cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of COVID-19 in Solid Organ Transplants

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic affecting millions of people worldwide. Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are probably at higher risk of severe infection and associated complications from COVID-19. Data on clinical outcomes of COVID-19 infection in SOT recipients are limited. Using the TriNetX database, patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 from January 20, 2020, to July 7, 2020, were included in the study. We compared clinical outcomes comprising hospitalization, need for critical care services, intubation, and mortality among SOT recipients and patients without SOT. Of 30,573 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients, 288 had SOT. Patients with SOT were more likely to be hospitalized (37.2% vs. 12.2%; p < 0.0001), needed critical care services (6.9% vs. 2.3%; p < 0.0001), needed intubation (7.9% vs. 2.0%; p < 0.0001), and had a higher 30-day mortality (11.1% vs. 3.8%; p < 0.0001). Patients in the transplant group were older (55.4 vs. 47.6 years; p < 0.0001) and had a higher prevalence of medical co-morbidities. SOT recipients are at significant risk of adverse COVID-19 related outcomes, including hospitalization, need for critical care services, and 30-day mortality, likely due to multiple co-morbid conditions.
The Impact of Covid-19 on the Mental Health of Health Care Providers

Isabelle Davis, dean of the School of Nursing at Mountain View University, must develop a plan to support the mental health and well-being of the clinical workforce. She has spent the last three years working with the National Academy of Medicine on clinician well-being and burnout, and now the COVID-19 pandemic is adding a new stressor to the lives of clinicians, including doctors and nurses. Ensuring that clinicians would seek the support and care they needed could be elusive and was often fraught with stigma, especially if the care was psychiatric and even when the help was confidential. Left untreated, severe stress, emotional, and behavioral health issues affecting clinicians led to burnout, which could have very serious consequences on both patients and clinicians. This case, which has been taught successfully online at Darden, addresses financial issues caused by the pandemic, cultural stigma around mental health, and performance indicators to monitor to evaluate mental health care in the health system. Excerpt UVA-E-0457 Rev. Jan. 26, 2021 The Impact of COVID on the Mental Health of Health Care Providers Introduction Isabelle Davis sat at her desk in June of 2020 and reflected on a critical issue: the mental health and well-being of the clinical workforce at Mountain View University (MVU) Health. Since becoming the dean of the School of Nursing at MVU Health in the fall of 2019, she had been trying to get her arms around efforts to support clinician well-being at MVU. Davis had spent the last three years working on a focus group at the National Academy of Medicine on clinician well-being and burnout, and she was a member of its task force dedicated to this issue. The COVID-19 pandemic added a new stressor to the lives of clinicians, including doctors and nurses, so Davis had been charged by MVU Health leadership to develop a plan for the health system. Background . . .
Should Variation Be Encoded Explicitly in Databases

Variation occurs in databases in many different forms and contexts. For example, a single database schema evolves over time, data from different sources may be combined, and the various configurations of a software product line (SPL) may have different data needs. While approaches have been developed to deal with many such scenarios, particularly in the fields of database evolution and data integration, there is no solution that treats variation as a general and orthogonal concern in databases. This is a problem when various kinds of variation intersect, such as during the evolution of a SPL. Previously, we have proposed variational databases (VDB) as a general way to represent variation in both the structure and content of databases. Although the model underlying VDB is simple, encoding variation explicitly in databases introduces complexity akin to using preprocessing directives in software. In this paper, we explore the feasibility of VDB and its associated variational query language for encoding different kinds of database variability. We develop two use cases that illustrate how different kinds of variation can be encoded and integrated in VDB, and how the corresponding information needs can be expressed as variational queries. We then use these use cases to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of such a direct encoding of variation in data and queries.
College student interpersonal and institutional relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative exploratory study

Interpersonal relationships are central to young adult development and success in college. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, universities largely went to remote instruction. In the fall of 202...
Intraoperative Radiotherapy in Brain Malignancies: Indications and Outcomes in Primary and Metastatic Brain Tumors.

