cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recovery of Function in a Solitary Kidney After Intra-Terial Thrombolytic Therapy

AbstractRenal artery thromboembolism is a rare event that most often occurs in patients with cardiac dysrhythmias. Surgical thromboembolectomy is risky and medical therapy with intra-arterial thrombolytic agents has become increasingly popular. Although successful clot dissolution has been well documented, renal function often is not recovered.We describe a patient with anuria from thromboembolism to a solitary kidney, treated with low dose intra-arterial streptokinase infusion. There were no adverse effects from therapy and renal function returned to a point where dialysis was no longer required.A review of the literature is included with special attention to various protocols for infusion. Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of therapy may result in clinically significant recovery of renal function.
Convulsion as a possible manifestation of vitamin D deficiency rickets in infants one to six months of age.

ABSTRACT During the 42 months from January 1985 through June 1988, five infants between the ages of one and six months had hypocalcemic convulsions associated with vitamin D deficiency rickets. Des...
Recurrent urinary infection.

Most recurrences of urinary infection are not relapses but new infections with different organisms. The perineum, urethra and bladder are likely sources. Urine culture usually is not needed for a f...
Liposomal Bupivacaine Versus Femoral Nerve Block for Pain Control After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Prospective Randomized Trial

Purpose To compare femoral nerve block (FNB) versus local liposomal bupivacaine (LB) for pain control in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Methods Eighty-five patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction were assessed for participation. We performed a prospective randomized trial in accordance with the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) 2010 statement. The study arms included either intraoperative local infiltration of LB (20 mL of bupivacaine/10 mL of saline solution) or preoperative FNB with a primary outcome of postoperative pain levels (visual analog scale) for 4 days. Secondary outcomes assessed included opioid consumption (intravenous morphine equivalents), hours slept, patient satisfaction, and calls to the physician. Randomization was by a computerized algorithm. The observer was blinded and the patient was not blinded to the intervention. Results One patient declined participation; 2 patients were excluded after randomization. A total of 82 patients were analyzed. Outcomes showed a significant increase in pain in the LB group between 5 and 8 hours postoperatively (mean ± standard deviation, 6.3 ± 2.0 versus 4.8 ± 2.6; P = .01). There were no significant differences between the groups in mean daily pain levels, morphine equivalents, or patient satisfaction when we controlled for graft type, age, body mass index, and sex. Patients receiving an FNB had a nonsignificant increase in number of sleep disturbances on the day of surgery (mean ± standard deviation, 4.4 ± 3.7 v 3.1 ± 2.1; P = .09) and were more likely to call their doctor the following day because of pain (29% v 8%, P = .04). Six patients in the FNB group had either prolonged quadriceps inhibition or sensory disturbance. One patient in the LB group required reoperation for a flexion contracture. Conclusions An increase in acute postoperative pain was found with LB compared with FNB for post–ACL reconstruction pain control. After the acute postoperative period, there were no significant differences in opioid consumption or pain control. The occurrence of nerve irritation postoperatively was found to be higher in the FNB group. Level of Evidence Level I, prospective randomized trial.
A structured approach for ITS architecture representation and evaluation

This paper presents a structured approach for developing and representing an intelligent transportation systems (ITS) architecture. Four architecture elements are depicted: logical architecture; physical architecture; market packages; and evaluatory design. Each of these elements is important in understanding the architecture. This paper also outlines the evaluation process, and relates how the architecture elements are used in the process.
Tuning the Photophysics and Reverse Saturable Absorption of Heteroleptic Cationic Iridium(III) Complexes via Substituents on the 6,6′-Bis(fluoren-2-yl)-2,2′-biquinoline Ligand

To understand the effects of the terminal substituent at the diimine ligand on the photophysics of heteroleptic cationic Ir(III) complexes and to obtain Ir(III) complexes with extended ground-state absorption to the near-IR region while retaining the long-lived and broadly absorbing triplet excited state, we synthesized three heteroleptic cationic iridium(III) complexes bearing cyclometalating 1-phenylisoquinoline (C^N) ligands and substituted 6,6′-bis(7-R-fluoren-2-yl)-2,2′-biquinoline (N^N) ligand (R = H, NO2, or NPh2). The photophysics of these complexes was systematically investigated via spectroscopic methods and time-dependent density functional theory. All complexes possess strong ligand-localized 1π,π* transitions mixed with ligand-to-ligand charge transfer (1LLCT)/metal-to-ligand charge transfer (1MLCT) transitions below 400 nm, and a broad and featureless absorption band above 400 nm that arises from the N^N ligand-localized 1π,π*/1ILCT (intraligand charge transfer) transitions as well as the ve...
Naught for your comfort

In case it makes your British readers feel better, I can confirm that the physics teacher situation in France is identical to that of the UK: shortage. It is getting so bad over here that the number of applicants to the CAPES (Certificat d'Aptitude Professionnelle a l'Enseignement Secondaire) in physics is barely higher than the number of vacancies. Teacher shortage is so acute that it was said to be the main reason behind suppression of physics courses in the sixth and seventh grades. Identical causes leading to identical consequences – the level of physics teachers has been going steadily down and CAPES admittance is now set at marks that would spell "flunk" in any other exam.
Paradigms and Paradoxes Are Acyl Azides Resonance Stabilized

