cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hatchery Spray Cabinet Administration Does Not Damage Avian Coronavirus Infectious Bronchitis Virus Vaccine Based on Analysis by Electron Microscopy and Virus Titration.

SUMMARY Previous studies in our laboratory showed that the Arkansas–Delmarva Poultry Industry (Ark-DPI) vaccine given to 1-day-old chickens by hatchery spray cabinet replicated poorly and failed to adequately protect broilers against homologous virus challenge, whereas the same vaccine given by eye-drop did replicate and the birds were protected following homologous virus challenge. To determine if mechanical damage following spray application plays a role in failure of the Ark-DPI vaccine, we examined the morphology of three Ark-DPI vaccines from different manufacturers using an electron microscope and included a Massachusetts (Mass) vaccine as control. One of the Ark-DPI vaccines (vaccine A) and the Mass vaccine had significantly (P < 0.005) fewer spikes than the other two Ark-DPI vaccines. We also found that the Ark-DPI and Mass vaccines had significantly (P < 0.005) fewer spike proteins per virus particle when compared to their respective challenge viruses. This observation is interesting and may prov...
Spectrum and energy levels of Y vi

The spectrum of the five-times-ionized yttrium atom (Y vi), excited in a sliding-spark discharge, was studied in the 160–2500-A range. About 900 Y vi lines were classified as transitions between 101 odd and 69 even energy levels. The energy-level system established includes almost all levels of the 4s24p4, 4s4p5, 4s24p34d, 5d, 5s, 6s, and 5p configurations and a number of levels of the 7s, 4f, and 4s4p44d configurations. The observed level system has been theoretically interpreted by means of Hartree–Fock calculations and least-squares parametric fits. Strong configuration mixings are found between the 4s4p5 and 4s24p34d configurations, between the 4s24p35p and 4s4p44d configurations, and between the 4s24p34f and 4s4p44d configurations. From the optimized energy-level values, a system of Ritz-type wavelength standards with accuracies varying from 0.0003 to 0.003 A in the range 179–500 A has been determined. The ionization energy as determined from 4s24p3ns levels (n = 5 − 7) is 737 110 ± 200 cm−1 (91.390 ± 0.025 eV).
A comparison of thermal properties between gutta-percha and a synthetic polymer based root canal filling material (Resilon).

A new polymer-based obturating material, Resilon, has been developed but there have been no studies identifying its thermal properties. The purpose of this study was to compare the melting point, specific heat, enthalpy change with melting and heat transfer between gutta-percha (GP) and Resilon (R). The first three tests were determined using a differential scanning calorimeter and the heat transfer test was determined using a split-tooth model. Results show no significant difference (t test, p 0.05) between gutta-percha and Resilon for the melting point temperature (GP: 60.01°C; R: 60.57°C). There was a significant difference (t test, p 0.05) in specific heat capacity (GP: 0.94 J/g °C, R: 1.15 J/g °C) and endothermic enthalpy change (GP: 10.88 J/g, R: 25.20 J/g) between the two materials. The heat transfer test showed a significant difference (Mann-Whitney, p 0.05) in temperature increase between gutta-percha and Resilon within 3 mm of the heat source. (J Endod 2006;32:683–686)
Metabolic/Bariatric Surgery Worldwide 2011

Background Metabolic/bariatric procedures for the treatment of morbid obesity, as well as for type 2 diabetes, are among the most commonly performed gastrointestinal operations today, justifying periodic assessment of the numerical status of metabolic/bariatric surgery and its relative distribution of procedures.
DENSITY‐DEPENDENT VERTICAL MIGRATION IN THE FRESHWATER DINOFLAGELLATE PERIDINIUM PENARDII (LEMM.) LEMM. FO. CALIFORNICUM JAVORN.1,2

SUMMARY The freshwater dinoflagellate Peridininm penardii (Lemm.) Lemm. fo. californicum Javorn. has a positively phototactic diel migration. The extent of migration seems to vary with population density.
Sediment–sea-water interaction at 200 and 300 °C, 500 bars pressure: The role of sediment composition in diagenesis and low-grade metamorphism of marine clay

Experimental interaction of clay-rich marine sediments with sea water at 200 and 300 °C, 500 bars, and a water/rock mass ratio of 5 resulted in the generation of relatively acid, oxidizing conditions. The development of acidity is attributed to the formation of smectite, whereas the oxidation state of the fluids was dependent on the relative proportions of ferromanganese oxide phase, ferrous-rich silicate phases, and organic carbon. An experiment conducted with an oxidized sediment at 300 °C thus produced higher aqueous concentrations of Mn and associated base metals at a relatively high fO2 (∼10−15), but an organic carbon-rich sediment yielded fluids characterized by a lower fO2 (∼10−20), lower concentrations of Mn, higher Fe, and exhibited substantial thermal alteration and dissolution of organic components. Silica concentrations in the experimental fluids ranged from cristobalite to amorphous silica saturation levels in response to the dissolution of amorphous silica. Comparison of fluid data and mineralogical assemblages from the Gulf Coast and Salton Sea regions with experimental results suggests that alteration processes in sedimentary basins can, in large part, be attributed to water-rock interaction. Observed differences are apparently due to the higher degree of reaction in the geologic environment and to the increased stability of the illite-chlorite assemblage at the lower silica activity characteristic of geologic fluids.
Neural Substrates of Word Generation during Stroke Recovery: The Influence of Cortical Hypoperfusion