Despite the continued controversy over defining an optimal delivery mechanism, the critical role of adjuvant radiation in the management of surgically resected primary and metastatic brain tumors remains one of the universally accepted standards in neuro-oncology. Local disease control still ranks as a significant predictor of survival in both high-grade glioma and treated intracranial metastases with radiation treatment being essential in maximizing tumor control. As with the emergence and eventual acceptance of cranial stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) following an era dominated by traditional radiotherapy, evidence to support the use of intra-operative radiotherapy (IORT) in brain tumors requiring surgical intervention continues to accumulate. While the clinical trial strategies in treating glioblastoma with IORT involve delivery of a boost of cavitary radiation prior to the planned standard external beam radiation, the use of IORT in metastatic disease offers the potential for dose escalation to the level needed for definitive adjuvant radiation, eliminating the need for additional episodes of care while providing local control equal or superior to that achieved with SRS in a single fraction. In this review, we explore the contemporary clinical data on IORT in the treatment of brain tumors along with a discussion of the unique dosimetric and radiobiological factors inherent in IORT that could account for favorable outcome data beyond those seen in other techniques.
Biodegradable AuNP-Based Plasmonic Nanogels as Contrast Agents for Computed Tomography and Photoacoustics.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNP) are well-established contrast agents in computed tomography (CT) and photoacoustic imaging (PAI). A wide variety of AuNP sizes, shapes, and coatings have been reported for these applications. However, for clinical translation, AuNP should be excretable to avoid long-term accumulation and possible side effects. Sub-5 nm AuNP have the benefit to be excretable through kidney filtration, therefore their loading in biodegradable nanogels holds promise to result in contrast agents that have long circulation times in the vasculature and subsequent biodegradation for excretion. Polyphosphazenes are intrinsically biodegradable polymers capable of forming nanogels with high payloads, and to release their payloads upon degradation. The significant development in polyphosphazenes that have tailored degradation kinetics, and their formulation with drugs or contrast agents, has shown potential as a biodegradable platform for imaging vasculature and endogenous molecules, by combination of CT and PA modalities. Therefore, we herein present methods for the formulation of AuNP assemblies loaded in nanogels composed of biodegradable polyphosphazenes, with a size range from 50 to 200 nm. We describe protocols for their characterization by UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, various microscopy techniques, elemental quantification by induced coupling plasma optical emission spectroscopy and contrast production in both CT and PAI. Finally, we detail the methods to investigate their effect on cells, distribution in cells and imaging properties for detection of endogenous molecules.
Nasal Adenocarcinoma in a Horse with Metastasis to Lung, Liver, and Bone and Review of Metastasis in Nine Horses with Sinonasal Tumors

Sinonasal neoplasia metastasizing to distant organs is rare in horses. This case report describes the clinical and imaging findings of a horse with sinonasal neoplasia, which had metastasized to the lung, liver, and humerus. Additionally, the prevalence of sinonasal neoplasia and their incidence of distant metastasis among horses that presented to the Oregon State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (OSU-VTH) were estimated. Of 5,558 equine patients who presented to the OSU-VTH in the last nine years, 1.4% were diagnosed with sinonasal disease and 10.3% of these cases had sinonasal neoplasia with only one having confirmed distant metastasis. This case was an eleven-year-old quarter horse which was evaluated due to a history of a right forelimb lameness of three weeks duration. Two and a half months later he presented again, this time for unilateral epistaxis and persistent right forelimb lameness. Radiography of the right elbow noted an increasingly irregular, periosteal response and osteolytic lesion of the right distal humeral condyle. At the time of the second presentation, nasosinal endoscopy identified a lobulated mass in the region of the ethmoid turbinates. Histopathology of this mass revealed an adenocarcinoma of nasal origin with metastasis to the lung, liver, and right humerus.
Using the Electronic Medical Record to Assess Contraception Usage among Women Taking Category D or X Medications

Background The aim of this study is to investigate contraceptive usage among women prescribed or currently taking a category D or X medication using the electronic medical record. Methods This is a retrospective study assessing contraceptive usage among women prescribed category D or X medications. We obtained access to the electronic medical records of women seen in an academic Family Medicine Department between April 2011 and April 2012 who were prescribed a category D or X medication. Information was abstracted regarding the specific category D or X medication, demographics, sexual activity, sexual partner gender, and contraceptive usage. Results There were a total of 610 women included in this study. Among the 610 women, 72 (11.8%) of women had documentation that they were not asked about their sexual activity. Sexual activity with men was documented in 407 of the 610 women (66.7%). Of these 407 women, 132 (32.4%) had no contraceptive method documented. Among the women using contraception, the most common method used was oral contraception. Conclusion According to data obtained from the electronic medical record, women who are taking a category D or X medication are not always asked about sexual activity. Contraception usage among women taking category D or X medications and who were sexually active with men was similar to the general population. Contraception usage should be better in this population given the risk of an unintended pregnancy includes fetal exposure to a potential teratogen. The electronic medical record creates an opportunity for an intervention to increase contraception utilization in this population. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 103:887–891, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Remote electromagnetic vibration of steerable needles for imaging in power Doppler ultrasound

Robotic needle steering systems for minimally invasive medical procedures require complementary medical imaging systems to track the needles in real time. Ultrasound is a promising imaging modality because it offers relatively low-cost, real-time imaging of the needle. Previous methods applied vibration to the base of the needle using a voice coil actuator, in order to make the needle visible in power Doppler ultrasound. We propose a new method for needle tip vibration, using electromagnetic actuation of small permanent magnets placed inside the needle to improve needle tip visibility in power Doppler imaging. Robotic needle insertion experiments using artificial tissue and ex vivo porcine liver showed that the electromagnetic tip vibration method can generate a stronger Doppler response compared to the previous base vibration method, resulting in better imaging at greater needle depth in tissue. It also eliminates previous issues with vibration damping along the shaft of the needle.
Theoretical studies in computer science: thr

