cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immunizations in Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treated with Immunosuppressive Therapy

The vast majority of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) will receive immunosuppressive therapy at some point for their disease, whether for the short term (such as a course of corticosteroids) or long term (such as maintenance therapy with immunomodulators or biologics). The systemic immunosuppression places patients at increased risk for infections. Therefore, it is important that patients are up-to-date with immunizations to minimize vaccine-preventable infections. However, the literature shows that the rate of immunization in patients with IBD is low. Ideally, the vaccination status is checked at diagnosis, and patients are immunized with the vaccines they need. Drawing titers is helpful in cases in which vaccination history is unclear or to confirm that titers are at an adequate level in cases in which patients have been vaccinated. Current guidelines recommend that patients with IBD follow the same routine immunization schedule as healthy children, but patients should not be administered live vaccines if they are receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Therefore, it is ideal to administer any necessary vaccinations as early as possible, prior to starting immunosuppressive therapy. Patients may receive inactivated vaccines regardless of immunosuppressive status. The IBD literature suggests that inactivated vaccines are safe and do not worsen disease activity. In general, patients with IBD mount an immune response to vaccines, but the response may be lower if patients are receiving immunosuppressive therapy, especially tumor necrosis factor inhibitors.
Suppression of Experimental Autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis by Epitope-Specific Neonatal Tolerance

An autoimmune response to muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) culminates in myasthenia gravis (MG) (1,2). MG has been associated with certain HLA antigens (3), and linked to a polymorphism in the HLA-DQs subunit (4). Immunization of C57BL6(B6) mice with Torpedo californica AChR (T-AChR) produces an autoimmune disease mimicking MG called experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG). EAMG susceptibility has been mapped to the I-A subregion of the mouse major histocompatibility complex (MHC) (5,6). Both the I-Aα and the I-As genes contribute to EAMG pathogenesis (5–8). Further, expression of the I-E molecule on the cell surface of C57BL10.IEαk transgenic mice could partially prevent the development of EAMG (9). Thus, the development of EAMG is primarily influenced by the Class II genes. Class II restricted AChR epitope reactive T helper (Th) cells are activated in MG patients and appear to contribute to the postsynaptic pathology (10–11). Th cells are also involved in EAMG pathogenesis (5,6, 12–17), and EAMG can either be prevented, or clinical remission of established disease induced, by in vivo administration of antibodies (Abs) to CD4 molecule (14). The in vitro lymphocyte proliferation to AChR generally correlates with EAMG susceptibility in congenic strains of mice, and is controlled by a Mendelian dominant gene at the I-A locus (12,13). Further, the lymphocyte proliferation is dependent on CD4+ Th cells and I-A molecule (18,19).
NOVELTY PROCESSING AT WORK AND COGNITIVE AGING: EVIDENCE FROM THE HEALTH AND RETIREMENT STUDY AND MIDUS

Increasing numbers of studies show that high mental demands of paid work are significantly associated with a slower cognitive decline and reduced risk of dementia/Alzheimer’s disease. Among them, the job complexity framework, particularly complexity with data and people, was very successful in explaining how mentally stimulating jobs contribute to cognitive aging. We propose that novel information processing may be a specific component of mental demand that compensates age-related cognitive decline, which complements the job-complexity framework. Occupation-level job characteristics from the Occupational Information Network are used to operationalize novel information processing at work and linked to individuals’ detailed occupational history in the Health and Retirement Study (N=4,252). We test replicability with MIDUS. Using growth curve modeling, we examine the association of novel information processing at work with cognitive function over fourteen years, we also assess whether this relationship varies by education and across different stages of the life span.
Promoting the qualitative research approach in the discipline of forensic and legal medicine: Why more qualitative work should be promoted and how that can be achieved

Much of the existing published research in Forensic and Legal Medicine is based upon the quantitative approach, which is derived from the positivist paradigm and generally employs pre-determined data collection tools to gather data for statistical analysis with a view to testing hypotheses. It must always be remembered that clinicians are concerned not only with diagnosing and treating medical problems in a vacuum, but rather they must empathise with patients and provide care in a holistic fashion. Too narrow a focus on the quantitative approach to research will significantly limit the evidence base upon which the Discipline of Forensic and Legal Medicine can develop. Wider adoption of the qualitative approach, which stems from the interpretivist paradigm and harnesses research methods that allow in-depth exploration of the meaning and understanding that individuals ascribe to the world around them, would generate rich insight in to patients' experiences of forensic healthcare, which could be utilised to advance quality improvement. This article outlines how qualitative research can benefit the discipline, identifies barriers to its use and suggests brief, targeted solutions.
Lenition and morphology in Finnish

This paper investigates an interaction between consonant lenition and morphology in Finnish. The language has a process of consonant lenition whereby underlying geminate consonants at syllable boundaries lenite (degeminate) when the addition of an affix makes the post-geminate rime bimoraic. A small class of possessor agreement affixes do not condition lenition, even if they create the appropriate phonological environment. A puzzling interaction emerges when possessor agreement affixes are stacked on top of certain lenition-conditioning affixes. I account for this interaction in a way that improves on Kiparsky's (2003) analysis. In doing so, I extend Pater's (2010) method for modeling exceptional phonology via lexically-indexed constraints.
HIGH THROUGHPUT PHENOTYPING OF PHYSIOLOGICAL GROWTH DYNAMICS FROM UAS-BASED 3D MODELING IN SOYBEAN