Several studies have demonstrated reorganization of cognitive and motor function caused by stroke. This study examined the influence of hypoperfused brain regions, in addition to the area of the infarct itself, on reorganization of the cognitive processes underlying word generation in stroke patients. In addition, we also sought to determine the influence of hypoperfusion on the blood oxygen level dependent/(BOLD) effect. Subjects with left and right subacute or chronic subcortical strokes, along with normal controls, were imaged while performing a verbal fluency task (word generation). The study population included six normal subject and six stroke patients with subcortical infarcts and cortical hypoperfusion in the middle cerebral artery territory who had recovered or improved markedly in word fluency. While normal subjects displayed a left-lateralized fronto-temporo-parietal and bilateral cingulo-striatal-thalamic-cerebellar network, the activation pattern of stroke patients was determined both by the hypoperfused regions and infarcted areas of the brain. Specifically, patients showed diminished BOLD effect in the cortical regions that were hypoperfused, even though their infarcts were subcortical, and showed increased BOLD effect in the homologous regions of the normal hemisphere. This finding raises the possibility that cortical hypoperfusion in the absence of infarct can cause shift of language functions to the opposite, intact hemisphere. However, reduced BOLD effect in the task relative to rest was found in hypoperfused regions in two patients, raising the possibility that regional function persisted, even though vascular reactivity was impaired. Results illustrate the complexities of functional imaging studies of recovery in patients with vascular lesions.
Stimulated single fiber electromyography in the mouse: Techniques and normative data

As the number of new transgenic mouse models of human neuromuscular disease continues to increase, the development of sophisticated electrophysiologic techniques for assessing the peripheral nervous system in these models has become important. Neuromuscular junction (NMJ) dysfunction, in particular, is often not detectable by morphologic or other techniques. To enable sensitive testing of murine NMJ function, we developed and tested a method for stimulated single fiber electromyography (S-SFEMG) in the gastrocnemius muscles of anesthetized mice. Jitter was assessed by measuring the mean consecutive latency difference (MCD) of single fiber responses to sciatic nerve stimulation at 2 HZ. Mean MCD values in normothermic mice were in the range of 6-8 micros for different strains, with no MCD values exceeding 25 micros. Reduced core temperature (to 29 degrees--30 degrees C) resulted in increased jitter, whereas intubation and mechanical ventilation of mice did not alter these values. Intraperitoneal and intravenous injection of vecuronium, however, resulted in progressively increased jitter followed by blocking in continuously monitored fibers. These observations validate the utility of S-SFEMG in mice as an index of NMJ function under a variety of physiologic conditions, and suggest that a high safety factor for neuromuscular transmission exists at mouse NMJs. Copyright 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A Comparison of the Homework Problems of Secondary School Students with Behavior Disorders and Nondisabled Peers.

Increased concern over the academic proficiency of American students has led to a variety of proposals to reform the U.S. educational system. A part of these calls for reform has been an increased emphasis on homework. As students with behavior disorders are more frequently included in general education classrooms, a better understanding of their homework skills is needed. The present study examines the homework problems of secondary school students with behavior disorders as compared to secondary school students with no disabilities—as rated by their teachers and parents—using the Homework Problem Checklist. Analyses of both parent and teacher responses reflected significant differences between the two student groups on virtually every checklist item. Suggestions for future research and implications for practice are discussed. I N THE PAST DECADE, THE AMERICAN educational system has come under close examination by consumers. Policymakers, business leaders, professional educators, and particularly parents have called for the reform and restructuring of public education. A
Isolation and characterization of a skate retinal GABA transporter cDNA.

Purpose: The inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is believed to play a crucial role in the processing of information within the vertebrate retina. Extracellular concentrations of GABA are thought to be tightly regulated by carrier-mediated transport proteins in neurons and glial cells. The purpose of this work was to isolate the gene that encodes one of these transport proteins in the skate retina. Methods: cDNA clones were isolated from a skate retinal cDNA library using a mouse retinal GABA transporter (GAT1) cDNA as a probe. The PCR technique was used to fill sequence gaps, and 5' and 3' RACE were employed to amplify the 5' and 3' untranslated regions. The amplified fragments were subcloned into a T-vector. Blots containing RNA from 10 different tissues were probed to determine the size of the transcript and the tissue distribution. Results: Sequence analysis revealed that the skate retinal GABA transporter cDNA shared 72% identity with the mouse GABA transporter-1 at the DNA level and 80% identity at the amino acid level. Multiple sequence alignments showed that our sequence is closest to the Torpedo GABA transporter-1. Two transcripts, 4.5 and 7 kb, were detected in retina and possibly brain by RNA blot analysis. Fourteen introns were detected in the skate GABA transporter gene. Conclusions: We successfully isolated a full length GABA transporter cDNA from the retina of the skate. The size of the full length sequence of the skate retinal GABA transporter is in agreement with the size of the smaller transcript detected on RNA blots. The larger transcript observed on the RNA blot may be the result of either alternative splicing or utilization of a downstream poly A signal.
High-speed, high-resolution, radiation-tolerant SAR ADCs for particle physics experiments

