were estimated from transitions between land-cover categories for each time interval. This article presents new methods for estimating emissions reductions from carbon stored in the vegetation that replaces forests (e.g., pasture) and sequestration by new (>10–15 years) forests, which reduced gross emissions by 16, 15, and 22% for the period of 1993–1996, 1996–1999, and 1999–2003, respectively. The methods used in the analysis are broadly applicable and provide a comprehensive characterization of regional-scale carbon fl...
AT-39A RANDOMIZED PHASE II TRIAL OF VANDETANIB (ZD6474) IN COMBINATION WITH CARBOPLATIN VERSUS CARBOPLATIN ALONE IN ADULTS WITH RECURRENT GLIOBLASTOMA

BACKGROUND: Vandetanib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor of VEGFR-2, EGFR, and the RET oncogene. While vandetanib has not shown significant clinical activity, preclinical experience suggests synergistic efficacy in combination with carboplatin in glioblastoma (GBM). METHODS: This randomized non-comparative phase-II trial evaluates the efficacy and safety of vandetanib (300 mg/d NEIAED, 400 mg/d EIAED) in combination with carboplatin (AUC 6 q 4 weeks) versus carboplatin alone (AUC 6 q 4 weeks) in adults with recurrent GBM. Upon progression with single-agent carboplatin, single-agent vandetanib was offered. Contrast-enhanced-MRI before subsequent cycles were compared to baseline and response assessed using RANO criteria. Primary end-point was PFS-6. Ktrans, CBV, ADC, and HRQoL were measured before treatment and after 4 weeks and the relationship between these factors and time to progression and survival was explored. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients with recurrent GBM were accrued to each arm. Most frequent treatment related grade ≥ 3 toxicities were thrombocytopenia (n = 14), lymphopenia (n = 12), neutropenia (n = 7), seizure (n = 5), and hypertension (n = 4). There were two partial responses in the combination arm, none in the carboplatin arm. All patients had progressed at 6 months in the combination arm; one patient in the carboplatin arm was progression-free at 6 months. Median PFS and OS were 1.7 months (95% CI: 0.9 to 2.7 mo) and 5.6 months (95% CI: 4.6 to 8.6 mo) in the combination arm, and 0.9 months (95% CI: 0.89 to 0.92 mo) and 5.2 months (95% CI: 3.8 to 7.5 mo) in the carboplatin arm. Greater increase in ADC was predictive of shorter survival, and greater increase in CBV was predictive of shorter time to progression in both study arms. Changes in HRQoL were not predictive of time to progression or survival. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of vandetanib and carboplatin did not have significant activity in unselected patients with recurrent glioblastoma.
The retrieval of learned information--a neurophysiological convergence-divergence theory.

The information in the brain is associated with specific patterns of electrical activity, resulting from the firing characteristics of neurons and circuits located in a tridimentional complex space. The external world is represented in this space after an energy transformation. From this representation, common features are extracted by way of convergent circuits. These circuits concentrate in few neuronal elements information that prior to their activation is distributed in a great deal of neurons. The convergence circuits are arranged in a hierarchical order in which each one of them receives information from the previous. In each hierarchical level of convergence, more abstract and concentrated characteristics of the information is handled. At some levels, the convergence circuits from various sensory modalities interact by way of polisensory neurons. Thus, language and complex associations are derived from them. The retrieval of stored information involves the activation of these high convergence polisensory circuits that in turn stimulate divergence circuits that duplicate similar patterns of neuronal activity as the ones activated when the now retrieved information was perceived.
Ring functionalized cyclopentadienyl derivatives of niobium and tantalum: molecular structures of (η5-C5H4−CO2CH3)M(CO)4 where M = Nb and Ta and (η5-C5H4−CO2CH2C6H5)Nb(CO)4