Abstract. Nowadays, an essential tool to improve the efficiency of crop genetics is automated, precise and cost-effective phenotyping of the plants. The aim of this study is to generate a methodology for high throughput phenotyping the physiological growth dynamics of soybeans by UAS-based 3D modelling. During the 2018 growing season, a soybean experiment was performed at the Agronomy Center for Research and Education (ACRE) in West-Lafayette (Indiana, USA). Periodic images were acquired by G9X Canon compact digital camera on board senseFly eBee. The study area is reconstructed in 3D by Image-based modelling. Algorithms and techniques were combined to analyse growth dynamics of the crop via height variations and to quantify biomass. Results provide practical information for the selection of phenotypes for breeding.
Peptide-Modified Electrode Surfaces for Promoting Anion Exchange Ionomer Microphase Separation and Ionic Conductivity

Ionomer binders are critical materials for delivering ions to and from electrocatalyst surfaces in fuel cell and water electrolyzer technologies. Most studies examine these materials as bulk polyme...
Types of Instability for the Trapped Drop Problem with Equal Contact Angles

This paper continues the study of the stability of a liquid drop forming a bridge between two parallel planes in the absence of gravity (Figure 1) (see [2], [3], [4]). It is important to realize that the curves of contact between the free surface of the drop and the planar plates are assumed to be free. In other words, a perturbation of the drop which changes the wetted regions on the planes is admissible. The parameters which are determined physically are the volume of the drop and the angles of contact between the free surface and the two fixed planes.
Adolescent and Young Adult Patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) Treated with Modified Augmented Berlin-Frankfurt-Muenster (ABFM) Therapy

Abstract Abstract 1527 Several pediatric-based protocols for treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in adolescents and young adults have been completed or are ongoing. Some studies have enrolled patients (pts) up to age 55 years, and, so far, results have been satisfactory. Augmented Berlin-Frankfurt-Muenster (ABFM) has been shown to be an effective and tolerable treatment for ALL in adolescents. To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of this therapy in young adults, we designed a protocol of modified ABFM therapy for pts with ALL from age 12 to 40 years old. 83 pts have been enrolled on protocol and are evaluable for toxicity. 68 pts with de novo Philadelphia chromosome negative ALL have completed at least 29 days of therapy (induction) on protocol. They have the following characteristics: 56 (82%) pts have pre-B ALL and 12 (18%) have T-ALL. The median age is 21 (mean=23; range=13–39). The median presenting WBC=5.3 (mean=32; range= 0.4–494). 65/68 (96%) pts have achieved a remission. One patient died during induction. 50 (74%) pts have attained remission by 15 days of induction, while 15 (22%) have been slow responders. 5/68 (7%) pts have required an extension of induction by 2 weeks. At day 29 of therapy, 38 (56%) pts had negative minimal residual disease (MRD) by flow cytometry, 20 (29%) patients were positive for MRD, 10 were suspicious or not available. By day 84 of therapy, 49 (72%) pts were negative for MRD and 9 (13%) were positive. Currently, there have been 17 relapses and 10 deaths. Toxicities in the entire group include severe asparaginase allergy in 15 (18%) pts, thrombus formation in 16 (19%) pts, hyperbilirubinemia grade III-IV in 19 (23%) pts, ALT/AST grade III-IV in 23 (28%) pts, CNS stroke-like symptoms in 6 (7%) pts, hypofibrinogen grade III-IV in 26 (31%), pancreatitis in 6 (7%), and avascular necrosis in 6 (7%) pts. Hepatic toxicity has resolved completely within two weeks in almost all pts as has the CNS toxicity. In summary, induction success, by morphology and flow cytometry, has been satisfactory with this regimen. CRD and OS have not been significantly better than with HyperCVAD therapy for this age group. Expected toxicities have been prominent, but mostly transient. Hypofibrinogenemia is frequent, but bleeding is rare. Thrombosis and severe allergic reactions are more frequent than in pediatric trials. For pts 25 years of age and younger, the overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) at 2 years are 88% and 84% respectively. For pts > 25 years of age, the OS and DFS at two years are 65% and 50% respectively. This difference in OS between the groups is statistically significant. Continued enrollment is anticipated to further evaluate the survival differences between these two patient groups. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Association Between Temporal Spatial Parameters and Overuse Injury History in Runners: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Temporal spatial parameters during running are measurable outside of clinical and laboratory environments using wearable technology. Data from wearable technology may be useful for injury prevention, however the association of temporal spatial parameters with overuse injury in runners remains unclear. To identify the association between overuse injury and temporal spatial parameters during running. Electronic databases were searched using keywords related to temporal spatial parameters, running, and overuse injury, and authors’ personal article collections through hand search. Articles included in this systematic review contained original data, and analytically compared at least one temporal spatial parameter (e.g. cadence) between uninjured and retrospectively or prospectively injured groups of runners. Articles were excluded from this review if they did not meet these criteria or measured temporal spatial parameters via survey. The internal validity of each article was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. Meta-analyses were conducted for temporal spatial parameters if data existed from at least three separate cohorts of the same prospective or retrospective design. Data were pooled and analyzed using an inverse variance fixed-effect model. Thirteen articles which tested a total of 24 temporal spatial parameters during running were included in the review. Meta-analyses were conducted on four temporal spatial parameters using data from eleven retrospective studies. Healthy runners and those with a history of overuse injury had a similar average stride time (mean difference: 0.00 s, 95% CI − 0.01 to 0.01 s), contact time (mean difference: 0.00 s, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.01 s), cadence (mean difference: 0.3 steps per minute (spm), 95% CI − 1.8 to 2.5 spm), and stride length (mean difference 0.00 m, 95% CI − 0.05 to 0.05 m) during running. Data pooled for meta-analyses were limited to retrospective design studies. Studies included in the systematic review had low methodological consistency. Based on pooled results from multiple studies, stride time, contact time, cadence, and stride length averages are not distinguishable between runners either with or without a history of overuse injury. More prospective studies are required to determine the association of temporal spatial parameters with overuse injury development in runners. CRD42018112290.
Programming Escherichia coli to function as a digital display.