Context-free multilanguages, D.E. Knuth proving nonmembership in certain families of context-free languages, M.A. Harrison single tree grammars, S. Greibach, et al the complexity of structural containment and equivalence, D.J. Rosenkrantz and H.B. Hunt III the interface between language theory and database theory, J. Ullman automata theory for database theoreticians, M.Y. Vardi on datalog linearization of chain queries, G. Dong expressive power of query languages, S. Abiteboul and V. Vianu object identity and query equivalences, R. Hull and M. Yoshikawa a unified approach to data and meta-data modification for data/knowledge bases, I.M.A. Chen and D. McLeod polygon clipping - analysis and experiences, E. Horowitz and M. Papa.
Brief review: Nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking drugs and critical illness myopathy

Criticallyill patients who receive nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking drugs (NMBDs) may be at risk of developing profound muscle weakness that may last for months after the NMBD is discontinued, especially when large cumulative doses of NMBDs and corticosteroids are coadministered to septic, mechanically ventilated patients. This review focuses on the etiology and clinical features of critical illness myopathy (CIM), summarizes specific risk factors for its development, and discusses strategies that might be used to attenuate or even prevent the development of this potentially devastating syndrome. The etiology of CIM is unknown. Whether it can develop in atrisk patients who undergo lengthy operations during which they receive NMBDs is also unknown. In some patients following exposure to NMBDs their motor systems are impaired secondary to loss of thick (myosin) filaments that render the muscle unexcitable to direct electrical stimulation, while the sensory system is spared. Management of patients who develop NMBD myopathy is supportive, consisting of nutritional support, physical therapy, and daily trials of decreased ventilatory support. Recent guidelines recommend that NMBDs be used in critically ill patients only when absolutely necessary, that the depth of muscle paralysis be monitored to avoid overdosing and metabolite accumulation, and that drug administration be curtailed periodically to allow interruption of sustained NMBD effect.
Polish-American Folklore

Reviewed Medium: book Authors: Deborah Anders Silverman Year: 2000 Pages: xii + 236 Publisher: University of Illinois Press Prices: $29.95 US
Imagining a Critical Geopolitical Cartography

While maps have long been influential in the dissemination of geopolitical ideas, the critical geopolitical project often frames maps as evidence of the discourse it seeks to displace. As a result, very few maps appear on the pages of the field's most prominent journals. This paper explores this phenomenon and argues that novel approaches to mapping may actually strengthen critical geopolitical scholarship. We argue that scholars can learn much from contemporary approaches in critical cartography to provide geopolitical analysis with new, informative visualizations. We demonstrate this argument with an alternative cartographic representation of Kashmir. This paper makes two key contributions to critical geopolitics: (i) that alternative cartographic representations are well suited to aid in critiques of normative geopolitical ideas and (ii) that the map presented in this paper is but one way to illustrate emerging critical geopolitical scripts. Our hope is that this brief intervention to ‘take back the map’ will encourage like-minded scholars to (re)consider the merits of maps in articulating geopolitical narratives.
Regulatory CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T Cells Selectively Inhibit the Spontaneous Form of Lymphopenia-Induced Proliferation of Naive T Cells

Regulatory CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) T cells play a critical role in controlling autoimmunity and T cell homeostasis. However, their role in regulation of lymphopenia-induced proliferation (LIP), a potential mechanism for generation of autoaggressive T cells, has been poorly defined. Currently, two forms of LIP are recognized: spontaneous and homeostatic. Spontaneous LIP is characterized by fast, burst-like cell-cycle activity, and may allow effector T cell differentiation. Homeostatic LIP is characterized by slow and steady cell cycle activity and is not associated with the acquisition of an effector phenotype. In this study, we demonstrate that CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) T cells suppress the spontaneous, but not homeostatic, LIP of naive CD8 and CD4 T cells. However, selective inhibition of spontaneous LIP does not fully explain the tolerogenic role of Tregs in lymphopenia-associated autoimmunity. We show here that suppression of LIP in the lymphoid tissues is independent of Treg-derived IL-10. However, IL-10-deficient Tregs are partially defective in their ability to prevent colitis caused by adoptive transfer of CD4 T cells into RAG(-/-) mice. We propose that Tregs may inhibit emergence of effector T cells during the inductive phase of the immune response in the secondary lymphoid tissues by IL-10-independent mechanisms. In contrast, Treg-mediated inhibition of established effector T cells does require IL-10. Both Treg functions appear to be important in control of lymphopenia-associated autoimmunity.
Ideas for Financing African Higher Education

