cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluating automatic methods to extract patients' supplement use from clinical reports

The widespread prevalence of dietary supplements has drawn extensive attention due to the safety and efficacy issue. Clinical notes document a great amount of detailed information on dietary supplement usage, thus providing a rich source for clinical research on supplement safety surveillance. Identification the use status of dietary supplements is one of the initial steps for the ultimate goal of the supplement safety surveillance. In this study, we built rule-based and machine learning-based classifiers to automatically classify the use status of supplements into four categories: Continuing (C), Discontinued (D), Started (S), and Unclassified (U). In comparison to the machine learning classifier trained on the same datasets, the rule-based classifier showed a better performance with F-measure in the C, D, S, U status of 0.93, 0.98, 0.95, and 0.83, respectively. We further analyzed the errors generated by the rule-based classifier. The classifier can be potentially applied to extract supplement information from clinical notes for supporting research and clinical practice related to patient safety on supplement usage.
A 99.1% efficient, 490 W/in 3 power density power factor correction front end based on a 7-level flying capacitor multilevel converter

This paper presents a power factor correction (PFC) front end based on a GaN-Based 7-level flying capacitor multilevel (FCML) boost converter. Compared to the conventional 2-level boost converter, the proposed 7-level FCML converter features the use of low-voltage-rated transistors, reduced voltage stress and high effective switching frequency on the filter inductor. These characteristics of the FCML converter lead to drastic reduction in the filter inductor size while maintaining high efficiency, and therefore significantly improve the power density of the PFC frond end compared to conventional solutions. On the other hand, the small inductance imposes challenges for the PFC control. The dynamics of the 7-level FCML converter has been analyzed and a feedforward control has been implemented to overcome these challenges. A hardware prototype is designed for universal AC input (90 VAC to 265 VAC), 400 V DC output at 1.5 kW power rating. The hardware prototype demonstrates improved efficiency and power density as well as power factor and THD performance compared to existing solutions. A peak efficiency of 99.07% and a power density of 490 W/in3 has been experimentally verified.
Retention of Students' Ability to Incorporate a Computer into Simulated Patient Encounters.

Objective. To assess pharmacy students’ ability to incorporate laptop computers into simulated patient encounters (SPEs) in the second professional year (P2) and assess their ability to retain thes...
Mood Disorders and Suicide

This chapter reviews the broad topic of suicide in patients with mood disorders. Suicide was the tenth most common cause of death in the United States in 2013 (Bostwick et al., Am J Psychiatry 173:11, 2016) and the leading cause of death in the 15–29 age group globally (Benard et al., L’Encephale 42:234–241, 2016). One of the risk factors for suicide is the presence of psychopathology, mostly mood disorders. Indeed, about ½–2/3 of all suicides occur in patients who suffer from mood disorders (Isometsa, Can J Psychiatry 59(3):120–130, 2014). Twenty five to 50% of patients with bipolar disorder (Latalova et al., Psychiatr Danub 26(2):108–114, 2014) and 30–40% of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) have a positive lifetime history of attempted suicide (Isometsa, Can J Psychiatry 59(3):120–130, 2014; Popovic et al., Bipolar Disord 17:795–803, 2015). The percentage of patients completing suicide is estimated at 8–19% for bipolar disorder (Latalova et al., Psychiatr Danub 26(2):108–114, 2014) and up to 15% for MDD (Antypa et al., Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 266:181–193, 2016). Epidemiological data related to mood disorders and suicide are discussed. There are different etiological theories attempting to explain the phenomenon of suicide in mood disorders, which are reviewed in this chapter. Even though risk factors for suicide have been extensively studied, prediction of those at higher risk for death by suicide continues to be difficult (Mallick and McCullumsmith, Curr Psychiatry Rep 18:61, 2016). This chapter covers risk factors for suicide in mood disorders and implications for suicide risk assessment. Finally, the recommended interventions for suicide prevention and treatment are reviewed.
Nocturnal sleep and daytime sleepiness in normal subjects with HLA-DQB1*0602

Narcolepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and abnormal REM sleep, is known to be tightly associated with the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) DQ allele DQB1*0602. In this study, we have explored the possibility that normal subjects carrying this HLA allele (25% of the general population) could display subclinical REM sleep abnormalities and increased daytime sleepiness. Data from 525 middle-aged adults enrolled in the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort study were used for this analysis. Nocturnal polysomnography, sleep latency during the multiple sleep latency test (MSLT), and questionnaire items pertaining to excessive daytime sleepiness were compared between DQB1*0602 positive (n = 132) and negative (n = 393) participants. Results indicate shorter REM latency whether or not the latency was adjusted for wake after sleep onset (p = 0.003) and p = 0.02 respectively), increased sleep efficiency (p = 0.06) and decreased percent time spent in stage I sleep (p = 0.02) during nocturnal polysomnography in DQB1*0602 subjects. Data gathered using the Multiple Sleep Latency Test or the Epworth and Stanford sleepiness scales did not differentiate between DQB1*0602 positive and negative subjects. These results support the hypothesis that polymorphisms at the level of HLA DQ modulates sleep tendencies in humans.
Radiation therapy of glioblastoma.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common malignant brain tumor that affects approximately 17,000 patients annually. Clear survival advantages have been demonstrated with postoperative radiation therapy (RT) to doses of 5,000–6,000 cGy but dose-escalation attempts beyond 6,000 cGy have resulted in increased toxicity but no additional survival benefit. To improve local control and limit toxicity to normal brain tissue with these infiltrating tumors, novel imaging techniques are actively being explored to better define tumor extent and associated RT treatment fields. Hyperfractionated RT has been associated with a survival detriment. Current standard-of-care treatment involves concurrent use of temozolomide and RT to 6,000 cGy over 30 days followed by adjuvant temozolomide treatment for 6 months. Brachytherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery are effective therapies for relapsed GBM but tend to be associated with notable toxicity. More recently, re-irradiation strategies employ concurrent use of bevacizumab to limit treatment-related injury while still permitting delivery of meaningful doses. These clinical trials are ongoing and merits of these strategies are not yet clear but appear promising.
Resolution and Reconstitution of Electron Transport and Oxidative Phosphorylation

The resolution of complex biological systems and subsequent reconstitution of part or the whole of the original function from the separated components have been powerful tools in biochemistry and molecular biology. This approach has also been used in mitochondrial studies, and much of our current knowledge of electron transport and energy-coupling mechanisms stems from attempts at dissecting and reconstituting the multienzyme system that catalyzes these processes. This chapter will review some of the older and more recent experiments on the reconstitution of the respiratory chain and of the ATP synthetase.
Homicidal hanging masquerading as sexual asphyxia.

Accidental asphyxiation occasionally results from autoerotic activity related to the sexual perversion of bondage, a variant of sadomasochism [1–4]. These deaths occur predominantly in the adolescent male population but also rarely in females [5, 6]. They are generally accepted as being accidental, although a recent textbook describes them as suicides [7].
Social and Tactile Mixed Reality Increases Student Engagement in Undergraduate Lab Activities

Undergraduate lab sessions play a crucial role in building and reinforcing conceptual understanding in STEM education. In third and fourth year higher education, lab sessions can be challenging to incorporate into the curriculum due to cost, safety, or difficulty in realizing abstract concepts. Mixed reality (MR) systems provide a novel solution due to their ability to nurture collaboration and tactile interaction. In this work, an MR system designed for use in chemical kinetics undergraduate curriculum is described. This system combines the principles of student-driven, investigative learning with tactile feedback and simulation-based teaching. A small-scale study was conducted to explore students’ use of a prototype MR system as compared to a traditional “pen-and-paper” cooperative learning activity. Differences in student engagement and learning outcomes were analyzed. Results indicate that students working with MR demonstrated slightly more accurate and nuanced conceptual understandings, conducted fas...
Conclusion: The Freudian Century in Philosophy of Mind

The analysis of Freud’s argument for unconscious mental states reveals Freud to be both a materialist and a representationalist about the mental who postulates a theoretical entity of brain representationality as the essence of the mental and is a quasi-mysterian about consciousness. I consider in this chapter the remarkable prescience of Freud’s position. The problems posed by Freud’s argument have absorbed many of the leading philosophers of mind during the last half of the twentieth century and into the twenty-first, and there is no consensus resolution in sight. Moreover, several leading philosophers of mind express overall positions that are remarkably similar to Freud’s. It seems fair to say that it has been a Freudian century in philosophy of mind.
Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency as a cause of fatal 5-Fluorouracil toxicity

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), in combination with other cytotoxic drugs, is commonly used to treat a variety of cancers. Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) catalyzes the first catabolic step of the 5-FU degradation pathway, converting 80% of 5-FU to its inactive metabolite. Approximately 0.3% of the population demonstrate complete DPD deficiency, translating to extreme toxicity of 5-FU. Here we present a case of a patient who had a fatal outcome after treatment with 5-FU who was found to have an unknown DPD deficiency discovered at autopsy.
A ‘healthy’ balance – The role of physical and chemical properties in maintaining forest soil function in a changing world

