cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D and Critically Ill Intensive Care Unit Patients

Abstract Vitamin D studies in the critically ill show that low plasma vitamin D levels are common in the intensive care unit (ICU). This chapter will highlight the risk factors for low vitamin D in the critically ill and its association with severity of illness and organ failure. The mechanism of vitamin D action in critical illness is explored, as well as the metabolomics, transcriptomics, and epigenetics of vitamin D. The interventional trial data in the ICU are discussed as well as the dose required to increase circulating vitamin D levels. Finally, the safety issues regarding high-dose vitamin D in the critically ill are explained.
Black Lives Matter and the Civil Rights Movement: A Comparative Analysis of Two Social Movements in the United States:

Black Lives Matter (BLM) has arisen as a social movement in response to the numerous killings of unarmed African Americans. It has been criticized by some as too confrontational and divisive. The p...
Development of vestibular behaviors in zebrafish

Most animals orient their bodies with respect to gravity to facilitate locomotion and perception. The neural circuits responsible for these orienting movements have long served as a model to address fundamental questions in systems neuroscience. Though postural control is vital, we know little about development of either balance reflexes or the neural circuitry that produces them. Recent work in a genetically and optically accessible vertebrate, the larval zebrafish, has begun to reveal the mechanisms by which such vestibular behaviors and circuits come to function. Here we highlight recent work that leverages the particular advantages of the larval zebrafish to illuminate mechanisms of postural development, the role of sensation for balance circuit development, and the organization of developing vestibular circuits. Further, we frame open questions regarding the developmental mechanisms for functional circuit assembly and maturation where studying the zebrafish vestibular system is likely to open new frontiers.
Real options applications in the telecommunications industry

Two examples of the application of real options to the telecommunications industry are suggested in this paper. These applications move beyond the traditional capital budgeting procedures, which cannot properly capture management’s flexibility to adapt and later revise decisions in response to unexpected regulatory/technological/market developments. Real options techniques can conceptualize and value managerial flexibility to alter initial operating strategy in order to capitalize on favorable future opportunities or to react to mitigate losses. Recognizing a particular capital budgeting project as a real option has value, particularly as the business environment becomes more uncertain.
MIS effects on managers’ task scope and satisfaction *

The impact of computers on organizations has long been a topic of special interest to management and organization theorists. Opinions vary widely on the nature and importance of information technology's influence on the structure and process of organizations. For every ounce of technical optimism created by computer scientists, a pound of social pessimism is generated by behavioral scientists suspicious of technological impacts. Over the past 20 years much dialogue has raged in emotional and speculative tones without substantial progress made in our understanding of the issue. The armchair theorists who project less human organizational life because of the computer have generally operated without the benefit of research findings. The purpose of this paper is to shed some empirical light on one hotly debated issue: the impact of management information systems on managers’ tasks and their evaluation of computer-induced changes in tasks.
Contact damage in model dental multilayers: An investigation of the influence of indenter size

This paper presents a combined experimental and computational study of the influence of indenter ball size on contact damage in model multilayered structures with equivalent elastic properties to bonded dentin/crown structures. Following a brief description of restored tooth structures, prior work on the development of model dental multilayered structures is reviewed. The effects of indentation ball size are investigated within a combined experimental and computational/analytical framework. The observed cracking patterns at the onset of crack nucleation are shown to be associated with principal stress contours computed using finite element analysis. The implications of the results are discussed for the design of dental multilayers that are more resistant to crack nucleation and propagation.
Exempla in an old norse historiographic mold

Although exempla make only a sporadic appearance in indigenous Old Norse literature, their structure and narrative content have been adapted to native saga tradition. The aim of this study is to illustrate the nature and function of the exemplum in a narrative continuum. Four experiential exempla are discussed: Snorri's Aki tale, Auðunar þattr, Ketill porsteinsson's reflection on his life in þorgils saga ok Hafliða and Sighvatr Sturluson's cautionary jest directed at his son, Sturla, in Islendinga saga. The first two are exemplars of ‘historical folklore’ or historified folklore. The last two represent biographical/historical accounts in, respectively, a contemporary saga and a chronicle noted for its seriousness and sobriety. All four exempla evince an avid interest in historiography and in the interrelationship between character and fate. Their functions are predictive and moral. The Aki tale has only a predictive function. The others, however, have at their core a moral concern that transcends the lives of the protagonists. While moral decisions effect personal success or failure, their greater significance lies in their influence on the health and course of public life.
Anxiety during alcohol withdrawal involves 5-HT2C receptors and M-channels in the lateral habenula.

