cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Eczema craquelé associated with nephrotic syndrome

Eczema craquele, also referred to as asteatotic eczema, is characterized by intersecting superficial fissures of the skin that lead to a distinctive “dried river bed” or “crazy-paving” appearance. It most commonly affects the distal lower extremities of older individuals during cold winter months and develops within a background of xerosis. Occasionally, eczema craquele is a reflection of an underlying malignancy (eg, lymphoma, leukemia, solid organ tumors),1, 2, 3 malnutrition (eg, anorexia nervosa),4, 5 decreased sweat gland activity (eg, chronic graft-versus-host-disease, Sjogren's syndrome, hypoesthetic skin),6, 7, 8 or the use of a systemic medication (eg, retinoids). The possibility of a secondary association should be considered when there are atypical features (eg, developing in an adolescent) or in unusual sites (eg, upper back, abdomen). In this article, we report the appearance of eczema craquele in a young woman with anasarca caused by hypoalbuminemia and review the disorders that can have eczema craquele as a dermatologic finding.
Two-Level Computation

We have developed an extensive theory for construction of basis functions over algebraic elements. The fundamental theorem of Noether and associated algebraic geometry concepts were invaluable in the analysis. It was demonstrated that by appropriate choice of nodes any prescribed degree basis can be constructed for any well-set algebraic element. Practical guidelines were presented for numerical quadrature over elements. The analysis is of interest for its mathematical content and for its resolution of questions of existence and uniqueness of rational basis functions for continuous patchwork approximation over algebraically reticulated regions. The practical utility of this development has yet to be demonstrated.
N/O abundances in planetary nebulae from far-infrared line observations.

Measurements of the [0 III] 52, 88 μm and [N III] 57 μm finestructure emission lines have been obtained for nine planetary nebulae, using the facility far-infrared array spectrometer on NASA’s Kuiper Airborne Observatory. The N++ /0++ ratios determined from these observations range by more than an order of magnitude among the sample. Using recent improved values for the atomic parameters, we find that the N++/0++ ratios agree fairly well with values of N+/0+ determined from optical lines in the same objects. The highest N++/0++ values, found for the extreme “Type I” nebulae NGC 2440 and NGC 6302, are approximately unity. These results imply that the synthesis and mixing of nitrogen must be extremely efficient in the progenitor stars of some planetary nebulae, and that these nebulae are significant sources of nitrogen to the interstellar medium. The local electron densities derived from the intensity ratios of the two [0 III] lines are generally lower than values in the literature determined from small-beam optical observations of other ions, such as [0 II], This effect can be understood in terms of the presence of clumpy structure in the nebula, since the far-infrared lines have fairly low critical densities for collisional de-excitation and therefore are preferentially emitted from low-density gas.
Expression and Function of the High-Affinity Receptor for IgE in Asthma

Publisher Summary There is a growing body of evidence from both human and animal studies implicating inflammatory mechanisms in the development and maintenance of asthma and airway hyper-responsiveness. However, significant controversy still persists regarding the factor(s) that initiate and prolong this inflammatory reaction. One classical view of the pathogenesis of atopic asthma is that allergens initiate the process by triggering IgE-bearing pulmonary mast cells (MCs) to release mediators such as histamine, leukotrienes, prostaglandins, kinins, platelet-activating factor, etc. In turn, these mediators induce bronchoconstriction and enhance vascular permeability and mucus production. Non-allergic stimuli such as exercise, cold and viral infections can also induce asthma symptoms and asthma can affect patients with no apparent atopy, the so-called 'intrinsic asthma'. These observations suggest that in some cases IgE-independent mechanisms can initiate asthma.
Urban distribution grid topology reconstruction via Lasso

The growing integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) in urban areas raises various reliability issues. To ensure robust distribution grid operation, grid monitoring tools are needed, where the topology reconstruction serves as the first step. However, the topology reconstruction is hard in distribution grid. This is because 1) the branches are difficult and expensive to monitor since most of them are underground in urban areas; and 2) the assumption of radial topology in many studies is inappropriate for meshed urban grids. To address these drawbacks, we propose a new data-driven approach to reconstruct distribution grid topology by utilizing the newly available smart meter data. Specifically, a graphical model is built to model the probabilistic relationships among different voltage measurements. With proof, the topology reconstruction problem is formulated as a regularized linear regression problem (Lasso) to deal with meshed network structures. Simulation results show highly accurate estimation in IEEE standard distribution test systems with and without loops using real smart meter data.
Cough, Cold, and Congestion