By means of the generic isodesmic reaction C6H5COX + RCH3 → C6H5COCH3 + RX, the phenyl/vinyl thermochemical equivalence, and an experimental determination of the enthalpy of the Curtius rearrangement of acryloyl azide, the resonance energy of acyl azides was ascertained to be ca. 29 kJ mol−1.
Novel description of the large conductance Ca2+-modulated K+ channel current, BK, during an action potential from suprachiasmatic nucleus neurons

The contribution of the large conductance, Ca2+-modulated, voltage-gated K+ channel current, IBK, to the total current during an action potential (AP) from suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) neurons is described using a novel computational approach. An experimental recording of an SCN AP and the corresponding AP-clamp recording of IBK from the literature were both digitized. The AP data set was applied computationally to a kinetic model of IBK that was based on results from a clone of the BK channel α subunit heterologolously expressed in Xenopus oocytes. The IBK model result during an AP was compared with the AP-clamp recording of IBK The comparison suggests that a change in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration does not have an immediate effect on BK channel kinetics. Rather, a delay of a few milliseconds may occur prior to the full effect of a change in Cai2+ As shown elsewhere, the β2 subunit of the BK channel in the SCN, which is present in the daytime along with the α subunit, shifts the BK channel activation curve leftward on the voltage axis relative to the activation curve of BK channels comprised of the α subunit alone. That shift may underlie the diurnal changes in electrical activity that occur in the SCN and it may also enhance the delay in the effect of a change in Cai2+ on BK kinetics reported here. The implication of these results for models of the AP for neurons in which BK channels are present is that an additional time dependent process may be required in the models, a process that describes the time dependence of the development of a change in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration on BK channel gating.
Determination of Thermodynamic Properties from the Experimental p-V-T Relationships

The engineering applications of classical thermodynamics have grown steadily over the years. Today the need for thermodynamic properties in science and industry is greater than ever before in history. Further, their needs are continually changing to include properties of a greater variety, at pressures and temperatures of an increasing range and with accuracies that tax the state of the art. In recent years these needs have been accelerated by the tremendous worldwide effort in the field of space exploration.
Enhanced optical coupling and Raman scattering via microscopic interface engineering

Spontaneous Raman scattering is an extremely powerful tool for the remote detection and identification of various chemical materials. However, when those materials are contained within strongly scattering or turbid media, as is the case in many biological and security related systems, the sensitivity and range of Raman signal generation and detection is severely limited. Here, we demonstrate that through microscopic engineering of the optical interface, the optical coupling of light into a turbid material can be substantially enhanced. This improved coupling facilitates the enhancement of the Raman scattering signal generated by molecules within the medium. In particular, we detect at least two-orders of magnitude more spontaneous Raman scattering from a sample when the pump laser light is focused into a microscopic hole in the surface of the sample. Because this approach enhances both the interaction time and interaction region of the laser light within the material, its use will greatly improve the rang...
Author Correction: Clinical chameleons: an emergency medicine focused review of carbon monoxide poisoning

In the original publication, first author's name was incorrectly published as 'Patrick Chow Yuen Ng' instead of 'Patrick Chow Ng'.
Modifying prejudice: Attitude change as a function of the race of the communicator

feelings toward him can impede or increase his persuasiveness. Hovland and coauthors have briefly but adequately outlined the relationship of these feelings toward the communicator as follows: We shall assume that . .. various effects of the communicator are mediated by attitudes toward him which are held by members of the audience. Any number of different attitudes may underlie the influence exerted by a given communicator. Some may have to do with feelings of affection and admiration, and stem in part from desires to be like him. Others may involve awe and fear of the communicator, based on perceptions of his power to reward or punish according to one's adherence to his recommendations or demands. Still other important attitudes are those of trust and confidence. These are related to perceptions of the communicator's credibility, including beliefs about his knowledge, intelligence, and sincerity (6).
Is myosin a "back door" enzyme?

ATP has been modeled into the active site of chicken skeletal myosin subfragment-1 using the adenylate kinase.Ap5A structure as a starting reference. The resulting docked ATP.S1 structure is justified in that it rationalizes the photolabeling data from several ATP analogs. The gamma-phosphate of ATP sits at the bottom of the active site pocket and is partially visible via a view along the prominent 50-kDa cleft of S1 but not when viewed from above the active site. It is postulated that actin binding promotes the movement of the P-loop and Arg-245 to allow Pi from ATP to leave via a "back-door" in the 50-kDa fragment while ADP is still bound at the active site. Such a mechanism can explain a number of experimental observations, including the kinetics of ATP hydrolysis, the nucleotide dependence of Pi exchange into ATP, and the formation of stable myosin.ADP.vanadate complexes in muscle fibers.
PROTEIN AND AMINO ACID CATABOLISM