H education is a costly business. It requires mobilizing a wide array of personnel at all levels of training as well as maintaining a vast and complex infrastructure. Even affluent nations, let alone the impoverished countries of Africa and the Third World, find it increasingly difficult to maintain adequate levels of financial support for their higher education institutions. While reports on the dismal state of most African institutions abound, this article outlines a number of potential ways of expanding the financial resource base of these institutions.
Constraining q0 with Cluster Gas Mass Fractions: A Feasibility Study

As the largest gravitationally bound objects in the universe, clusters of galaxies may contain a fair sample of the baryonic mass fraction of the universe. Since the gas mass fraction from the hot intracluster medium is believed to be constant in time, the value of the cosmological deceleration parameter q0 can be determined, in principle, by comparing the calculated gas mass fraction in nearby and distant clusters. To test the potential of this method, we compare the gas fractions derived for a sample of luminous (LX>1045 ergs s−1) nearby clusters with those calculated for eight luminous distant (0.3<z<0.6) clusters using ASCA and ROSAT observations. For consistency, we evaluate the gas mass fraction at a fixed physical radius of 1 h−150 Mpc (assuming q0=0.0). We find a best-fit value of q0=0.07 with -0.47<q0<0.67 at 95% confidence. This analysis includes both measurement errors and an intrinsic 25% scatter in the gas fractions due to the effects of cooling flows and mergers. We also determine the gas fraction using the method of Evrard, Metzler, and Navarro to find the total mass within r500, the radius where the mean overdensity of matter is 500 times the critical density. In simulations, this method reduces the scatter in the determination of gravitational mass without biasing the mean. We find that it also reduces the scatter in actual observations for nearby clusters but not as much as simulations suggest. Using this method, the best-fit value is q0=0.04 with -0.50<q0<0.64. The excellent agreement between these two methods suggests that this may be a useful technique for determining q0. The constraints on q0 should improve as more distant clusters are studied and precise temperature profiles are measured to large radii.
Sweet potato stem blight caused by Alternaria sp.: A new disease in Ethiopia

A new sweet potato disease was discovered in Ethiopia. The disease mainly affects the stems and petioles of sweet potato and the name sweet potato stem blight is proposed. The pathogen is a species ofAlternaria, for which no definite name has been found so far. Sweet potatoes were most susceptible, tomatoes were slightly susceptible, and muskmelons and chilli peppers were resistant. Thorn apples and onions showed slight to moderate symptoms, butAlternaria was not reisolated from these two species. Although all sweet potato varieties tested were susceptible, there were significant differences in sensitivity. In 1977 werd een nieuwe ziekte ontdekt in zoete bataat in Ethiopie. De ziekte wordt gekenmerkt door zwarte necrotische lesies, voornamelijk op de stengels en bladstelen. Deze lesies breiden zich uit totdat de stengels en bladstelen omringd worden en de bovenliggende weefsels afsterven. De naam stengelnecrose wordt voorgesteld. De ziekte wordt veroorzaakt door eenAlternaria soort, waarvoor nog geen definitieve naam gevonden is. Het zou een nog onbeschreven soort kunnen zijn. Zoete bataat was het meest vatbaar, tomaat matig vatbaar, en netmeloen en spaanse peper waren resistent. Doornappel en ui vertoonden wel symptomen, maarAlternaria sp. kon niet uit het zieke weefsel worden geisoleerd. Hoewel geen van de getoetste zoete bataatvarieteiten onvatbaar waren, waren er significante verschillen in gevoeligheid.
What Makes a Cell Face Selective? The Importance of Contrast

Faces are robustly detected by computer vision algorithms that search for characteristic coarse contrast features. Here, we investigated whether face-selective cells in the primate brain exploit contrast features as well. We recorded from face-selective neurons in macaque inferotemporal cortex, while presenting a face-like collage of regions whose luminances were changed randomly. Modulating contrast combinations between regions induced activity changes ranging from no response to a response greater than that to a real face in 50% of cells. The critical stimulus factor determining response magnitude was contrast polarity, for example, nose region brighter than left eye. Contrast polarity preferences were consistent across cells, suggesting a common computational strategy across the population, and matched features used by computer vision algorithms for face detection. Furthermore, most cells were tuned both for contrast polarity and for the geometry of facial features, suggesting cells encode information useful both for detection and recognition.
On magnetic properties of gadolinium-cobalt compounds

Abstract A series of gadolinium-cobalt compounds are prepared, and magnetisation measurements performed providing new results in the gadolinium rich end of the spectrum. The effect of conduction electron polarisation is discussed. Magnetostriction measurements on the whole series are made and the unusual behaviour of Gd 3 Co in terms of forced magnetostriction is considered.
Lanthanum chromite-based materials for solid oxide fuel cell interconnects

