cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chronic voluntary oral methamphetamine induces deficits in spatial learning and hippocampal protein kinase Mzeta with enhanced astrogliosis and cyclooxygenase-2 levels

Abstract Methamphetamine (MA) is an addictive drug with neurotoxic effects on the brain producing cognitive impairment and increasing the risk for neurodegenerative disease. Research has focused largely on examining the neurochemical and behavioral deficits induced by injecting relatively high doses of MA [30 mg/kg of body weight (bw)] identifying the upper limits of MA-induced neurotoxicity. Accordingly, we have developed an appetitive mouse model of voluntary oral MA administration (VOMA) based on the consumption of a palatable sweetened oatmeal mash containing a known amount of MA. This VOMA model is useful for determining the lower limits necessary to produce neurotoxicity in the short-term and long-term as it progresses over time. We show that mice consumed on average 1.743 mg/kg bw/hour during 3 hours, and an average of 5.23 mg/kg bw/day over 28 consecutive days on a VOMA schedule. Since this consumption rate is much lower than the neurotoxic doses typically injected, we assessed the effects of long-term chronic VOMA on both spatial memory performance and on the levels of neurotoxicity in the hippocampus. Following 28 days of VOMA, mice exhibited a significant deficit in short-term spatial working memory and spatial reference learning on the radial 8-arm maze (RAM) compared to controls. This was accompanied by a significant decrease in memory markers protein kinase Mzeta (PKMζ), calcium impermeable AMPA receptor subunit GluA2, and the post-synaptic density 95 (PSD-95) protein in the hippocampus. Compared to controls, the VOMA paradigm also induced decreases in hippocampal levels of dopamine transporter (DAT) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), as well as increases in dopamine 1 receptor (D1R), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), with a decrease in prostaglandins E2 (PGE2) and D2 (PGD2). These results demonstrate that chronic VOMA reaching 146 mg/kg bw/28d induces significant hippocampal neurotoxicity. Future studies will evaluate the progression of this neurotoxic state.
Effect of redox partner binding on CYP101D1 conformational dynamics.

Abstract We have compared the thermodynamics of substrate and redox partner binding of P450cam to its close homologue, CYP101D1, using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). CYP101D1 binds camphor about 10-fold more weakly than P450cam which is consistent with the inability of camphor to cause a complete low- to high-spin shift in CYP101D1. Even so molecular dynamics simulations show that camphor is very stable in the CYP101D1 active site similar to P450cam. ITC data on the binding of the CYP101D1 ferredoxin redox partner (abbreviated Arx) shows that the substrate-bound closed state of CYP101D1 binds Arx more tightly than the substrate-free open form. This is just the opposite to P450cam where Pdx (ferredoxin redox partner of P450cam) favors binding to the P450cam open state. In addition, CYP101D1-Arx binding has a large negative ΔS while the P450cam-Pdx has a much smaller ΔS indicating that interactions at the docking interface are different. The most obvious difference is that PDXD38 which forms an important ion pair with P450camR112 at the center of the interface is ArxL39 in Arx. This suggests that Arx may adopt a different orientation than Pdx in order to optimize nonpolar interactions with ArxL39.
Abdominal Wall Mesh Infections

While mesh implantation significantly reduces hernia recurrence, infection of the mesh is one of the most dreaded and challenging conditions in abdominal wall reconstruction. With no available national database to track each mesh recipient’s outcome, the true incidence of mesh infection is difficult to determine and likely underestimated. With the prevalence of synthetic materials used, the number of patients who will suffer such infections is likely to increase. Currently, there is no independent database tracking mesh-related complications, no mandate to follow patients for any set amount of time, and no guidelines regarding what type of mesh to use and when. This chapter focuses on mesh infections following ventral and incisional hernia repair—incidence, presentation, risk factors, microbiome, and treatment.
Self-Optimization in Sensor Networks

Wireless sensor networks are expected to be significantly resource-limited in most scenarios, particularly in terms of energy. In recent years, researchers have advocated and studied cross-layer design techniques as the primary methodology to leverage application-specificity for optimizing system performance. We argue that another powerful design principle is to make sensor networks autonomously learn application-specific information through sensor and network observations during the course of their operation, and use these to self-optimize system performance over time. We discuss several example application scenarios where such self-optimization can be used, including localization, data compression and querying. As an in-depth illustration, we then present details of LEQS (Learning-based Efficient Querying for Sensor networks), a novel distributed self-optimizing query mechanism.
Effective Testosterone Suppression for Prostate Cancer: Is There a Best Castration Therapy?