The common cold is a benign, self-limited, acute viral infection with associated symptoms of sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, cough, and malaise. It is the most frequent acute illness in the industrialized world. Adults typically have two to three episodes of illness yearly while children can have up to five. The common cold is typically caused by viruses (including rhinovirus, RSV, coronavirus, and others), and often, no infecting organism is detected. Treatment is usually targeted at symptomatic relief. The differential diagnosis for cough, cold, and congestion is broad: ranging from non-emergent causes such as rhinitis to life-threatening illnesses such as pulmonary embolism. Careful assessment is necessary as misidentification can lead to inappropriate discharge of potentially lethal conditions.
Basilar Artery Thrombosis

The main causes of basilar artery occlusion are atherosclerotic stenosis of the basilar artery with superimposed thrombosis and embolism to the basilar artery from the heart, aorta, or a vertebral artery. Some patients have transient ischemia preceding brainstem infarction. The most common signs are weakness of bulbar and limb muscles and abnormalities of eye movements. Outcome is often death or significant disability. Thrombolysis and anticoagulants have been used in some patients with good results, but because the natural history is variable, proof of their efficacy awaits further studies.
El desarrollo del pensamiento crítico y de una conciencia social crítica: metodología y prácticas pedagógicas de un curso de nivel intermedio B1 de ELE

This article describes the methodology and pedagogical practices of an intensive, intermediate B1 Spanish language course in order to highlight the importance of including a critical component in language classes. Moreover, this article seeks to illustrate the ways in which critical thinking and a critical language awareness can be fostered in this type of courses. Based on four pedagogical approaches (critical thinking, critical pedagogy, constructivism and task-based approach), the course Intensive Intermediate Spanish (SPAN 2610) promotes the development of cultural knowledge, critical thinking skills and critical social awareness, in addition to advancing linguistic knowledge. After providing a brief overview of the main pedagogical principles followed during the development of the course, a detailed description of the course objectives, content, organization and methodology is offered. Then, a qualitative analysis of the impact of the methodology and pedagogical principles is presented. The viability and positive impact of this approach is demonstrated in the final projects carried about by the participants ( N = 26), in which they showed the ability to describe and analyze critically different sociocultural issues in the target language. Finally, a series of pedagogical recommendations are offered in order to promote the development of critical thinking skills and a critical social awareness in Spanish as a foreign language classes.
Coal Smoke and Mortality in an Early Industrial Economy

Air pollution was severe in the 19th century, yet its health consequences are often overlooked due to a lack of pollution data. We offer a new approach for inferring local coal use levels based on local industrial structure and industry specific coal use intensity. This allows us to provide the first estimates of the mortality effects of British industrial coal use in 1851-1860. Exploiting wind patterns for identification, we find that a one standard deviation increase in coal use raised infant mortality by 6-8% and that industrial coal use explains roughly one-third of the urban mortality penalty observed during this period. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Human aversion to differentness.

New research suggests links between disliking visual patterns that contain irregularities and disliking people who are different in some way. Now we need to understand better the parameters of this effect, the mechanisms behind it and its developmental origins.
State repression and post-conflict peace failure

AbstractThis paper provides evidence that state repression is a strong predictor of peace failure following civil war. Existing literature fails to examine the possibility that more repressive stat...
Safety Outcomes in Endoscopic Versus Open Repair of Metopic Craniosynostosis.