We present two CMOS 12-bit successive-approximation-register (SAR) analog-to-digital converter (ADC) designs and the total dose irradiation test results of the second, a 12-bit, 160-MS/s two-step SAR ADC in 40-nm CMOS. This second SAR ADC, which measured a 67.5-dB signal-to-noise plus distortion ratio (SNDR) and a >85-dB spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR), showed minimal degradation after being exposed to a total ionizing dose (TID) of up to 1 Mrad. The measured power consumption is 4.5 mW and 6.1 mW at 80 MS/s and 160 MS/s, respectively. The small silicon area of both ADCs also exhibits a great advantage for treating single event effects (SEE) using redundancy techniques, e.g., the triple modular redundancy (TMR), with much less concern for additional area overhead in a future upgrade than designs that occupy large silicon area. The experimental results reveal great potentials of SAR ADC implemented in scaled bulk CMOS process for the front-end digitizing applications of high-energy particle physics experiments.
Endoscope-assisted supracerebellar transtentorial approach to the posterior medial temporal lobe for resection of cavernous malformation.

The mesial temporal lobe can be approached via a pterional or orbitozygomatic craniotomy, the subtemporal approach, or transcortically. Alternatively, the entire mesial temporal lobe can be accessed using a lateral supracerebellar transtentorial (SCTT) approach. Here we describe the technical nuances of patient positioning, craniotomy, supracerebellar dissection, and tentorial disconnection to traverse the tentorial incisura to arrive at the posterior mesial temporal lobe for a cavernous malformation. The SCTT approach is especially useful for lesions in the dominant temporal lobe where an anterolateral approach may endanger language centers or the vein of Labbe. The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/D8mIR5yeiVw .
Gangliosides as Differential Modulators of Membrane-Bound Protein Kinase Systems

Gangliosides are sialic acid-containing glycosphingolipids found in the plasma membrane of virtually all vertebrate tissues and are particularly abundant in the nervous system (Ledeen and Yu, 1982; Ledeen, 1983; Ando, 1983; Ledeen, 1985). Gangliosides comprise a major part of the glycoconjugate network extending from the neuronal membrane surface. Recent investigations suggest that gangliosides may exert a critical role in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation (Hakomori, 1981; 1983; Ledeen et al., 1984; Ando, 1983; Ledeen, 1984). Nevertheless, the molecular events which underlie the physiological and cellular events remain unresolved. Recent investigations have emphasized the importance of Ca++-dependent kinase systems in the regulation of many dynamic cellular processes (Nestler et al., 1984; Cheung, 1982; DeLorenzo and Goldenring, 1984). In particular, the Ca+ +/calmodulin-dependent kinase (Kennedy, 1983) and the Ca+ + /phospholipid-dependent kinase (C-kinase) system (Nishizuka, 1984a,b) have been implicated as major regulators of cellular physiology. Gangliosides bind Ca+ + with high affinity (Abramson et al., 1972; Probst et al., 1979; 1984; Quarles and Folch-Pi, 1965; Rahmann, 1983), and thus, their possible interaction with Ca+ + -dependent kinases is of great interest. We present here our recent investigations which indicate that gangliosides may exert opposite effects on these Ca+ +-dependent kinases with inhibition of C-kinase and stimulation of calmodulin-dependent kinase (Goldenring et al., 1985; Kim et al., 1986).
Economic Growth and Labor Standards: A Dynamic Panel Data Approach

I explore the relationship between economic growth and international labor standards in a panel of 121 countries from 1974 to 2004. A large literature has empirically tested the neoclassical growth model using cross-sectional or panel regressions. Here, I augment the growth model with labor standards. I use a dynamic panel data model to account for the endogeneity of the determinants of economic growth as well as including the role of labor standards in driving the economic performance of a country. The panel data methodology controls for specific country- and year-effects and accounts for possible endogeneity bias using instrumental variables estimation. I use two measures of labor standards: the rate of work injuries and the rate of strikes and lockouts. I find that higher labor standards are associated with better economic growth. For instance, the results suggest the absence of a positive association between the rate of work injuries and the level of per capita income, as well as the absence of a negative association between the rate of strikes and lockouts and the level of per capita income.
Cultural Factors in Ecological Change on Mindanao in the Philippines