Achieving and maintaining effective suppression of serum testosterone levels in men treated with androgen ablation is one of the essential strategies in the management of prostate cancer. Historically, a serum testosterone below 50 ng/dL was considered to be the castrate level. Current data suggest that the new target for either surgical or chemical castration is a serum testosterone level of lower than 20 ng/dL in an attempt to maximize therapeutic outcomes. Testosterone breakthrough and the acute-on-chronic effects of administration of a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogue may cause testosterone levels to periodically rise, sometimes to noncastrate levels. The goal of androgen ablation is to identify those agents that will most consistently achieve and maintain the lowest testosterone levels possible.
Architecture and System

Today, the most common abstraction level for manual design capture is at the so called register transfer level. At this level, all synchronous registers, latches and the combinational logic between the sequential elements are described in a hardware description language such as Verilog or VHDL. The description is then transformed into logic gate implementations based on a technology specific cell library, a procedure known as logic synthesis. This allows a designer to handle more complex design because detailed manual analysis need not be made at the logic gate level that is more tedious and error prone. Register transfer level is certainly not the only starting point for automated hardware synthesis. The analysis and synthesis of digital circuits are still being pushed toward even higher level of abstraction for manual manipulation. For example, macro block level specification and synthesis has been practiced in some design areas. The register transfer and macro block level design methodologies are part of the architecture and system level techniques to be discussed in this chapter.
The Old and New of Bone Marrow - Derived Endothelial Cell Precursors

Clinical trials involving bone marrow-derived (BMD) cells to treat nonhematopoietic disorders are underway around the world, despite the fact that we know little about their biology in non-hematopoietic tissues. We are, however, beginning to make some progress, in part by using hematopoietic stem cell biology as a guide. One particular area of interest is in BMD endothelial cell precursors. This chapter will review some of the history leading to our current interest in these cells, and discuss the difficulties in defining an ‘endothelial progenitor cell‘. It will also attempt to make sense of the conflicting data regarding their physiological significance. Finally, our current understanding of how BMD cells may be used therapeutically to modulate vascular growth and tissue repair will be discussed. Though cells other than BMD cells may be able to differentiate or trans-differentiate into endothelial cells, this review will focus exclusively on cells of the bone marrow. As far as we know, all of the concepts apply equally well to these other cell types.
Why location matters: The bid rent surface and theory of rent determination

This chapter determines the way the market allocates land among consumers, and builds a model that tells who will be located where. Certain tenants, categorized by the way they use the land, have certain needs. Common to all of them is the need to be located in a specific place. That specific place may be dependent on proximity to their customers, suppliers, raw material, transportation arteries, or any number of other attributes of a land market. An analytical way is required to determine the way a parcel of land is better or worse than another, by the virtue of its location, its closeness to some particular desirable other place. Theory predicts that rents (and therefore values) are the highest where economic activity is most intense and productive, hence profitable. Profits are what one observes when land is used efficiently. Therefore, if one land consumer can achieve a greater profitability on a parcel of land than another, the consumer who can use the land most profitably pays the highest price.
The Origins and Consequences of Affective Polarization in the United States

While previously polarization was primarily seen only in issue-based terms, a new type of division has emerged in the mass public in recent years: Ordinary Americans increasingly dislike and distru...
Outcomes of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Patients with Influenza and Other Viral Respiratory Infections.

Abstract Background Acute influenza infection can trigger acute myocardial infarction, however, outcome of patients with acute myocardial infarction during influenza infection is largely unknown. Methods Patients ≥ 18 years old with ST-elevation and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction during January 2013-December 2014 were identified using the National Inpatient Sample. The clinical outcomes were compared among patients who had no respiratory infection to the ones with influenza and other viral respiratory infections using propensity score-matched analysis. Results Of 1,884,985 admissions for acute myocardial infarction, acute influenza and other viral infections were diagnosed in 9,885 and 11,485 patients, respectively, accounting for 1.1% of patients. Acute myocardial infarction patients with concomitant influenza infection had a worse outcome than those with acute myocardial infarction alone, in terms of in-hospital case fatality rate, development of shock, acute respiratory failure, acute kidney injury, and higher rate of blood transfusion after propensity scores. The length of stay is also significantly longer in influenza patients with acute myocardial infarction, compared with patients with acute myocardial infarction alone. However, patients who developed acute myocardial infarction during other viral respiratory infection have a higher rate of acute respiratory failure but overall lower mortality rate, and are less likely to develop shock or require blood transfusion after propensity match. Despite presenting with acute myocardial infarction, less than one-fourth of patients with concomitant influenza infection underwent coronary angiography, but more than half (51.4%) required revascularization. Conclusion Influenza infection is associated with worse outcomes in acute myocardial infarction patients, and patients were less likely to receive further evaluation with invasive coronary angiography.
Zika Vaccine Development: Current Status

