cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Urine Trouble: Should We Think Differently About UTI?

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is clinically important, given that it is one of the most common bacterial infections in adult women. However, the current understanding of UTI remains based on a now disproven concept that the urinary bladder is sterile. Thus, current standards for UTI diagnosis have significant limitations that may reduce the opportunity to improve patient care. Using data from our work and numerous other peer-reviewed studies, we identified four major limitations to the contemporary UTI description: the language of UTI, UTI diagnostic testing, the Escherichia coli-centric view of UTI, and the colony-forming units (CFU) threshold-based diagnosis. Contemporary methods and technology, combined with continued rigorous clinical research can be used to correct these limitations.
History and Presence, by Robert A. Orsi, Cambridge, MA, The Belknap Press of Harvard University, 2016, 367 pp., US$29.95 (hardback), ISBN 978 0 6740 4789 1

In chapter three of his book The Idea of the Holy, Rudolph Otto invites the reader ‘to direct his mind to a moment of deeply-felt religious experience, as little as possible qualified by other form...
Single-Contrast CT for Detecting Bowel Injuries in Penetrating Abdominopelvic Trauma.

OBJECTIVE. Many centers advocate use of triple-contrast (IV, oral, and rectal) CT for assessing hemodynamically stable patients with penetrating abdominopelvic trauma. Enteric contrast material has several disadvantages, leading our practice to pursue use of single-contrast (IV) CT. We conducted a retrospective review of electronic medical records at our institution to assess the accuracy of single-contrast CT for diagnosing bowel injuries in cases of penetrating abdominopelvic trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS. We retrospectively reviewed patients who presented to our emergency department between January 1, 2004, and March 1, 2014, with penetrating abdominopelvic trauma, underwent an abdominopelvic CT, and had surgery performed thereafter. We reviewed pertinent emergency department records for details regarding the site of injury, the number of injuries per patient, and the type of weapon used. We correlated CT reports with operative notes for presence and sites of bowel injury. RESULTS. A total of 274 patie...
How structural elements added by evolution from bacterial transporters to human SLC6 homologs have enabled new functional properties

Much of the structure-based mechanistic understandings of the function of SLC6A neurotransmitter transporters emerged from the study of their bacterial LeuT-fold homologs. It has become evident, however, that structural differences such as the long N- and C-termini of the eukaryotic neurotransmitter transporters impart an expanded set of functional properties to the eukaryotic transporters, which are not shared by the bacterial homologs that lack the structural elements that appeared later in evolution. However, mechanistic insights into some of the measured functional properties of the eukaryotic transporters, that have been suggested to involve these structural elements, are sparse. To learn how the structural elements added in evolution enable mechanisms of the eukaryotic transporters in ways not shared with their bacterial LeuT-like homologs, we focused on the human dopamine transporter (hDAT) as a prototype. We present the results of a study employing large-scale molecular dynamics simulations and comparative Markov State Model analysis of experimentally determined properties of the wild type and mutant hDAT constructs, which reveal a rich spectrum of interactions of the hDAT N-terminus and the mechanisms by which these contribute to regulation (e.g., by phosphorylation), or to entirely new phenotypes (e.g., reverse uptake - efflux) added in evolution. We reveal separate roles for the distal and proximal segments of the much larger N-terminus shared by the eukaryotic transporters compared to the bacterial ones, consistent with the proposal that the size of this region increased during evolution to enable more, and different, modes of regulation that are not shared with the bacterial homologs.
Detection of Metals and Radionuclides Using Rapid, On-site, Antibody-Based Assays

This chapter introduces immunosensors as an alternative analytical tool for rapid and portable analysis of both biological and radiological threats and describes most widely used formats for these analyses. The strengths and weaknesses inherent in antibody-based procedures are discussed and common QA/QC practices for antibody-based assays are described. Finally examples of antibody-based assays for radionuclides are provided from the authors’ laboratory.
GA-hardness revisited

Ever since the invention of Genetic Algorithms (GAs), researchers have put a lot of efforts into understanding what makes a function or problem instance hard for GAs to optimize. Many measures have been proposed to distinguish so- called GA-hard from GA-easy problems. None of these, however, has yet achieved the goal of being a reliable predictive GA-hardness measure. In this paper, we first present a general, abstract theoretical framework of instance hardness and algorithm performance based on Kolmogorov complexity. We then list several major misconceptions of GA-hardness research in the context of this theory. Finally, we propose some future directions.
Japan: Writing System

This article describes the current structure of the Japanese writing system and highlights of its historical development.
Linear Maps and Matrices

Let $$A = \left( {\begin{array}{*{20}{c}} {{{a}_{{11}}}\quad \cdots \quad {{a}_{{1n}}}} \\ { \vdots \quad \quad \quad \quad \vdots } \\ {{{a}_{{m1}}}\quad \cdots \quad {{a}_{{mn}}}} \\ \end{array} } \right)$$ be an m × n matrix. We can then associate with A a map $${L_A}:{K^n} \to {K^m}$$ by letting $${L_A}(X) = AX$$ for every column vector X in K n . Thus L A is defined by the association X ↦ AX, the product being the product of matrices. That L A is linear is simply a special case of Theorem 3.1, Chapter II, namely the theorem concerning properties of multiplication of matrices. Indeed, we have (math) for all vectors X, Y in K n and all numbers c. We call L A the linear map associated with the matrix A.
Magnetic Fields and Malaria