Synthetic genetic circuits offer the potential to wield computational control over biology, but their complexity is limited by the accuracy of mathematical models. Here, we present advances that enable the complete encoding of an electronic chip in the DNA carried by Escherichia coli (E. coli). The chip is a binary-coded digit (BCD) to 7-segment decoder, associated with clocks and calculators, to turn on segments to visualize 0-9. Design automation is used to build seven strains, each of which contains a circuit with up to 12 repressors and two activators (totaling 63 regulators and 76,000 bp DNA). The inputs to each circuit represent the digit to be displayed (encoded in binary by four molecules), and output is the segment state, reported as fluorescence. Implementation requires an advanced gate model that captures dynamics, promoter interference, and a measure of total power usage (RNAP flux). This project is an exemplar of design automation pushing engineering beyond that achievable "by hand", essential for realizing the potential of biology.
Characterization of non-ionic surfactants in Winsor & Newton's water-mixable oil paints

Abstract Water-mixable oil (WMO) paints are a relatively new addition to the artists’ palette that have increased in usage and popularity over the past few decades. Understanding the composition and properties of WMO paint is essential for the artists who use them and for the people who work with WMO paintings—particularly art conservators. However, the formulations that make WMO paints possible remain undisclosed by paint manufacturers. In this research, fresh paint and naturally-aged paint-outs from Winsor & Newton’s Artisan WMO products were used to study the chemistry of WMO paints. The development of a unique high-pressure liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) method enabled the separation and detection of the non-ionic surfactants in the Artisan WMO paints. A data visualization strategy using contour plots was applied for interpretation of results, affording, for the first time, complete structural identifications of surfactant molecules in a WMO paint. The paints were found to contain a complex mixture of ethoxylated molecules, including polyoxyethylene (POE) fatty acid esters derived from the fatty acid mixture of linseed oil. An exudate that formed from the cured paints was also analyzed. More-saturated fatty acid esters, POE oleate and POE stearate, were detected; however, more-reactive POE fatty acid esters were found absent, providing insight relating to the stability of surfactants in the Artisan WMO paints as well as potential curing reactions. HPLC-MS studies were contextualized with physical observations and surface measurements that were performed on the cured samples. Tacky surfaces observed on the cured paint films showed significantly higher surface gloss and surface hydrophilicity; these observations were quantified using glossimetry and droplet contact angle measurements. These results provide insight into the unique chemistry present in WMO paints and provide a basis for future studies for art conservators and conservation scientists working with this new media.
The effect of California’s top-two primary system on voter turnout in US House Elections

This paper evaluates one potential impact of California’s Proposition 14, which created a top-two primary system for all non-Presidential election races within the state. Our analysis is twofold, with the concern of each analysis placed on voter roll off when the result of the top-two primary placed a non-traditional pairing of candidates on the ballot.We focus on U.S. House races using data at the congressional district level to evaluate the impact of a non-traditional general election that omits one of the major parties from the ballot. Using major party registration of the political party omitted from the general election ballot, we find suggestive evidence that voter roll-off increases with these non-traditional contests. These elections do not effect voter turnout as a whole, but can increase voter roll-off by upwards of 7%.
Functionally graded NiTi shape memory alloy: Selective laser melting fabrication and multi-scale characterization

Abstract Besides the possibility of fabricating complex geometries, a major advantage of additive manufacturing is tailoring the microstructure and consequently properties of the parts. By changing the process parameters (PPs). Functionally graded systems can be achieved without the need for post-processing or joining. In this study, fabrication of a functionally graded NiTi using selective laser melting was investigated. Using two different sets of PPs resulted in a part with two different functional properties. Several characterization methods were employed to study microstructural distribution. Thermomechanical full-field strain tests showed a novel behavior, a combination of superelastic and shape memory effects at room temperature.
Russia’s Municipal and Sub-Federal Debt Market in 2018