Reaction of Na[M 2 (μ-Cl) 3 (CO) 8 ], where M = Nb or Ta, with NaC 5 H 4 R, where R = COCH 3 , CO 2 CH 3 , CO 2 C 2 H 5 , COC 6 H 5 , COCH 2 C 6 H 5 , LiC 5 H 4 C(CH 3 )CH 2 , or NaC 9 H 7 gives the corresponding ( η 5 -C 5 H 4 R)M(CO) 4 , or ( η 5 -C 9 H 7 )M(CO) 4 compounds in good yield. NaC 5 H 4 COCH 2 C 6 H 5 , a new cyclopentadienyl synthon, was used to prepare TlC 5 H 4 COCH 2 C 6 H 5 , and ( η 5 -C 5 H 4 COCH 2 C 6 H 5 )Mn(CO) 3 . The latter was fully characterized as a model compound for the new ligand. The niobium and tantalum compounds are air-stable as solids but readily undergo oxidation in solution. Compounds were characterized by IR, 1 H and 13 CNMR spectroscopies, and elemental analyses. Molecular structures of three compounds were determined. ( η 5 -C 5 H 4 CO 2 CH 3 )Nb(CO) 4 : monoclinic, P 2 1 /c, a = 12.664(6) A, b = 6.390(3) A, c , = 15.355(9) A, β = 97.81(4)°, V = 1231(1) A 3 , Z = 4, and R ( F ) = 3.90%. ( η 5 -C 5 H 4 CO 2 CH 3 )Ta(CO) 4 : monoclinic, P 2 1 /c, a = 12.612(4) A, b = 6.399(1) A, c , = 15.273(6) A, β = 97.89(3)°, V = 1220.9(4) A 3 , Z = 4, and R ( F ) = 5.67%. ( η 5 -C 9 H 7 )Nb(CO) 4 : monoclinic, P 2 1 /c, a = 16.353(2) A, b = 7.959(1) A, c , = 12.778(4) A, β = 106.14(2)°, V = 1597.7(6) A 3 , Z = 4, and R ( F ) = 2.48%.
SU‐GG‐I‐38: A Study On the Accuracy of MIP for Irregular Target Motion

Purpose: For the treatment of lungcancer, internal target volume (ITV) is frequently determined utilizing Maximum Intensity Projection (MIP) images generated by 4DCT. In order to check the accuracy of MIP for various target motion, especially for targets moving irregularly, we performed phantom studies using programmable dynamic lung phantom. Method and Materials: House built programmable lung phantom, with cylindrical (2.5cm(D) × 2cm(H)) and cubic (2.5cm(W) × 2.5cm(L) × 1cm(H)) acrylic targets, was utilized to simulate regular and irregular sinusoidal type target motions in superior‐inferior direction. Moving targets were scanned with Philips 4DCT with bellow system in helical mode. For each scan we obtained 10 reconstructed phase images and composite MIP images. Scan parameters such as pitch (0.082) and gantry rotation time (0.5 sec/rotation) were chosen as recommended by the vendor in order to minimize motion artifacts. Obtained images were imported into Pinnacle 8.0 treatment planning system for image analysis.Results: For all regular, periodic target motions with constant ranges (10mm and 15mm, appropriately) and period (4sec), ranges of measured MIP along superior‐inferior direction were accurate. For example, the MIP spanned 36–37mm for target motion of 10mm amplitude while the expected value was 35mm. For irregular target motion with various combinations of amplitudes (10mm and 20mm) but with the same period (4sec), the MIP spanned 38–40mm while the expected value was 45mm. The measured range of motion by MIP turned out to systematically underestimate the range of irregular target motion when amplitudes were varying. We associate these discrepancies with the fact that current reconstruction algorithms of commercial 4DCT are based on phase binning. Conclusion: According to our phantom measurement, MIP reflects the range of target motion accurately for regular target motion while it generally underestimates the range of target motion when the motion is irregular, exhibiting variation in amplitude.
Escherichia coli orf17 codes for a nucleoside triphosphate pyrophosphohydrolase member of the MutT family of proteins. Cloning, purification, and characterization of the enzyme.