COLOGY to an even greater extent than its parent science, sociology, is peculiarly American. With the exception of the work of Mukerjee in India, discussions in the field of ecology have been limited almost exclusively to the United States. Is it not important that ecological theories be tested by applying them in many cultures? This discussion is an attempt in that direction. Early human ecologists largely centered their attention on automatic economic forces in attempting to explain the locational activities of individuals and groups. Their theory was that the process of competition distributes individuals and groups in space and time and that the pattern of distribution is the result of competition for choice sites. Economic self-interest was thought to result in the most efficient location of individuals and groups for the welfare of the community. This theory, however, underestimated the power of non-utilitarian motivation. More recently this narrow view of human ecology has been called into question. Although the importance of economic competition in locational activity has not been denied, recent writers have pointed out that other factors, essentially cultural, are also important in determining how people are located in space and time. Walter Firey has shown in his study of Boston that locations come to have symbolic value in the eyes of the community. He points out that the sentiment attached to Beacon Hill in Boston tends to preserve that area for residential purposes and to prevent the encroachment of downtown department stores.' Firey's thesis that cultural factors are significant determinants of ecological change may be demonstrated by numerous examples from different aspects of Philippine culture. The following analysis is designed to show how such cultural factors as political and economic folkways, custom, race, nationality, religion, and technology function as ecological variables on the island of Mindanao. The discussion is not intended as an argument for cultural determinism of ecological change in contrast to economic determinism, but demonstrates that many interactive factors, cultural and economic, constitute the pattern of causation. Mindanao, the southernmost and second-largest island of the Philippine group, is both an historical and an ecological frontier. Large parts of the interior still remained unexplored in 1941, and great tillable areas were still being settled by homesteaders at the outbreak of the war. Mindanao also has the characteristics of an ecological frontier: it lies far from Manila, the center of dominance in the Philippines, and such local sub-centers as Davao, Zamboanga, and Cagayan depend heavily on Manila for supplies, markets, and contact with the outside world. But because Mindanao is a frontier, where ecological patterns change with each new wave of immigrants and the invasion of each new cultural element, it serves as an excellent location for studying ecological processes.
Aeroelastic Response of a Finite Span NACA 0018 Wing Part 1: Experimental Measurements

A rectangular planform finite span NACA 0018 wing section was machined from three different materials to experimentally quantify the steady aeroelastic response of the wing section. This study was done to provide a baseline model for future flow control experiments and to assist with verification and validation of computational simulations being run in parallel. Measurements from both a six component force/moment balance and a stereo vision system were collected simultaneously to match the wing deformation to the aerodynamic loads. A solid aluminum wing was utilized as a rigid comparison to the flexible plastic materials that were tested. Each of the flexble wings displayed significant wing bending, but negligible wing twisting was observed. As a result the aerodynamic lift and drag profiles showed minimal influence from the aeroelastic response of the wings. Finally, from the force and moment measurements, an estimate of the wing spanwise lift distribution was made and the bending deformation profile was calculated to compare with the stereovision measurements. The estimated bending profiles matched the measured within 1 mm across the wing span of 600 mm for a maximum tip deflection of 25 mm.
Characteristics of people receiving HIV VCT services in Xiaoshan CDC from 2006 to 2009

Objective To analyze AIDS(HIV) voluntary counseling and testing(VCT) population characteristics in Xiaoshan Center for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC),to provide a scientific evidence for the development of AIDS prevention and control strategies to prevent HIV transmission.Methods Data of outpatients who came to seek VCT services in CDC from January 2006 to December 2009 were analyzed.Results A total of 3618 people came to seek consultation,3594 of whom accepted testing,mainly the young,males slightly more than females.A greater proportion had junior high school education.occupational distribution was mainly commercial services.The cause of counseling and testing was mainly heterosexual contact.A total of 40 people was HIV-positive,with a detection rate of 1.1%.Conclusion High risk groups of VCT in the clinics of Xiaoshan CDC are mainly the young,married,middle-level educationed business service providers.The main reason for the consultation is heterosexual contact.
Microwave stripline packaging using conductive epoxy

Stripline microwave integrated circuits generally require packaging in precision-machined metal cases for mechanical protection, and to provide shielding of electromagnetic radiation. Since, for couplers, the metal cases increase the unit cost approximately 40–80%, a less expensive packaging method is needed. This paper describes the use of conductive epoxy to package microwave units.
Fibrinogen biosynthesis in isolated guinea pig megakaryocytes

Fibrinogen synthesis was investigated in guinea pig megakaryocytes. Purified megakaryocytes were incubated with 35S-methionine in methionine-free incubation medium for 18 hours. Newly synthesized fibrinogen in megakaryocyte lysates enriched with purified carrier guinea pig fibrinogen was immunoprecipitated with a specific anti- guinea pig fibrinogen antiserum produced in rabbits. Proteins in the immunoprecipitates were analyzed with a 3.5% to 10.0% gradient polyacrylamide slab gel electrophoresis and auto-radiography. Radioactivity was detected in a protein band of 340,000 daltons. In order to verify fibrinogen synthesis, immunoprecipitate was analyzed by two-dimensional slab gel electrophoresis: (1) the first dimension separated unreduced fibrinogen using a 3.5% to 10.0% gradient gel; (2) following reduction by 2-beta-mercaptoethanol, fibrinogen chains were separated in the second dimension using a 10% gel. Alpha, beta, and gamma fibrinogen chains, which represented carrier guinea pig plasma fibrinogen, were visualized by Coomassie brilliant blue. Autoradiography identified the incorporation of radioactivity into the three fibrinogen chains. In control experiments, immunoprecipitates, produced by exposing megakaryocyte lysates to preimmune rabbit serum and goat anti-rabbit IgG, were also analyzed by the two-dimensional gel system. Radioactivity was not detected in sites corresponding to the migration of fibrinogen subunits. The study demonstrates that isolated guinea pig megakaryocytes can synthesize fibrinogen. The electrophoretic mobility of newly synthesized fibrinogen and subunits is similar to that of guinea pig plasma fibrinogen.
Molecular characterization of a beta zero-thalassemia resulting from a 1.4 kilobase deletion.