Abstract Anxiety disorders often co-occur with alcohol use disorders, but the mechanisms underlying this comorbidity remain elusive. Previously, we reported that rats withdrawn from chronic alcohol consumption (Post-EtOH rats) exhibited robust anxiety-like behaviors (AB), which were accompanied by neuronal hyperexcitability, and the downregulation of M-type potassium channels (M-channels) in the lateral habenula (LHb); and that serotonin (5-HT) stimulated LHb neurons via type 2C receptors (5-HT2CRs). Also, 5-HT2CR activation is known to inhibit M-current in mouse hypothalamic neurons. The present study investigated whether LHb 5-HT2CRs and M-channels contribute to AB in adult male Long-Evans rats. We used the intermittent-access to 20% ethanol two-bottle free-choice drinking paradigm to induce dependence. We measured AB with the elevated plus-maze, open-field, and marble-burying tests at 24 h withdrawal. We found that intra-LHb infusion of SB242084, a selective 5-HT2CR antagonist alleviated AB and reduced the elevated c-Fos expression in the LHb of Post-EtOH rats. By contrast, intra-LHb infusion of the selective 5-HT2CR agonist WAY161503 induced AB and increased c-Fos expression in the LHb in alcohol-naive but not Post-EtOH rats. Also, intra-LHb SB242084 significantly reduced self-administration of alcohol intake in the operant chambers. Furthermore, both 5-HT2CR protein levels and 5-HIAA/5-HT ratio was increased in the LHb of Post-EtOH rats. Finally, intra-LHb SB242084 increased LHb KCNQ2/3 membrane protein expression in Post-EtOH rats. Collectively, these results suggest that enhanced LHb 5-HT2CR signaling that interacted with M-channels triggers AB in Post-EtOH rats and that 5-HT2CRs may be a promising target for treating comorbid anxiety disorders in alcoholics.
Texture Classification using Block Intensity and Gradient Difference (BIGD) Descriptor

Abstract In this paper, we present an efficient and distinctive local descriptor, namely block intensity and gradient difference ( BIGD ). In an image patch, we randomly sample multi-scale block pairs and utilize the intensity and gradient differences of pairwise blocks to construct the local BIGD descriptor. The random sampling strategy and the multi-scale framework help BIGD descriptors capture the distinctive patterns of patches at different orientations and spatial granularity levels. We use vectors of locally aggregated descriptors (VLAD) or improved Fisher vector (IFV) to encode local BIGD descriptors into a full image descriptor, which is then fed into a linear support vector machine (SVM) classifier for texture classification. We compare the proposed descriptor with typical and state-of-the-art ones by evaluating their classification performance on five public texture data sets including Brodatz, CUReT, KTH-TIPS, and KTH-TIPS-2a and -2b. Experimental results show that the proposed BIGD descriptor with stronger discriminative power yields 0 . 12 % ∼ 6 . 43 % higher classification accuracy than the state-of-the-art texture descriptor, dense microblock difference (DMD).
Bacterial Membrane Vesicles as Mediators of Microbe - Microbe and Microbe - Host Community Interactions.

Bacterial membrane vesicles are proteoliposomal nanoparticles produced by both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. As they originate from the outer surface of the bacteria, their composition and content is generally similar to the parent bacterium’s membrane and cytoplasm. However, there is ample evidence that preferential packaging of proteins, metabolites, and toxins into vesicles does occur. Incorporation into vesicles imparts a number of benefits to the cargo, including protection from degradation by other bacteria, the host organism, or environmental factors, maintenance of a favorable microenvironment for enzymatic activity, and increased potential for long-distance movement. This enables vesicles to serve specialized functions tailored to changing or challenging environments, particularly in regard to microbial community interactions including quorum sensing, biofilm formation, antibiotic resistance, antimicrobial peptide expression and deployment, and nutrient acquisition. Additionally, based on their contents, vesicles play crucial roles in host-microbe interactions as carriers of virulence factors and other modulators of host cell function. Here, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of how vesicles to function as signals both within microbial communities and between pathogenic or commensal microbes and their mammalian hosts. We also highlight a few areas that are currently ripe for additional research, including the mechanisms of selective cargo packaging into membrane vesicles and of cargo processing once it enters mammalian host cells, the function of vesicles in transfer of nucleic acids among bacteria, and the possibility of engineering commensal bacteria to deliver cargo of interest to mammalian hosts in a controlled manner.
Developing Socioscientific Perspective Taking.

Perspective taking has been identified as a critical skill in the development of scientifically literate citizenry. Despite the importance of the construct, operationalising and identifying effecti...
Examining Science Teachers’ Orientations in an Era of Reform

Considering the ever-growing demand to prepare students to be globally competitive in science, it is not surprising that many countries are undergoing policy and curriculum changes regarding science teaching and learning. Because the success of new curricula and standards depends on how teachers carry them out, it is critical to understand their beliefs and practices before forging ahead with reforms (Brickhouse, 1990; Bryan & Abell, 1999; Levitt, 2002; Tobin & McRobbie, 1996).
Single Cell Analysis Reveals Multi-faceted miR-375 Regulation of the Intestinal Crypt