Abstract The product of the Escherichia coli orf17 gene is a novel nucleoside triphosphate pyrophosphohydrolase with a preference for dATP over the other canonical (deoxy)nucleoside triphosphates, and it catalyzes the hydrolysis of dATP through a nucleophilic attack at the β-phosphorus to produce dAMP and inorganic pyrophosphate. It has a pH optimum between 8.5 and 9.0, a divalent metal ion requirement with optimal activity at 5 mM Mg2+, a Km of 0.8 mM and a kcat of 5.2 s−1 at 37°C for dATP. dAMP is a weak competitive inhibitor with a Ki of approximately 4 mM, while PPi is a much stronger inhibitor with an apparent Ki of approximately 20 μM. The enzyme contains the highly conserved signature sequence GXVEX2ETX6REVXEEX2I designating the MutT family of proteins. However, unlike the other nucleoside triphosphate pyrophosphohydrolases with this conserved sequence, the Orf17 protein does not complement the mutT− mutator phenotype, and thus must serve a different biological role in the cell.
Two-Dimensional Self-Assembly of Similarly Charged Granular Particles

We present results of our experimental study on the effect of particle surface coverage (density) on the evolution of packing structure in charged granular assemblies in a two-dimensional (2D) geometry. Steel particles were charged by rubbing them with the bottom surface of a polystyrene box. We conducted a Monte Carlo simulation study via the interparticle interaction of the dipole repulsion. The resulting radial distribution functions, bond orientation correlation functions, and 2D pressure isotherm approximate the experimental data well. The particle potential of the mean force changes from repulsion only at a low particle coverage fraction of 0.01 to oscillation between repulsion and attraction at higher coverage fractions due to the collective particle interactions.
Real-Time Wind Measurement in Extratropical Cyclones by Means of Doppler Radar

Abstract Color displays of the velocities of precipitation particles detected with a C-band Doppler radar in wide-spread cyclonic storms provide a variety of real-time information on the atmospheric wind field.Vertical profiles of wind speed and direction indicated by the real-time color displays agree well withrawinsonde measurements. Veering winds (or warm advection) produce a striking S-shaped pattern onthe color display and backing winds (or cold advection) produce a backward S. A maximum in the verticalprofile of wind speed is indicated by a pair of concentric colored rings, one upwind and one downwind ofthe radar. Vertically sloping velocity maxima are indicated by asymmetries in the color displays, as areconfluent and difluent winds. Divergence and convergence computed from the real-time color displays areof reasonable magnitude.
Glucocorticoid-reinforced responding in the rhesus monkey.

Rationale: Glucocorticoids have been report- ed to have rewarding effects in rats and may lead to drug-seeking behavior in humans under some circum- stances. Objectives: The present study investigated whether glucocorticoids would be self-administered in- travenously by rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). Meth- ods: Ten monkeys, 7 male and 3 female, were main- tained on a fixed ratio 10 (30 or 100), time-out 10-s schedule for 0.1 mg/kg methohexital or saline injections. Dexamethasone (0.03-0.3 mg/kg), methylprednisolone (0.1-1.0 mg/kg) and hydrocortisone (0.3-3.0 mg/kg) were periodically substituted for methohexital or saline. Results: Dexamethasone (0.3 mg/kg) was self-adminis- tered by all of the male monkeys on the first, but not on subsequent occasions. It was hypothesized that suppres- sion of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) activity by these exogenous glucocorticoids following their first presentation may have interfered with their reinforcing effects on subsequent evaluation. Subsequently, plasma adrenocorticotropin and cortisol were measured in four male monkeys to ascertain that normal basal HPA activi- ty had resumed prior to each glucocorticoid substitution. Of the ten monkeys that were tested, only one reliably self-administered dexamethasone, methylprednisolone and hydrocortisone, and he did so regardless of whether his basal HPA activity was suppressed. This monkey dif- fered from some of the other monkeys both behaviorally and in his response to intravenous corticotropin releasing hormone. None of the three female monkeys that were tested with selected glucocorticoid doses showed any ev- idence of glucocorticoid reinforcement on any occasion. Conclusions: The results indicate that glucocorticoids were not reinforcing to the majority of monkeys in this study; nevertheless, large individual differences may ex- ist in proclivity of monkeys to self-inject these com- pounds.
Ontology-based information model development for science information reuse and integration