According to a 1996 World Health Organization report, it is estimated that there are about 500 million clinical malaria infections with 1.5-2.7 million deaths each year worldwide. The development of drug-resistant malaria parasites, beginning about 40 years ago, has drastically eroded the therapeutic efficacy of chloroquine, once the most used anti-malarial. The spread of chloroquine-resistant malaria from south-cast Asia into Africa in the last two decades has carried enormous consequences, since by far the majority of deaths from malaria occur in African children. Concomitantly, resistance to the newer generation of anti-malarial drugs is becoming widespread and malaria parasites that are multi-drug resistant have been reported from south-east Asia. The need for new targets or novel approaches for malaria treatment is enormous. We have been investigating such a novel approach for the treatment of malaria using an alternating (oscillating) magnetic field. A brief description of the rationale is given below.
Buffers in Context: Baby Wipes As a Buffer System

An understanding of buffers is important in a variety of chemistry subdisciplines, with relevant applications to the life sciences and health profession-related fields. Here, we describe the development and implementation of a lab that involves creating a buffer solution using baby wipes and deionized water. The goal of this lab was to emphasize a conceptual understanding of buffers within a context that would be interesting and relevant for students in a nonmajors general chemistry course, a population composed primarily of health/human science and agricultural science majors. The prelaboratory assignment and postlaboratory discussion focus on modeling by making connections between laboratory observations and the particulate-level view of a buffer. Overall, the experiment seeks to prompt students to think beyond the macroscopic view that buffers resist changes in pH and guide students toward thinking mechanistically about how a buffer resists changes in pH, a process that depends largely on the buffer co...
A Ludic Appreciation of Mechner's Aesthetics

We can imagine many of our emotions in our family pet: hunger, fear, anger, lust, and even the bonding that we call love. But not the appreciation of a sunset, sonnet, musical passage, or good joke. Mechner takes on the gamut of such aesthetic appreciations, removed from the urgency of the primal ones, and gives us the first thorough attempt at a behavioral explication. Because he has been so thorough and apt, my commentary can add little value to his thesis, only subtract from it. Therefore, rather than critique, I exemplify, and then simplify. By reducing his voluminous report to two lines: a theorem and an equation, I thereby encapsulate aesthetics in a sweet pill of spire. Aesthetic appreciation of this note may require a willing suspension of disbelief.
Linking MAPK inhibition and the response to TNF in melanoma.

e24143Background: Antigen presentation plays a central role in anti-tumor immunity and the response to immunotherapy. Recent studies have underscored the importance of MHC class I (MHC I) and class...
Trust Repair Strategies with Self-Driving Vehicles: An Exploratory Study:

Trust is important for any relationship, especially so with self-driving vehicles: passengers must trust these vehicles with their life. Given the criticality of maintaining passenger’s trust, yet ...
Intraoperative Disruptive Behavior: The Medical Student's Perspective.

Objective Intraoperative disruptive behavior can reduce psychological safety and hinder teamwork and communication. Medical students may provide unique insights into how to prevent these adverse impacts. We sought to characterize medical student perspectives on the causes and consequences of intraoperative disruptive behavior and ideal intraoperative working environments. Design In this retrospective qualitative analysis, authors coded de-identified field notes from residency interviews to identify themes and key insights and to explore gender differences in perspectives. Setting A tertiary academic medical training center in the Midwestern United States. Participants Forty-two medical students applying for urology residency placement. Results Students were 57% male with an average age of 26 years (range 23-34). Most students witnessed intraoperative disruptive behavior (usually by surgeons) such as yelling, throwing instruments, or blaming others. Students described frustration with missing instruments and incompetent assistants as the most common instigators of disruptive behavior. They noted undesirable effects of disruptive behavior, including decreased communication/teamwork, lack of learning, increased technical mistakes, and recalled feeling afraid and stressed by these situations. They described ideal intraoperative working environments as calm, efficient and collaborative environments where questioning and learning is encouraged. Conclusions Students provide a valuable perspective on the causes and consequences of disruptive behavior during surgery and point to potential pathways to improvement. Their experiences suggest prevention or reduction of surgeon frustration might be a fruitful target for intervention efforts to prevent intraoperative disruption.
Gut microbiota and short chain fatty acid composition as affected by legume type and processing methods as assessed by simulated in vitro digestion assays