We report the characterization of a beta zero-thalassemia in an American Black with unusually high HbA2 and HbF levels. Genomic southern analysis indicated that the individual was heterozygous for a deletion that began within the second intervening sequence of the beta- globin gene and extended approximately 1.4 kb in the 5′ direction. A clone spanning the breakpoint on the abnormal chromosome was isolated and further mapped, and the deletion joint was sequenced. Comparison of the normal beta-globin gene and its 5′ flanking region with the deletion joint sequence indicated that the 5′ breakpoint for this deletion was 484 base pairs (bp) 5′ to the transcriptional start site for the beta-globin gene and the 3′ breakpoint was 908 bp into the beta- globin gene; the deletion removed a total of 1,393 bp. Comparison of the normal 5′ and 3′ breakpoint sequences indicated that this deletion was the result of a “clean” nonhomologous breakage and reunion event; ie, no spurious bases were added during the recombinational event. Analysis of the breakpoints of this deletion together with the breakpoints of two other small deletions involving the beta-globin gene suggests that the breakpoints may occur at DNA polymerase alpha pause sites.
Abstract C50: Sensitivity of triple-negative breast cancer cell lines to cytotoxic and targeted agents as a function of molecular subtype

Triple-negative breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease with no approved targeted therapies. The disease course is very aggressive, characterized by relapse within 3 years of treatment and metastases to the viscera, including the brain. The prognosis in the setting of distant metastases is grim, as median survival is less than one year. Recently, insight into the molecular complexity of TNBC was provided by gene expression analysis, which identified six unique subtypes with distinct gene ontologies that differ with respect to drug sensitivity. These subtypes, each enriched in unique molecular components and pathways, suggest target-based strategies for treatment. A multiplicity of targeted drugs has entered clinical trials for the potential treatment of TNBC, but no uncontested victor has emerged that can appreciably extend overall survival. For instance, one of the most promising experimental drugs is iniparib, which significantly improved outcomes in a Phase II clinical trial of metastatic TNBC when combined with carboplatin/gemcitabine; however, overall survival was still unacceptably short at ~1 year. Therefore, there remains a dire need to identify novel therapeutic modalities for TNBC. A promising research strategy towards this goal is to determine the differential sensitivities of the TNBC molecular subtypes to combinations of cytotoxic and targeted drugs. We are determining the responses of a panel of TNBC cell lines representing different molecular subtypes, including the basal-like 1 (HCC1143 and MDA-MB-468), basal-like 2 (HCC1806 and HCC70), immunomodulatory (HCC1187), mesenchymal stem-like (MDA-MB-436, MDA-MB-231, and MDA-MB-157), and luminal androgen receptor (MFM-223) subtypes, to variable doses of carboplatin, capecitabine, cyclophosphamide, docetaxel, and everolimus, used alone and in combination. These drugs were chosen because they target molecular regulators of prominent signaling pathways specific to certain TNBC molecular subtypes, so we expect to find that sensitivity to these drugs is a function of subtype. The results of this study will enable characterization of TNBC subtypes in finer detail and provide a preclinical framework for the development of subtype-dependent regimens for TNBC treatment. Citation Format: Heather Colley, Roopali Saxena, Angela Ogden, Guilherme Cantuaria, Michelle D. Reid, Xiaoxian (Bill) Li, Uma Krishnamurthy, Padmashree CG Rida, Ritu Aneja. Sensitivity of triple-negative breast cancer cell lines to cytotoxic and targeted agents as a function of molecular subtype. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr C50.
CP-132 Impact of pharmaceutical interventions in a medicine department