This chapter discusses protein and amino acid catabolism. In the natural habitat of microorganisms, proteolysis is an important process that produces amino acids to be used for energy and for bio-synthetic purposes. Many genera of bacteria are capable of forming proteolytic enzymes but the Gram positive sporeformers are especially prone to produce these enzymes. Bacterial proteinases are frequently excreted into the environment and their formation is repressed by high levels of amino acids in the medium. It is true of proteinases in general that they are more active against denatured proteins than against the native proteins. Several bacterial proteinases have been purified and many have been crystallized from the culture filtrate. The alkaline proteinase of Bacillus subtilis , subtilisin, was originally crystallized by Guntelberg and Ottesen (1952), and has been well characterized at present. The active site of subtilisin was identified by Sanger and Shaw (1960) as a serine residue, as is the case with several proteinases of animal origin, and certain other hydrolytic enzymes. The method used to identify the active site takes advantage of the fact that certain hydrolytic enzymes including proteinases become inactivated after one equivalent of diisopropylphosphofluoridate reacts with the enzyme.
Variation in Mobility and Anatomical Responses in the Late Pleistocene

Diachronic changes in European Late Pleistocene humans indicate anatomical changes in the lower limb associated with decreased mobility. A more global perspective suggests that similar trends toward reduced mobility occurred simultaneously in other parts of the Old World, but Late Pleistocene populations in non-European regions demonstrate significant variation in femoral and tibial cross-sectional geometric properties that are inconsistent with behavioral interpretations.
National Trends and Long-term Outcomes of Liver Transplant for Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease in the United States.

Importance Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) has emerged as the most common indication for liver transplant in the United States, but data on the reasons for this increase and long-term post-liver transplant outcomes among liver transplant recipients are sparse. Objective To characterize trends and long-term outcomes of liver transplant for ALD in the United States between 2002 and 2016. Design, Setting, and Participants This multicenter, prospective, national cohort study used data from the United Network for Organ Sharing database to evaluate all liver transplants performed in the United States between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2016. Main Outcomes and Measures National and regional trends in liver transplant for ALD, with a sensitivity analysis with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) included, and early (≤90 days after liver transplant) and late (>90 days after liver transplant) patient and graft survival. Results The cohort consisted of 32 913 patients, including 9438 with ALD and 23 475 without ALD (patients who had HCV infection and HCC indications were excluded). Median age of patients with ALD was 54 years (interquartile range, 47-60 years) and of patients without ALD was 54 years (interquartile range, 44-61 years). Patients with ALD (vs non-ALD) were more frequently male (7197 of 9438 [76.2%] vs 11 767 of 23 475 [50.1%];P Conclusions and Relevance The findings suggest that early liver transplant for alcoholic hepatitis may be leading to broader acceptance of ALD for liver transplant. Late survival among liver transplant recipients with ALD was inferior to that among recipients with non-ALD indications, suggesting a need for future studies to identify patient profiles associated with best outcomes. Regional differences suggest heterogeneity in policies toward liver transplant for ALD.
Economic analysis of wet waste-to-energy resources in the United States

Abstract Waste-to-energy (WTE) technologies provide opportunities to use waste materials beneficially in producing power, transportation fuels, and chemicals. Using a suite of economic models, this study estimates prices of four WTE resources: food waste; fats, oils, and greases (FOG); animal manure; and sewage sludge. Some of these materials are commoditized (e.g. FOG) thus their price is determined by market demand. For the materials regarded as waste, the study relates price to the avoided cost of disposal through waste management alternatives such as landfilling. This study finds that significant amounts of these feedstocks could be available at negative prices, meaning that a potential bioenergy facility could receive these materials for free or be paid to accept them in some locations. It is estimated that about 61% of sewage sludge, 27% of manure, and 7% of food waste may be available at negative prices. These negative price feedstocks are not uniformly distributed and are most likely to occur in areas with organic waste disposal bans, high population densities, and high landfill tipping fees. This study intends to open an initial discussion into how stakeholders view and value these materials, and how this view is evolving as their potential as WTE feedstocks is realized.
Development of an early grade relational reasoning subtask: collecting validity evidence on technical adequacy and reliability

Numeric relational reasoning is a foundational mathematical idea for young children and is predictive of future success in mathematics. However, no readily available assessments exist that fully assess relational reasoning in young children. RTI International developed a Relational Reasoning subtask for potential inclusion on the Early Grade Mathematics Assessment (EGMA). Numeric relational reasoning items were developed to focus on equivalence, decomposition, and multiplicative thinking, and both symbolic and visual item formats were utilized. The items developed for the EGMA Relational Reasoning subtask were pilot tested with 1486 students in Grades 2–3. This paper details the characteristics of the Relational Reasoning items developed and validity evidence that was collected to support an assumption about technical adequacy and reliability on an interpretation-use argument.
Steroid variability in pediatric inpatient asthmatics: survey on provider preferences of dexamethasone versus prednisone

Objective: Our hospital’s pediatric Emergency Department (ED) began using dexamethasone for treating asthma exacerbations after ED studies showed non-inferiority of dexamethasone compared to predni...
Acute Triceps Tendon Repair: A Technique Utilizing 3 Curved Tunnels and Proximal Knots.