Abstract This study’s objective was to investigate how legume type and processing method affected digestibility, and subsequent gut microbiota and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) formation. After autoclaving and germinating-cooking, pinto bean and soybean were subjected to in vitro digestion. The digestion residues were fractionated into soluble and insoluble fiber, and fermented by microbiota from pig feces. Results showed the in vitro digestibility was affected significantly by processing method and legume type. Autoclaving resulted in higher digestibility. The in-vitro digested bean residues caused a rapid pH decrease in the first 12 h during the fermentation with pig feces, and a significant increse in the formation of SCFAs. A positive modulation of the gut microbiota by the in-vitro digested bean residues was observed. Prevotella copri and Bacteroides vulgatus exhibited the highest relative abundance in the treatments with germinated bean’s soluble residues. Phascolarctobacterium succinatutens was increased by the insoluble residues.
“It is for Everything”: Religiosocial Discourse Experiences of Methodist Youth

Informed by interpretive phenomenological analysis and sociocultural theory, this study examines the language experiences of seven Methodist youth. Analysis of 9 months of observations and 30 inter...
Fast and Parallelizable Ranking with Outliers from Pairwise Comparisons

In this paper, we initiate the study of the problem of ordering objects from their pairwise comparison results when allowed to discard up to a certain number of objects as outliers. More specifically, we seek to find an ordering under the popular Kendall tau distance measure, i.e., minimizing the number of pairwise comparison results that are inconsistent with the ordering, with some outliers removed. The presence of outliers challenges the assumption that a global consistent ordering exists and obscures the measure. This problem does not admit a polynomial time algorithm unless NP \( \subseteq \) BPP, and therefore, we develop approximation algorithms with provable guarantees for all inputs. Our algorithms have running time and memory usage that are almost linear in the input size. Further, they are readily adaptable to run on massively parallel platforms such as MapReduce or Spark.
Serum dioxin levels and sperm DNA methylation age: Findings in Vietnam war veterans exposed to Agent Orange

Abstract Exposure to dioxin, a known endocrine disruptor and carcinogen, is associated with poor reproductive outcomes. Yet, few studies have explored the role of DNA methylation in these relationships. Utilizing a publicly available dataset from 37 male Air Force Health Study participants exposed to dioxin-contaminated Agent Orange during the Vietnam war, we cross-sectionally examined the relationship of serum dioxin levels with a novel DNA methylation-based measure of sperm age (DNAm-agesperm). DNAm-agesperm was calculated using CpG sites on the Illumina HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. We estimated associations of dioxin levels with DNAm-agesperm using linear regression models adjusted for chronological age, body mass index, and smoking status. Chronological age was highly correlated with DNAmagesperm (r = 0.80). In fully-adjusted linear models, a one percent increase in serum dioxin levels was significantly associated with a 0.0126-year (i.e. 4.6-day) increase in DNAm-agesperm (95%CI: 0.003, 0.022, p = 0.01). Further analyses demonstrated significant negative associations of dioxin levels (β = −0.0005, 95%CI: −0.0010, 0.00004, P = 0.03) and DNAm-agesperm (β = −0.02, 95%CI: −0.04, −0.001, P = 0.03) with methylation levels of FOXK2 – a gene previously reported to be hypomethylated in infertile men. In sum, we demonstrate associations of dioxin with increased methylation aging of sperm. DNAm-agesperm may provide utility for understanding how dioxin levels impact sperm health and potentially male reproductive capacity in human population studies. Moreover, our pilot study contributes further evidence that some environmental toxicants are associated with methylation aging. Additional studies are necessary to confirm these findings, and better characterize dioxin and sperm methylation relationships with male reproductive health.
MBE Growth of GaN using NH3 and Plasma Sources

We report on a comparative study of the growth of GaN in an arsenic free MBE system using either the method of plasma activation of molecular nitrogen or catalytic decomposition of ammonia on a heated substrate. We find that while growth with a plasma source leads to smooth films only under Ga- rich conditions, growth with ammonia leads to smooth films under ammonia-rich conditions. In both cases we find a 2×2 surface reconstruction when using an AlN buffer, which is evidence that material grown with this buffer layer has the Ga-polarity. In the case of plasma growth we also investigated the use of a GaNbuffer and found that at the growth temperature the surface is unreconstructed, however it undergoes 3×3 reconstruction upon cooling to 300 °C. This observation is evidence that material grown on a GaN buffer has the N-polarity.
The role of Niemann-Pick type C2 in zebrafish embryonic development.

Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is a rare, fatal, neurodegenerative lysosomal disease caused by mutations of either NPC1 or NPC2. NPC2 is a soluble lysosomal protein that functions in coordination with NPC1 to efflux cholesterol from the lysosomal compartment. Mutations of either gene result in the accumulation of unesterified cholesterol and other lipids in the late endosome/lysosome, and reduction of cellular cholesterol bioavailability. Zygotic null npc2m/m zebrafish showed significant unesterified cholesterol accumulation at larval stages, a reduction in body size, and motor and balance defects in adulthood. However, the phenotype at embryonic stages was milder than expected, suggesting a possible role of maternal Npc2 in embryonic development. Maternal-zygotic npc2m/m zebrafish exhibited significant developmental defects, including defective otic vesicle development/absent otoliths, abnormal head/brain development, curved/twisted body axes and no circulating blood cells, and died by 72 hpf. RNA-seq analysis conducted on 30 hpf npc2+/m and MZnpc2m/m embryos revealed a significant reduction in the expression of notch3 and other downstream genes in the Notch signaling pathway, suggesting that impaired Notch3 signaling underlies aspects of the developmental defects observed in MZnpc2m/m zebrafish.
A pilot randomized controlled trial comparing THUNDERBEAT to the Maryland LigaSure energy device in laparoscopic left colon surgery.