Scientific digital libraries serve complex and evolving research communities. Justifications for the development of scientific digital libraries include the desire to preserve science data and the promises of information interconnectedness, correlative science, and system interoperability. Shared ontologies are fundamental to fulfilling these promises. We present a tool framework, a set of principles, and a real world case study where shared ontologies are used to develop and manage science information models and subsequently guide the implementation of scientific digital libraries. The tool framework, based on an ontology modeling tool, has been used to formalize legacy information models as well as design new models. Within this framework, the information model remains relevant within changing domains and thereby promotes the interoperability, interconnectedness, and correlation desired by scientists.
Revisiting p53 and its effectors in ischemic heart injury

See article by Matsusaka et al. [4] (pages 457–465) in this issue . p53 is a tumor suppressor that enforces normal growth control and genomic stability. Its importance is reflected in the fact that acquired mutations in it or its upstream activators are found in all major human cancers [1]. p53 controls aberrant or inappropriate growth by acting as a transcription factor for a number of genes that promote apoptosis or growth arrest (Fig. 1). In addition, recent studies indicate that there are important non-transcriptional effects of p53 on apoptosis that involve its ability to suppress anti-apoptotic or activate pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members [2]. p53 expression or activity increases in cells in response to DNA damage and other forms of cell stress, including hypoxia [3], a major component of ischemic injury. Controversy over what role, if any, p53 plays in the response of the heart to ischemic injury dates back almost a decade. Three recent reports examine the role of p53 or well-characterized effectors of p53 in ischemia-induced injury to the heart. One, which is published in this issue of Cardiovascular Research , re-examines the role of p53 in ischemia-induced apoptosis, with a focus on the effects of p53 status on myocardial cell apoptosis and cardiac rupture [4]. Fig. 1 Regulation of p53, p53-related proteins, and their effectors. Following reports that p53 protein levels increase in non-myocyte cell lines in response to hypoxia [3] and that hypoxia could cause cell death of cultured cardiomyocytes [5], Long et al. [6] showed that hypoxia increases p53 expression in cardiomyocytes and that this increase occurs in connection with myocyte cell death. Although not all the data are in agreement regarding increased p53 expression in response to hypoxia [7], a recent study also reported increased p53 expression and cell death … * Tel.: +1 410 550 4148; fax: +1 410 550 2612. Email address: mcrow1{at}jhmi.edu
Spironolactone and colitis: increased mortality in rodents and in humans.

Background: Crohn's disease causes intestinal inflammation leading to intestinal fibrosis. Spironolactone is an antifibrotic medication commonly used in heart failure to reduce mortality. We examined whether spironolactone is antifibrotic in the context of intestinal inflammation. Methods: In vitro, spironolactone repressed fibrogenesis in transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)-stimulated human colonic myofibroblasts. However, spironolactone therapy significantly increased mortality in two rodent models of inflammation-induced intestinal fibrosis, suggesting spironolactone could be harmful during intestinal inflammation. Since inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients rarely receive spironolactone therapy, we examined whether spironolactone use was associated with mortality in a common cause of inflammatory colitis, Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). Results: Spironolactone use during CDI infection was associated with increased mortality in a retrospective cohort of 4008 inpatients (15.9% vs. 9.1%, n = 390 deaths, P < 0.0001). In patients without liver disease, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for inpatient mortality associated with 80 mg spironolactone was 1.99 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.51–2.63) In contrast to the main effect of spironolactone mortality, multivariate modeling revealed a protective interaction between liver disease and spironolactone dose. The adjusted OR for mortality after CDI was 1.96 (95% CI: 1.50–2.55) for patients without liver disease on spironolactone vs. 1.28 (95% CI: 0.82–2.00) for patients with liver disease on spironolactone when compared to a reference group without liver disease or spironolactone use. Conclusions: We propose that discontinuation of spironolactone in patients without liver disease during CDI could reduce hospital mortality by 2-fold, potentially reducing mortality from CDI by 35,000 patients annually across Europe and the U.S. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2011;)
Rapid identification of immunostimulatory alpha-galactosylceramides using synthetic combinatorial libraries.