The role of individual miRNAs in small intestinal (SI) epithelial homeostasis is under-explored. In this study, we discovered that miR-375 is among the most enriched miRNAs in intestinal crypts and stem cells (ISCs), especially facultative ISCs. We then showed by multiple manipulations, including CRISPR/Cas9 editing, that miR-375 is strongly suppressed by Wnt-signaling. Single-cell RNA-seq analysis of SI crypt-enriched cells from miR-375 knockout (375-KO) mice revealed elevated numbers of tuft cells and increased expression of pro-proliferative genes in ISCs. Accordingly, the genetic loss of miR-375 promoted resistance to helminth infection and enhanced the regenerative response to irradiation. The conserved effects of miR-375 were confirmed by gain-of-function studies in Drosophila midgut stem cells in vivo. Moreover, functional experiments in enteroids uncovered a regulatory relationship between miR-375 and Yap1 that controls cell survival. Finally, analysis of mouse model and clinical data revealed an inverse association between miR-375 levels and intestinal tumor development. HighlightsO_LImiR-375 is one of the most enriched miRNAs in ISCs, especially facultative ISCs. C_LIO_LImiR-375 modifies tuft cell abundance and pro-proliferative gene expression in ISCs. C_LIO_LILoss of miR-375 in mice enhances the host response to helminth infection and crypt regeneration. C_LIO_LIMouse and human intestinal cancer are associated with reduced miR-375 expression. C_LI eTOC BlurbSethupathy and colleagues show that miR-375 is a Wnt-responsive, ISC-enriched miRNA that serves as a break on intestinal crypt proliferation. They also show that miR-375 modulates tuft cell abundance and pro-proliferative gene expression in ISCs, that miR-375 loss enhances the host response to helminth infection as well as crypt regeneration post-irradiation, and its reduced expression is associated with intestinal cancer.
Evaluating Different Measures of Low Back Pain Among U.S. Manual Materials Handling Workers: Comparisons of Demographic, Psychosocial, and Job Physical Exposure.

ObjectiveTo examine differences in demographic, psychosocial, and job physical exposure risk factors between multiple low back pain (LBP) outcomes in a prospective cohort of industrial workers.Back...
Transcription factor-based biosensors: a molecular-guided approach for natural product engineering

Natural products and their derivatives offer a rich source of chemical and biological diversity; however, traditional engineering of their biosynthetic pathways to improve yields and access to unnatural derivatives requires a precise understanding of their enzymatic processes. High-throughput screening platforms based on allosteric transcription-factor based biosensors can be leveraged to overcome the screening bottleneck to enable searching through large libraries of pathway/strain variants. Herein, the development and application of engineered allosteric transcription factor-based biosensors is described that enable optimization of precursor availability, product titers, and downstream product tailoring for advancing the natural product bioeconomy. We discuss recent successes for tailoring biosensor design, including computationally-based approaches, and present our future outlook with the integration of cell-free technologies and de novo protein design for rapidly generating biosensor tools.
TLR5 Participates in the TLR4 Receptor Complex and Biases Towards MyD88-Dependent Signaling in Environmental Lung Injury

Lung disease causes significant morbidity and mortality, and is exacerbated by environmental injury, e.g. through lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or ozone (O3) exposure. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) orchestrate immune responses to injury by recognizing pathogen- or danger-associated molecular patterns. TLR4, the prototypic receptor for LPS, also mediates inflammation after O3, triggered by endogenous hyaluronan. Regulation of TLR4 signaling is incompletely understood. TLR5, the prototypic receptor for flagellin, is expressed in alveolar macrophages, and regulates immune responses to environmental injury. We demonstrate that TLR5 physically associates with TLR4 and LPS, biases TLR4 signaling towards the MyD88 pathway, and impacts the in vivo response to LPS, hyaluronan and O3. Human carriers of a dominant negative TLR5 allele have decreased inflammatory response to O3 exposure in vivo and LPS exposure in vitro. Our results suggest an updated paradigm for LPS sensing and innate immunity and demonstrate a novel role for TLR5 in environmental lung injury.
Economic Growth in the Mid Atlantic Region: Conjectural Estimates for 1720 to 1800

We employ the conjectural approach to estimate the growth of GDP per capita for the colonies and states of the mid-Atlantic region (Del., NJ, NY and Penn). In contrast to previous studies of the region's growth that relied heavily on the performance of the export sector, the conjectural method enables us to take into account the impact of domestic sector, in particular the production of agricultural products for the domestic market. We find that the region experienced modest growth of real GDP per capita. Although the rate of growth was modest in comparison to what would materialize in the late nineteenth century, it was faster than that of the Lower South in the eighteenth century, and at times as fast as that for the U.S. in the first half of the nineteenth century. In its heyday of growth from 1740 to 1750--before the dislocations produced by the spread of the Seven Years' War--real GDP per capita rose at 0.7 percent per year, driven by the growth of output per worker in both agriculture and nonagriculture, and by capital accumulation.
Validating cell-free DNA from supernatant for molecular diagnostics on cytology specimens.