BACKGROUND The THUNDERBEAT is a multi-functional energy device which delivers both ultrasonic and bipolar energy, but there are no randomized trials which can provide more rigorous evaluation of the clinical performance of THUNDERBEAT compared to other energy-based devices in colorectal surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical performance of THUNDERBEAT energy device to Maryland LigaSure in patients undergoing left laparoscopic colectomy. METHODS Prospective randomized trial with two groups: Group 1 THUNDERBEAT and Group 2 LigaSure in a single university hospital. 60 Subjects, male and female, of age 18 years and above undergoing left colectomy for cancer or diverticulitis were included. The primary outcome was dissection time to specimen removal (DTSR) measured in minutes from the start of colon mobilization to specimen removal from the abdominal cavity. Versatility (composite of five variables) was measured by a score system from 1 to 5 (1 being worst and 5 the best), and adjusted/weighted by coefficient of importance with distribution of the importance as follow: hemostasis 0.275, sealing 0.275, cutting 0.2, dissection 0.15, and tissue manipulation 0.1. Other variables were: dryness of surgical field, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and mortality. Follow-up time was 30 days. RESULTS 60 Patients completed surgery, 31 in Group 1 and 29 in Group 2. There was no difference in the DTSR between the groups, 91 min vs. 77 min (p = 0.214). THUNDERBEAT showed significantly higher score in dissecting and tissue manipulation in segment 3 (omental dissection), and in overall versatility score (p = 0.007) as well as versatility score in Segment 2 (retroperitoneal dissection p = 0.040) and Segment 3 (p = 0.040). No other differences were noted between the groups. CONCLUSIONS Both energy devices can be employed effectively and safely in dividing soft tissue and sealing mesenteric blood vessels during laparoscopic left colon surgery, with THUNDERBEAT demonstrating some advantages over LigaSure during omental dissection and tissue manipulation. ClinicalTrial.gov # NCT02628093.
Hearing Form: Musical Analysis With and Without the Score

Preface 1. Phrases and Cadences 2. Phrase Organization 3. One-Part, Binary, and Ternary Forms 4. Sonata Forms 5. Variation Forms 6. Imitative Forms 7. Concerto Forms 8. Rondo Forms Appendix 1. Formal Models Appendix 2. Making a Phrase Diagram Appendix 3. Reading a Transposing Score Appendix 4. Notes on the Audio Examples Bibliography
Single-Incision Pediatric Endosurgery (SIPES) oophoropexy in an adolescent with Hodgkin lymphoma prior to pelvic irradiation

Abstract Oophoropexy for fertility preservation during pelvic irradiation dates back to the mid-1960s. For Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), this was performed during a staging laparotomy. Laparoscopic ovarian fixation has supplanted open pexy with advancements in technology and abandonment of staging laparotomies. Single-Incision Pediatric Endosurgery (SIPES) is applicable to numerous multi-port operations. Use of this technique for oophoropexy prior to pelvic irradiation, however, has not been reported. A 19 year-old with stage IVb HL involving the left iliac node basin was to receive radiotherapy and was evaluated for bilateral oophoropexy. An Olympus TriPort™ was introduced at the umbilicus, through which a 5 mm zero-degree laparoscope and a needle driver were introduced. Transabdominal passage of a ski needle through a 2 mm nick in the skin of the anterolateral wall allowed for right sided fixation of the ovaries. Operative recovery was uncomplicated, and post-operative imaging demonstrated satisfactory positioning of the gonads outside the planned radiation field. In conclusion, SIPES oophoropexy is a technically simple method for fertility preservation that offers improved cosmesis.
The Abstract Theory of Join Operations

In this chapter we begin to develop an abstract theory of joining which is suggested by the operation of joining two points to form a segment in Euclidean geometry. The first section gives a brief treatment of the join operation in Euclidean geometry, defining it precisely and presenting its basic properties.1 This “Euclidean join unit” motivates—becomes a model for—the abstract theory of join. The postulates for the operation join are given, and their elementary consequences deduced. The notion of convex set is then defined in terms of join and quickly takes on a central role in the theory. With each convex set A there are associated two important subsidiary sets which are themselves convex: the interior of A and the closure of A. These ideas receive a major share of our attention.
Impacts of UT-A2 inhibition on urine composition: a mathematical model (1137.8)

The urea transporter UT-A2 is expressed in the inner-stripe segments of the thin descending limb of Henle in superficial nephrons (SDL), and in the initial inner medullary (IM) segments of the desc...
Economic Inequality, Relative Power, and Religiosity*