Abstract Forest soil health can be defined as a soil's capacity to function within ecosystem and land-use boundaries to sustain plant and animal fitness, ecological biodiversity, primary productivity, and environmental quality. A critical question then in soil science is how do we measure soil function so we can maintain soil health and these myriad benefits? Specifically, how can soil health be broadly assessed through a robust framework that allows a society to monitor the physical, chemical, and biological indicators required to establish baseline conditions and assess change in integrative soil properties over time? In this chapter we examine aspects of physical and chemical soil health that are impacted by direct (e.g., harvest, fire) or indirect (e.g., climate change, acid rain) disturbances. Throughout, guidance is provided on how to monitor soil health and some management practices that can mitigate disturbance impacts. Finally, we identify soils and their inherent properties that are vulnerable to degradation and change.
Inhalation of lung spheroid cell secretome and exosomes promotes lung repair in pulmonary fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal and incurable form of interstitial lung disease in which persistent injury results in scar tissue formation. As fibrosis thickens, the lung tissue loses the ability to facilitate gas exchange and provide cells with needed oxygen. Currently, IPF has few treatment options and no effective therapies, aside from lung transplant. Here we present a series of studies utilizing lung spheroid cell-secretome (LSC-Sec) and exosomes (LSC-Exo) by inhalation to treat different models of lung injury and fibrosis. Analysis reveals that LSC-Sec and LSC-Exo treatments could attenuate and resolve bleomycin- and silica-induced fibrosis by reestablishing normal alveolar structure and decreasing both collagen accumulation and myofibroblast proliferation. Additionally, LSC-Sec and LSC-Exo exhibit superior therapeutic benefits than their counterparts derived from mesenchymal stem cells in some measures. We showed that an inhalation treatment of secretome and exosome exhibited therapeutic potential for lung regeneration in two experimental models of pulmonary fibrosis. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal lung disease and adult lung spheroid cells have been shown to promote regeneration in animal models of IPF. Here the authors show that the secretome and exosomes of lung spheroid cells is effective as inhalation treatment in rodent models of lung injury and fibrosis and superior to the counterparts derived from mesenchymal stem cells.
Socially-Informed Sorting for Guiding Personal Finance Choices

Planning for personal financial security is complex, and better-informed investors are likely to make better investment choices. However, the number of alternatives presented by most personal finance platforms pose novices a dual challenge of choice overload coupled with a lack of domain knowledge. We present a study investigating socially-informed sorting, in which users are offered subtle guidance in the form of visual and textual cues that aim to encourage information-seeking when choosing between large numbers of options. We evaluate this approach in an online experiment in which participants go through ten rounds of retirement saving budget allocation, making choices among 77 different funds. While we found that this technique increased novice investors' information-seeking, and offered significant benefit in terms of return performance, it may also be detrimental for more experienced investors. We discuss these findings in light of prior research.
NanoSIMS sample preparation decreases isotope enrichment: magnitude, variability and implications for single-cell rates of microbial activity

The activity of individual microorganisms can be measured within environmental samples by detecting uptake of isotope-labelled substrates using nano-scale secondary ion mass spectrometry (nanoSIMS). Recent studies have demonstrated that sample preparation can decrease 13 C and 15 N enrichment in bacterial cells, resulting in underestimates of activity. Here, we explore this effect with a variety of preparation types, microbial lineages and isotope labels to determine its consistency and therefore potential for correction. Specifically, we investigated the impact of different protocols for fixation, nucleic acid staining and catalysed reporter deposition fluorescence in situ hybridization (CARD-FISH) on >14 500 archaeal and bacterial cells (Methanosarcina acetivorans, Sulfolobus acidocaldarius and Pseudomonas putida) enriched in 13 C, 15 N, 18 O, 2 H and/or 34 S. We found these methods decrease isotope enrichments by up to 80% - much more than previously reported - and that the effect varies by taxa, growth phase, isotope label and applied protocol. We make recommendations for how to account for this effect experimentally and analytically. We also re-evaluate published nanoSIMS datasets and revise estimated microbial turnover times in the marine subsurface and nitrogen fixation rates in pelagic unicellular cyanobacteria. When sample preparation is accounted for, cell-specific rates increase and are more consistent with modelled and bulk rates.
A novel way to dynamize a spatial frame and optimize fracture healing.

Abstract Background Fracture site motion creates mechanical strains on the healing tissues which influences bone formation. Axial micro-motion maximizes dilatational strains, whereas shearing motions maximize deviatoric strains on the healing tissues. Dilatational strains optimize bone healing, deviatoric strains retard bone healing. Dynamization of external fixation using either an Ilizarov or Spatial Frame platform is used to increase loading on the limb which increases the mechanical stress and strain on the tissues to improve healing. The scientific literature does not address how dynamization of the spatial frame effects fracture site motion. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of modified shoulder bolts incorporated into a spatial frame during dynamic loading. Methods Five identical two-ring spatial frame constructed were mounted on Sawbones tibias with an osteotomy performed distal to the tibial tubercle. Sinusoidal load was applied at a rate of 0.25 Hz. Axial force and displacement, in addition to motion of the proximal and distal tibia segments were recorded. Eight constructs were tested: 1) All struts of the Spatial Frame rigid, 2) Strut #1 loose, 3) Struts #1 and #3 loose, 4) Struts #1, #3 and #5 loose, 5) All struts loose, 6) All struts rigid with dynamization bolts on the proximal end, 7) All struts rigid with dynamization bolts on alternating sides, 8) Threaded rods between the rings with two millimeters of dynamization. Results No difference in vertical displacement was observed between the Ilizarov and all struts locked. No significant difference in shear values between all struts locked and modified shoulder bolt struts was observed. Increase in vertical movement with the modified shoulder bolts was an average of 1.83 mm. Significant shear forces at the fracture site were observed with unlocking single or multiple struts of the spatial frame. Conclusion Modified shoulder bolts can be used for spatial frame dynamization without increasing shear motion.
Analysis of UrbanSim as it relates to educational goals