According to the 2018 year-end data, the regional consolidated budgets and local government off-budget funds’ budgets ran a surplus of RUB 512.9 billion or 0.49 percent of GDP. To compare, the regional consolidated budgets and local government off-budget funds’ budgets ran a deficit of RUB 61.5 billion or 0.07 percent of GDP in 2017. In 2018, the budgets of subjects of the Russian Federation ran a surplus of RUB 491.5 billion, urban districts’ budgets ran a deficit of RUB 0.8 billion, federal-status cities’ inner-city municipalities’ budgets ran a surplus of RUB 0.4 billion, municipal areas’ budgets ran a surplus of RUB 16.0 billion, urban and rural settlements’ budgets ran a surplus of RUB 3.5 billion, local government off-budget funds’ budgets ran a surplus of RUB 2.7 billion.
COVID-19, Face Masks, and Social Interaction: How a Global Pandemic Is Shining a Light on the Importance of Face-to-Face Communication

Purpose The purpose of this article is to discuss the impact of COVID-19 mitigation strategies on face-to-face communication. The article covers three main areas: the effect of face masks and socia...
Transcriptional regulation of carboxylesterase 1 ( CES1) in human liver: role of the nuclear receptor NR1H3 (LXRα) and its splice isoforms

Carboxylesterase 1 (CES1) is the predominant carboxylesterase in the human liver, involved in metabolism of both xenobiotics and endogenous substrates. Genetic or epigenetic factors that alter CES1 activity or expression are associated with changes in drug response, lipid, and glucose homeostasis. However, the transcriptional regulation of CES1 in the human liver remains uncertain. By applying both the random forest and Sobol's Sensitivity Indices (SSI) to analyze existing liver RNA expression microarray data (GSE9588), we identified NR1H3 (LXRα) as a key factor regulating constitutive CES1 expression. This model prediction was validated using siRNA knockdown and CRISPR-mediated transcriptional activation of NR1H3 in Huh7 and HepG2 cells. We found that NR1H3's activation of CES1 is splice isoform-specific, namely that increased expression of the NR1H3-211 isoform increased CES1 expression while NR1H3-201 did not. Also, in human liver samples, expression of NR1H3-211 and CES1 are correlated, while NR1H3-201 and CES1 are not. This trend also occurs during differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to hepatocytes, where only expression of the NR1H3-211 isoform parallels expression of CES1 Moreover, we found that treatment with the NR1H3 agonist T0901317 in HepG2 cells had no effect on CES1 expression. Overall, our results demonstrate a key role of NR1H3 in maintaining the constitutive expression of CES1 in the human liver. Furthermore, our results support that the effect of NR1H3 is splice isoform-specific and appears to be ligand independent. Significance Statement Despite the central role of CES1 in metabolism of numerous medications, little is known about its transcriptional regulation. Here we identify NR1H3 as a key regulator of constitutive CES1 expression, and therefore is a potential target for future studies to understand inter-person variabilities in CES1 activity and drug metabolism.
Design of the OMVPE Process

This chapter provides an understanding of organometallic vapor-phase epitaxy (OMVPE) growth in the areas of thermodynamics, physical processes occurring at the surface, reaction kinetics, and mass-transport processes. The chapter discusses that in some laboratories the safety precautions use self contained rooms, which are remotely observed and operated, however, in all cases the most effective measures involve common sense and appropriate safety apparatus. This chapter considers the growth of GaAs using various combinations of source molecules. Nearly all of the studies of the GaAs growth process use the “black-box” approach of simply examining the growth rate versus temperature, substrate orientation, and the molar flow rates of the nutrient gases to derive information concerning the process controlling the growth rate. The chapter states that detailed chemical and kinetic insight into the actual growth reactions can only be obtained from more detailed and sophisticated pyrolysis and growth studies. In this context, this chapter combines the available information of both types to reach the deepest level of understanding of the actual reaction mechanisms.
BCRP expression is functionally upregulated by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR, ErbB1) mediated signaling in human ovarian cancer cell lines, but not in human breast cancer cell lines