Two 60+-membered libraries of α-galactosylceramides have been prepared by reactions between activated ester resins and two core, fully deprotected galactosylated sphingoid bases. The libraries were evaluated for their ability to stimulate CD1d-restricted NKT cells, using in vitro stimulation of a murine NKT cell hybridoma line and for their ability to induce the expansion of NKT cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of a normal human subject. Our results showed that many compounds constructed on a C18-phytosphingosine base had significant stimulatory activity in both assays. Because no product purification was required, this approach is particularly attractive as a method for rapid synthesis of large libraries of potential immunomodulatory glycosylceramides.
Nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease.

Purpose of reviewPulmonary disease caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria is occurring with greater frequency, and previously unrecognized manifestations of nontuberculous mycobacteria are being identified. Paralleling this increase, improvements in laboratory techniques now allow for more precise id
The Expression of Two Splice Variants of the Kv3.1 Potassium Channel Gene Is Regulated by Different Signaling Pathways

The Kv3.1 potassium channel gene gives rise to two different channel proteins, Kv3.1a and Kv3.1b, by alternative splicing of nuclear RNA. During development the levels of Kv3.1b mRNA (but not Kv3.1a) substantially increase in rat cerebellum after postnatal day 8. The molecular mechanism underlying the differential regulation of the two transcripts is not known. Using in vitro slices of cerebellum, we have found that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) upregulates both Kv3.1a and Kv3.1b at this developmental stage, but that depolarization by elevated potassium concentrations is without effect. Combined treatment with bFGF and depolarization, however, prevents the increase in Kv3.1a transcripts and selectively increases Kv3.1b mRNA levels. A protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor blocks the increase in Kv3.1a mRNA levels induced by bFGF alone but does not affect the increase in Kv3.1b mRNA. Measurement of nuclear protein kinase C activity shows that bFGF activates this enzyme and that depolarization blocks this activation. In contrast to these findings at postnatal day 8, bFGF fails to alter Kv3.1 transcripts in slices from adult animals, and PKC activity is enhanced rather than suppressed by depolarization. Our results indicate that different signaling pathways regulate Kv3.1a and Kv3.1b expression and suggest that Kv3.1a mRNA levels may be modulated by neuronal activity.
A Management Option for Leaking Endotracheal Tube Cuffs: Üse of Lidocaine Jelly

Abstract Study Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of methods for sealing a small endotracheal tube cuff perforation. Design: Randomized evaluation in an in vitro model of mechanical ventilation. In addition, two pertinent cases are reported. Setting: Operative anesthesia service in a large tertiary referral center. Interventions: A transparent acrylic "trachea" attached to a rubber breathing bag ("lung") was intubated with an 8.0 mm endotracheal tube. Positive pressure mechanical ventilation was begun and baseline minute ventilation recorded. After equilibrium, the endotracheal tube cuff was perforated in a standard fashion, and one of four "treatments" was applied in random sequence. Group A endotracheal tubes (n = 7) were managed by increasing fresh gas flow and manually injecting air into the cuff. Group B cuffs (n = 8) were insuff fated with oxygen to maintain cuff pressure at 25 to 28 mmHg. In Groups C (n = 8) and D (n = 9), an 8 ml mixture of 2% lidocaine hydrochloride jelly ()ylocaine R Astra, Westborough, MA), and saline was injected into the cuff at a dilution of 1:3 and 1:1, respectively. Measurements and Main Results: Measurements included minute ventilation, airway pressure, and intracuff pressure. During the 30-minute observation period after cuff perforation, total exhaled ventilation was assessed and wasted ventilation calculated. Group A wasted ventilation (means ± SD) was significantly greater (112 ± 20 liters, p Conclusions: The authors' in vitro results, in conjunction with the observations from their two cases, suggest that lidocaine jelly mixed with 1 to 3 parts normal saline may be useful in managing certain types of endotracheal tube cuff incomplete.
Comparison of chromatin assays for DNA fragmentation evaluation in human sperm.