This paper examines a commonly used UrbanSim scenario as it relates to its stated educational goals. Additionally, this paper discusses, in general terms, a model to assess the effectiveness of simulation/game tools in education. The research method used was primarily working with the common UrbanSim scenario through multiple runs with various student approaches to the problem. Then an analysis was conducted of UrbanSim and the selected scenario to the stated educational goals. This analysis concludes that UrbanSim meets some of the educational goals, but does not adequately reward good student decisions nor sufficiently penalize poor student decisions.
Targeted Crisis Risk Control: A Neyman-Pearson Approach

This paper investigates the link between crisis risk estimation and crisis prevention policy in the context of sudden stops with growth impacts. We propose a two-stage framework that embeds an early-warning problem into a policy-making problem, and conduct a welfare analysis of crisis risk estimation based on subsequent policy responses. Building upon this two-stage framework, we show that there is welfare cost asymmetry between two types of errors: the welfare-maximizing weight on the missed crises is greater than that on the false alarms. This paper introduces a constrained optimization problem under the Neyman-Pearson paradigm to solve this error-asymmetry problem, and conducts backtesting with multiple algorithms under this paradigm with asymmetry-warranted evaluation metric. Bringing this welfare-based two-stage framework to emerging market countries' data, we uncover the time-varying risk tolerance of policymakers.
Globalization and the Black Market Organ Trade: When Even a Kidney Can't Pay the Bills

Limited attention has been focused on globalization and disability, and within this realm, the link between the black market organ trade and disability has been unexplored. Globalization as we know it, through its promotion of a competitive market-based economy and the resulting systems of national healthcare, is creating and exploiting an international community of disabled people. These disabled people are organ "donors," forced to stake their livelihood on internal organs that are sold through the classic hierarchical ranks of oppression. The goals and systems of globalization today must take these disabled communities into account, or the resulting poverty and lack of proper medical care will continue to fuel the trade in human organs.
On Greenhouse Gas Signal Detection Strategies

Abstract Important elements of a greenhouse gas signal detection strategy are discussed and demonstrated with both model and observed data. The analysis also demonstrates the high level of unexplained interdecadal variability that occurs naturally in the climate system and how this “noise” will greatly complicate any detection strategy.
Complete Edentulism and Comorbid Diseases: An Update

The relationship between complete edentulism, which is the terminal outcome of a multifactorial oral disease process and other comorbid diseases, was first reported in 2009. Although the relationship between edentulism and a multitude of systemic diseases was reported, none of the publications studied could determine causality of tooth loss on the incidence of any comorbid disease. Since that publication, there has been a renewed interest in this relationship, and a plethora of new articles have been published. This article will provide an update on articles published since 2008 on the relationship between edentulism and comorbid diseases, and will include the relationship between complete edentulism and such comorbid conditions as malnutrition, obesity, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, pulmonary diseases (including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), cancer, and even mortality.
Differences in pericyte contractile function in rat cardiac and skeletal muscle microvasculatures

Abstract In order to evaluate contractile activity of pericytes, rat hearts and hindlimbs were perfused separately with angiotensin (1 μg/ml), norepinephrine (1 μg/ml), or vasopressin (10 −3 U/ml) for 3 min, fixed by perfusion, then processed for electron microscopy and morphometry. An electronic planimeter was employed to quantify configurational alterations (buckling) of endothelium between pericyte processes which provided an index of pericyte contraction (PCI). Inherent in this technique is the assumption that contracting pericytes distort and convolute endothelial cell membranes (increasing the PCI) abutting pericytes, but do not affect endothelial configuration elsewhere around the capillary circumference. PCI values were virtually identical in control hearts and skeletal muscle and in low-flow hindlimb perfusions (101.2 ± 0.3% (SD), 101.2 ± 0.7%, and 102.3 ± 0.8%, respectively). All three vasoactive agents increased perfusion pressure significantly in both hearts and hindlimbs with one exception (norepinephrine produced a slight pressure drop in hearts). While perfusion with vasoactive agents had no effect on the cardiac PCI, skeletal PCI values were markedly elevated for all three vasoactive agents (124.1 ± 8.2, 118.7 ± 4.9, and 120.2 ± 6.8% for angiotensin, norepinephrine, and vasopressin, respectively). Marked buckling of endothelium in apposition with pericytes and the absence of such changes elsewhere in the vessel wall were documented in morphologic studies of drug-perfused skeletal muscle. In both control hearts and hindlimbs and drug-perfused hearts, endothelial configuration in apposition with pericytes did not differ from the rest of the vessel. These observations, together with ultrastructural and morphometric data documenting much more extensive interaction between pericytes and endothelium in skeletal than in cardiac muscle, strongly suggest that pericytes in rat hindlimb skeletal muscle constrict in response to selected vasoactive agents while those in cardiac muscle do not.
Nonprofit Organizations and Outcome Measurement: From Tracking Program Activities to Focusing on Frontline Work