Background Premature fusion of the metopic suture leads to a range of clinical presentations, with more severe patients presenting characteristically with trigonocephaly. Endoscopic-assisted correction of craniosynostosis is emerging as an alternative to the gold-standard open cranial vault remodeling. While there are several documented benefits of endoscopic correction, the management of craniosynostosis varies widely in the literature with little consensus as to the preferred timing and surgical technique for repair. The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety outcomes of endoscopic versus open surgery at our institution. Methods This retrospective cohort study included all patients diagnosed with metopic craniosynostosis who underwent open or closed surgical management and received at least 6 months of follow-up. Data extraction was performed via chart review and included demographic information and safety outcome variables. Results During the study period, 17 patients who met our inclusion criteria were treated by the multidisciplinary craniofacial team at our institution. Eight patients underwent endoscopic surgery and 9 underwent open surgery. The mean age at surgery was significantly higher in the open surgery group than the endoscopic surgery group (13.7 months versus 2.3 months, respectively). Estimated blood loss, percent estimated blood volume lost, transfusion volume, procedure length, hospital length of stay, and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay were all significantly higher in the open surgery group compared with the endoscopic group. Conclusions In our patient population, endoscopic surgery for metopic craniosynostosis had an improved safety profile versus open surgery based on reduced procedure length, estimated blood loss, volume of blood transfusion, and length of stay in the ICU and hospital.
Myth, Primitive Sign, Poetry: From Cassirer to Heidegger

Cassirer is important in 20th Century philosophy for the attention he gives to the fundamental relationship between myth and language. For Cassirer, myth is a non-subjective form of discourse wherein the origin of language coincides with both the human-divine encounter and the event of being itself. In this article, I trace the disagreement between Cassirer and Heidegger on the nature of the magical (or “primitive”) sign, which is at the heart of mythical discourse. While Heidegger initially argues that this form of sign is structurally impossible on the basis of his accounts of signs and language in Being and Time , he later comes to recognize that he had not properly accounted for its possibility within his phenomenological deduction. I conclude by describing how Heidegger’s notion of poetry eventually comes into alignment with the way Cassirer describes the function of myth and the magical sign.
Consistently Inconsistent: A Review of the Literature on Eating Disorders and Body Image Among Women of Color

Over the last decade, there has been growing recognition that the eating disorders literature has largely omitted the experiences of women of color and instead presumed these to be “golden girl” disorders which only affect White girls and women (Mastria, Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy 19:59–77, 2002; Smolak & Striegel-Moore, In: Striegel-Moore, Smolak (eds) Eating disorders: Innovative directions in research and practice. American Psychological Association, 2001). Though an increasing awareness of the importance of racial and ethnic differences among women has led more researchers to include women of color in their studies, the majority of this work focuses on comparison studies between White women and women of color (with a higher representation of Black women than other racial groups). Comparison studies with White women can obfuscate important aspects of women of color’s experiences and can, inadvertently, render the White female experience as the “norm” by which we compare others. Furthermore, women of color’s experiences tend to be compared to White women’s experiences by applying concepts such as the thin ideal as if they were universal. Very little effort has been made to attempt to understand women of color’s lived experiences of body image and eating issues outside and apart from existing theories validated with White women (Bordo, 2009).
Static object race detection

We present a novel static object race detection analysis. Our analysis is data-centric in the sense that dominance and ownership, as well as object-based reasoning about control, play a crucial role. Our empirical results show that the analysis scales well and has relatively low false-positive rate. In some cases, our analysis outperforms the leading static race detector Chord.
Case 11: Past History of Esophagectomy – Any Concern?

A 55-year-old man (68 kg, height 5 ft 10 in.) is scheduled for extensive dental work under general anesthesia. Two months before, he underwent successfully an Ivor Lewis midesophagus esophagectomy. He can now take multiple small meals and has gained weight. He is otherwise healthy. He has not had anything to eat or drink for 10 h.
Energy Release Rates for Various Defects

It is known that the energy-release rates associated with translation, rotation, and self-similar expansion of cavities or cracks in solids are expressed by path-independent integrals J, L and M, respectively. These integrals are of interest to NDE in that they can be used to characterize nondestructively defects in solids.
About small-power semilinear wave equations

Let us consider semilinear Cauchy problems of the form $$ \left\{ {\begin{array}{*{20}{c}} {\square u = c{{\left| u \right|}^p},}&{\left( {t,x} \right) \in \mathbb{R}_ + ^{1 + n}} \\ {u\left( {0,x} \right) = f\left( x \right),}&{{\partial _t}u\left( {0,x} \right) = g\left( x \right).} \end{array}} \right. $$ (1)
Improvement of post-thaw sperm motility in poor quality human semen*