Objective. What effect does the extent of economic inequality within a country have on the religiosity of the people who live there? As inequality increases, does religion serve primarily as a source of comfort for the deprived and impoverished or as a tool of social control for the rich and powerful? Methods. This article examines these questions with two complementary analyses of inequality and religiosity: a multilevel analysis of countries around the world over two decades and a time-series analysis of the United States over a half-century. Results. Economic inequality has a strong positive effect on the religiosity of all members of a society regardless of income. Conclusions. These results support relative power theory, which maintains that greater inequality yields more religiosity by increasing the degree to which wealthy people are attracted to religion and have the power to shape the attitudes and beliefs of those with fewer means.
Particle capture on fibers in strong electric fields

Fibers exposed to electric fields acquire charge which, along with polarization of the incident field, affects the way particles are captured on the fibers. Several fiber-electrode arrangements were used to investigate the influence of the charge acquired by single polyester fibers on the capture of monodisperse polystyrene particles from a dilute aerosol. The charge on a typical fiber was found to increase its capture efficiency by nearly an order of magnitude over that for a neutral fiber polarized by the same field. Another factor which was investigated was the degree to which dendrite growth affects the overall capture efficiency. According to the results obtained here the effect is not significant when the dendrites are formed by capture processes taking place in the presence of a strong external field.
Lattice interferometer for laser-cooled atoms.

We demonstrate an atom interferometer in which atoms are laser cooled into a 1D optical lattice, suddenly released, and later subjected to a pulsed optical lattice. For short pulses, a simple analytical theory predicts the signal. We investigate both short and longer pulses where the analytical theory fails. Longer pulses yield higher precision and larger signals, and we observe a coherent signal at times that can differ significantly from the expected echo time. The interferometer has potential for precision measurements of $\ensuremath{\hbar}/{m}_{A}$, and can probe the dynamics of atoms in an optical lattice.
Acid–Base Physiology

Acid–base physiology deals with the maintenance of normal hydrogen ion concentration (abbreviated as [H+]) in body fluids. The normal [H+] in the extracellular fluid is about 40 nmol/L or 40 nEq/L (range 38–42 nmol/L), which is precisely regulated by an interplay between body buffers, lungs, and kidneys. Since many functions of the cell are dependent on the optimum [H+], it is extremely important to maintain [H+] in blood ~ 40 nmol/L. Any deviation from this [H+] results either in acidemia ([H+] > 40 nmol/L) or alkalemia ([H+] < 40 nmol/L). This chapter provides an overview of the role of buffers, lungs, and kidneys in regulating [H+] in body fluids. The [H+] in blood is so low that it is not measured routinely. However, the [H+] is measured as pH, which is expressed as \( \text{pH}=-\log \,[{{\text{H}}^{\text{+}}}] \). Thus, pH is defined as the negative logarithm of the [H+]. An inverse relationship exists between pH and [H+]. In other words, as the pH increases, the [H+] decreases and vice versa. Cells cannot function at a pH below 6.8 and above 7.8. The normal arterial pH ranges from 7.38 to 7.42, which translates to a [H+] of 38–42 nmol/L. Blood pH is under constant threat by endogenous acid and base loads. If not removed, these loads can cause severe disturbances in blood pH, and thus impair cellular function. However, three important regulatory systems prevent changes in pH and thus maintain blood pH in the normal range. These protective systems, as previously stated, are buffers, lungs, and kidneys.
Empirical results from an experiment on value-based review (VBR) processes

As part of our research on value-based software engineering, we conducted an experiment on the use of value-based review (VBR) processes. We developed a set of VBR checklists with issues ranked by success-criticality, and a set of VBR processes prioritized by issue criticality and stakeholder-negotiated product capability priorities. The experiment involved 28 independent verification and validation (IV&V) subjects (full-time working professionals taking a distance learning course) reviewing specifications produced by 18 real-client, full-time student e-services projects. The IV&V subjects were randomly assigned to use either the VBR approach or our previous value-neutral checklist-based reading (CBR) approach. The difference between groups was not statistically significant for number of issues reported, but was statistically significant for number of issues per review hour, total issue impact, and cost effectiveness in terms of total issue impact per review hour. For the latter, the VBRs were roughly twice as cost-effective as the CBRs.
Kinetics of Cluster Formation During Rapid Quenching

A numerical scheme has been developed to evaluate quantitatively the non-steady state kinetics of cluster generation during the rapid quench of a vapor system. Our method is particularly suitable to deal with the supersonic jet expansion of vapors. Based on this calculation scheme, we have carried out a systematic study on metal cluster formation in nozzle jet beams. We have also introduced the icosahedral structure into our calculation for the cluster size distribution of noble gas elements. Most of the “magic numbers” found experimentally appeared in our calculated spectrum.
Survey Non-Response Procedures in Cross-National Perspective: The 2005 ISSP Non-Response Survey