Why do we continue to see evidence that nonprofit staff feel like outcome measurement is missing important aspects of their work? Based on an analysis of over 1,000 pages of material in 10 outcome ...
Health and socioeconomic indicators in psychiatric catchment areas with divergent suicide rates.

Differences found in the incidence of suicide between the psychiatric catchment areas of the Karolinska Hospital in Stockholm were investigated in relation to health and socioeconomic indicators during the study period 1990-1994. The hypothesis of the study was that negative socioeconomic indicators and psychosocial and health indicators denoting less favourable socioeconomic status may negatively influence the suicide rate of the demographic units in this cross-sectional study. The incidence of suicide between the areas was significantly different and increasingly divergent in the last year of the study period. The area with a higher proportion of suicides had also an increased proportion of individuals who retired early, lower life expectancy at birth, higher non-employment, lesser income among the employed, less public expenditure for education, less proportion of home ownership, and a higher proportion of persons bound to one-room dwellings. Disregarding the influence of ethnicity (there were no statistically significant differences on immigrants' suicide between the areas) as well as in the availability of psychiatric care (assuming that similar quality of psychiatric care was provided by both sectors), or other demographic indices commonly shared by the areas, the possibility of strong effects of unfavourable health and socioeconomic indices appeared relevant for the explantation of an increased incidence of suicide. The findings provide new empirical contradiction to the socioeconomic hypothesis of the incidence of suicide, which postulated that populations with higher socioeconomic status may have increased suicide rates. Language: en
Exercise first-pass radionuclide assessment of left and right ventricular function and valvular regurgitation in symptomatic mitral valve prolapse.

The changes in right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular (LV) function and in regurgitant fractions on first-pass exercise radionuclide angiography (RNA) were assessed in 29 consecutive patients with symptomatic mitral valve prolapse (MVP).The mean right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) was 35±8% at rest and 46±15% after exercise (p < 0.001). The mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 62 ± 11 % at rest and 74±13% after exercise (p < 0.001) . Seven of 29 patients had an abnormal RV response and 6 had an abnormal LV response. Eight had abnormal wall motion after exercise. A total of 12/29 patients (41 %) had one or more abnormalities.The mean left-sided regurgitant fraction before exercise was 27±17% in 21/29 patients (72%) and 31±21% after exercise (p=ns) . An additional 5 pa tients (17%) developed left-sided regurgitation after exercise.These fmdings indicate that wall motion abnormalities and abnormal RVEF and LVEF responses to exercise occur in symptomatic MVP patients. In addi tion, 2...
LATERAL DYNAMICS OPTIMIZATION OF A CONVENTIONAL RAILCAR

The attempt to develop a railway vehicle that can operate in the 150 to 300-mph (240 to 480-km/h) speed regime is seriously hampered by the problems of ride comfort, curve negotiation, and "hunting." This latter phenomena involves sustained lateral oscillations that occur above certain critical forward velocities and cause large dynamic loads between the wheels and track as well as contributing to passenger discomfort. This paper presents results of an initial effort to solve these problems by utilizing optimization procedures to design a high speed railway vehicle. This study indicates that the problem is more easily treated as a constrained optimization problem than as an unconstrained problem with several terms in the objective function. In the constrained optimization problem, the critical "hunting" speed was maximized subject to constraints on (1) the acceleration of the car body, (2) the suspension stroke length, and (3) the maximum suspension stroke while negotiating a curve. A simple, three degree- of-freedom model of the rail vehicle was used for this study. Solutions of this constrained problem show that beyond a minimum yaw stiffness between truck and car body the operating speed remains nearly constant. Thus, above this value, the designer may trade off yaw stiffness, wheel tread conicity and stability margin.
Changes in pulse rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygenation, perfusion index, skin conductance, and their variability induced during and after grounding human subjects for 40 minutes.

Abstract Objectives: Previous studies have shown that grounding produces quantifiable physiologic changes. This study was set up to reproduce and expand earlier electrophysiologic and physiologic parameters measured immediately after grounding with improved methodology and state-of-the-art equipment. Design and subjects: A multiparameter double-blind experiment was conducted with 14 men and 14 women (age range: 18–80) in relatively good health. Subjects were screened for health problems using a commonly used health questionnaire. They were seated in a comfortable recliner and measured during 2-hour grounding sessions, leaving time for signals to stabilize before, during, and after grounding (40 minutes for each period). Sham 2-hour grounding sessions were also recorded with the same subjects as controls. Outcome measures: This report presents results for 5 of the 18 parameters measured. The parameters reported here are: skin conductance (SC), blood oxygenation (BO), respiratory rate (RR), pulse rate (PR),...
Preoperative Shower Revisited: Can High Topical Antiseptic Levels Be Achieved on the Skin Surface Before Surgical Admission?