Background Pharmacists play an important role by assuring and improving the quality and safety of the medication circuit, especially through pharmaceutical approval. In our hospital, only 20% of prescriptions are analysed by pharmacists because the pharmacy service suffers from a lack of clinician pharmacists. Purpose In order to enhance our pharmaceutical validation activity, we analysed our different pharmaceutical interventions and evaluated the pharmacoeconomic impact. Material and methods A prospective study was conducted in a polyvalent medicine unit for 3 months. Every prescription was analysed by a pharmacist and its interventions were categorised into several categories (aim and type of intervention). The percentage change in prescription following our intervention was assessed and the economic outcome was estimated from the daily cost of treatment change or discontinuation. Results The total number of prescription lines analysed was 6857, with 187 interventions; 50% of interventions were effective. 54% of pharmaceutical interventions aimed at switching from the intravenous (IV) to the oral route and represented the majority of savings (1200€ of 1270€ saved). A high proportion of patients receive IV therapy although this may be inappropriate. Among all pharmacist interventions, 20% recommended a dose adjustment: 40% of them were related to adaptation to kidney function (13% were followed), 26% concerned sub-therapeutic doses (40% were followed) and 34% concerned overdoses (77% followed). 11% of pharmaceutical interventions concerned substitution proposition (acceptance of only 21%); this probably leads to therapeutic failure and could lead to undesirable events. The rest of the indications related to therapeutic duplication (8%), difference in personal treatment (4%), association had no indicated (2%) and contraindication (1%). Not many of these interventions were followed, excepted in the last two categories. Conclusion Pharmacists’ interventions appear to result in an appropriate prescription and improve the safety of drug therapies. They generate financial savings due to reduction in unnecessary therapy. In the future, we should encourage a dialogue with prescribers. Extrapolation of the results should be performed to present a real financial and medical impact of the pharmaceutical interventions and to obtain a dedicated full time clinician pharmacist. References and/or Acknowledgements Validation pharmaceutique des prescriptions hospitalieres. Presse Medicale August 2005 No conflict of interest.
The congregational setting of pastoral counseling: a study of pastoral counseling theorists from 1949-1999.

Examines, through content analysis, the major authors in the field of pastoral counseling since 1949 with the goal to determine the degree to which pastoral counseling theory in the second half of ...
HPV Binding Assay to Laminin-332/Integrin α6β4 on Human Keratinocytes

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) have been shown to bind to Laminin-332 (Ln-332) on the extracellular matrix (ECM) secreted by human keratinocytes. The assay described here is an important tool to study HPV receptor binding to the ECM. The assay can also be modified to study the receptors required for HPV infection and for binding to tissues. We previously showed that Ln-332 is essential for the binding of HPV11 to human keratinocytes and that infectious entry of HPV11 requires α6β4 integrin for the transfer of HPV11 from ECM to host cells (Culp et al., J Virol 80:8940-8950, 2006). We also demonstrated that several of the high-risk HPV types (16, 18, 31 and 45) bind to Ln-332 and/or other components of the ECM in vitro (Broutian et al., J Gen Virol 91:531-540, 2010). The exact binding and internalization mechanism(s) for HPV are still under investigation. A better understanding of these mechanisms will aid in the design of therapeutics against HPVs and ultimately help prevent many cancers. In this chapter, we describe the HPV binding assay to Ln-332/integrin α6β4 on human keratinocytes (ECM). We also present data and suggestions for modifying the assay for testing the specificity of HPV for receptors (by blocking receptors) and binding to human tissues (basement membrane, BM) in order to study binding mechanisms.
Critical issues regarding AIDS among injecting drug users.

The paper identifies and reviews some critical issues in the field of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission among intravenous drug users. First, it discusses political denial and compartmentalization of the problem, giving an example from the United States that illustrates the lack of a coherent national strategy. It then reviews the role that stereotypes play in policy-making and points out that behaviour change can be considerable, giving details of successful safer injection programmes. The conditions that foster injection as a mode of ingesting drugs are reviewed, as is the role of drug transshipment patterns, particularly as a possible conduit of HIV. Finally, the role of prisons as places for the spread of HIV, and therefore for its prevention, is discussed.
TU-AB-BRA-01: Abdominal Synthetic CT Generation in Support of Liver SBRT Dose Calculation

Purpose: To demonstrate and validate a technique for generating MRI-derived synthetic CT volumes (MRCTs) in support of adaptive liver SBRT. Methods: Under IRB approval, ten hepatocellular carcinoma patients were scanned using a single MR sequence (T1 Dixon-VIBE), yielding inherently-registered water, fat, and T1-weighted images. Air-containing voxels were identified by intensity thresholding. The envelope of the anterior vertebral bodies was segmented from the fat image by fitting a shape model to vertebral body candidate voxels, then using level sets to expand the contour outward. Fuzzy-C-Means (FCM) was then used to classify each non-air voxel in the image as fat, water, bone, or marrow. Bone and marrow only were classified within the vertebral body envelope. The MRCT was created by integrating the product of the FCM class probability with the assigned class density for each voxel. The resulting MRCTs were deformably aligned with planning CTs and 2-ARC SBRT VMAT plans were optimized on the MRCT density maps. Fluence was copied onto the CT density grids and dose recalculated. Results: The MRCTs faithfully reproduced most of the features visible in the corresponding CT image volumes, with exceptions of ribs and posterior spinous processes. The liver, vertebral bodies, kidneys, spleen and cord all had median HU differences of less than 75 between MRCT and CT images. PTV D99% values had an average 0.2% difference (standard deviation: 0.46%) between calculations on MRCT and CT density grids. The maximum difference in dose to 0.1cc of the PTV was 0.25% (std:0.49%). OAR dose differences were similarly small (mean:0.03Gy, std:0.26Gy). The largest normal tissue complication percentage (NTCP) difference was 1.48% (mean:0.06%, std:0.54%). Conclusions: MRCTs from a single abdominal imaging sequence are promising for use in SBRT dose calculation. Future work will focus on extending models to better define bones in the upper abdomen. Supported by NIHR01EB016079 and NIH1L30CA199594-01
Blind Faith: The Hidden Costs of Capacity Overutilization

This article examines whether there are limits to the utilization of executional drivers, specifically capacity utilization.
Seizure Outcomes in Children Following Electrocorticography-Guided Single-Stage Surgical Resection.