One of the challenges for advancing solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology is the development of interconnect materials with adequate conductivity and stability for efficient long-term use. One of the most promising interconnect materials is doped lanthanum chromite, which has good conductivity at high temperatures and is stable in oxidizing and reducing atmospheres. In this paper, the effects of strontium, calcium and other dopants on properties relevant for application as a SOFC interconnect material, including conductivity, defect chemistry, chemical stability, thermal expansion and mechanical strength, are reviewed.
Tenure and Teaching

This is a continuing series of quarterly articles on lessons learned and best practices in civil engineering education. The intent of the series is to reinforce good practices, describe new or developing practices, and provide a forum for what works well and what does not. It is hoped that this series will be an important quarterly read for all civil engineering educators and all those interested in what’s going on in civil engineering education today. Authors and topics will vary from issue to issue. Contact the associate editor, Mark Evans, at mark.evans@usma.edu if you wish to contribute to an upcoming issue.
Design and fabrication of magnetic nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery and imaging

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) represent a class of non-invasive imaging agents that have been developed for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. These MNPs have traditionally been used for disease imaging via passive targeting, but recent advances have opened the door to cellular-specific targeting, drug delivery, and multi-modal imaging by these nanoparticles. As more elaborate MNPs are envisioned, adherence to proper design criteria (e.g. size, coating, molecular functionalization) becomes even more essential. This review summarizes the design parameters that affect MNP performance in vivo, including the physicochemical properties and nanoparticle surface modifications, such as MNP coating and targeting ligand functionalizations that can enhance MNP management of biological barriers. A careful review of the chemistries used to modify the surfaces of MNPs is also given, with attention paid to optimizing the activity of bound ligands while maintaining favorable physicochemical properties.
Treatment of Prader-Willi syndrome with growth hormone: merits and limits of postmarketing surveillance studies.

Treatment of Prader–Willi syndrome with growth hormone: merits and limits of postmarketing surveillance studies
DC and RF characteristics of double recessed and double pulse doped AlInAs/GaInAs/InP HEMTs

The effects of gate recess etch profiles on DC and RF characteristics of passivated, double pulse doped AlInAs/GaInAs/InP HEMTs were investigated. On-wafer characterisation has revealed that double recessed devices have higher breakdown voltage, lower output conductance, input capacitance, and feedback capacitance compared to conventional single recessed devices.
Distinguishing the Steroidogenic Roles of Granulosa and Theca Cells of the Dominant Ovarian Follicle and Corpus Luteum

In order to determine the relative contribution of granulosa cells and follicular fluid of the preovulatory follicle to ovarian and peripheral vein levels of principal steroids in the late follicular phase, as well as the importance of granulosa cells and theca cells in subsequent corpus luteum function, 32 rhesus and cynomolgus monkeys were studied. In group one (n = 10), they were bled from the femoral vein daily throughout the cycle and sera assayed for FSH, LH, estradiol, and progesterone. In addition, they were laparotomized in the late follicular phase when serum estradiol (by rapid assay) had exceeded 150 pg/ml for about 24 h. Ovarian vein blood was taken ipsilateral to the dominant follicle, followed by aspiration of follicular contents and rinsing of the antrum to remove as many granulosa cells as possible without disturbing the thecal layers. Also, blood from the contralateral ovarian vein was obtained, as well as a second collection from the ipsilateral ovarian vein 15 min after follicular aspi...
Initial Study of Pre-Service Teachers' Comments on a Reality-Based, Urban-Student Video Streamed within an Online Course

The Master of Arts in Teaching program at Empire State College, an alternative teacher certification program focused on bringing career-changing adults to high-needs schools, has an important need in its initial pre-service year. These adult students must be prepared to move into complex, high-needs schools without student teaching and often with little direct exposure to best practices in an urban environment. In an attempt to bring more positive and productive “reality” into this pre-service year, urban K12 students were videotaped during a science workshop, then segments of this tape were streamed into the online segment of a pre-service course. Initial findings suggest that these 31 pre-service teachers benefitted from watching these videos that provided a rich, complex, realistic yet visionary scenario for analysis. These soon-to-be teachers then developed their own perspective on high-quality instruction. With minimal instructional prompts, these students were able to dig deeply into the activities ...
Geologic Youth of Galápagos Islands Confirmed by Marine Stratigraphy and Paleontology

Six distinctive types of fossiliferous marine deposits occur on the Galadpagos Islands that provide evidence for the age of emergence of the islands above sea level and hence a maximum age for the islands' terrestrial biota. These subtidal to supratidal deposits include (i) volcanic tuffs with fossils, (ii) limestones and sandstones interbedded with basalt, (iii) terrace deposits, (iv) beach rock, (v) supratidal talus deposits, and (vi) recently uplifted tidal and subtidal rocks and sand. With the exception of (vi), the deposits were previously assigned ages varying from Miocene to Pleistocene, but all are less than about 2 million years old. This age, together with independently determined geologic ages, indicate that the islands emerged from the sea relatively recently and that all evolution of the islands' unique terrestrial biota occurred within the past 3 to 4 million years.
Possible iatrogenic bilateral cerebral ischemic infarcts in a woman with vasculitis