Background Skin asepsis is a sentinel strategy for reducing risk of surgical site infections. In this study, chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) skin concentrations were determined after preoperative showering/skin cleansing using 4% CHG soap or 2% CHG-impregnated polyester cloth. Study Design Subjects were randomized to one of three shower (4% soap)/skin cleansing (2% cloth) groups (n = 20 per group): (group 1 A/B) evening, (group 2 A/B) morning, or (group 3 A/B) evening and morning. After showering or skin cleansing, volunteers returned to the investigator's laboratory where CHG skin surface concentrations were determined at five separate skin sites. CHG concentrations were compared with CHG minimal inhibitory concentration that inhibits 90% (MIC 90 ) of staphylococcal skin isolates. Results CHG MIC 90 for 61 skin isolates was 4.8 parts per million (ppm). In group 1A, 4% CHG skin concentrations ranged from 17.2 to 31.6 ppm, and CHG concentrations were 361.5 to 589.5 ppm (p Conclusions Effective CHG levels were achieved on most skin sites after using 4% CHG; gaps in antiseptic coverage were noted at selective sites even after repeated application. Use of the 2% CHG polyester cloth resulted in considerably higher skin concentrations with no gaps in antiseptic coverage. Effective decolonization of the skin before hospital admission can play an important role in reducing risk of surgical site infections.
Parallel electrochemical treatment system and application for identifying acid-stable oxygen evolution electrocatalysts.

Many energy technologies require electrochemical stability or preactivation of functional materials. Due to the long experiment duration required for either electrochemical preactivation or evaluation of operational stability, parallel screening is required to enable high throughput experimentation. Imposing operational electrochemical conditions to a library of materials in parallel creates several opportunities for experimental artifacts. We discuss the electrochemical engineering principles and operational parameters that mitigate artifacts in the parallel electrochemical treatment system. We also demonstrate the effects of resistive losses within the planar working electrode through a combination of finite element modeling and illustrative experiments. Operation of the parallel-plate, membrane-separated electrochemical treatment system is demonstrated by exposing a composition library of mixed-metal oxides to oxygen evolution conditions in 1 M sulfuric acid for 2 h. This application is particularly im...
Reply to Rubinsztein and Nixon: Potent and reliable autophagy induction in neurons

We thank Rubinsztein and Nixon (1) for their interest in our study (2). We have the greatest respect for their contributions to the field of autophagy.
Brief paper: Cooperative detection of areas of rapid change in spatial fields

This paper proposes a distributed coordination algorithm for robotic sensor networks to detect boundaries that separate areas of rapid change of planar spatial phenomena. We consider an aggregate objective function, termed wombliness, to measure the change of the spatial field along the closed polygonal curve defined by the location of the sensors. We encode the network task as the optimization of the wombliness and characterize the smoothness properties of the objective function. In general, the complexity of the spatial phenomena may make the gradient flow cause self-intersections in the polygonal curve described by the network. We design the hybrid wombling algorithm that allows for network splitting and merging and guarantees local convergence to the critical configurations of the wombliness, while monotonically optimizing it. The technical approach combines ideas from statistical estimation, dynamical systems, and hybrid modeling and design.
UFT® plus oral leucovorin calcium (Orzel™) and radiation in combined modality therapy: A comprehensive review

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) has become the most commonly used drug in combination with radiation therapy. The recent availability of oral formulations of 5-FU in conjunction with the ability to modulate the anabolic and catabolic metabolism of 5-FU with leucovorin and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) inhibitors, respectively, may provide a substantial improvement in the ease of administration and the efficacy of fluoropyrimidine therapy. Several oral fluoropyrimidines are under investigation. UFT (uracil:tegafur) plus oral leucovorin (Orzel) is the first oral DPD-inhibitory fluoropyrimidine. With daily administration, Orzel achieves similar concentrations of 5-FU obtained with continuous-infusion 5-FU. This paper summarizes the therapeutic rationale for Orzel and reviews the clinical experience with UFT and UFT/LV in combined modality therapy regimens.
The use of a new diode laser for hair removal.