Sperm chromatin integrity is vital for successful preg- nancy and transmission of genetic material to the offspring. We eval- uated chromatin integrity in sperm from 60 infertile men and 7 fertile donors comparing the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA), TdT-mediated-dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), the sperm chro- matin dispersion (SCD) test, and acridine orange staining technique (AOT). The TUNEL and SCD assays showed a strong relationship with the SCSA (r . .866; P , .001) for sperm DNA fragmentation, both in infertile men and donors of known fertility. AOT did not show any relationship with SCSA. The breakdown of the DNA fragmen- tation index (DFI) into 3 categories (#15%, .15%-,30%, and $30%) showed that the SCSA, TUNEL, and SCD test predict the same levels of DNA fragmentation. AOT consistently showed higher levels of DNA fragmentation for each DFI category. DNA fragmen- tation in sperm between infertile men and donor sperm was signifi- cantly different (P , .05) under SCSA (22.0 6 1.6 vs 11.8 6 1.4), TUNEL (19.5 6 1.3 vs 11.1 6 0.9) and SCD (20.4 6 1.3 vs 10.8 6 1.1), respectively. DNA fragmentation in sperm evaluated by AOT did not differ (P. .05) between infertile men (31.3 6 2.4) and do- nors (32.7 6 4.8). AOT showed extreme variations for sperm DNA fragmentation in semen from both infertile men and donors. The problems of indistinct colors, rapid fading, and the heterogeneous staining were also faced. In conclusion, SCSA, TUNEL, and SCD show similar predictive values for DNA fragmentation, and AOT shows variable and increased levels of DNA fragmentation, which makes it of questionable value in clinical practice.
Wavelet‐based modulation in control‐relevant process identification

The identification of models from operating data for process controller design requires that the information from the process be extracted in pieces that are localized in both time and frequency. Such an extraction process would allow the separation of valuable signal information from the effects of nonstationary disturbances and noise. The wavelet transform provides an efficient approach for such a decomposition, which is organized in a multiscale, hierarchical fashion. By using the method of modulating functions in conjunction with the wavelet decomposition, it is demonstrated that recursive state-space models, which are multiscale in character and suitable for the design of model-predictive controllers, may be readily constructed with lower levels of modeling error than yielded by traditional techniques. The method is especially suitable for the identification of time-varying and nonlinear models, where the nonlinear process is represented by a set of linear models. The multiscale character of the wavelet basis makes it particularly suitable for multirate, multivariable processes. A series of examples illustrates various aspects of the proposed approach and its inherent advantages.
Substrate analogs for the investigation of deoxyxylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase inhibition: synthesis and evaluation

Abstract Deoxyxylulose 5-phosphate (DXP) analogs were synthesized and evaluated as alternative substrates and inhibitors of recombinant Synechocystis PCC6803 DXP reductoisomerase (DXR; EC 1.1.1.267). Five of the compounds tested (1,2-dideoxy- d -threo-3-hexulose 6-phosphate, 1-deoxy- l -ribulose 5-phosphate, 2S,3R-dihydroxybutyramide 4-phosphate, 4S-hydroxypentan-2-one 5-phosphate, and 3S-hydroxypentan-2-one 5-phosphate) acted as relatively weak competitive inhibitors when compared to fosmidomycin. A sixth compound, 3R,4S-dihydroxy-5-oxohexylphosphonic acid, served as an alternate substrate, as has recently been reported for the same compound with Escherichia coli DXR.
Sample Selection Bias in Local House Value Indices