Abstract Zika virus outbreaks have been explosive and unpredictable and have led to significant adverse health effects—as well as considerable public anxiety. Significant scientific work has resulted in multiple candidate vaccines that are now undergoing further clinical development, with several vaccines now in phase 2 clinical trials. In this review, we survey current vaccine efforts, preclinical and clinical results, and ethical and other concerns that directly bear on vaccine development. It is clear that the world needs safe and effective vaccines to protect against Zika virus infection. Whether such vaccines can be developed through to licensure and public availability absent significant financial investment by countries, and other barriers discussed within this article, remains uncertain.
Abstract P3-08-66: Metaplastic breast cancer in patients older than 65 years

Background: Metaplastic breast cancer (MBC) is a rare histologic subtype of breast cancer. It comprises less than 1% of all breast cancers. We evaluated the clinical characteristics and outcomes of MBC in geriatric patients older than age 65. Methods: We reviewed the chart of the pathologically proven MBC cases from 2000-2017. Only patients with age more than 65 years were included in the study for analysis. Results: A total of 48 MBC patients were included in the study. Thirty-six (76%) were white and 11 (23%) black. The number of patients in stages I, II, III, and IV were 12, 26, 6, and 4, respectively; 39 (81%) had nuclear grade III. Three (6%) had progesterone receptor positive, 3 (6%) were Her2 positive, and 4 (10%) were estrogen receptor positive. The most common distant metastases were lung (20%), followed by bone (12%). Fifty percent had a lumpectomy, 11% had hormonal therapy, and 60% had radiation therapy. Only 50% of patients received chemotherapy, out of which 46% received anthracycline. On univariable analysis, stage of the MBC and metastasis to the lung, bone, and brain were associated with worse overall survival (OS). There was no statistical significance in OS when stage II was compared with stage I MBC. Stage III had median OS of 18 months with HR of 3.25 (95% CI 0.85, 12.44) (p=0.086) and stage IV had 10 months median OS with HR of 11.17, (95% CI 2.37, 52.62) (p=0.002). Hormonal therapy, radiation therapy, and type of chemotherapy (anthracycline vs. non-anthracycline) did not show any statistical significance in regards to OS and progression-free survival. Conclusion: In our study, MBC demonstrated overall poor survival and progression-free survival. Only stage of the MBC and metastasis to brain bone and lung proved to predict worse survival. Citation Format: Johnny Chahine, Bicky Thapa, Xuefei Jia, Abdo Haddad. Metaplastic breast cancer in patients older than 65 years [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-08-66.
Epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis in Nangang District of Harbin City in 2006-2015

Objective To analyze the epidemic characteristics of brucellosis in Nangang District of Harbin City, and to provide a scientific basis for making strategies in prevention and control of the disease. Methods Descriptive epidemiological methods were used, epidemic characteristics (time distribution, regional distribution and population distribution) of the disease in Nangang District of Harbin City in 2006-2015 were studied, and brucellosis cases were reported online through the national epidemic network. Results A total of 105 cases of brucellosis were reported, the average annual incidence rate was 7.84/100 thousand and no death case. The number of cases was the highest in 2014, it was 21 cases, the incidence rate was 1.57/100 thousand; the number of cases was the least in 2010, it was 3 cases, the incidence rate was 0.22/100 thousand; in 2006, the number of cases was 9, the incidence rate was 0.67/100 thousand; in 2015, the number of cases was 17, the incidence rate was 1.27/100 thousand. The incidence of the disease was mainly concentrated in summer and autumn, accounting for 65.71% (69/105), the number of summer onset was 38, accounting for 36.19% (38/105); the incidence of the autumn was 31, accounting for 29.52% (31/105). In 2006-2012, the incidence of the disease was mainly concentrated in Wanggang and Hongqi townships, accounting for 60.00% (30/50); after 2013, the cases in urban areas were on the rise, Wanggang and Hongqi townships accounted for 34.55% (19/55). Incidence of male youth was the highest, male and female incidence ratio was 2.18: 1.00 (72: 33); incidence peak was 30-60 years old, accounting for 60.95% (64/105); after analyzing the incidence of occupational groups, farmer was the highest, accounting for 43.81% (46/105). Transmission route was contact with cattle and sheep and lived in the environment cattle and sheep were breed, the number of cases was 34. Conclusions The incidence of brucellosis in Nangang District of Harbin City is rising after 2013. Disease season focus in summer and autumn, occupation focus in farmers, and the scope of the outbreak has been expanded. We should further strengthen publicity and education in disease focus season, improve the awareness of protection, in order to effectively control the epidemic of brucellosis. Key words: Brucellosis; Epidemiological monitoring; Infectious disease control
Piezo1 Mediates Keratinocyte Mechanotransduction