Background Cytology specimens are often used for biomarker testing in the setting of neoplasia. On occasion, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) cell blocks unfortunately may not yield sufficient material for testing. Recent studies have suggested that residual supernatant fluid from cell block preparation is a valuable source of DNA: both cellular and cell-free DNA (cfDNA). In the present study, the use of cfDNA from supernatant is compared against DNA from FFPE materials. Methods cfDNA was extracted prospectively from residual supernatants of 30 cytology samples (29 neoplastic cases and 1 benign ascitic fluid from a patient with a history of melanoma). Samples were tested using clinically validated next-generation-sequencing platforms and the results were compared with data from paired FFPE cell blocks in a real-time prospective clinical setting. Thirteen samples were tested on an amplicon-based assay (Solid Tumor Hotspot), and 17 samples were tested using a comprehensive capture-based assay (UW-Oncoplex). Results Neoplastic content was estimated by mutational variant allele fraction, with a mean content of 24.0% and 25.8% in supernatant and FFPE, respectively. The variant concordance between paired samples was 90%, and identical results were detected in both supernatant and FFPE samples in 74% of cases. Conclusions This study confirmed that cfDNA from supernatant is a viable alternative to FFPE cell blocks for molecular biomarker testing using both amplicon-based and capture-based assays with potential for decreasing additional tissue sampling and faster turnaround time.
Psychological Refractoriness and the Latency Time of Two Consecutive Motor Responses

Abstract When the response movements are as short and simple as possible, the time lag between stimulus and response for one movement is shortened by introducing the stimulus for a second movement during the latent period for the first (usually about .22 sec). Under these conditions the latent period of the second movement is increased about 25 percent. This does not seem to be caused by true psychological refractoriness, since ability to accept the second stimulus and respond to it is still present. A control experiment furnishes evidence that it is probably a foreperiod-expectancy phenomenon. The length of the response latency of a simple single movement is increased about 40 percent if conditions are altered so that a second stimulus requiring a second movement is expected some time within a half-second after the first stimulus. All of these results are consistent with the recent memory drum theory of neuromotor response.
The MM Algorithm

Most practical optimization problems defy exact solution. In the current chapter we discuss an optimization method that relies heavily on convexity arguments and is particularly useful in high-dimensional problems such as image reconstruction [171]. This iterative method is called the MM algorithm. One of the virtues of this acronym is that it does double duty. In minimization problems, the first M of MM stands for majorize and the second M for minimize. In maximization problems, the first M stands for minorize and the second M for maximize. When it is successful, the MM algorithm substitutes a simple optimization problem for a difficult optimization problem. Simplicity can be attained by: (a) separating the variables of an optimization problem, (b) avoiding large matrix inversions, (c) linearizing an optimization problem, (d) restoring symmetry, (e) dealing with equality and inequality constraints gracefully, and (f) turning a nondifferentiable problem into a smooth problem. In simplifying the original problem, we must pay the price of iteration or iteration with a slower rate of convergence.
Theory of quasiparticle scattering in a two-dimensional system of helical Dirac fermions: Surface band structure of a three-dimensional topological insulator

We study the quasiparticle interference QPI patterns caused by scattering off nonmagnetic, magnetic point impurities, and edge impurities, separately, in a two-dimensional helical liquid, which describes the surface states of a topological insulator. The unique features associated with hexagonal warping effects are identified in the QPI patterns of charge density with nonmagnetic impurities and spin density with magnetic impurities. The symmetry properties of the QPI patterns can be used to determine the symmetry of microscopic models. The Friedel oscillation is calculated for edge impurities and the decay of the oscillation is not universal, strongly depending on Fermi energy. Some discrepancies between our theoretical results and current experimental observations are discussed. DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.80.245317
Long‐Term Effects in Ag‐CuO Brazes Under Dual Reducing/Oxidizing Gas Conditions

A new brazing technique is currently being developed specifically for sealing solid state electrochemical devices such as planar solid oxide fuel cells (pSOFCs). Referred to as air brazing, this metal-based joining technique is unique in that it can be conducted directly in air without the use of inert gases or fluxing agents to prevent/remove surface scale during the joining process. To date, several developmental silver-based filler metal compositions have shown good joint strength, excellent stability under high-temperature oxidizing conditions, and superior thermal cycling performance in comparison with glass-based seals. However, there are concerns about exposing silver alloys to a high-temperature, hydrogen-rich environment, particularly with respect to potential embrittlement under these conditions. This paper discusses initial results obtained from a series of experiments designed to characterize the effect of simultaneous hydrogen/air exposure on silver-based air brazes at high temperature.
Replicated data and partition failures