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006 614 Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/ABCG2) causes an ATP-dependent multidrug resistance phenotype. Although an increased level of BCRP expression has been reported in many types of human cancers, little is known about molecular mechanism(s) of BCRP upregulation. Receptor tyrosine kinases have an important role in malignant transformation of various epithelial cells. In particular, expression of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor on malignant cells of epithelial origin results in dysregulation of major signaling pathways that control cell proliferation, senescence, differentiation, and apoptosis. Here, we study whether signaling mediated by EGFR/ErbB1 is involved in BCRP expression in breast and ovarian cancer. The human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB 231 and the ovarian cancer cell lines Igorv1 and SKOV3 cells were treated with EGF under serum-free conditions, then the level of BCRP mRNA or protein was determined by qRT-PCR or Western blot, respectively. Previous investigators have shown that EGFR is expressed in each of these four cell lines. BCRP mRNA expression was increased 3- or 2-fold in Igrov1 or SKOV3 cells treated with EGF (10 or 50 ng/mL) for 24 hours, respectively, but not in MCF-7 or MDA-MB231 cells. BCRP expression induced by EGF in Igrov1 cells was completely abolished in the presence of AG1478 (10 μM), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor specific to EGFR/ErbB1. LY294002 (10 μM), an inhibitor of phosphoinositol 3 kinase (PI3K), partially blocked this effect, indicating a complicated signaling network is involved that includes the PI3K/Akt pathway, and other pathways. Western blot analysis revealed that EGF (10, 25, 50 ng/mL, 24 hours) caused upregulation of BCRP protein expression in Igrov1 cells. To determine whether BCRP expression induced by EGF leads to drug-resistance, cellular survival against mitoxantrone was measured in Igrov1 cells treated with and without EGF (10 ng/mL) in the absence or presence of FTC (10 μM) for 48 hours. When cells were exposed to mitoxantrone at 0.1, 0.3, or 1 μM, survival of EGF-treated cells was significantly higher that that in untreated control. Furthermore, EGF-treated cells were completely sensitized to mitoxantrone in the presence of FTC, suggesting that BCRP is responsible for the mitoxantrone resistance observed in the EGF-treated cells. In conclusion, signaling pathways downstream from EGFR/ErbB1 result in BCRP overexpression in human ovarian cancer cell lines. The molecular basis for lack of EGF stimulation of BCRP expression in human breast cancer cell lines is currently under investigation.
Organization of the Thalamocortical Complex and its Relation to Sensory Processes

The sections in this article are: 1 Historical Perspective 2 Basic Subdivisions of Thalamus in Representative Mammals 3 Sensory Relay Nuclei 3.1 Topographic Organization 3.2 Cell Types 3.3 Afferent Axons 3.4 Synaptic Organization 4 Subdivisions in Relation to Afferent Pathways and Cortical Projections 4.1 Medial Geniculate Complex 4.2 Somatic Sensory Relay Nuclei 4.3 Gustatory Nucleus 4.4 Vestibular Relay 4.5 Visual Relay Nuclei 4.6 Geniculostriate System 4.7 Extrageniculostriate System 5 Corticothalamic Reciprocity 6 Finer Organization of Thalamocortical Projection 6.1 Axon Bundling 6.2 Laminar Terminations 7 Other Relay Nuclei 7.1 Mediodorsal Nucleus 7.2 Ventral Lateral Complex 7.3 Pulvinar 7.4 Suprageniculate-Limitans Nucleus 7.5 Anterior Group and Lateral Dorsal Nucleus 7.6 Other Principal Nuclei 8 Intralaminar Nuclei 9 Other Diffuse Thalamocortical Systems 10 Ventral Thalamus 10.1 Ventral Lateral Geniculate Nucleus 10.2 Zona Incerta and Fields of Forel 10.3 Reticular Nucleus 11 Thalamic Inputs from Brain Stem Reticular Formation
On the forcing of the Mesospheric Semi‐Annual Oscillation in the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model

[1] The Mesospheric Semi-Annual Oscillation in the mean zonal winds (MSAO) is a prominent feature of the tropical middle atmosphere. This oscillation is thought to be driven by the selective transmission of small-scale gravity waves through the wind system of the stratospheric Semi-Annual Oscillation (SSAO). However, due to limited observations, the driving mechanisms of this oscillation are not completely understood. Here we examine the driving of the MSAO using the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model, version 2 (WACCM2). We show that near the solstices, in addition to gravity waves, meridional advection and EP flux divergence from resolved waves (in particular from the quasi two-day wave) contribute significantly to the momentum budget of the MSAO. Near the equinoxes, all forcing terms are weak suggesting that the easterly phase of the MSAO is driven by a process not well represented in WACCM2.
Immunoglobulin M capture immunoassay in investigation of coxsackievirus B5 and B6 outbreaks in South Australia

An immunoglobulin M (IgM) capture enzyme immunoassay was used to detect major overlapping outbreaks of disease in South Australia caused by coxsackieviruses B5 (CBV-5) and B6 (CBV-6). CBV-5-specific IgM was detected in patients presenting in spring 1992 with acute febrile illnesses, rash, severe acute respiratory disease, meningitis, myocarditis and/or pericarditis, while tests for other viruses were negative. CBV-5 was isolated from an early case. In December 1992 it was noted that CBV-6 had replaced CBV-5 as the major cause of disease. The CBV-6 epidemic continued until April 1993. Serum samples from 495 patients (276 inpatients) were submitted for testing. CBV-6 infection was associated with lower respiratory tract infection and persistent cough. This study demonstrated success of the IgM enzyme immunoassay and the need for diagnostic virology laboratories to look for CBV-6 infection in addition to the other five CBVs.
The Electron—Phonon Enhancement Factor for Some Transition Metals