Abstract Epidermal keratinocytes mediate touch sensation by detecting and encoding tactile information to sensory neurons. However, the specific mechanotransducers that enable keratinocytes to respond to mechanical stimulation are unknown. Here, we found that the mechanically-gated ion channel Piezo1 is the major keratinocyte mechanotransducer. Keratinocyte expression of Piezo1 is critical for normal sensory afferent firing and behavioral responses to mechanical stimuli.
Group-level resistance to health mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic: A groupthink approach

Public health interventions, such as mandated vaccinating or quarantining during an epidemic, are necessary to limit the spread of communicable diseases, but in many cases, certain groups resist these initiatives For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, antiquarantine groups protested the mandate to socially distance and remain at home, claiming these directives violated their right to assemble, travel, and work The current analysis examined media descriptions of these antiquarantine groups to determine if these groups' divergent responses to a legally and medically warranted health initiative resulted from groupthink: the deterioration of judgment and rationality that sometimes occurs in groups In support of this possibility, accounts of these groups indicated that (a) the conditions that cause groupthink, including high levels of cohesion and isolation, were present and potent within these groups and that (b) the groups exhibited many of the symptoms of groupthink, including group illusions and pressures to conform Given the ubiquity of these groups-for centuries, public health interventions have generated opposing antiregulation reactions-no amount of planning may be sufficient to prevent such groups However, a theory-driven approach based on groupthink suggests that group-level interventions that directly address the processes that cause groupthink, such as isolation, conformity pressure, and cohesion, could reduce the influence of such groups on their members and on society (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved) Impact Statement Highlights and Implications-*Groups that protest public health interventions that mandate vaccinating or quarantining during an epidemic may be experiencing groupthink: the deterioration of judgment and rationality that sometimes occurs in highly cohesive groups *The group-level processes that are associated with groupthink, such as high levels of cohesion and isolation, were in evidence in the antiquarantine groups that protested medical directives during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 *Group-level interventions that limit groupthink in such groups could reduce the number of individuals who take part in group activities that are inconsistent with legally and medically warranted health initiatives *Groupthink theory provides a general explanation for decision-making in groups, but additional research is needed to determine the validity of the extension of this theory to groups that engage in unusual actions, such as health protests (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)
The Impact of an Ultrasound Curriculum on the Accuracy of Resident Joint Line Palpation.

BACKGROUND Ultrasound education has been used as a tool to help improve physical examination skills. However, its utility in increasing accuracy of joint line palpation has yet to be investigated. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the accuracy of resident palpation and identification of the lateral knee joint line before and after introducing a musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) curriculum. DESIGN Cohort study. SETTING A physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) residency program at an academic institution. PARTICIPANTS Seventeen PM&R residents. INTERVENTIONS Residents underwent a knee-focused MSUS workshop. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Distance from needle placement to joint line confirmed with ultrasound. RESULTS All residents demonstrated improved accuracy in lateral knee joint line palpation after completing a knee-focused MSUS workshop, with statistically significant (P < .05) improvement in postgraduate year (PGY) 2 (P = .02), PGY-3 (P = .04), and across all residents (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS MSUS education significantly improved lateral knee joint line palpation accuracy in resident physicians.
Monitoring Soil Water and Organic Carbon Storage Patterns at the Arctic Foothills, Alaska, Using Insar

Here we jointly analyzed L-band ALOS PALSAR data and more than 200 soil samples in order to determine soil properties that control the seasonal freeze-thaw process of the active layer. We found that the magnitude of the seasonal freeze-thaw (FT) deformation strongly correlates with land vegetation cover types. This is because the seasonal FT deformation is a direct measure of the active layer soil water content, and the amount of water in the soil limits the type of vegetation that can grow. Furthermore, we found that soil carbon amount also correlates with land cover types. Soils that contain more carbon in the active layer also tend to produce larger seasonal FT deformation. Our results suggest that there are many previously unrecognized ways that InSAR can be used for monitoring changes in hydrological and ecological characteristics in soils above continuous permafrost.
Challenges and Solutions for Physician Mothers: A Critical Review of the Literature