In a distributed database system, data is often replicated to improve performance and availability. By storing copies of shared data on processors where it is frequently accessed, the need for expensive, remote read accesses is decreased. By storing copies of critical data on processors with independent failure modes, the probability that at least one copy of the data will be accessible increases. In theory, data replication makes it possible to provide arbitrarily high data availability. In practice, realizing the benefits of data replication is difficult since the correctness of data must be maintained. One important aspect of correctness with replicated data is mutual consistency: all copies of the same logical data-item must agree on exactly one "current value" for the data-item. Furthermore, this value should "make sense" in terms of the transactions executed on copies of the data-item. When communication fails between sites containing copies of the same logical data-item, mutual consistency between copies becomes complicated to ensure. The most disruptive of these communication failures are partition failures, which fragment the network into isolated subnetworks called partitions. Unless partition failures are detected and recognized by all affected processors, independent and uncoordinated updates may be applied to different copies of the data, thereby compromising the correctness of data. Consider, for example, an Airline Reservation System implemented by a distributed database which splits into two partitions when the communication network fails. If, at the time of the failure, all the nodes have one seat remaining for PAN AM 537, reservations could be made in both partitions. This would violate correctness: who should get the last seat? There should not be more seats reserved for a flight than physically exist on the plane. (Some airlines do not implement this constraint and allow overbookings.) The design of a replicated data management algorithm tolerating partition failures (or partition processing strategy) is a notoriously hard problem. Typically, the cause or extent of a partition failure cannot be discerned by the processors themselves. At best, a processor may be able to identify the other processors in its partition; but, for the processors outside of its partition, it will not be able to distinguish between the case where those processors are simply isolated from it and the case where those processors are down. In addition, slow responses can cause the network to appear partitioned even when it is not, further complicating the design of a fault-tolerant algorithm. Comments University of Pennsylvania Department of Computer and Information Science Technical Report No. MSCIS-89-02. This technical report is available at ScholarlyCommons: http://repository.upenn.edu/cis_reports/753 REPLICATED DATA AND PARTITION FAILURES
Computational Relativity: Numerical and Algebraic Approaches Report of Workshop A4

The current use of computers in general relativity was reviewed at GR10. Today several groups have working codes which can calculate the coupled general relativity/hydrodynamics equations in two spatial dimensions plus time. These codes are compared and a critical review is made of the areas needing improvement. The potential uses of numerical relativity are discussed. In some situations the gravitational field can be chosen to be an analytically known solution, and hydrodynamics can be done in that background field. Regge calculus is still in its infancy numerically, but interesting new work has been done. Algebraic computing is becoming a mature technology, with the emphasis moving toward making these powerful software tools available to those relativists without previous computer training.
Mapping in maize using RFLPs.

The development of genetic maps for an organism can be traced back to the first genetic experiments of Sturtevant. The discovery that loci can be placed into ordered arrangements, based on the observation of recombination events, has led to the development of genetic linkage maps for a number of plant and animal species. The only requirements are the availability of distinguishable alleles at a locus and the abilities to perform genetic crosses and to analyze the resulting progeny. Among plant species, maize (Zea mays L.) has one of the best developed genetic linkage maps available. The species has a long history of genetic investigations, due in part to the ease with which it can be manipulated genetically and to its important role as a major agronomic crop species. The current genetic database contains nearly 600 unit factors, of which nearly 400 have sufficient linkage information available to place the locus to a specific genetic position on the linkage map. These factors include loci defined by morphological variations (conventional loci) and by biochemical variants (isozymes and protein polymorphisms). In addition, there are the nearly 900 loci defined by DNA polymorphisms (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms, RFLPs).
The William Howard Taft Presidency – By Lewis L. Gould

Bookended by the progressive giants Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson, William Howard Taft is most commonly remembered for his immense girth and for the large bathtub he installed in the White ...
Oligomers formed through in-cloud methylglyoxal reactions: Chemical composition, properties, and mechanisms investigated by ultra-high resolution FT-ICR mass spectrometry