Abstract Although triceps tendon tears are less common than other tendon tears, complete ruptures require surgical repair to restore the strength of the extensor mechanism of the elbow. There are several described techniques for repair using both transosseous tunnels and suture anchors. Current techniques often result in large suture knots over the dorsal ulna under thin subcutaneous tissue, which can be irritating for patients. Knotless techniques require costly suture anchors. In this technical note, we describe a novel transosseous 3-tunnel technique with proximal suture knots to lessen the potential for postoperative pain.
Optical constants of titanium-doped gallium oxide thin films

Abstract This study explores the effect of titanium (Ti) doping on the optical constants of nanocrystalline gallium oxide (Ga2O3) films (GTO). Co-sputtering of the Ga2O3 and Ti targets with a variable sputtering power to Ti allowed the fabrication of GTO films with a variable Ti-content from 0 to ∼5 at%. The optical constants, namely index of refraction (n) and extinction coefficient (k), and their dispersion profiles determined indicate that the n profiles are sensitive the Ti content while all the GTO films were transparent. The n values at 632 nm varies in the range of 1.78–1.84 due to gradual increase of Ti concentration from 0 to 5%. Lorentz-Lorenz analysis of the optical constants data indicates the gradual improvement in the packing density coupled with structural transformation accounts for the observed optical quality of the Ti-doped Ga2O3 films as a function of Ti concentration. A correlation between the material composition, Ti concentration and optical constants is discussed.
Whom to hire and how to coach them: a longitudinal analysis of newly hired salesperson performance

Salesperson hiring decisions are critical for firms, and managers typically accept one of two viewpoints regarding optimal hiring strategies. The first asserts that prior sales experience allows ne...
Cancer Detection by Magnetic Resonance Imaging

The absolute accuracy of CT, MR, or other imaging techniques for the detection of hepatic metastases is difficult to determine (1–2). However, for the clinical task of screening cancer patients at risk for hepatic metastases, CT clearly outperforms scintigraphy and sonography and is the accepted “Gold” standard. Unfortunately, recent data from several centers suggest that the sensitivity (true positive fraction, TPF) of contrast- enhanced CT for detecting individual hepatic lesions is only 34–37%, and the sensitivity for identifying patients with one or more lesions is only 73–74% (1–2). Indeed, the false negative rates for CT account for most of the unexpected late cancer deaths in patients who have previously undergone “curative” excision of primary cancers.
Mass Spectrometry Investigation into the Oxidative Degradation of Poly(ethylene glycol)

Abstract Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is an inexpensive, commercially available polymer that has many biomedical and material applications. Due to its water-solubility and biocompatibility, it has been used in drug conjugation, as a humectant, as an anti-foaming agent in food, and as a stabilizer for preservation of antique wooden objects. Despite the robust applications of PEG, the products of oxidative degradation are not fully understood. Using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), the end groups of PEG oxidative degradation products can be proposed. Confirmation of the proposed end groups can be corroborated via selective functionalization reactions as well as electrospray ionization (ESI) tandem mass spectrometry (MS2). Furthermore, the oxidative degradation mechanism of PEG is described here by examining the degradative products using these aforementioned techniques. These findings suggest consistent oxidative behavior for both narrowly dispersed and monodisperse PEG. However, examination of monodisperse PEG allowed for the elucidation of certain degradation behavior due to the presence of a single starting peak, rather than a distribution of peaks, as found in narrowly dispersed PEG. These results demonstrate that MALDI-TOF MS, ESI MS2, and selective functionalization reactions can be applied to the elucidation of polymer end groups and aid in identifying degradation mechanisms.
Communicating with Youth about Pain: Developmental Considerations.

Background: Pain experiences can negatively impact children and adolescents, leading to trauma symptoms and nonadherence to important health behaviors. Developmentally-tailored communication strategies may mitigate this risk. Methods: This article reviews cognitive and linguistic developmental factors, within the familial and cultural context, that are important to consider when communicating with youth about acute, procedural, and/or chronic pain. Results: Youth undergoing acute or procedural pain benefit from pain education, truthful information about the procedure, and advance preparation. The use of analogies may be particularly helpful for patient understanding of chronic pain development, maintenance, and treatment. Youth with developmental disabilities may express pain differently than their normative peers, requiring adaptation of communication strategies. Conclusion: Developmentally-tailored pain communication is an important tool for caregivers and healthcare providers that may foster adaptive functioning in youth who experience pain.
Extended microprestress-solidification theory for long-term creep with diffusion size effect in concrete at variable environment

AbstractThe solidification theory has been accepted as a thermodynamically sound way to describe creep reduction due to deposition of hydrated material in the pores of concrete. The concept of self...
Cancel Culture, Breach of Fiduciary Responsibility & Shareholder Lawsuits

This paper discusses the cancel culture and focuses on the moral and legal implications of engaging in activities that reduce corporate profits. Top management that engages in the cancel culture might be opening themselves up to shareholder lawsuits for breach of fiduciary duty.
Long-segment posterior cervical decompression and fusion: does caudal level affect revision rate?