We have shown in a previous paper1 how the McMillan2 electron-phonon mass enhancement factor λ can be determined from specific heat data. New specific heat measurements for niobium and tantalum that allow λ to be determined for these materials are reported in the present paper. The addition of these results to those previously reported1 permits verification of the McMillan theory2 in a large number of transition metals. For scandium, yttrium, niobium, vanadium, and tantalum our results for λ agree quite well with the values obtained in the Bennemann and Garland3 extension of the McMillan theory. For platinum and palladium the agreement is satisfactory if strong spin-fluctuation effects are taken into account.
Linear scleroderma: Report of a case presenting as persistent unilateral eyelid edema

Localized (linear) scleroderma is added to the list of causes of eyelid edema. This case report of a 66-year-old woman demonstrates en coup de sabre linear scleroderma preceded by 8 months of eyelid edema without clinical evidence of scleroderma, The linear scleroderma evolved rapidly, then stabilized over a 9-month period, and then, during the next 6 months, softened, with some regrowth of hair. (J AM ACAD DERMATOL 7:541-544, 1982.)
Catecholamine stimulation of brain hexokinase

Abstract Catecholamines stimulate brain hexokinase when Mg 2+ and H + concentration levels are suboptimal and the concentration of the phosphate acceptor (glucose or 2-deoxyglucose) exceeds the half-saturation level. The catechol group is required and the side-chain substituent alters the activity. Other types of phosphate-tranferring enzymes are not stimulated; yeast hexokinase is stimulated but the reaction characteristics differ. The results suggest a physiologic control mechanism for hexokinase in which tissue levels of Mg 2+ , H + and glucose serve as metabolic signals.
An interface reconstruction method based on analytical formulae for 2D planar and axisymmetric arbitrary convex cells

In this paper, we propose a non-iterative interface reconstruction method for 2D planar and axisymmetric geometries that is valid for arbitrary convex cells and intended to be used in multi-material simulation codes with sharp interface treatment for instance. Assuming that the normal vector to the interface is known, we focus on the computation of the line constant so that the polygon resulting from the cell-interface intersection has the requested volume. To this end, we first decompose the cell in trapezoidal elements and then propose a new approach to derive an exact formula for the trapezoids volumes. This formula, derived for both the planar and axisymmetric cases, is used to first bracket and then find the line constant that exactly matches the prescribed volume. The computational efficiency of the proposed method is demonstrated over a large number of reproducible conditions and against two existing methods.
Infiltration and hydraulic connections from the Niagara River to a fractured-dolomite aquifer in Niagara Falls, New York

Abstract The spatial distribution of hydrogen and oxygen stable-isotope values in groundwater can be used to distinguish different sources of recharge and to trace groundwater flow directions from recharge boundaries. This method can be particularly useful in fractured-rock settings where multiple lines of evidence are required to delineate preferential flow paths that result from heterogeneity within fracture zones. Flow paths delineated with stable isotopes can be combined with hydraulic data to form a more complete picture of the groundwater flow system. In this study values of δD and δ 18 O were used to delineate paths of river-water infiltration into the Lockport Group, a fractured dolomite aquifer, and to compute the percentage of river water in groundwater samples from shallow bedrock wells. Flow paths were correlated with areas of high hydraulic diffusivity in the shallow bedrock that were delineated from water-level fluctuations induced by diurnal stage fluctuations in man-made hydraulic structures. Flow paths delineated with the stable-isotope and hydraulic data suggest that river infiltration reaches an unlined storm sewer in the bedrock through a drainage system that surrounds carrying river water to hydroelectric power plants. This findings is significant because the storm sewer is the discharge point for contaminated groundwater from several chemical waste-disposal sites and the cost of treating the storm sewer's discharge could be reduced if the volume of infiltration from the river were decreased.
Glomerular permeability activity: prevalence and prognostic value in pediatric patients with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome.

Background: A circulating factor that increases in vitro glomerular permeability to albumin (Palb) has been isolated from patients with recurrence of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in their renal allografts. The prevalence and prognostic significance of permeability activity has not been examined in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS). Methods: Palb activity level was determined in sera from 26 children with new-onset INS before the initiation of therapy by using an in vitro assay. Permeability factor was considered present if Palb was greater than 0.5. The following clinical and laboratory data for patients were tabulated: demographic information, serum albumin and cholesterol concentrations, calculated glomerular filtration rate, age at disease onset, response to corticosteroid treatment, and long-term outcome. Results: Patients ranged in age from 2 to 18 years, and 19 patients (73%) were male. Mean Palb was 0.45 ± 0.04 (SEM). Palb in patients with a steroid-responsive course (n = 17) did not differ from that of patients with steroid-resistant disease (n = 9). Percentages with Palb greater than 0.5 did not differ between patients with steroid-responsive and steroid-resistant disease (47% and 33%, respectively). Palb was determined after 41 ± 5 months in 6 patients with steroid-responsive INS. These patients had normal serum creatinine concentrations, and 4 of 6 patients were in prolonged remission. Palb at the onset of INS before therapy was 0.51 ± 0.09 (Palb > 0.5 in 2 patients) and was not changed at follow-up (Palb = 0.40 ± 0.12; Palb > 0.5 in 2 patients). Conclusion: Permeability activity, defined as Palb greater than 0.5, is present in pretreatment serum samples from nearly half the children with INS. The presence of permeability activity does not predict clinical response to steroid treatment, renal histopathologic characteristics, or clinical outcome at up to 5 years of follow-up.
Samba and Shoah: ethnic, religious and social diversity in Brazil