Abstract Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) is a substantial component of total atmospheric organic particulate matter, but little is known about the composition of SOA formed through cloud processing. We conducted aqueous phase photo-oxidation experiments of methylglyoxal and hydroxyl radical to simulate cloud processing. In addition to predicted organic acid monomers, oligomer formation from methylglyoxal–hydroxyl radical reactions was detected by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). The chemical composition of the oligomers and the mechanism of their formation were investigated by ultra-high resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) and LCQ DUO ion trap mass spectrometry (ESI-MS-MS). Reaction products included 415 compounds detected in the mass range 245–800 Da and the elemental composition of all 415 compounds were determined by ultra-high resolution FT-ICR MS. The ratio of total organic molecular weight per organic carbon weight (OM:OC) of the oligomers (1.0–2.5) was lower than the OM:OC of the organic acid monomers (2.3–3.8) formed, suggesting that the oligomers are less hygroscopic than the organic acid monomers formed from methylglyoxal–hydroxyl radical reaction. The OM:OC of the oligomers (average=2.0) is consistent with that of aged atmospheric aerosols and atmospheric humic-like substances (HULIS). A mechanism is proposed in which the organic acid monomers formed through hydroxyl radical reactions oligomerize through esterification. The mechanism is supported by the existence of series of oligomers identified by elemental composition from FT-ICR MS and ion fragmentation patterns from ESI-MS-MS. Each oligomer series starts with an organic acid monomer formed from hydroxyl radical oxidation, and increases in molecular weight and total oxygen content through esterification with a hydroxy acid (C3H6O3) resulting in multiple additions of 72.02113 Da (C3H4O2) to the parent organic acid monomer. Methylglyoxal is a water-soluble product of both gas phase biogenic (i.e., isoprene) and anthropogenic (i.e., aromatics, alkenes) hydrocarbon oxidation. The varied and multiple sources of methylglyoxal increase the potential for these low volatility cloud processing products (e.g., oxalic acid and oligomers) to significantly contribute to SOA. Aqueous phase oligomer formation investigated here and aerosol phase oligomer formation appear to be more similar than previously realized, which may simplify the incorporation of oligomers into atmospheric SOA models.
Bowel preparation for colorectal surgery.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess recent literature regarding bowel preparation for colonoscopy and surgery. METHODS: The study was conducted by an Index Medicus English-language search of articles relevant to both oral mechanical and parenteral and oral antibiotic preparation for elective colorectal surgery and mechanical bowel preparation for colonoscopy. The study period was from 1975 to 2000. In addition, studies of elective colorectal surgery without mechanical bowel preparation were also considered. RESULTS: Although several recent prospective, randomized trials have suggested that elective colorectal surgery can be safely performed without any mechanical bowel preparation, mechanical bowel preparation remains the standard of care, at least in North America at the present time. A recent survey of the members of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons revealed that the majority currently use sodium phosphate for bowel preparation and use a dual oral antibiotic regimen before elective colorectal surgery, combined with two doses of parenteral antibiotics. Although some of the use patterns are based on prospective, randomized study, others seem founded strictly on habit and theory. CONCLUSIONS: The current methods of bowel cleansing for both colonoscopy and surgery include sodium phosphate and polyethylene glycol; colorectal surgeons practicing in North America currently prefer sodium phosphate. Additional preparation for colorectal surgery includes perioperative parenteral antibiotics and, to a slightly lesser degree, preoperative oral antibiotic preparation. Although some recent prospective, randomized studies have suggested that omission of mechanical bowel preparation for elective colorectal surgery is not only feasible but potentially preferable, caution is recommended before routinely omitting these widely practiced measures, because data to support such routine omission are limited.
Silent ST segment deviations and extent of coronary artery disease

Fifty patients who underwent coronary and left ventricular angiography for suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) had ambulatory ECG monitoring at a time remote from that of catheterization. After correcting for positional ST segment variation on ambulatory ECG, the amount of time that ST segments deviated more than 1 mm. from baseline without corresponding angina was determined, and these results were correlated with results of angiography. Silent ST segment deviations were seen in patients without significant CAD in 2.2% of observations, but increased significantly with extent of coronary artery disease (2.9%, 8.2%, and 10.1% of observations in the one-, two-, and three-vessel disease groups, respectively). This relationship was independent of ventricular function, resting ECG, and previous symptoms. It is concluded that silent ST segment deviations on ambulatory ECG reflect the presence and severity of coronary artery disease.
Performance on a four-choice search task following septal lesions in the rat

Normal rats and rats with lesions in the septum were run on a four-choice search task for 12 trials a day for 12 days. Results showed that there were significant differences in acquisition of a position preference and number of errors. Additionally, lesioned subjects made significantly more vicarious choices than did sham-operated controls. The significance of these findings for learning deficits and spatial cue utilization were discussed.
Generation of color composites for enhanced tissue differentiation in magnetic resonance imaging of the brain.

Currently, the diagnostic interpretation of magnetic resonance (MR) images requires that radiologists integrate specific tissue contrast information from several different images obtained at the same anatomic slice position. Each of these images has its own unique tissue contrast patterns which are based on the image acquisition parameters (pulse sequence) selected. The complex contrast patterns observable in these images reflect the inherent biophysical characteristics of the tissues and fluids present in the imaged section. In an effort to increase the diagnostic accuracy and efficiency of MR image interpretation, we have generated color composite images from quantitatively analyzed achromatic MR images of the brain, obtained while utilizing different pulse sequences. By using a DEC Micro VAX II computer with Interactive Digital Language (IDL), this color display method has been applied to images obtained from General Electric Signa and Siemens Magnatom imagers. For this study, our image sets included T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and proton density spin echo sequences as well as both high and low flip angle gradient echo sequences. Advantages of our color composite methods, in contrast to many other image processing techniques that have been described, are that minimal information is lost, computer misclassification of tissues is avoided, and the conspicuity of specific tissues is enhanced. Furthermore, with this method it is possible to produce composite images whose color renditions approach a natural anatomic tissue appearance. Availability of these color composites to radiologists may improve the efficiency and accuracy of the diagnostic interpretation of MR images.
Antisense oligonucleotides to gastrin inhibit growth of human pancreatic cancer.