Physician mothers face unique challenges related to family planning, pregnancy, childcare, work-life integration, inequities, and biases that may have serious widespread implications. There is a paucity of available information on the extent and ramifications of such challenges and related solutions. The purpose of this critical review of the literature was to identify and summarize challenges and solutions pertaining to physician mothers. A comprehensive literature search of databases (PubMed, CINAHL, EBSCO MegaFILE, and APA PsycInfo on Ovid) from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2018, identified empirical articles that addressed challenges, policies, or solutions specific to physician mothers. Search terms included: physician, doctor, surgeon, specialist, hospitalist, pediatrician, woman, female, gender, mom, mother, maternity, breastfeed, pregnant, baby, infant, parent, parenthood, child,bias, status, stigma, inequity, discrimination, equal, unequal, justice, childcare, daycare, babysit, and nanny in various combinations. Seventy-one articles met inclusion criteria and were analyzed to identify categories and themes related to challenges and solutions for physician mothers. Themes for challenges were categorized by level of influence (individual, organizational and health care system, and societal); themes for solutions were categorized by approach and intervention (mentorship, childbearing and child-rearing support, addressing barriers to career satisfaction and work-life integration, and identification and reduction of maternal bias in medicine). Physician mothers face challenges that have negative implications for individuals, organizations and the health care system, and society. Clear understanding of associated challenges and potential solutions is a critical first step to address biases and barriers affecting physician mothers.
Site-specific Modeling of self-reacting point absorber in real wave spectrum

Abstract Power performance of floating wave energy converters is typically performed under regular wave conditions or using standard ocean spectrum models with one peak. We explore the effect of device geometry of a self-reacting point absorber (SRPA) for real wave spectrum having multiple peaks. Different float and torus designs are evaluated to alter the cut-off frequency of the SRPA to extract more power in operating wave periods representative of two real ocean sites. A float with a damping plate was more suitable for higher wave periods, while a slender body float was preferred for lower wave periods. Increasing the torus outer diameter increased the absorbed power by 20% for low wave period while the absorbed power was reduced by 5% for a high wave period site. The modified SRPA with slender body float showed a four-fold increase in annual energy production when compared to regular wave conditions for the low wave period site. For the high wave period sea site, a modified SRPA with a damping plate showed a 6% increase in annual energy production. The study shows that while the geometry of the SRPA determines the operating period, the PTO damping can be varied to determine the operating bandwidth.
Heat shock induces mini-Cajal bodies in the Xenopus germinal vesicle.

Cajal bodies are evolutionarily conserved nuclear organelles that are believed to play a central role in assembly of RNA transcription and processing complexes. Although knowledge of Cajal body composition and behavior has greatly expanded in recent years, little is known about the molecules and mechanisms that lead to the formation of these organelles in the nucleus. The Xenopus oocyte nucleus or germinal vesicle is an excellent model system for the study of Cajal bodies, because it is easy to manipulate and it contains 50-100 Cajal bodies with diameters up to 10 μm. In this study we show that numerous mini-Cajal bodies (less than 2 μm in diameter) form in the germinal vesicle after oocytes recover from heat shock. The mechanism for heat shock induction of mini-Cajal bodies is independent of U7 snRNA and does not require transcription or import of newly translated proteins from the cytoplasm. We suggest that Cajal bodies originate by self-organization of preformed components, preferentially on the surface of B-snurposomes.
Pretended Networking –Migrationsfähiger Teilnetzbetrieb

Energieeffizienz wird heute auch von vernetzten Steuergeraten gefordert, die wegen ihrer bereits geringen Stromaufnahme bisher nicht im Fokus der Entwicklungen standen. Insbesondere im Fahrbetrieb gilt es, den Stromverbrauch immer dann zu reduzieren, wenn keine Funktionen ausgefuhrt werden. Neueste Techniken zeigen deutliche Stromsparpotenziale auf, sind aber uberwiegend in neuen Fahrzeugplattformen effektiv nutzbar. Deswegen entwickelte VW mit Zulieferern und Partnern das Pretended Networking.
The success of mergers in the 1920s: A stock market appraisal of the second merger wave

Abstract This paper examines the impact on acquiring firm shareholder wealth of mergers during the oligopoly merger wave of the 1920s. These acquisitions were relatively unregulated; the Securities and Exchange Commission did not exist and antitrust laws were only loosely enforced. Although the lack of financial market controls and the possibility of monopoly gains should have permitted acquiring companies to capture large take-over profits, stock price data on 134 firms indicate only modest success. The average profitability of an acquisition in the 1920s does not differ from the profitability resulting from mergers in the 1960s and 1970s, despite vast differences in the economic environments.
The best approximation properties and error bounds of Gaussian networks