This paper examines a controversial affair during Rio de Janeiro's 2008 Carnival parade, involving a Holocaust float banned by Jewish community representatives. The episode serves as a case study for discussing Brazil's main cultural strategies for dealing with its diverse social formation. The paper evaluates the impact of such particular modes of sociability on the decision to ban the float, while pondering over the challenges of Brazilian–Jewish cultural interactions in a global era.
Effect of the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act on the bottom line.

Purpose. An historical perspective on the impact of the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act (MMA) on pharmaceutical reimbursement, and the financial bottom line at health systems and various strategies to use in the inpatient and outpatient setting to improve the bottom line are described. Summary. Implementation of MMA has affected the entire healthcare continuum by reducing pharmaceutical reimbursement rates and health system revenues and increasing prescription drug copayments, emergency department visits, and hospital admissions. Physician-owned clinics are less profitable than in the past because of MMA, which may prompt clinic closures and shift the patient care burden to clinics at public hospitals. Negotiating carve-outs for costly drugs and evaluating the feasibility of obtaining outlier payments can improve the bottom line in the hospital inpatient setting. Ensuring that billing codes are accurate and verifying that reimbursement was received can help minimize the impact of MMA on the financial bottom line in the outpatient setting. Negotiating favorable purchasing contracts and ensuring that drugs are used appropriately by following evidence-based guidelines can improve the financial bottom line in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. Conclusion. Strategies to decrease drug acquisition costs and increase reimbursement rates can help minimize the adverse impact of MMA on the financial bottom line at health systems.
Soy protein with and without isoflavones fails to substantially increase postprandial antioxidant capacity.

Five methods for the assessment of antioxidant capacity [whole plasma conjugated diene formation, low-density lipoprotein oxidation susceptibility, ferric-reducing ability of plasma, oxygen radical absorbance capacity and perchloric-acid-treated oxygen radical absorbance capacity (PCA-ORAC)] were used in a randomized, double blind, crossover study to determine the acute postprandial antioxidant protection imparted by the isoflavone component of soy. On separate days, 16 subjects consumed one of three isocaloric shakes containing 25g of protein in the form of soy, with 107 mg of total aglycone units of isoflavones, soy with trace isoflavones (<4 mg) or total milk protein. Blood was collected at baseline, 4h, 6h and 8h after consumption. Antioxidant capacity, serum isoflavone levels, fat-soluble antioxidants and plasma vitamin C levels were evaluated. Repeated measures analysis of variance showed no significant differences (P=.05) within treatments over time in four of five antioxidant capacity measurements. Significant differences over time between the soy with trace isoflavones and the total milk protein group were observed using the PCA-ORAC assay. It can be concluded that, on an acute basis, a significant increase in serum antioxidant capacity is not detectable following consumption of soy protein.
The rise of eating disorders in Japan: issues of culture and limitations of the model of "westernization"

As the first non-Western nation in contemporary history to become a major industrialized economic power, Japan is central to the debate on cultural relativism in psychiatric nosologies, and the study of eating disorders in Japan contributes to the complex discussion of the impact of culture and history on the experience, diagnosis and treatment of such disorders (R. Gordon 2001; Palmer 2001). Without question, the rise in eating disorders in Japan correlated with increasing industrialization, urbanization, and the fraying of traditional family forms following World War II. While the case of Japan confirms that the existence of eating disorders appears to be linked with these broader social transformations, it also points to the importance of specific cultural and historical factors in shaping the experience of eating disorders. In this article, we explore two particular dimensions of culture in contemporary Japan: (1) gender development and gender role expectations for females coming of age; and (2) beauty ideals and the role of weight and shape concerns in the etiology of eating disorders. Our analysis of these dimensions of culture, and the data accruing from empirical and qualitative research, reveal limitations to the model of "Westernization" and call for a more culturally sensitive search for meaning in both describing and explaining eating disorders in Japan today.
Controlled cavitation to augment SWL stone subdivision: Mechanistic insights in-vitro