Abstract Human pancreatic cancer is stimulated by the autocrine production of gastrin. In this study, the effects of administration of antisense oligonucleotides to gastrin on growth of pancreatic cancer were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Log phase BxPC-3 human pancreatic cancer cells in culture were exposed to increasing concentrations (0.5–10 μM) of a synthetic 20-mer antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotide to gastrin for 48 h and growth was assessed by the cellular proliferation assay. Growth was inhibited up to 88% by anti-gastrin oligonucleotides in a dose-related fashion compared to cells treated with diluent or a randomized sequence with the same composition as the anti-gastrin oligonucleotide. In vivo nude mice bearing BxPC-3 xenografts were treated daily for 14 days with a 0.1-ml intratumoral injection of either anti-gastrin (5 μM), the scrambled sequence control phosphorothioate oligonucleotide (5 μM), or buffer. Tumors from the anti-gastrin-treated mice were significantly smaller in volume and weight and had less gastrin detected by radioimmunoassay than either controls. These results support the role of gastrin as a stimulatory peptide for growth of human pancreatic cancer. Antisense oligonucleotide to gastrin may have a role in the future treatment of patients with pancreatic cancer.
NEISSERIA GONORRHOEAE IN A PREPUBERTAL CHILD

B This two and a half year old female had been in the care of an adult male who was being investigated for sexual abuse based on the disclosure of an older child. On the morning of the child’s appointment the mother noticed a green discharge on the child’s panties. On examination, the labia majora were markedly erythematous (Panel A). Green discharge was present on the panties. A white mucoid discharge at the vaginal area was noted. The mucosa appeared edematous. The hymenal rim was not well demarcated (Panel B), presumably due to swelling. The rest of the exam was normal. A culture of the vaginal discharge was positive for gonorrhea. Gonorrhea in a toddler is highly suggestive of sexual abuse and confirms mucosal contact with infective secretions. The child received a ceftriaxone injection. A follow up examination revealed genital mucosa without discharge or edema. The hymenal rim was normal without tears or scars (Panel C). It is possible that infection is transmitted with exchange of body fluids by intimate touching, but not necessarily intercourse, where child victims have described the offender rubbing their genitals on genital areas. Most child sexual abuse victims will have a normal exam. Follow up labs were negative. The offender’s testing status was unknown. The case was reported to child protection and law enforcement.
Synthesis and characterization of amine-terminated self-assembled monolayers containing diethylene glycol linkages

A new synthesis of amino di(ethylene glycol)-terminated alkylthiol 1 (AEG2) is described. This precursor, made via a Mitsunobu synthesis, is designed to form self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold, which allow direct coupling of biomolecules. The AEG2 SAMs have been characterized by ellipsometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and advancing water contact angle and by their interactions with proteins. Ellipsometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicate that the AEG2 precursor forms well-ordered SAMs of the expected thickness and composition. Contact angle measurements indicate that the AEG2 SAMs are slightly more hydrophobic than SAMs of a di(ethylene glycol)-terminated alkylthiol (EG2). Interestingly, the AEG2 SAMs do not resist the nonspecific adsorption of fibrinogen, pyruvate kinase, or bovine serum albumin but do resist adsorption of streptavidin. Mixed SAMs of 20:80 mol % AEG2/EG2 composition resist the adsorption of pyruvate kinase and bovine serum albumin.
Theory on nonlinear gain effect of photon density longitudinal nonuniformity via wave coupling in semiconductor lasers

Abstract It is shown for semiconductor lasers that the negligence of the photon density large scale longitudinal nonuniformity can result in 10% over estimation of the gain nonlinearity resulted from the wave coupling caused by cavity standing wave induced dielectric grating.
Characteristics of biofilm on tunneled cuffed hemodialysis catheters in the presence and absence of clinical infection.

Background Biofilm occurring on the surface of tunneled hemodialysis (HD) catheters is difficult to eradicate and often is associated with recurrent bacteremia. We studied biofilm formation on catheters from patients with and without bacteremia to identify the location of bacterial growth and measure biofilm thickness. Study Design Prospective observational study. Setting & Participants 76 adult HD patients; 26 had HD catheters removed for bacteremia and 50 had catheters removed for reasons other than infection. Predictors Segment of catheter, reason for catheter removal. Outcomes & Measurements Microbiological growth and biofilm thickness on the outer and luminal surfaces of extravascular and intravascular catheter segments. Results Catheter cultures were positive in 16 (62%) patients with bacteremia and 15 (30%) when the catheter was removed for non–infection-related reasons. In catheters with positive cultures, the outer surface of the extravascular segment was the most common site of bacterial growth (15/16 [94%] and 11/15 [73%] for bacteremic and nonbacteremic patients, respectively). Bacteremic patients had significantly thicker biofilm on all catheter surfaces, and in bacteremic patients, the biofilm was significantly thicker on the outer compared with the luminal surface for both extravascular (14.53 ± 6.17 vs 11.97 ± 5.01 μm; P P P P P P Limitations Observational study. Conclusions The outer surface of the extravascular segment of tunneled dialysis catheters in both bacteremic and nonbacteremic HD patients has the thickest biofilm and highest microbiological yield, and biofilm is thicker in patients with bacteremia. This knowledge is important for designing preventive strategies and also in the management of patients with catheter infection.
Progressive parenchymal deposition of β-amyloid precursor protein in rat brain following global cerebral ischemia