A survey of data-collection and non-response procedures used on surveys conducted as part of the International Social Survey Program (ISSP) reveals considerable variation across countries. Of several standard techniques to increase response rates only call-backs were in general use. Leaving letters, books, etc. and interviewers bonuses were utilized in only a bare majority of surveys and an introductory telephone call, the use of converters, and respondent incentives were not used in most surveys. In part, differences in procedures occurred because countries disagreed about their effectiveness. In other cases, techniques were not used simply because countries were not used to these methods.
On the Change of Spectra Associated with Unbounded Similarity Transformations of a Many-Particle Hamiltonian and the Occurrence of Resonance States in the Method of Complex Scaling. Part I. General Theory

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the problems related to the Hartree–Fock level along with some numerical illustrations. The chapter is a simple exercise in linear algebra and is intended to familiarize theoretical physicists and chemists working on the quantum theory of matter with the fundamental properties of the unbounded similarity transformations as applied to N–electron systems. Special attention has been given to the change of the spectra and how it is related to the domain of the transformation applied and to the fact that the eigenfunctions may be transformed not only within the L 2 Hilbert space, but also out of and into this space. When one solves the Schrodinger equation for a self-adjoint Hamiltonian H subject to the standard boundary conditions, one obtains a spectrum {E} of real eigenvalues E, which are either discrete (corresponding to closed states) or continuous (corresponding to scattering states). However, if one changes the boundary conditions to include incoming waves, which, by way of a “scatterer,” are turned into outgoing waves, the Hamiltonian H is no longer self-adjoint and may have complex eigenvalues E corresponding to resonance states with a finite lifetime. During the last 15 years, there has been a tremendous development in the theory of such dilated Hamiltonians obtained by “complex scaling,” which was reviewed at the Sanibel workshop. Since then a great deal of work has been carried out, including practical applications.
Effect of sediment-associated copper on ecological structure and function of aquatic microcosms

Abstract Fate and effect of sediment-associated copper (Cu) on the structure and function of aquatic communities were studied in aquatic microcosms that were constructed from naturally derived water and sediment. Sediment was spiked with nominal Cu concentrations of 0, 10, 100, or 1 000 mg/kg dry sediment. Copper partitioning between sediment particles, pore water, and overlying water was followed in an 8-wk long experiment. Most of the added Cu was bound to sediment particles. There was no evidence that the structural or functional measures were affected in microcosms containing the nominal concentration of 10 mg Cu/kg sediment. In 100 mg/kg microcosms, with Cu concentration of about 0.5 mg/l of overlying water, chlorophyll a content and respiration significantly decreased compared to the control. Failure to detect significant impact on other structural and functional attributes probably resulted from the high variability of the nontaxonomic attributes and the displacement of species sensitive to Cu by the tolerant species. In microcosms containing the nominal concentration of 1 000 mg Cu/kg (about 20 mg Cu/l of overlying water), the community showed a significant decrease in production, respiration, respiration/biomass ratio, ATP, and chlorophyll a; assimilation ratio and autotrophic index were significantly higher than in the control. Results of this study may be useful in predicting the impact of similar toxic stress on natural ecosystems.
Abstract IA13: MicroRNA control of muscle development and disease: from new biology to new therapeutics

We seek to define the gene regulatory networks that govern muscle and cardiovascular development and disease. The signaling pathways and transcriptional networks that control these processes are intertwined with a collection of microRNAs (miRNAs) that act as negative regulators of gene expression. We have identified miRNAs associated with muscular dystrophy and diverse cardiovascular disorders, including cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and angiogenesis. Gain- and loss-of-function studies in mice have revealed striking functions for these miRNAs in numerous processes, such as the control of muscle regeneration, nerve-muscle interactions, myosin expression, fibrosis, hypoxia, myocyte survival, and metabolism. Identification of miRNA targets has revealed new mechanisms and regulators of development and disease. Disease-inducing miRNAs can be persistently silenced in vivo through systemic delivery of miRNA inhibitors, allowing for therapeutic modulation of disease mechanisms. Opportunities for manipulating miRNA biology in the settings of muscle disease will be discussed. Citation Format: Eric N. Olson. MicroRNA control of muscle development and disease: from new biology to new therapeutics [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Noncoding RNAs and Cancer; 2012 Jan 8-11; Miami Beach, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(2 Suppl):Abstract nr IA13.
Presentation and prevalence of PTSD in a bipolar disorder population: A STEP-BD examination

Background: Co-occurring psychiatric diagnoses have a negative impact on quality of life and change the presentation and prognosis of bipolar disorder (BD). To date, comorbidity research on patients with BD has primarily focused on co-occurring anxiety disorders and trauma history; only recently has there been a specific focus on co-occurring PTSD and BD. Although rates of trauma and PTSD are higher in those with bipolar disorder than in the general population, little is known about differences across bipolar subtypes. Methods: Using the NIMH STEP-BD dataset (N¼3158), this study evaluated whether there were baseline differences in the prevalence of PTSD between participants with bipolar disorder I (BDI) and bipolar disorder II (BDII), using the MINI and the Davidson Trauma Scale. Differences in PTSD symptom clusters between patients with BDI and BDII were also evaluated. Results: A significantly greater proportion of participants with BDI had co-occurring PTSD at time of
Late enlargement of radiofrequency lesions in infant lambs. Implications for ablation procedures in small children.