BACKGROUND Diode and long-pulse 1064 Nd:YAG lasers, because of their long wavelengths and extended pulse durations, have gained popularity over the last several years for photoepilation in individuals with dark skin phenotypes. OBJECTIVE To analyze the clinical efficacy and histologic features of a new 810-nm diode laser in the treatment of unwanted hair in individuals with Fitzpatrick skin types II–IV. METHODS Twenty-four female subjects (mean age, 33; range, 17–53) were treated three times at monthly intervals with the MeDioStarâ diode laser (Zeiss-Meditech, Jenna, Germany): wavelength 810 nm, spot size 12 mm, pulse duration 50 msec; fluence 25–35 J. Patients had skin types II–IV and light to dark brown hair. Hair counts were carried out using handheld magnifiers at baseline and at months 1, 2, 3, and 6. Six individuals had biopsies taken after treatment and at 3 and 6 months. RESULTS. A mean hair removal efficiency of 74% and 79% was noted at 3 and 6 months, respectively, and was best in those individuals with skin type III. Hair counts after treatment and at last follow-up were significantly lower when compared with the baseline counts (P<0.0001). Histologic analysis revealed a range from early catagen induction to complete follicular destruction. CONCLUSIONS This study supports the clinical photoepilatory efficiency of a new 810-nm diode laser in producing 70% clinical hair removal efficiency at 6 months. Histopathologic evaluation suggests that this decrease in hair counts is probably secondary to heat trauma to the follicular epithelium, resulting in complete follicular destruction and stopping of anagen phase.
A phase field model for failure in interconnect lines due to coupled diffusion mechanisms

Abstract We describe a diffuse interface, or phase field model for simulating electromigration and stress-induced void evolution and growth in interconnect lines. Microstructural evolution is tracked by defining an order parameter, which takes on distinct uniform values within solid material and voids, and varying rapidly from one to the other over narrow interfacial layers associated with the void surfaces. The order parameter is governed by a form of the Cahn–Hilliard equation. An asymptotic analysis demonstrates that the zero contour of order parameter tracks the motion of a void evolving by coupled surface and lattice diffusion, driven by stress, electron wind and vacancy concentration gradients. Efficient finite element schemes are described to solve the modified Cahn–Hilliard equation, as well as the equations associated with the accompanying mechanical, electrical and bulk diffusion problems. The accuracy and convergence of the numerical scheme is investigated by comparing results to known analytical solutions. The method is applied to solve various problems involving void growth and evolution in representative interconnect geometries.
Distribution of Receptor Targets in the Lung

Most of the drugs that are currently used to treat airway diseases interact with receptors expressed by cells in the airways. This makes inhaled delivery efficient because it reaches the key target cells and has a low risk of systemic side effects. Both beta(2)-agonists and anticholinergics target autonomic receptors on airway smooth muscle of large and small airways. Inhaled beta(2)-agonists also interact with beta(2)-receptors expressed on other important target cells, including mast cells and postcapillary venules. Anticholinergic bronchodilators target M(3) muscarinic receptors on airway smooth muscle, which in small airways may be activated by extraneuronal acetylcholine. Corticosteroids target glucocorticoid receptors (GR), which are widely distributed so that they are best given by inhalation to interact with intracellular GR in the respiratory tract and to avoid side effects from activation of GR in extrapulmonary tissues such as bone. By contrast, cysteinyl-leukotriene 1 receptors are mainly expresses in airway smooth muscle so that antileukotrienes are less effective clinically than beta(2)-agonists and corticosteroids, but oral delivery is possible as there are minimal side effects. There are many other receptor targets in lung and for several of these receptors, such as receptors for chemotactic agonists, selective antagonists are in clinical development. For drugs that inhibit chemotactic receptors, systemic delivery is more appropriate to prevent the inflammatory cells that bear these receptors from being recruited into the airways by locally released chemotactic factors. Many novel receptors, including orphan receptors, have now been identified as these may be future targets for developing novel therapies for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Fixed-point algorithms for the blind separation of arbitrary complex-valued non-Gaussian signal mixtures

We derive new fixed-point algorithms for the blind separation of complex-valued mixtures of independent, noncircularly symmetric, and non-Gaussian source signals. Leveraging recently developed results on the separability of complex-valued signal mixtures, we systematically construct iterative procedures on a kurtosis-based contrast whose evolutionary characteristics are identical to those of the FastICA algorithm of Hyvarinen and Oja in the real-valued mixture case. Thus, our methods inherit the fast convergence properties, computational simplicity, and ease of use of the FastICA algorithm while at the same time extending this class of techniques to complex signal mixtures. For extracting multiple sources, symmetric and asymmetric signal deflation procedures can be employed. Simulations for both noiseless and noisy mixtures indicate that the proposed algorithms have superior finite-sample performance in data-starved scenarios as compared to existing complex ICA methods while performing about as well as the best of these techniques for larger data-record lengths.
Endovascular management of unusual aneurysms of the axillary and subclavian arteries.