Objective To find alternative cryopreservation methods to improve the post-thaw fertilizing capacity of poor quality human sperm. Design Controlled clinical study. Setting Fertility clinic of a teaching hospital. Patients Men with poor quality semen samples, i.e., asthenozoospermia ( 6 sperm/mL). Fertile sperm donors were used for comparison. Interventions Semen samples were divided into four aliquots and slowly diluted 1:1 with: [1] n-tris (hydroxymethyl) methyl-2-amino ethane sulfonic acid (TES) and tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane (Tris)-citric acid-egg yolk buffer with 12% glycerol (TEST), [2] TEST + CryoSeeds (Cell Systems, Ltd., Cambridge, UK), [3] TEST + 10 mM dithiothreitol (DTT), or [4] TEST + CryoSeeds + 10 mM DTT. Cryovials were frozen using slow staged cooling and static vapor freeze and stored at —196°C. Main Outcome Measure The frozen aliquots were randomly thawed and, after 15 minutes at 37°C, motion analysis was performed. Results The percent motility after freeze-thaw in TEST was significantly decreased to 42 ± 5% of prefreeze motility ( P P Conclusion The present results suggest that DTT, a reducing agent that prevents oxidation of sulfhydryl groups, protects poor quality spermatozoa from excessive cryodamage. Thus, DTT along with seeding may be a useful addition when long-term storage of poor quality semen is crucial for maintaining reproductive potential.
Design and Fabrication of a Plasmonic Gas Sensor

This paper provides a design of nanohole array based plasmonic sensor. Different shapes, sizes, periods and materials of elemental structures in the array are tested by numerical simulation. The results are compared to study how these factors would affect the final performance of the sensor. Period mainly determines the peak oscillating wavelength; size controls the intensity and sharpness of the waveform; shape affects characteristics in a complex way; material (gold and silver) has the smallest effect. A sensor platform employing the nanohole array is then fabricated with optimized shape, size period and material. The sensor is characterized and tested as a chemical gas sensor utilizing an optical measurement scheme.
Toward a Porphyrin-Style NHC: A 16-Atom Ringed Dianionic Tetra-NHC Macrocycle and Its Fe(II) and Fe(III) Complexes

N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs), and macrocyclic NHCs in particular, have been applied successfully to the stabilization of high oxidation states on transition metal complexes. This access to high oxidation states has enabled their application in oxidative catalysis including aziridination and epoxidation. However, the number of macrocyclic tetra-NHC ligands is still limited, especially those featuring anionic charge, which is beneficial in this regard. In this manuscript, we report a facile and high yielding synthesis for only the second example of such a dianionic, macrocyclic tetra-NHC ligand. This 16-atom macrocycle has the ring size and charge of a porphyrin but with the increased electron donation of NHCs. Its Fe(II) and Fe(III) complexes are reported, and their reactivities for ligand addition and oxidation were tested. Multiple oxidation catalysis reactions were tested with both the Fe(II) and Fe(III) complexes with reagents such as trimethylamine-N-oxide, oxygen (from air), diazodiphenylmethane, a...
PRINT: Prostate cancer intensive, non-cross reactive therapy for CRPC—Early observations of feasibility and efficacy.

310Background: Optimal sequencing of approved therapeutic agents in mCRPC is not known. The standard approach, is to treat until resistance then switch. The PRINT trial explores the efficacy of tre...
Birth Cohort Effects in Influenza Surveillance Data: Evidence That First Influenza Infection Affects Later Influenza-Associated Illness