BACKGROUNDDespite the current clinical use of radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation in infants, the acute and late effects of RF lesion production in immature myocardium remain unknown. This study was specifically designed to investigate the pathology of RF lesions in developing sheep myocardium.METHODS AND RESULTSIn study 1, RF lesions were made on the epicardial left ventricular surface of the beating heart in 15 sheep, 5 approximately 4 weeks of age (11.0 +/- 1.0 kg) and 10 approximately 8 weeks of age (23.8 +/- 3.4 kg), to assess the effects of RF application duration (10 to 90 seconds) and electrode tip temperature (45 degrees to 90 degrees C) on lesion size in immature myocardium. Lesion width and depth increased asymptotically with RF duration, to 7.0 +/- 0.7 and 4.8 +/- 1.0 mm at 90 seconds, respectively. The time to reach one-half lesion size was 6.5 seconds for width and 12.0 seconds for depth. Lesion width increased nearly linearly with tip temperature above 50 degrees C, but depth followed a s...
A review of select vitamins and minerals used by postmenopausal women.

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this review is to summarize the effectiveness of select vitamins, minerals and trace elements in postmenopausal women for their effects on bone health, cardiovascular health, breast cancer, cognition and vasomotor symptoms. Methods Review of the relevant literature and results from recent clinical studies, as well as critical analyses of published systematic reviews and meta-analyses were obtained from PubMed and Cochrane Library of Reviews. Vitamin A, the B vitamins, vitamin C, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, magnesium, selenium and zinc were selected for review. In circumstances where the vitamin, mineral or trace element has not been studied for a given condition, no information was provided. Results and discussion All vitamins, minerals and trace elements play an important role in maintaining health and wellbeing among menopausal women. Adequate dietary intake is essential and supplementation should be considered in women with documented malabsorption syndromes or deficiencies. Based on a review of the literature, supplementation with vitamin C, D, K and calcium can also be recommended for proper maintenance of bone health. The only supplement studied for vasomotor symptoms was vitamin E and this vitamin lacked clinical support. Supplementation in healthy postmenopausal women with vitamins and minerals in diet or pill forms cannot be recommended currently for any other indications.
Enzymatic catalysis in anhydrous organic solvents

Not only do enzymes work vigorously in anhydrous organic media, but in this unnatural milieu they acquire remarkable properties such as greatly enhanced stability, radically altered substrate and enantiomeric specificities, molecular memory, and the ability to catalyse unusual reactions.
The instructive role of binocular vision in the Xenopus tectum

This review presents the fascinating neurobiology underlying the development of the frog optic tectum, the brain structure where the two separate inputs from the two eye are combined into a single, integrated map. In the species Xenopus laevis, binocular visual information has a dramatic impact on axon growth and connectivity, and the formation of binocular connections in this system provides a rich basis for both theoretical and experimental investigations.
Hemorrhagic shock as the initial manifestation of pheochromocytoma: report of a sequential management strategy.

Objective: To describe a patient presenting with hemorrhagic shock attributable to bleeding pheochromocytomas and the sequential management strategy used for treating this patient.Methods: We summarize the clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up, surgical management, and pathologic features of our patient and review the pertinent literature.Results: A 38-year-old man with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A and bilateral pheochromocytomas presented initially with nearly fatal retroperitoneal and intraperitoneal hemorrhage rather than the characteristic hypertensive paroxysms. After lifesaving operative intervention and a 5-month period of rehabilitation and convalescence, the patient underwent bilateral retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy as definitive treatment. Thus, the abdomen that had been operated on multiple times because of hemorrhage was left undisturbed, and the patient had a successful recovery.Conclusion: Near-fatal intraperitoneal hemorrhage is a very rare initial manifestation of pheochrom...
A Longitudinal Study of Religiosity and Mortality Risk

The relation of adult religiosity to longevity was studied in 993 participants from Terman's 70-year Life-Cycle Study. Key social and behavioral variables of physical health, psychological well-being, socioeconomic status, social support, and health behaviors were also considered. Results indicate that women who viewed themselves as more religious in adulthood (approximately age 40) had a lower risk for premature mortality than those who were less religiously inclined. These women had healthier behaviors, more positive feelings about their futures, and reported being somewhat happier than their less religiously inclined peers. In this bright, middle-class, 20th century sample, religiosity among women seems to be part of a generally healthy lifestyle, but not necessarily a direct cause of it.
Paradoxical puborectalis contraction in patients after pelvic pouch construction.