The best approximation of any C/sup 2/ function with support on the unit hypercube I/sub m/ in R/sup m/ is considered in the present paper. We prove that a Gaussian radial basis network with centers defined on a regular mesh in R/sup m/ has the best approximation property. Moreover, an upper bound (O(N/sup -2/)) of the approximation is obtained for a network having N/sup m/ units. >
All the world's a stage: learning character models from film

Many forms of interactive digital entertainment involve interacting with virtual dramatic characters. Our long term goal is to procedurally generate character dialogue behavior that automatically mimics, or blends, the style of existing characters. In this paper, we show how linguistic elements in character dialogue can define the style of characters in our RPG SpyFeet. We utilize a corpus of 862 film scripts from the IMSDb website, representing 7,400 characters, 664,000 lines of dialogue and 9,599,000 word tokens. We utilize counts of linguistic reflexes that have been used previously for personality or author recognition to discriminate different character types. With classification experiments, we show that different types of characters can be distinguished at accuracies up to 83% over a baseline of 20%. We discuss the characteristics of the learned models and show how they can be used to mimic particular film characters.
Long-Term Effect of an Interdisciplinary Supportive Care Intervention for Lung Cancer Survivors After Surgical Procedures

Background Surgical procedures provide the best chance for cure and long-term survival in non-small cell cancer (NSCLC). Persistent symptoms after surgical procedures are common, and they can negatively affect health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The purpose of this study was to examine the long-term effect of an interdisciplinary supportive care intervention to improve HRQOL, psychological distress, and symptoms in lung cancer survivors who were treated surgically. Methods Patients undergoing curative intent resection for NSCLC were enrolled in a prospective sequential design whereby the control group was accrued first, followed by the intervention group. Patients in the intervention group were assessed and presented by nurses at weekly interdisciplinary care meetings before surgical procedures, and received four educational sessions (physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being) after surgical procedures. Appropriate symptom management, social work, rehabilitation, and spiritual support interventions were coordinated by the study nurse. In both groups, HRQOL, psychological distress, and symptom severity were assessed at baseline and at 6, 12, 24, 36, and 52 weeks with the use of surveys that included the validated Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung (FACT-L), Lung Cancer Subscale (LCS), and Distress Thermometer. Mean survey scores were analyzed with factorial analysis of covariance at 12 months. Results A total of 71 survivors (control = 33; intervention = 38) were accrued. No difference was found in age, baseline performance status, or stage of disease between groups. Patients in the intervention group had significantly less distress (mean, 1.0 versus 4.0; range, 0 to 10; p p p Conclusions An interdisciplinary supportive care intervention improves psychological distress and HRQOL at 12 months after lung cancer surgical procedures. This study has important implications in improving HRQOL of lung cancer survivors after surgical procedures. Further study is warranted on incorporating the interdisciplinary personalized interventions used in this study into clinical practice for lung cancer survivors.
Evaluation of intrafraction patient movement for CNS and head & neck IMRT

Intrafraction patient motion is much more likely in intensity-modulated radiation therapy(IMRT) than in conventional radiotherapy primarily due to longer beam delivery times in IMRTtreatment. In this study, we evaluated the uncertainty of intrafraction patient displacement in CNS and head and neck IMRT patients. Immobilization is performed in three steps: (1) the patient is immobilized with thermoplastic facemask, (2) the patient displacement is monitored using a commercial stereotactic infrared IR camera (ExacTrac, BrainLab) during treatment, and (3) repositioning is carried out as needed. The displacement data were recorded during beam-on time for the entire treatment duration for 5 patients using the camera system. We used the concept of cumulative time versus patient position uncertainty, referred to as an uncertainty time histogram (UTH), to analyze the data. UTH is a plot of the accumulated time during which a patient stays within the corresponding movement uncertainty. The University of Florida immobilization procedure showed an effective immobilization capability for CNS and head and neck IMRT patients by keeping the patient displacement less than 1.5 mm for 95% of treatment time (1.43 mm for 1, and 1.02 mm for 1, and less than 1.0 mm for 3 patients). The maximum displacement was 2.0 mm.
Surface color perception under two illuminants: the second illuminant reduces color constancy