Dear Editor, Dihydroergotamine mesylate (DHE), an ergot alkaloid, is an effective therapy for migraine headache and is considered safe to be used for a broader range of headache types [1]. It is a significantly less potent arterioconstrictor than ergotamine tartrate (ET), which makes it a potentially safer drug [2]. However, it still has the potential to cause cerebrovascular events including cerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage and ischemic strokes. These potential complications may be especially expected in certain clinical scenarios. We report the case of a 23-year-old woman with a 4-week history of fluctuating and intractable headache that was initially diagnosed as migraine and treated with intramuscular DHE (1 mg/ml) twice over a period of 12 h. She also received two doses of sumatriptan succinate (70 mg) during the same period. She developed visual disturbance and left lower extremity weakness 2 h after the second DHE treatment. MRI of the brain showed bilateral ischemic infarcts (see Fig. 1). CT angiogram demonstrated diffuse vasospasm of the cerebral vasculature predominantly in the posterior cerebral and anterior cerebral arteries. One day after the CT angiogram, she underwent a four-vessel conventional cerebral angiogram; this showed a beaded appearance of the cerebral vasculature consistent with vasculitis (see Fig. 2). These angiographic findings were still present in a repeat cerebral conventional angiogram 1 week after the initial one; however, a right frontal lobe brain biopsy was negative for any evidence of vasculitis. The patient was also taking oral contraceptives at the time of presentation. The etiology of her infarctions may be multifactorial, but the combined administration of DHE and sumatriptan in the setting of vasculitis may have significantly contributed to the outcome. DHE and sumatriptan, though effective and safe treatment options for different headache syndromes, can result in serious complications (like cerebral infarction) if given over a short period of time. Moreover, the consideration of this treatment should be discouraged when the diagnosis of vasculitis is a possibility.
The use of 1-O-sulfonyl-d-mannopyranose derivatives in β-d-mannopyranoside synthesis

Abstract Several 1- O -sulfonyl derivatives of d -mannopyranose having a nonparticipating benzyl ether group at C-2 and ester functions at C-6 and C-4 were synthesized from the corresponding d -mannopyranosyl chloride derivatives with silver sulfonates in acetonitrile. The reaction of 1- O -sulfonyl- d -mannopyranose compounds with methanol in various solvents at room temperature gave high yields of glycosides with low degrees of stercoselectivity. On the other hand, 1- O -suffonyl- d -mannopyranose derivatives having an acyl participating-group at O-2 and benzyl ethers at C-3, C-4, and C-6 gave high yields and high stereoselectivity of α- d -mannopyranosides with primary and secondary alcohols in several solvents. Model studies were carried out to determine the best combination of 2- O -acyl group, solvent, time, temperature, and 1- O -sufonyl group to give high yields with high stereoselectivity. The method has been used to prepare in good yields more complex glycosides, including perbenzylated methy 2- O -(α- d -mannopyranosyl)-α- d -mannopyranoside.
Role of Bruton's tyrosine kinase in immunodeficiency

The genetic defect associated with human X-linked agammaglobulinemia and murine X-linked immunodeficiency was recently shown to result from lack of function of a new cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase, called Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk). The phenotypes associated with these immunodeficiencies indicate that Btk plays a critical role in B-lymphocyte development. The distinctive protein structure of Btk and preliminary functional studies suggest that Btk may act in a novel manner in a variety of signaling pathways.
A technique for measuring Lagrangian and Eulerian particle statistics in a turbulent flow

An experimental technique is described which has been developed to study particle dispersion in a round turbulent jet. Droplets are injected on the jet axis, and a laser sheet and position sensitive photomultiplier tube are used to track their radial displacement. Data processing is greatly simplified compared to video or photo imaging techniques which provide similar measurements. Statistically large samples are used to calculate dispersion and axial velocity as a function of axial downstream distance or particle time-of-flight. Dispersion and velocity statistics can be computed which are Lagrangian or Eulerian in nature. The technique has been demonstrated with 69 μm droplets of hexadecane in a jet of air with a Reynolds number of 15,000; in principle it could be used to study the motion of very small, quasi-fluid particles.
On d -arrangements associated with a simplex

Abstract We recently conjectured that a certain projective d- arrangement ℘ d associated with a regular simplex θd is simplicial for d = 4 and suggested that it night even be simplical for d ⪢ 4. In this note we disprove both conjectures.
A comparison of tests for independence in the FBI RFLP data bases