OBJECTIVE Posterior cervical decompression and fusion (PCDF) is a commonly performed procedure to address cervical myelopathy. A significant number of these patients require revision surgery for adjacent-segment disease (ASD) or pseudarthrosis. Currently, there is no consensus among spine surgeons on the inclusion of proximal thoracic spine instrumentation. This study investigates the benefits of thoracic extension in long-segment cervical fusions and the potential drawbacks. The authors compare outcomes in long-segment subaxial cervical fusion for degenerative cervical myelopathy with caudal vertebral levels of C6, C7, and T1. METHODS A retrospective analysis identified 369 patients who underwent PCDF. Patients were grouped by caudal fusion level. Reoperation rates for ASD and pseudarthrosis, infection, and blood loss were examined. Data were analyzed with chi-square, 1-way ANOVA, and logistic regression. RESULTS The total reoperation rate for symptomatic pseudarthrosis or ASD was 4.8%. Reoperation rates, although not significant, were lower in the C3-6 group (2.6%, vs 8.3% for C3-7 and 3.8% for C3-T1; p = 0.129). Similarly, rates of infection were lower in the shorter-segment fusion without achieving statistical significance (2.6% for C3-6, vs 5.6% for C3-7 and 5.5% for C3-T1; p = 0.573). The mean blood loss was documented as 104, 125, and 224 mL for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Given the lack of statistical difference in reoperation rates for long-segment cervical fusions ending at C6, C7, or T1, shorter fusions in high-risk surgical candidates or elderly patients may be performed without higher rates of reoperation.
Stem Cell-Derived Cranial and Spinal Motor Neurons Reveal Proteostatic Differences between ALS Resistant and Sensitive Motor Neurons

In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) spinal motor neurons (SpMN) progressively degenerate while a subset of cranial motor neurons (CrMN) are spared until late stages of the disease. Using a rapid and efficient protocol to differentiate mouse embryonic stem cells (ESC) to SpMNs and CrMNs, we now report that ESC-derived CrMNs accumulate less human superoxide dismutase 1 (hSOD1) and insoluble p62 than SpMNs over time. ESC-derived CrMNs rely more on the ubiquitin proteasome system to degrade misfolded proteins and are intrinsically more resistant to chemically-induced proteostatic stress than SpMNs. Moreover, chemical activation of the proteasome rescues the SpMN sensitivity to proteostatic stress. Confirming the in vitro observations, ALS-resistant CrMNs accumulate less insoluble hSOD1 and p62-containing inclusions than SpMNs in the hSOD1 G93A mouse model. Primary ALS-resistant CrMNs are also more resistant than SpMNs to proteostatic stress. Together, these results establish an ESC-based platform to study differential ALS vulnerability and identify the greater capacity to maintain a healthier proteome, a possible mechanism to resist ALS-induced neurodegeneration.
Surgical Management of Glaucoma Secondary to Bilateral Acute Iris Transillumination: A Role for Gonioscopy-assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy

Purpose: We report a case of bilateral acute iris transillumination (BAIT) in a young woman associated with ocular hypertension which eventually progressed to glaucoma that was treated with gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculectomy (GATT). Case Report: A 37-year-old otherwise healthy female presented with intermittently red and inflamed eyes and blurred vision. She was treated with oral moxifloxacin months prior to presentation. Iris transillumination defects, a pigmented anterior chamber reaction, the absence of keratic precipitates, and a history of upper respiratory infection treated with an oral fluoroquinolone prompted the diagnosis of BAIT. Intraocular pressure (IOP) remained uncontrolled on multiple glaucoma medications. Following the development of new visual field defects, indicating progression to glaucoma, GATT with cataract extraction was performed. Conclusion: Although surgical intervention is rare with BAIT, our case demonstrates that GATT may be used effectively in those patients needing better IOP control before considering incisional glaucoma surgery.
Principles of susceptibility-weighted MRI

Abstract Heterogeneous magnetic susceptibility effects between various tissues (gray matter, white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, for example) give rise to local variations in the phase of gradient-echo images that form the basis of phase contrast and susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI). The post-processed SWI images offer a unique contrast based on the tissue susceptibility, which, in turn, depends on the composition and microstructure of the tissue. In this chapter, we discuss the fundamentals of phase, its use to create SWI, data acquisition considerations, data processing steps, pitfalls of using SWI data, and newer imaging and post-processing techniques that can help both speed up data acquisition and improve visualizing the unique susceptibility-based contrast inherent in human tissue. We further extend our discussion into the area of quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM). QSM provides a means to quantify tissue susceptibility changes that occur in diseases that affect local iron content, such as Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-1 regulates activation of AP-1 by DNA damage