This study investigates color perception in a scene with two different illuminants. The two illuminants, in opposite corners, simultaneously shine on a (simulated) scene with an opaque dividing wall, which controls how much of the scene is illuminated by each source. In the first experiment, the height of the dividing wall was varied. This changed the amount of each illuminant reaching objects on the opposite side of the wall. Results showed that the degree of color constancy decreased when a region on one side of the wall had cues to both illuminants, suggesting that cues from the second illuminant are detrimental to color constancy. In a later experiment, color constancy was found to improve when the specular highlight cues from the second illuminant were altered to be consistent with the first illuminant. This corroborates the influence of specular highlights in surface color perception, and suggests that the reduced color constancy in the first experiment is due to the inconsistent, though physically correct, cues from the two illuminants.
Persistent left superior vena cava: Unusual wave contour of left jugular vein as the presenting feature

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NADH-dependent reduction of sulphamethoxazole hydroxylamine in dog and human liver microsomes

1. Reduction of hydroxylamine drug metabolites by NADH-dependent hydroxylamine reductase (NDHR) has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of idiosyncratic sulphonamide toxicity in humans. The dog represents a naturally occurring clinical model for sulphonamide toxicity in humans. he purpose of these studies, therefore, was to characterize the presence of hepatic NADH-dependent hydroxylamine reductase activity in the dog and to compare this activity with that found in humans. 2. NDHR activity was characterized by the presence of two enzymes in both dog and human liver microsomes, with comparable estimates of Km (Km1 = 75 microM, Km2 = 404 microM in dog; Km1 = 69 microM, Km2 = 503 microM in human). Estimates of maximal velocity were significantly, but not dramatically, higher for dog NDHR (Vmax1 = 2.09 nmole mg(-1) min(-1) Vmax2 = 4.58 nmole mg(-1) min(-1) compared with human NDHR (Vmax1 = 0.42 nmole mg(-1) min(-1), Vmax2 = 1.56 nmole mg(-1) min(-1)). NDHR in dog, as in humans, preferred NADH to NADPH, was more active at pH 6.3 than at 7.4 and was not inhibited by carbon monoxide, azide, anaerobic conditions, the CYP substrate inhibitors tolbutamide, dextromethorphan, or erythromycin, or antibodies directed against CYP2C, CYP2D or CYP3A. 3. It is concluded that two forms of NDHR are present in dog and humans with similar biochemical characteristics. Although NDHR activity has been attributed to a CYP2D isoform in pig, there is no evidence for involvement of CYP450 in the reduction of sulphamethoxazole hydroxylamine in either dogs or humans.
Incorporating Spatial Variability into GIS to Estimate Nitrate Leaching at the Aquifer Scale

We evaluated the effect of spatial variability of selected intrinsic soil properties and extrinsic management practices on the groundwater quality in the 330-ha recharge area of a high yield well site in Rhode Island. The analyses were performed at different support scales, ranging from point level to a support level equal to the entire recharge area. We used a mass balance model that relates leaching from the vadose zone to long-term estimates of NO 3 -N concentration at the well. We used a GIS database and stratified sampling for both soil characterization and assessment of spatial variability of NO 3 leaching. The LEACHA/N rootzone model was used in conjunction with Monte Carlo simulation to generate cumulative distribution functions (CDFs) for leaching from different land strata (given by combinations of soil type and land use). To simulate the spatial variability of properties that served as inputs to the root zone model, we used CDFs of spatial distributions of soil properties and CDFs of the spatial variability of fertilizer application rates within a field. These strata scale CDFs were then combined to generate CDFs of the NO 3 -N concentrations at the well, i.e., at a recharge area support scale. Although considerable variability was found at a point support scale, the analyses generated a markedly lower variability at the recharge area support scale. The results suggest that GIS data bases generated at scales available to resource managers (i.e., 1 :12 000 and 1 :24 000) may be well suited to manage the water quality of large production scale wells.
Scrotal sonography: A valuable tool in the evaluation of complications following inguinal hernia repair

Purpose The aim of this study was to determine the utility of scrotal sonography in the evaluation of patients with scrotal pain or swelling following inguinal hernia repair. Methods From our database, we identified patients who were referred for sonographic evaluation because of persistent scrotal pain or swelling after inguinal hernia repair between July 1994 and February 1996. Sonograms and medical charts were reviewed retrospectively. Results Eight patients were included in this study. Doppler sonography demonstrated evidence of testicular infarction in 2 patients and absence of intratesticular diastolic flow in 1 patient. Five patients had postoperative fluid collections with sonographically normal testes. Conclusions Scrotal sonography can diagnose testicular infarction following hernia repair and distinguish postoperative fluid collections from recurrent hernias. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 26:341–344, 1998.
Laser measurements of the radiative lifetime of the B2Σ+ state of CN