Several tests of independence of allelic frequencies within and between loci have been compared, and it has been found that Fisher’s exact test is the best test to use. When this test is applied to RFLP databases established by the FBI, paying no attention to the single-band problem, there is generally evidence for independence at one locus but not at two loci. When the test is restricted to double-banded entries in the databases; there is overall evidence for independence.
Receptors for the neuropeptides, myoinhibitory peptide and SIFamide, in control of the salivary glands of the blacklegged tick Ixodes scapularis

Tick salivary glands are important organs that enable the hematophagous feeding of the tick. We previously described the innervation of the salivary gland acini types II and III by a pair of protocerebral salivary gland neurons that produce both myoinhibitory peptide (MIP) and SIFamide (Simo et al., 2009b). In this study we identified authentic receptors expressed in the salivary glands for these neuropeptides. Homology-based searches for these receptors in the Ixodes scapularis genome sequence were followed by gene cloning and functional expression of the receptors. Both receptors were activated by low nanomolar concentrations of their respective ligands. The temporal expression patterns of the two ligands and their respective receptors suggest that the SIFamide signaling system pre-exists in unfed salivary glands, while the MIP system is activated upon initiation of feeding. Immunoreactivity for the SIFamide receptor in the salivary gland was detected in acini types II and III, surrounding the acinar valve and extending to the basal region of the acinar lumen. The location of the SIFamide receptor in the salivary glands suggests three potential target cell types and their probable functions: myoepithelial cell that may function in the contraction of the acini and/or the control of the valve; large, basally located dopaminergic granular cells for regulation of paracrine dopamine; and neck cells that may be involved in the control of the acinar duct and its valve.
Market-induced information disclosures: An experimental markets investigation

. This paper presents the results of 16 laboratory markets designed to test the theoretical assertion that, when disclosures are credible, managers/sellers will fully disclose private information to potential investors/buyers. Sellers are predicted to disclose all information so as not to be classified as having the worst possible information. This experiment manipulated two treatments: the number of disclosure options available to the seller and the buyers' knowledge of those disclosure options. The results show that, after repeated dealings between sellers and buyers, the sellers moved toward full disclosure. Buyers adjusted their bidding strategies in response to the seller's disclosure strategy in all markets except those that had both (1) a large number of disclosure options and (2) no knowledge by buyers of the disclosure options. These results may provide some perspective on the market-based results that show that investors do not react in a fully skeptical fashion with respect to managerial disclosures. Our results suggest that knowledge of the menu of disclosure options may increase the speed of markets adjusting to disclosures, particularly when the menu of disclosure options is large. Resume. Les auteurs presentent les resultats de l'etude en laboratoire de seize marches a partir desquels ils ont voulu verifier l'affirmation theorique selon laquelle, lorsque l'information communiquee est vraisemblable, les gestionnaires-vendeurs presentent integralement l'information privilegiee aux investissieurs-acheteurs potentiels. La decision des vendeurs de communiquer integralement l'information serait motivee par leur desir de ne pas laisser supposer que l'information qu'ils possedent est extremement negative. Dans le cadre de cette experience, les auteurs ont aborde la question sous deux angles: le nombre d'options dont dispose le vendeur en matiere de presentation de l'information et la connaissance de ces differentes options chez l'acheteur. Les resultats demontrent qu'apres plusieurs seances de negociation entre vendeurs et acheteurs, les vendeurs consentaient a la presentation integrale de l'information. Les acheteurs adaptaient leur strategie d'offre en reponse a la strategie de presentation de l'information du vendeur dans tous les marches, a l'exception des marches caracterises a la fois par 1) un nombre important d'options de presentation de l'information et 2) aucune connaissance, chez les acheteurs, des options de presentation de l'information. Ces resultats pourraient ouvrir certaines perspectives en ce qui a trait aux resultats, fondes sur le marche, qui demontrent que les investisseurs ne mettent pas systematiquement en doute l'information presentee par les gestionnaires. Les resultats de l'etude laissent supposer que la connaissance des differentes options de presentation de l'information peut accelerer l'adaptation des marches a la presentation de l'information, en particulier lorsque les options de presentation sont nombreuses.
Selectivity of Negative Bias in Impression Formation

Summary Prior research has established a bias toward negativity in impressions of moral-ethical character formed from combinations of favorable and unfavorable information. Judgments of other dimensions of personality have not been examined so systematically. In this study, three other dimensions, intelligence, emotional adjustment, and likeability, were investigated in a paradigm previously used with character impressions. Ss (N = 158 university students of both sexes) were given blocks of positive and negative information with order and quantity controlled. They made evaluative judgments based on all available information after each univalent segment and again a week later. For intelligence and likeability as defined here, positive and negative information received equal weight in the final ratings. Emotional adjustment, like character, showed a negative bias.
Targeting expression of a transgene to the airway surface epithelium using a ciliated cell-specific promoter.