808 PARP-1 catalytic activity is stimulated by variety of genotoxic agents and ionizing radiation. Accordingly, PARP-1 has been regarded as a component of cellular responses to genotoxic stress, albeit its function was attributed exclusively to DNA damage repair. Recent studies, including data from our laboratory (1-3), have also implicated PARP-1 in the regulation of physiological gene expression and in transcriptional response to various pathophysiological stimuli (reviewed in Soldatenkov and Potaman, Current Drug Targets, 2004). Here we investigated the PARP-1 function in the activation of nuclear transcription factors, such as activator protein-1 (AP-1), which participates in adaptive responses of genome to various oxidant and toxic stimuli. In PARP-1 expressing cells radiation-induced DNA damage resulted in strong stimulation of the PARP-1 catalytic activity which was abrogated by pre-treatment of cells with the EB-47 or DPQ, specific and potent inhibitors of the reaction of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation. We found that although PARP-1 (+/+) cells were capable of responding to genotoxic insult by activating the AP-1 pathway, PARP-1 deficient cells evidently lose their ability to activate AP-1 in response to DNA damage. Genetic inhibition of PARP-1 resulted in delayed activation of Jun B, Jun D and c-Jun, and dramatically diminished DNA-binding activity of Fos family proteins. Furthermore, using a real-time PCR we show that PARP-1 proficient cells exposed to DNA-damaging treatment exhibit early and marked induction of the AP-1 components, and that stimulation of AP-1 expression by DNA damage was dramatically attenuated in cells with PARP-1 null genetic background. Reduced activation of AP-1 transcription factors as part of faulty induction of stress-inducible cytoprotective genes may provide an explanation for enhanced susceptibility of PARP-1 deficient cells to genotoxic stimuli. This work was supported in part by grant CA74175 from the National Cancer Institute. (1) J. Biol. Chem. 2002, 277: 665; (2) J. Biol. Chem. 2005, 280: 17076; (3) J. Mol. Biol. 2005, 348: 609.
Long optical path length thin-layer spectroelectrochemistry: Quantitation and potential dependence of electroinactive species absorbed on platinum

Abstract Several electrochemically inactive, heterocyclic aromatics adsorbed from an aqueous solution onto a smooth clean Pt electrode have been quantitated via long optical path length thin-layer spectroelectrochemistry. The adsorption of these aromatics has been found to be irreversible and potential-independent in the Pt rest potential region. At more positive potentials, where the Pt surface is fully covered by adsorbed oxygen, adsorption does not occur. At more negative potentials, where the Pt surface becomes fully covered by adsorbed hydrogen, the adsorption can still occur by displacement of the preadsorbed hydrogen, although a small amount of adsorbed hydrogen can coexist. The adsorbed aromatics can be partially oxidized at potentials at which PtO is formed. The molecular orientation on the Pt surface can be inferred from the quantity of adsorbed molecules per surface area.
Planejador de Rota baseado na Geometria de Manhattan

Este artigo descreve um sistema de geracao de rota para um robo diferencial baseado na heuristica da geometria de Manhattan. Os resultados experimentais demonstraram que a proposta e viavel e pode ser utilizada em robos diferenciais com restricoes de movimento e sensoriamento.
Inflation, growth and wage policy: A Brazilian perspective

Abstract A growth inflation model based on recent Brazilian experience is developed. The paper focuses on Brazilian compulsory wage policy in order to analyse current stabilization policy issues. In this context, it is argued that orthodox stabilization policies — as exemplified by an autonomous reduction in the rate of monetary growth — implies both a temporary and a permanent decrease in output growth, if the wage formula as in Brazil provides for lagged price indexation. The idea of promoting stabilization through full wage indexation is also examined.
Autonomous Driving - A Practical Roadmap

Successful demonstrations of fully autonomous vehicle operation in controlled situations are leading to increased research investment and activity. This has already resulted in significant advancements in the underlying technologies necessary to make it a practical reality someday. Not only are these idealized events sparking imaginations with the potential benefits for safety, convenience, fuel economy and emissions, they also embolden some to make somewhat surprising and sometimes astonishing projections for their appearance on public roads in the near future. Are we now ready for a giant leap forward to the self-driving car with all its complexity and inter-dependencies? Humans will need to grow with and adapt to the technological advancements of the machine and we'll deeply challenge our social and political paradigms before we're done. Even if we as engineers are ready, is the driving public ready? Putting a man on the moon was achieved through a series of logical extensions of what mankind knew, with necessity driving a search for technical solutions in the usual as well as unusual places, much as the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency did with their Grand Challenges. This paper addresses the autonomous vehicle vision in terms of the current state and some of the practical obstacles to be overcome, and proposes a possible roadmap for the major technology developments, new collaborative relationships, and feature implementation progression for achieving those ambitions.
An introduction to genetic algorithms

A genetic algorithm is one of a class of algorithms that searches a solution space for the optimal solution to a problem. This search is done in a fashion that mimics the operation of evolution - a "population" of possible solutions is formed, and new solutions are formed by "breeding" the best solutions from the population's members to form a new generation. The population evolves for many generations; when the algorithm finishes the best solution is returned. Genetic algorithms are particularly useful for problems where it is extremely difficult or impossible to get an exact solution, or for difficult problems where an exact solution may not be required. They offer an interesting alternative to the typical algorithmic solution methods, and are highly customizable, which make them an interesting challenge for students.
Connectivity cluster analysis for discovering discriminative subnetworks in schizophrenia