Normal defecation is associated with relaxation of sphincters during the evacuation process. However, obstructive defecation is sometimes seen clinically manifested by abnormal contraction of the puborectalis during defecation rather than relaxing. This condition has not previously been described after pelvic pouch construction. PURPOSE: This study was done to evaluate patients for defecation difficulties caused by paradoxical puborectalis contraction after pelvic pouch procedures. METHODS: Prospectively, patients with defecation difficulties were questioned. They then underwent electromyography if they met particular criteria. Biofeedback was offered to all patients demonstrating paradox on electromyography. Follow-up was by clinic visits and interviews. RESULTS: After pelvic pouch construction, 13 patients were found to have paradoxical puborectalis contraction. Twelve of 13 patients elected to have biofeedback therapy. Eleven of these 12 were available for follow-up an average of eight (1–15) months after biofeedback. Nine improved, and two had no change in their defecation difficulty. Of the initial 13, 10 had an event, either pouchitis or abdominal trauma, directly before their defecation problems. CONCLUSION: Paradoxical puborectalis contraction can occur in patients after pelvic pouch surgery. It should be suspected in patients with defecation difficulties in the absence of an anatomic abnormality. Biofeedback is effective treatment.
Understanding the Breast Cancer Experience of Latina Women

Qualitative interviews were used to investigate the impact of breast cancer among Latina survivors. The findings revealed that Latina survivors were optimistic about their health, utilized cultural and religious recovery practices; and seemed to accept their diagnosis, fears and suffering as part of their personal journey. The survivors' narrative identified spirituality as central to their recovery and coping. Extended family and friends were the primary sources of support. Common issues were the impact of cancer on medical care problems, work concerns, the meaning of cancer, family well-being, emotional well-being, body image, and sexual health. Latina survivors, particularly those who are poor and speak limited English, often have inadequate insurance, receive unsatisfactory medical care, and experience poor physician-patient communication and relationship. These problems are directly related to health-care system factors as well as socio-ecological and language issues. In addition, many Latina survivors have inadequate resources and inaccurate beliefs that may affect their health care (e.g., delay, lack of follow-up), and overall quality of life. Results will inform a quantitative study with a larger sample of Latina breast cancer survivors.
Clouds: On a possible relation of terror and terrorism to aesthetics

Throughout history, clouds have both defined and dislocated the borders separating earth from sky, this world from the next. But in so doing, they have also cast their shadows—for they are almost always singularly plural, to use Jean-Luc Nancy's formulation—upon the earth and obscured the heavens that they appear to protect and to dissimulate. In the twentieth century, as the immanentizing of the transcendent approaches a cataclysmic culmination, this ambivalent signification of clouds reaches new heights—and depths. This essay retraces two such emergences: the clouds through which Hitler's plane flies at the beginning of Leni Riefenstahl's Triumph of the Will and the clouds of rubble that cover the streets of lower Manhattan upon the collapse of the Twin Towers in visual images that continue to circulate in the media. In a larger study under way, a subsequent text will discuss an obvious missing link between these two groups of clouds: the mushroom clouds rising above Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
The Pulmonary Effect of Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibition Following Endotoxemia in a Swine Model.

Objective: To evaluate the pulmonary effect of treatment withN-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (NAME) with and without inhaled nitric oxide (NO) in a swine model of endotoxemia. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Laboratory. Interventions: Following a 20-minute intravenous infusion ofEscherichia colilipopolysaccharide (LPS) (200 μg/kg), animals were resuscitated with saline solution (1 mL/kg per minute) and observed for 3 hours while mechanically ventilated (fraction of inspired oxygen [Fio2], 0.6; tidal volume, 12 mL/kg; positive end-expiratory pressure, 5 cm H2O). Group 1 (LPS, n=6) received no additional treatment; group 2 (NAME, n=5) received NAME (3 mg/kg per hour) for the last 2 hours; group 3 (NO, n=6) received NAME (3 mg/kg per hour) and inhaled NO (40 ppm) for the last 2 hours; and group 4 (control, n=5) received only saline solution without LPS. Main Outcome Measures: Cardiopulmonary variables and blood gases were measured serially. The multiple inert gas elimination technique was performed at 3 hours. The wet-to-dry lung weight ratio was measured following necropsy. Results: Administration of LPS resulted in pulmonary arterial hypertension, pulmonary edema, and hypoxemia with increased ventilation perfusion ratio mismatching. None of these changes were attenuated by NAME treatment alone but all were significantly improved by the simultaneous administration of inhaled NO. Conclusions: Systemic NO synthase inhibition failed to restore hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction following LPS administration. The deleterious effects of endotoxemia on pulmonary function can be improved by inhaled NO but not by systemic inhibition of NO synthase. (Arch Surg. 1994;129:1233-1239)
Live-load moments for continuous skew bridges

This paper presents a method for determining moments in continuous normal and skew slabandgirder bridges due to live loads. Using the finite element method, 112 continuous bridges are analyzed, eac...
Medical Decision Making: A Selective Review for Child Psychiatrists and Psychologists.

Physicians, including child and adolescent psychiatrists, show variability and inaccuracies in diagnosis and treatment of their patients and do not routinely implement evidenced-based medical and psychiatric treatments in the community. We believe that it is necessary to characterize the decision-making processes of child and adolescent psychiatrists using theories and methods from cognitive and social sciences in order to design effective interventions to improve practice and education. This paper selectively reviews the decision-making literature, including recent studies on naturalistic decision making, novice-expert differences, and the role of technology on decision making and cognition. We also provide examples from other areas of medicine and discuss their implications for child psychiatry.