Purpose:Aneurysms of the upper extremity arteries are uncommon and may be difficult to manage with standard surgical techniques. We report the exclusion of three axillary-subclavian aneurysms with covered stents.Methods and Results:Palmaz stents were covered with either polytetrafluoroethylene (2 cases) or brachial vein and deployed to exclude pseudoaneurysms in 1 axillary (ruptured) and 2 left subclavian arteries. Two of the patients had advanced cancer and died within 52 days and 3 months of treatment, but their aneurysms were occluded at the time of their death. The repair in the third patient is patent at 9 months.Conclusions:Endovascular exclusion of axillary and subclavian aneurysms with covered stents may offer a useful alternative to operative repair, particularly in patients with significant comorbidities.
Role-based authorization in decentralized health care environments

The formation of a distributed system is based on a collection of distributed components and it requires the ability for components to exchange syntactically well-formed messages. To simplify network programming for such interactions and to realize security services for those components, we need a component-based software architecture that enables software components to communicate directly over a network in a reliable and efficient manner. One of those models is Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM) which is used for interacting with distributed components within the local intranet. In this paper, we overview an aspect of DCOM concerning software architecture and access control. And we describe the concept of role-based access control (RBAC) which began with multi-user and multi-application on-line systems pioneered in the 1970s. Also we investigate how we can enforce the role-based access control as a security provider within the critical environment such as health care industry accessing distributed components legitimately. We demonstrate the feasibility of our approach through a proof-of-concept prototype implementation.
The empirical foundations of the arbitrage pricing theory

Abstract This paper uses maximum-likelihood factor analysis of large cross-sections to examine the validity of the arbitrage pricing theory (APT). We are unable to explain the expected returns on firm size portfolios, although we do explain the expected returns on portfolios formed on the basis of dividend yield and own variance, where risk adjustment using the usual CAPM market proxies fails. We also compare alternate versions of the APT and sharply reject the hypothesis that basis portfolios formed to mimic the factors span the mean-variance frontier of the individual assets.
Expression of matrix metalloproteinase activity in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy: a marker of cardiac dilatation.

Background: Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), ventricular systolic dysfunction and chamber dilatation are accompanied by architectural remodeling, wall thinning and cardiac myocyte slippage. Recent work has demonstrated an association between collagen degradation and an increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Accordingly, we have sought to correlate (a) collagen degradation with MMP elevations and, (b) assay the neutralizing potential of a known inhibitor of MMP, tetracycline on MMPs in DCM. Methods: Assessment of LV volume and shape by 2-D echocardiography was performed. Light microscopic assessment of histopathology in picrosirius red stained biopsy samples of 11 DCM patients and six post-transplant patients was performed. Zymographic estimation of MMP activity and influence of tetracycline on MMP activity was assessed. Results: Small amount of interstitial collagen was noted in the control group, whereas in the DCM hearts, chamber dilatation was associated with areas of scanty myocyte necrosis, islands of excess collagen, and focal areas of absent or scanty collagen with intact myocytes. In cardiomyopathic tissue, collagenase activity was markedly elevated at 63% compared with 8% in post-transplant tissue. Tetracycline at a concentration of 285 ± 10 μM (IC50) inhibited collagenase activity by 50% in cardiomyopathic tissue. Conclusions: Areas of focal interstitial collagen accumulation were accompanied by collagen fiber lysis and increased collagenase activity in dilated cardiomyopathy. This enhanced collagenolytic activity found in endomyocardial biopsy tissue was inhibited by tetracycline. The non-antibiotic property of tetracycline may be of potential value in the prevention of ventricular dilatation in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. (Mol Cell Biochem 264: 183–191, 2004)
Red-giant evolution, metallicity, and new bounds on hadronic axions

We explore stellar cooling by nuclear axion emission, identifying those special isotopes that dominate this process for temperatures {similar to}10{sup 7}--10{sup 9} K. We argue that such nuclear energy-loss mechanisms are distinctive because the effects track metallicity. Three observables associated with evolution of stars along the red-giant and horizontal branches are shown to impose new and restrictive constraints on axions in the hadronic window.
A note on simulating the `observer effect' using constant photoperiod on nursery pigs

Often, researchers using video cameras to record animal behavior must resort to illuminating the environment to obtain data during the night hours. This unnatural lighting during the night hours may change the behavior of experimental animals. Therefore, this study was designed to determine if the behavior of pigs is altered by constant illumination. Nursery pigs 24 " 0.95 days . of age, 5.58 " 0.18 kg were randomly assigned to one of two treatments. Treatment pigs were . 24:0 pigs were most active during the first 3 h and last 3 h of observation P- 0.001 from 1830 to 0630. At no point during the study did we find that pigs exposed to constant illumination were less active than control pigs. Therefore, we conclude that constant illumination caused an alteration in the behavior of pigs during video recording effectively simulating the 'observer effect'. Altering the activity budgets of experimental animals could have profound effects on experimental results as alterations in activity may lead to alterations in eating behavior, agonistic encounters, and levels of social stress. q 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Evidence-based medicine versus personalized medicine: are they enemies?

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) and personalized medicine (PM) are fashionable concepts frequently endorsed by medical and pharmacological journals. Everyone appears to agree that both should be implemented in the real world of clinical practice as soon as possible. The author believes that it will no