In this manuscript, we present connectivity cluster analysis (CoCA), a novel computational framework that takes advantage of structure of the brain networks to magnify reproducible signals and quash noise. Resting state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) data that is used in estimating functional brain networks is often noisy, leading to reduced power and inconsistent findings across independent studies. There is a need for techniques that can unearth signals in noisy datasets, while addressing redundancy in the functional connections that are used for testing association. CoCA is a data driven approach that addresses the problems of redundancy and noise by first finding groups of region pairs that behave in a cohesive way across the subjects. These cohesive sets of functional connections are further tested for association with the disease. CoCA is applied in the context of patients with schizophrenia, a disorder characterized as a disconnectivity syndrome. Our results suggest that CoCA can find reproducible sets of functional connections that behave cohesively. Applying this technique, we found that the connectivity clusters joining thalamus to parietal, temporal, and visuoparietal regions are highly discriminative of schizophrenia patients as well as reproducible using retest data and replicable in an independent confirmatory sample.
Illustrated Keys to the Scarabaeinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) of Maryland

Abstract This paper provides illustrated taxonomic keys for the identification of Maryland dung beetles. Twenty-one species are recognized from 5 tribes, including 7 genera. Keys are supported by 37 figures, including 7 habitus illustrations.
The use of telehealth system in improving adherence to nebulised treatment in children with cystic fibrosis: Benefits and pitfalls

Background : Adherence to treatment among Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients is variable. Strategies to improve adherence via feedback to patients in home setting are being developed. Aim : To determine whether telehealth system (I-neb Insight Online), ± prompts/feedback from physiotherapists, improves adherence to nebulised treatment Method :Consenting CF patients (aged 6 -17 years) were set up to use Insight Online for self-monitoring adherence from home. Patients9 baseline adherence data was recorded. Patients were asked to upload data from their I-neb 2-weekly. Over a 2-month(m) period, if uploads were not done, patients/parents were prompted by physiotherapists at regular intervals, who reviewed uploaded data and fedback to patients. Results : 28 CF patients recruited are divided into 3 groups, those who (1) independently uploaded(n=3); (2) uploaded with prompts(n=10); (3) failed to upload despite prompts(n=15). With baseline adherence ≥85%(median100%), Group 1 maintained their adherence over 2m period. The median [IQR] baseline adherence of Group 2 and Group 3 were 38% [18-51%] and 71% [54-72.5%] respectively(p=0.03). Over a 2m period, Group 2 increased their adherence by median [IQR] of 111% [33-181%] while Group 3 showed median [IQR] change 7%[-3-16%] on I-neb downloads (p=0.025). Conclusion : Using Insight Online is effective in improving adherence in patients, who engaged with regular uploads. Feedback from physiotherapists may also have a role in improving adherence. However >50% of patients failed to upload regularly. Identifying practical barriers and characterising patients who would benefit from telehealth system, helps to best direct resources.
Very Late Antigen-4 (α4β1 Integrin) Targeted PET Imaging of Multiple Myeloma

Biomedical imaging techniques such as skeletal survey and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)/Positron Emission Tomography (PET) are frequently used to diagnose and stage multiple myeloma (MM) patients. However, skeletal survey has limited sensitivity as it can detect osteolytic lesions only after 30–50% cortical bone destruction, and FDG is a marker of cell metabolism that has limited sensitivity for intramedullary lesions in MM. Targeted, and non-invasive novel probes are needed to sensitively and selectively image the unique molecular signatures and cellular processes associated with MM. Very late antigen-4 (VLA-4; also called α4β1 integrin) is over-expressed on MM cells, and is one of the key mediators of myeloma cell adhesion to the bone marrow (BM) that promotes MM cell trafficking and drug resistance. Here we describe a proof-of-principle, novel molecular imaging strategy for MM tumors using a VLA-4 targeted PET radiopharmaceutical, 64Cu-CB-TE1A1P-LLP2A. Cell uptake studies in a VLA-4-positive murine MM cell line, 5TGM1, demonstrated receptor specific uptake (P<0.0001, block vs. non-block). Tissue biodistribution at 2 h of 64Cu-CB-TE1A1P-LLP2A in 5TGM1 tumor bearing syngeneic KaLwRij mice demonstrated high radiotracer uptake in the tumor (12±4.5%ID/g), and in the VLA-4 rich organs, spleen (8.8±1.0%ID/g) and marrow (11.6±2.0%ID/g). Small animal PET/CT imaging with 64Cu-CB-TE1A1P-LLP2A demonstrated high uptake in the 5TGM1 tumors (SUV 6.6±1.1). There was a 3-fold reduction in the in vivo tumor uptake in the presence of blocking agent (2.3±0.4). Additionally, 64Cu-CB-TE1A1P-LLP2A demonstrated high binding to the human MM cell line RPMI-8226 that was significantly reduced in the presence of the cold targeting agent. These results provide pre-clinical evidence that VLA-4-targeted imaging using 64Cu-CB-TE1A1P-LLP2A is a novel approach to imaging MM tumors.
Regulation of endosomal clathrin and retromer‐mediated endosome to Golgi retrograde transport by the J‐domain protein RME‐8