Abstract Background In children with abnormal imaging, single-stage epilepsy surgery is an attractive alternative to the two-stage approach that relies on invasive recording of seizures. Implanted electrodes carry risks of their own and extend hospitalization, but the efficacy of one-stage resections in a variety of pathologies and cerebral locations is not well established. We report our center's experience with single-stage epilepsy surgery guided by intraoperative electrocorticography (ECoG). Methods We retrospectively analyzed 130 consecutive patients who underwent single-stage epilepsy surgery before age 19 years and had at least a two-year follow-up. Intraoperative ECoG was available for review in 113. Patients were considered seizure-free if they were continuously Engel Class I up to the two-year postoperative mark. ECoG findings were classified according to the presence of interictal attenuation, spikes, both, or neither. Complications and hospital length of stay were evaluated. Results Eighty percent of 130 patients were seizure-free at two years. All but one had an abnormal MRI. Patients with tumor had a better seizure outcome than patients with cortical malformation. Frontal resections had worse outcome, especially among tumors. Intraoperative ECoG revealed both attenuation and spikes in 48%, attenuation only in 23%, spikes only in 20%, and neither in 9%. The complication rate was 6.9%, with no major neurological complications. The average length of stay was 5.7 nights. Conclusions With ECoG-guided single-stage surgery, we achieved results comparable with other pediatric surgical series and with a low complication rate. An extensive two-stage approach may not be required when there is a lesion on imaging and other information is concordant, even when the MRI abnormality is subtle and unclearly delineated. Frontal foci may present a challenge because of their proximity to "eloquent" nonresectable cortex or critical structures.
Leadership in Times of Institutional Change

The author of this essay was dean of the Thomas Jefferson School of Law for eleven years (1994-2005), a period of profound change at the law school. When he was appointed acting dean in 1994, the school was a branch campus of a non-American Bar Association (ABA)-approved, for-profit university called Western State University College of Law (WSU). In 1996, the school separated from WSU and became the first for-profit law school to receive provisional ABA approval. In 2001, it became the first for-profit law school to receive full ABA approval. And within two months of gaining full ABA approval, it became the first ABA-approved, for-profit law school to convert to a not-for-profit institution.Along the way, Thomas Jefferson School of Law became an outstanding academic institution. The faculty doubled in size, and the library collection quadrupled. The school added a second building and raised the minimum LSAT score of entering classes by about 15 points. Applications for admission increased more than tenfold, and the school became second only to Stanford among California law schools for the percentage of the entering class that came from out-of-state.This experience taught the author some things about leading a law school through a major transformation. This symposium essay provides a brief narrative of the history of Thomas Jefferson School of Law, and discusses the process it underwent and some of the lessons learned about leadership during that period.
Students' insights on the use of video lectures in online classes

Video lectures (VL), considered an effective means for delivering course content and infusing teaching presence in the virtual environment, have become very popular in education. The purpose of this study was to investigate online student experiences with VL focusing on their opinion of usefulness of VL, their satisfaction with them and their perception of learning derived from them. Our findings show that students' satisfaction with VL has a strong relationship with positive overall learning experience and perception of impact of video on learning. Furthermore, VL can enhance a feeling of engagement with content because of learners' control of the media and instructors' presence. The findings also alert us on the importance of careful planning and balanced integration of VL with other course materials. This provides important information on the effectiveness of video‐lectures in college teaching and learning and implications for practice in online course design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Utilization and quality outcomes of cT1a, cT1b and cT2a partial nephrectomy: analysis of the national cancer database