A turnable dye laser was used to measure the radiative lifetime of the individual rotational levels of the B2 Sigma (+) state of CN. The radiative lifetime of the unperturbed rotational levels is 65.6 plus or minus 1.0 nsec. A longer radiative lifetime of 72 plus or minus 1 nsec is observed for the Kaon prime = 4 level of the B state. The measured values of the perturbed and unperturbed levels support the longer lifetimes for the A2 meson pion state of CN. The quenching cross section of the B2 Sigma state of CN is 41 plus or minus 20 Angstroms squared and is independent of the rotational energy of the B state.
The Oral Absorption of Ampicillin, Pivampicillin and Amoxycillin in Infants and Children

The oral absorption of comparable doses of mixtures of ampicillin, amoxycillin and pivampicillin was studied in 38 children from 6 months to 6 years of age. Plasma concentrations following pivampicillin and amoxycillin were higher than those following the administration of ampicillin. No significant difference was found between amoxycillin and pivampicillin. The oral absorption of pivampicillin mixture was further studied in 12 infants, 0-1 month and 1-5 months of age. The absorption was faster in infants and children more than 6 months of age than in the 1-5 months group. The excretion, indicated by the slope of the plasma concentration curve, was delayed in infants less than one month of age. The oral absorption of amoxycillin and pivampicillin from tablets was also studied in 12 infants and children, 6 months-6 years of age, in the same doses as when mixtures were studied and was more complete with pivampicillin than with amoxycillin. The absorption of pivampicillin was more complete from tablets than from mixture. Also with amoxycillin there was a trend towards more efficient absorption from tablet than from mixture.
Counseling Theory and Group Processing

A fundamental tenet of professional group workers is the critical importance of incorporating a process-oriented approach to group work as often as possible. Attention to process can increase the p...
Is there a physiologic basis for creatine use in children and adolescents

The purported ergogenic benefits of creatine for the adult population have been well documented. In able-bodied children and adolescents, there is a paucity of data on creatine use and the purported ergogenic effects of creatine. Only 1 study to date has investigated the ergogenic properties of creatine in the adolescent population. The purpose of this review was to try to establish a rationale for creatine use in the child and adolescent population. The limited literature available in this area did not provide a strong enough rationale from either a physiologic or performance perspective for creatine supplementation in these populations. However, significantly more research is required before definitive conclusions can be made.
Unindicated preoperative testing: ASA physical status and financial implications

Abstract Study Objective: To determine if the ordering of unindicated preoperative laboratory tests is different for healthy (ASA physical status I and II) versus sicker (ASA physical status III) patients, and to examine the financial implications at our institution of unindicated preoperative testing. Design: Prospective, cross-sectional study. Setting: University hospital. Patients: 383 consecutive patients scheduled for elective surgery and seen by an anesthesiologist in the Preoperative Clinic. Complete data was available for 312 patients. Measurements and Main Results: Preoperative laboratory tests ordered by the surgeon were compared to those tests considered indicated by one of several anesthesiologists for ASA physical status I and II versus ASA physical status III patients. An average of 72.5 % of tests ordered by surgeons were considered not indicated by the anesthesiologists. ASA physical status III patients had significantly fewer unindicated complete blood count, platelet count, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, chemistry 12 profile, and chest radiography orders than did ASA physical status I and II patients. Our hospital could generate approximately $80,000 in variable and semifixed cost savings by eliminating these unindicated preoperative tests for the 5,100 patients seen in Preoperative Clinic annually (29% of the total surgical patients). Conclusions: A large percentage of preoperative tests ordered by surgeons at our institution are not indicated. Eliminating unindicated tests would cut hospital revenues in a climate where testing is fee-for-service and would save the hospital money in a managed-care or capitated system.
Dealing with difficult colleagues when you're the “new kid”

Purpose – This paper aims to discuss strategies for a new library employee seeking to deal with difficult people at work, when the difficult people are his/her own colleagues. It seeks to provide a description of several types of situations that may arise, and general strategies for dealing with them.Design/methodology/approach – The column is based on the author's substantial experience dealing with personnel matters in academic, public, and special libraries, including hiring for all types of positions. It is personal opinion, based on lengthy experience.Findings – The paper addresses library personnel issues. This particular installment helps new employees of libraries identify various types of issues one may have with “difficult” colleagues, and also provides various strategies and options for addressing these issues.Originality/value – The column is intended to help people to deal with all types of personnel issues overall; this specific column is intended to help librarians deal with the challenges ...