After endocytosis, most cargo enters the pleiomorphic early endosomes in which sorting occurs. As endosomes mature, transmembrane cargo can be sequestered into inwardly budding vesicles for degradation, or can exit the endosome in membrane tubules for recycling to the plasma membrane, the recycling endosome, or the Golgi apparatus. Endosome to Golgi transport requires the retromer complex. Without retromer, recycling cargo such as the MIG-14/Wntless protein aberrantly enters the degradative pathway and is depleted from the Golgi. Endosome-associated clathrin also affects the recycling of retrograde cargo and has been shown to function in the formation of endosomal subdomains. Here, we find that the Caemorhabditis elegans endosomal J-domain protein RME-8 associates with the retromer component SNX-1. Loss of SNX-1, RME-8, or the clathrin chaperone Hsc70/HSP-1 leads to over-accumulation of endosomal clathrin, reduced clathrin dynamics, and missorting of MIG-14 to the lysosome. Our results indicate a mechanism, whereby retromer can regulate endosomal clathrin dynamics through RME-8 and Hsc70, promoting the sorting of recycling cargo into the retrograde pathway.
10-Vertex closo-Boranes as Potential π Linkers for Electronic Materials

A relatively high degree of electronic communication between 10-vertex closo-decaboranes and π-substituents at the apical positions is demonstrated using structural and spectroscopic data and quantum-mechanical calculations.
Cushioning properties of convoluted foam

Convoluted polyurethane foam was tested for its cushioning ability in controlled drop tests using a cushion tester. The purpose of the tests was to relate the peak acceleration transmitted to the falling weight to key geometric features of the cushion, such as base thickness and area, along with finger height and spacing. It was found that the fingers had the effect of reducing the impact velocity in a predictable manner, allowing the convoluted cushion to be treated as a block design so that published cushion curves for the same material could be used to obtain the peak acceleration. In effect, convoluted foam behaves like a block cushion of the size of its own base in a drop from a reduced height, the reduction being several times the finger height. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do present levels of air pollution outdoors affect respiratory health

A sensitive lung function test does not show differences due to air pollution between lifetime residents in a rural area and those in a small industrial town in Connecticut. Also, there is no evidence that higher air pollutant concentrations elsewhere have any marked effects on the lungs. Severe pollution is dangerous and must be avoided, but at present, air pollution control outdoors does not deserve priority as a means of preventing chronic lung diseases.
A NUMERICAL AND GRAPHICAL APPROACH TO TAYLOR POLYNOMIALS USING AN ELECTRONIC SPREADSHEET

ABSTRACT An instructional method using an electronic spreadsheet to introduce Taylor polynomials to first year calculus students is given. The method presents the fundamentals of Taylor polynomials both numerically and graphically to enhance basic understanding of this calculus technique. An example of the demonstration using the cosine function is shown, including the spreadsheet construction and samples of the graphics presented.
Distribution of Tropical Tropospheric Water Vapor

Utilizing a conceptual model for tropical convection and observational data for water vapor, the maintenance of the vertical distribution of the tropical tropospheric water vapor is discussed. While deep convection induces large-scale subsidence that constrains the turbulent downgradient mixing to within the convective boundary layer and effectively dries the troposphere through downward advection, it also pumps hydrometeors into the upper troposphere, whose subsequent evaporation appears to be the major source of moisture for the large-scale subsiding motion. The development of upper-level clouds and precipitation from these clouds may also act to dry the outflow, thus explaining the low relative humidity near the tropopause. A one-dimensional model is developed to simulate the mean vertical structure of water vapor in the tropical troposphere. It is also shown that the horizontal variation of water vapor in the tropical troposphere above the trade-wind boundary layer can be explained by the variation of a moisture source that is proportional to the amount of upper-level clouds. Implications for the nature of water vapor feedback in global warming are discussed.
Biological system dynamics: from personal discovery to universal application

Many biomedical problems, including diabetes, hypertension, and drug tolerance, are fundamentally problems of biological control systems. Computer modeling and simulation constitute an effective to...
An Empirical Investigation of Variance Design Parameters for Planning Cluster-Randomized Trials of Science Achievement

Background:Prior research has focused primarily on empirically estimating design parameters for cluster-randomized trials (CRTs) of mathematics and reading achievement. Little is known about how design parameters compare across other educational outcomes.Objectives:This article presents empirical estimates of design parameters that can be used to appropriately power CRTs in science education and compares them to estimates using mathematics and reading.Research Design:Estimates of intraclass correlations (ICCs) are computed for unconditional two-level (students in schools) and three-level (students in schools in districts) hierarchical linear models of science achievement. Relevant student- and school-level pretest and demographic covariates are then considered, and estimates of variance explained are computed. Subjects: Five consecutive years of Texas student-level data for Grades 5, 8, 10, and 11.Measures:Science, mathematics, and reading achievement raw scores as measured by the Texas Assessment of Know...