In addition to producing acute neuronal necrosis within selectively vulnerable brain regions, our recent studies have shown that global cerebral ischemia may also be followed by protracted degenerative changes occurring over the course of 10 weeks. Chronic brain pathology may be associated with the abnormal deposition of beta-amyloid precursor protein (betaAPP). In the present study, we used a monoclonal antibody to the N-terminal portion of betaAPP to characterize the brains of rats surviving 1-10 weeks following 10 min of global brain ischemia produced by bilateral carotid artery occlusions plus systemic hypotension. After ischemia, increased betaAPP immunolabeling emerged in several brain regions. In the hippocampus, granular deposits appeared in the damaged CA1 area by 2 weeks, and by 4-10 weeks the remnants of necrotic CA1 neurons were also immunolabeled. In striatum and thalamus, regions with necrotic cell death also revealed granular betaAPP deposits. The neocortex was devoid of overt ischemic neuronal damage but revealed prominent betaAPP immunoreactivity. Large ovoid deposits of low-density betaAPP immunostaining occurred in cortical neurons at 1-2 weeks. At 4-10 weeks, large round or oval deposits immunoreactive for betaAPP appeared in several cortical regions. The highest density of deposits was seen in the temporal and piriform cortices. Our results indicate that abnormal betaAPP deposition may result from ischemic as well as chronic neurodegenerative processes.
Description of the Foundations of C.A.T.E.S.: An Instrument in Development

Abstract Creating an instrument for use in simulation for high-stakes evaluations requires multiple stages of research and development. Initially, the journey begins with the development of an intended construct and later progresses into a tool which produces valid and reliable results worthy of use in high-stakes evaluations. This article describes the initial groundwork completed for C.A.T.E.S., an instrument in development for the evaluation of multidimensional competency of neonatal nurse practitioners. The significance and background as well as a brief review of literature and definitions of competency are included. Current methods of competency evaluation in nursing and specifically for neonatal nurse practitioners are reviewed. The theoretical framework for C.A.T.E.S. is analyzed, and the implications for future research are detailed.
Vapor-generation methods for explosives-detection research

Abstract The generation of calibrated vapor samples of explosives compounds remains a challenge due to the low vapor pressures of explosives, adsorption of explosives on container and tubing walls, and the requirement to manage (typically) multiple temperature zones as the vapor is generated, diluted, and delivered. Methods that have been described to generate vapors can be classified as continuous or pulsed-flow vapor generators. Vapor sources for continuous-flow generators are typically explosives compounds supported on a solid support, or compounds contained in a permeation or diffusion device. Sources are held at elevated isothermal temperatures. Similar sources can be used for pulsed vapor generators; however, pulsed systems may also use injection of solutions onto heated surfaces with generation of both solvent and explosives vapors, transient peaks from a gas chromatograph, or vapors generated by programmed thermal desorption. This article reviews vapor-generator approaches with emphasis on the method of generating the vapors and on practical aspects of vapor dilution and handling. In addition, a gas chromatograph system with two ovens that is configurable with up to four heating ropes is proposed, and could serve as a single integrated platform for explosives-vapor generation and device testing. We also discuss issues related to standards, calibration, and safety.
Effect of prior hysterectomy on the anterior and posterior vaginal compartments of women presenting with pelvic organ prolapse

Abstract Objective To describe the effects of hysterectomy on the anterior and posterior vaginal compartments and specific pelvic organ prolapsed quantification (POP-Q) data points. Methods In a retrospective case–control study, data were analyzed from patients presenting at a urogynecologic center in Manhasset, USA, with urogenital prolapse between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2010. Patients who underwent hysterectomy for indications not including prolapse were compared with age- and parity-matched women without prior hysterectomy. POP-Q points were measured and converted to stages for each vaginal compartment. The t test, Wilcoxon rank sum, and Fisher exact tests were used to compare normally distributed variables, nonparametric data, and categoric variables, respectively. Results Seventy-one patients who underwent prior hysterectomy were matched to 71 patients with intact uteri. Women with prior hysterectomy had significantly greater prolapse at POP-Q point Bp and worse overall posterior compartment prolapse compared with those without prior hysterectomy. Women who underwent hysterectomy were more likely to have stage 2 or greater prolapse (OR 2.6, 95% CI, 1.3–5.2; P = 0.01). Conclusion When matched for age and parity, women with prior hysterectomy had significantly greater posterior compartment prolapse compared with those without. Prior hysterectomy had no significant effect on the anterior vaginal compartment.