OBJECTIVE To describe the utilization and compare quality outcomes of partial nephrectomy (PN) for cT1a, cT1b and cT2a renal masses using a large national database. METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients from the US National Cancer Database who underwent PN for cT1a/cT1b/T2a renal cell carcinoma between 2004 and 2013. We examined the use of PN over time and assessed quality indicators [positive surgical margin (PSM) and 30-day postoperative readmission rates]. Multivariable analysis was conducted to determine predictors for outcome comparisons. RESULTS A total of 43 749 patients underwent PN for cT1a, cT1b and cT2a renal masses (cT1a, n = 34 796; cT1b, n = 8 040; cT2a, n = 913). The proportion of patients undergoing PN increased from 30.8% in 2004 to 56.7% in 2013 (P < 0.001), and this trend was apparent for all clinical stages. The PSM rate was 6.8%. Predictive factors for increased risk of PSMs included cT1a stage (P = 0.03), age [odds ratio (OR) 1.01; P < 0.001] and later year of diagnosis (OR: 1.05; P < 0.001). The 30-day readmission rate was 4.2%. Predictive factors for increased risk of readmission included cT1b (P < 0.001), high Charlson comorbidity score (OR: 1.32; P = 0.001) and lack of private insurance (OR: 1.21-1.97; P < 0.05); later year of diagnosis was associated with decreased odds of readmission (OR: 0.96; P < 0.001). Subset analysis of the 2010-2013 cohort showed increases in the proportion of minimally invasive PN for cT1a (52.8-69.6%; P < 0.001), cT1b (39.9-59.6%; P < 0.001) and cT2a tumours (33.3-47.3%; P = 0.01). The PSM rate was also increased, at 7.3%. Predictive factors for PSMs included increasing age (OR: 1.01; P < 0.001), minimally invasive surgical approach (OR: 1.52; P < 0.001), and conversion to open surgery (OR: 1.52; P = 0.01), but not clinical stage (P = 0.75-0.99). The 30-day readmission rate was 4.0%. Predictive factors for readmission included lack of private insurance (P < 0.001) and conversion to open surgery (OR: 1.63; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION The use of PN has increased significantly over time for all clinical stage groups. PSM rates increased, while 30-day readmission rates decreased. The PSM rate increase was driven by increasing use of minimally invasive approaches, and not by higher clinical stage. The 30-day readmission rate was driven by patient comorbidities and socio-economic factors. Rising PSM rates represent a quality-of-care concern.
Long-term successful closure of a percutaneous intragastric trocar tract with crossing full-thickness sutures in a porcine model

Background and study aims A novel intragastric trocar placed using a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy technique enables the use of laparoscopic tools and procedures, including tissue stapling, cutting, suturing, and retraction. The aim of this porcine study was to determine long-term success of crossing full-thickness sutures in closure of the tract upon trocar withdrawal. Methods 10 trocars were placed in 5 animals. Each animal underwent a standardized tissue resection using a 5-mm stapler under gastroscopic guidance, and two full-thickness, absorbable, crossing sutures were used to close the trocar tracts. The animals were monitored for 35 days and then euthanized for necropsy. Results All five animals survived without sign of infection or distress. Nine of the 10 trocar sites healed completely without any adverse findings. A single site developed a gastrocutaneous fistula. On necropsy, there was no evidence of intra-abdominal infection or abscess. Conclusions Full-thickness crossing sutures appeared to be effective in long-term closure of an intragastric trocar tract. Given the ease of placement and success of this simple closure method, this device may prove clinically useful to the endoscopist performing complex procedures in the endoscopy suite.
Towards an insistent and transformative racial rhetorical criticism

ABSTRACTRacial rhetorical criticism is a scholarly project that maps the rhetoricity of race and whiteness. Emerging in and through the intellectual labor of rhetorical scholars invested in critica...
Wiring or Screwing at the Craniovertebral Junction in Childhood: Past and Present Personal Experience.

Background: Craniovertebral junction (CVJ) instrumentation and fusion in childhood are frequently performed with either sublaminar wires or screws in lateral masses, and both are considered quite safe procedures.
Unnatural Voluntary Parentage Acknowledgments Under the 2017 Uniform Parentage Act

The 2017 Uniform Parentage Act expands the opportunities for formal parentage establishments via voluntary acknowledgements (VAPs) by intended parents with no natural ties to their acknowledged children. This constitutes a significant departure from earlier UPAs which limited VAPs to acknowledging parents with actual or alleged natural ties, which were in line with the approach to VAPs under the federal Social Security Act since the mid-1990s and with most American state statutes on VAPs. This article urges that the UPA continue to recognize VAPs only where acknowledgements by nonbirth mothers include pronouncements of actual or alleged natural ties. It agrees VAPs should be available to both men and women. It further proposes that the 2017 UPA be amended to recognize parentage declarations by either men or women with no natural ties that would aid the courts in resolving issues under the UPA of either presumed “hold out” or “de facto” parentage, avenues to parenthood under the 2017 UPA that are distinct from VAPs.
A simulation study of statistical approaches to data analysis in the stepped wedge design.

This paper studies model-based and design-based approaches for the analysis of data arising from a stepped wedge randomized design. Specifically, for different scenarios we compare robustness, efficiency, Type I error rate under the null hypothesis, and power under the alternative hypothesis for the leading analytical options including generalized estimating equations (GEE) and linear mixed model (LMM)-based approaches. We find that GEE models with exchangeable correlation structures are more efficient than GEE models with independent correlation structures under all scenarios considered. The model-based GEE Type I error rate can be inflated when applied with a small number of clusters, but this problem can be solved using a design-based approach. As expected, correct model specification is more important for LMM (compared to GEE) since the model is assumed correct when standard errors are calculated. However, in contrast to the model-based results, the design-based Type I error rates for LMM models under scenarios with a random treatment effect show Type I error inflation even though the fitted models perfectly match the corresponding data-generating scenarios. Therefore, greater robustness can be realized by combining GEE and permutation testing strategies.
Current and future care of patients with the cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome.

Many important advances have occurred in the field of cancer cachexia over the past decade, including progress in understanding the mechanisms of the cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome (CACS) and th...