Analysis of cross-sectional or intertemporal variations in house values among localities requires reliable house value indices. However, prior studies applying the hedonic method to transaction data have reported price series that may be biased. Our paper investigates a possible cause of bias and uses a censored regression technique extended to an intertemporal model to derive an unbiased index. We apply our method to 1971-1991 data from the Miami, Florida MSA and find evidence of time varying amounts of bias. Our results suggest that prior studies using the hedonic method and samples consisting only of sold houses have understated the intertemporal variability of house prices.
Aging modulates the oscillatory dynamics underlying successful working memory encoding and maintenance

Working memory is central to the execution of many daily functions and is typically divided into three phases: encoding, maintenance, and retrieval. While working memory performance has been repeatedly shown to decline with age, less is known regarding the underlying neural processes. We examined age-related differences in the neural dynamics that serve working memory by recording high-density magnetoencephalography (MEG) in younger and older adults while they performed a modified, high-load Sternberg working memory task with letters as stimuli. MEG data were evaluated in the time-frequency domain and significant oscillatory responses were imaged using a beamformer. A hierarchical regression was performed to investigate whether age moderated the relationship between oscillatory activity and accuracy on the working memory task. Our results indicated that the spatiotemporal dynamics of oscillatory activity in language-related areas of the left fronto-temporal cortices were similar across groups. Age-related differences emerged during early encoding in the right-hemispheric homologue of Wernicke's area. Slightly later, group differences emerged in the homologue of Broca's area and these persisted throughout memory maintenance. Additionally, occipital alpha activity during maintenance was stronger, occurred earlier, and involved more cortical tissue in older adults. Finally, age significantly moderated the relationship between accuracy and neural activity in the prefrontal cortices. In younger adults, as prefrontal activity decreased, accuracy tended to increase. Our results are consistent with predictions of the compensation-related utilization of neural circuits hypothesis (CRUNCH). Such differences in the oscillatory dynamics could reflect compensatory mechanisms, which would aid working memory performance in older age. Hum Brain Mapp 37:2348-2361, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Basal Forebrain and Motor Cortex Provide Convergent yet Distinct Movement-Related Inputs to the Auditory Cortex

Cholinergic inputs to the auditory cortex from the basal forebrain (BF) are important to auditory processing and plasticity, but little is known about the organization of these synapses onto different auditory cortical neuron types, how they influence auditory responsiveness, and their activity patterns during various behaviors. Using intersectional tracing, optogenetic circuit mapping, and in vivo calcium imaging, we found that cholinergic axons arising from the caudal BF target major excitatory and inhibitory auditory cortical cell types, rapidly modulate auditory cortical tuning, and display fast movement-related activity. Furthermore, the BF and the motor cortex-another source of movement-related activity-provide convergent input onto some of the same auditory cortical neurons. Cholinergic and motor cortical afferents to the auditory cortex display distinct activity patterns and presynaptic partners, indicating that the auditory cortex integrates bottom-up cholinergic signals related to ongoing movements and arousal with top-down information concerning impending movements and motor planning.
Analysis and detection of influenza-like cases in Karamay

Objective To analyze detection results of influenza-like cases in Karamay, Xinjiang during 2011—2013, to discuss epidemic characteristics and trend of influenza in local area, and provide scientific basis for prevention and control of influenza. Methods Throat swab specimens of influenza were collected regularly in the sentinel hospital from 2011—2013and detected for nucleic acid by using real-time RT-PCR. Results Totally 1 161 samples were collected during 2011—2013, with detection rate of influenza virus nucleic acid of 21.5%, that was 15.7%, 33.5% and 17.4% for 2011, 2012 and2013, respectively. The influenza virus types mainly were influenza H1N1, seasonal H3N2 and B. The incidence of influenza was obviously seasonal in sentinel hospital monitoring, that is, peak season for the influenza from November-December to January-February of the next year, especially in December and January; the predominant strain of influenza of B type in the end of 2011 to early 2012, the predominant strain of seasonal H3N2 in the end of 2012 to early 2013, and the predominant strain of H1N1 type in the end of 2013. Conclusions It is helpful to grasp the trend of local epidemic of influenza and prevent and control the influenza epidemic by carrying out surveillance of influenza-like cases in sentinel hospital.