The presence of cavitation activity has been identified as a crucial component for SWL stone subdivision. However, its exact role in the comminution process remains somewhat weakly defined, in part due to the fact that it is difficult to isolate the cavitational component from shock waves. In this study, we further explored the importance of cavitation in SWL stone comminution through the use of histotripsy ultrasound therapy. Histotripsy was utilized to target cystine-mimicking model stones with controlled cavitation at strategic time points in the SWL comminution process. Ten model stones were sonicated in-vitro with each of five different treatment schemes: A. SWL with histotripsy interleaved; B. SWL followed by histotripsy; C. Histotripsy followed by SWL; D. SWL-only; E. Histotripsy-only. Following sonication, debris was collected and sieved. It was found that the combination of histotripsy and SWL (A, B, and C) produced a higher degree of comminution than either modality in isolation. When histotripsy controlled cavitation was applied following SWL (B), the increase in exposed stone surface area afforded by shock wave stone subdivision led to enhanced cavitation erosion. When histotripsy controlled cavitation was applied prior to SWL (C), it is likely that stone surface defects induced by cavitation erosion provided sights for crack nucleation and accelerated shock wave stone subdivision. Both these effects are likely at play in the interleaved therapy (A), although shielding of shock waves by remnant histotripsy microbubble nuclei may have limited the efficacy of this scheme.
Familial essential thrombocythemia

Primary or essential thrombocythemia is rarely observed in childhood, and familial occurrence has been reported only once. In this study, essential thrombocythemia is documented in five members of both sexes from two to 62 years of age in three successive generations. The propositus had a persistent elevation of the platelet count, splenomegaly, a normal hemoglobin level, a normal white blood cell count, and abnormal platelet aggregation. Platelet arachidonic acid metabolites assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography and serum thrombopoietin levels were normal. Megakaryocytes were increased in number and size. Both mature and early immature megakaryocytes, but no atypical megakaryocytes, were identified by surface immunofluorescence. Bone marrow cultures showed normal myeloid and erythroid colony formation, and chromosome studies revealed a normal female karyotype. These findings support the concept that familial essential thrombocythemia is a myeloproliferative disorder that is transmitted by an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance, and that untreated young women and children with essential thrombocythemia have long survival.
Actuator design using biomimicry methods and a pneumatic muscle system

Abstract An empirical and theoretical study is conducted on a special actuator termed “pneumatic muscle” (PM) being used in a force control system framework. Such an actuator has similarities to biological systems and has many advantages (extremely high power/weight, power/volume and power/energy ratios). However, due to its inherent nonlinearities, this actuator suffers from poor position and force control. The study described here accomplishes three main goals. (1) A force control system is developed within an open and closed loop framework to emulate how biological systems work in an agonist–antagonist framework. (2) The PM used in the study has such strength that it excites the frame dynamics. This undesired dynamic response is then effectively cancelled using an impedance model control scheme. (3) The PM is demonstrated to both change length yet still produce force in a controlled manner.
Magnetostatic focal spot correction for x-ray tubes operating in strong magnetic fields using iterative optimization.

Purpose: Combining x-ray fluoroscopy and MR imaging systems for guidance of interventional procedures has become more commonplace. By designing an x-ray tube that is immune to the magnetic fields outside of the MR bore, the two systems can be placed in close proximity to each other. A major obstacle to robust x-ray tube design is correcting for the effects of the magnetic fields on the x-ray tube focal spot. A potential solution is to design active shielding that locally cancels the magnetic fields near the focal spot. Methods: An iterative optimization algorithm is implemented to design resistive active shielding coils that will be placed outside the x-ray tube insert. The optimization procedure attempts to minimize the power consumption of the shielding coils while satisfying magnetic field homogeneity constraints. The algorithm is composed of a linear programming step and a nonlinear programming step that are interleaved with each other. The coil results are verified using a finite element space charge simulation of the electron beam inside the x-ray tube. To alleviate heating concerns an optimized coil solution is derived that includes a neodymium permanent magnet. Any demagnetization of the permanent magnet is calculated prior to solving for the optimized coils. The temperature dynamics of the coil solutions are calculated using a lumped parameter model, which is used to estimate operation times of the coils before temperature failure. Results: For a magnetic field strength of 88 mT, the algorithm solves for coils that consume 588 A/cm2. This specific coil geometry can operate for 15 min continuously before reaching temperature failure. By including a neodymium magnet in the design the current density drops to 337 A/cm2, which increases the operation time to 59 min. Space charge simulations verify that the coil designs are effective, but for oblique x-ray tube geometries there is still distortion of the focal spot shape along with deflections of approximately 3 mm in the radial and circumferential directions on the anode. Conclusions: Active shielding is an attractive solution for correcting the effects of magnetic fields on the x-ray focal spot. If extremely long fluoroscopic exposure times are required, longer operation times can be achieved by including a permanent magnet with the active shielding design.
Seeking Parsimony in Landscape Metrics

ABSTRACT Numerous metrics describing landscape patterns have been used to explain landscape-scale habitat selection by birds. The myriad metrics, their complexity, and inconsistent responses to them by birds have led to a lack of clear recommendations for managing land for desired species. The amount of a target land cover type in the landscape (percentage cover) often has been a useful indicator of the likelihood of species occurrence or of habitat selection; is it also a more adequate and parsimonious measure for explaining species distributions than patch size or more complex measures of landscape configuration? We examined responses of 6 woodland-interior bird species to the percentage tree cover within prescribed areas and to patch size, edge density, and other metrics. We examined responses in 2 landscapes: a mixed woodland-savanna and an eastern deciduous forest. For these 6 species, percentage tree cover explained bird occurrence as well as or better than other measures in both study areas. We the...