Many of the vectors being investigated for gene therapy utilize viral promoters or promoters from ubiquitously expressed genes (e.g., CMV, β-actin). These promoters are active in many cell types and generally result in high levels of transgene expression. However, the use of these promoters for gene therapy of cystic fibrosis (CF) may produce undesirable effects by directing high levels of CFTR expression in cells that normally do not synthesize this protein. In contrast, a vector containing a ciliated cell-specific promoter and delivered to the lung would be active only in the ciliated cells that line the surface of the airways. Ciliated cells express CFTR and are in direct contact with the airway surface liquid normally regulated by CFTR. To develop a ciliated cell-specific promoter for CF gene therapy, we have characterized the promoter region of the FOXJ1 gene, a transcription factor required for ciliated cell differentiation. A fragment of the human FOXJ1 promoter region was inserted into an EGFP expression cassette and used to produce transgenic mice. Transgene-positive animals demonstrated strong EGFP expression in the ciliated cells of tracheal, bronchial, and nasal epithelium. Our results demonstrate that elements within the FOXJ1 promoter region are sufficient to target expression of transgenes to ciliated cells and may be useful for gene therapy of CF.
Activation of Sp1-mediated Vascular Permeability Factor/Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Transcription Requires Specific Interaction with Protein Kinase C ζ

The transcription factor Sp1 is ubiquitously expressed and plays a significant role in the constitutive and induced expression of a variety of mammalian genes and may even contribute to tumorigenesis. Here, we describe a novel pathway whereby Sp1 promotes the transcription of vascular permeability factor/vascular endothelial growth factor (VPF/VEGF), a potent angiogenic factor, by interacting directly and specifically with protein kinase C zeta (PKC zeta) isoform in renal cell carcinoma. PKC zeta binds and phosphorylates the zinc finger region of Sp1. Moreover, in the presence of the wild type von Hippel-Lindau gene product, the interaction of Sp1 with PKC zeta is inhibited, and in this manner steady state levels of Sp1 phosphorylation are decreased significantly. Co-transfection of renal cell carcinoma cells and human fibrosarcoma cells with a plasmid overexpressing PKC zeta and VPF/VEGF promoter luciferase constructs results in activation of Sp1-mediated transcription, whereas expression of a dominant-negative mutant of PKC zeta repressed this activation. Taken together, our results suggest a new pathway of cell signaling through PKC zeta and provide an insight into PKC zeta and Sp1-dependent transcriptional regulation of VPF/VEGF expression and thus tumor angiogenesis.
Spin-Wave Thermal Conductivity of Ferromagnetic EuS

Experimental and theoretical investigations have been made of the spin-wave thermal conductivity of the ferromagnet europium sulfide. Measurements of the thermal conductivity from 1.5-4\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K have been made on compressed powders. The theoretical temperature dependence of the spin-wave thermal conductivity below 4\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K has been calculated for several external magnetic fields, assuming boundary scattering and considering first- and second-neighbor interactions. With no external magnetic field, the experimental conductivity can be approximately represented by $\mathcal{K}=1.2{T}^{2}$ mW/cm(\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K) which is reasonably close to the theoretical temperature dependence. However, an external field of 9 kG produced a drop in conductivity ranging from 2 or 3% at 4\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K to 25% at 1.5\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K; according to theory the conductivity should decrease by 11% at 4\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K and 31% at 1.5\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. This disagreement between experiment and theory is quite marked at higher temperatures and will require further study for its resolution.
Recognition of genetic syndromes in families with suspected hereditary colon cancer syndromes.

hy did I get colon cancer?” The search for answers to this vexing question has led to the identification of an increasing number of genetic disorders that predispose to colorectal cancer. Although these syndromes in aggregate probably account for fewer than 5% of colorectal cancers, clinical recognition of these disorders is essential to assure that the best clinical recommendations are made for treatment of affected individuals. Recognition is also essential for understanding risks for second cancers — both gastrointestinal (GI) and non-GI cancers— in the patients as well as in their relatives. Diagnosis of a familial cancer predisposition syndrome yields a powerful tool in guiding clinical management aimed at early detection and prevention of cancers in such families. This article is written as a primer on the recognition and diagnosis of known hereditary syndromes that predispose individuals to colorectal cancers. Without recognition of these syndromes, patients are denied opportunities for receiving the best possible medical care. (Comprehensive discussion of the clinical management of each of these syndromes will not be provided, because this can be found elsewhere.) 1– 8 Although confirmation of a diagnosis of a hereditary cancer syndrome can sometimes be accomplished with genetic testing, this is not always feasible or desirable and is seldom the best place to start. Genetic testing is but one component of a more complex process often called genetic risk assessment. The net outcome of genetic risk assessment should be the development of a customized plan for cancer management for the patients and their at-risk relatives.