BACKGROUND The evolution of influenza A viruses results in birth cohorts that have different initial influenza virus exposures. Historically, A/H3 predominant seasons have been associated with more severe influenza-associated disease; however, since the 2009 pandemic, there are suggestions that some birth cohorts experience more severe illness in A/H1 predominant seasons. METHODS United States influenza virologic, hospitalization, and mortality surveillance data during 2000-2017 were analyzed for cohorts born between 1918 and 1989 that likely had different initial influenza virus exposures based on viruses circulating during early childhood. Relative risk/rate during H3 compared with H1 predominant seasons during prepandemic versus pandemic and later periods were calculated for each cohort. RESULTS During the prepandemic period, all cohorts had more influenza-associated disease during H3 predominant seasons than H1 predominant seasons. During the pandemic and later period, 4 cohorts had higher hospitalization and mortality rates during H1 predominant seasons than H3 predominant seasons. CONCLUSIONS Birth cohort differences in risk of influenza-associated disease by influenza A virus subtype can be seen in US influenza surveillance data and differ between prepandemic and pandemic and later periods. As the population ages, the amount of influenza-associated disease may be greater in future H1 predominant seasons than H3 predominant seasons.
Somatic mutations in non-small cell lung cancer and their correlation with overall survival, tumor mutation burden, and programmed-death cell ligand-1 (PD-L1) status.

e14752Background: In recent years, treatments for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have expanded to include targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors in addition to traditional treatmen...
Fluid Coordination Processes in Angel Investor Networks

Despite the emergence of organizations which lack formal bureaucratic structures and shared norms and expectations, prior research provides limited clues on how these organizations accomplish coord...
Identification of human skeletal remains by comparison of bony details of the cranium using computerized tomographic (CT) scans

A case is described where a cranium from an unknown individual is identified by comparison of antemortem and postmortem computerized tomographic (CT) images of the bony structure of the skull. While on at least one occasion CT scans of individual cranial landmarks have been used to identify unknown remains, this study is remarkable because positive identification of a deceased individual was accomplished by performing a CT scan on an unidentified cranium and comparing multiple landmarks and images with corresponding features in an antemortem CT scan of a missing man. Bony details of the frontal and sphenoid sinuses, ethmoid and mastoid air cells, sagittal cranial suture, and the torcula (the internal occipital protuberance) were exactly the same on both CT scans, confirming them as the same person.
Invited: Possibility of dye-sensitized solar cell as energy harvester

We are concerned with the essential qualification of the Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) for energy harvester in the Internet of Things (IoT)'s perspectives. It would convincingly need the higher conversion efficiency, and the higher voltage, the low-cost fabrication and the durability. We have applied the high-efficiency technology under the solar spectrum to the indoor condition and can achieve the high efficiency DSSC of 19.6% with 1cm2at the 1,000Lx irradiation of the LED. In order to obtain higher operating voltages for operating IoT devices, we devised a structure called “monolithic structure”. This structure achieves a DSSC without shorting between the electrodes and separation of the insulating layer and the counter electrode.
Cytochrome c oxidase oxygen reduction reaction induced by cytochrome c on nickel-coordination surfaces based on graphene oxide in suspension.

Abstract Background The electrochemical and spectroscopic investigation of bacterial electron-transfer proteins stabilized on solid state electrodes has provided an effective approach for functional respiratory enzyme studies. Methods We assess the biocompatibility of carboxylated graphene oxide (CGO) functionalized with Nickel nitrilotriacetic groups (CGO-NiNTA) ccordinating His-tagged cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) from Rhodobacter sphaeroides. Results Kinetic studies employing UV–visible absorption spectroscopy confirmed that the immobilized CcO oxidized horse-heart cytochrome c (Cyt c) albeit at a slower rate than isolated CcO. The oxygen reduction reaction as catalyzed by immobilized CcO could be clearly distinguished from that arising from CGO-NiNTA in the presence of Cyt c and dithiothreitol (DTT) as a sacrificial reducing agent. Our findings indicate that while the protein content is about 3.7‰ by mass with respect to the support, the contribution to the oxygen consumption activity averaged at 56.3%. Conclusions The CGO-based support stabilizes the free enzyme which, while capable of Cyt c oxidation, is unable to carry out oxygen consumption in solution on its own under our conditions. The turnover rate for the immobilized CcO was as high as 240 O2 molecules per second per CcO unit. General significance In vitro investigations of electron flow on isolated components of bacterial electron-transfer enzymes immobilized on the surface of CGO in suspension are expected to shed new light on microbial bioenergetic functions, that could ultimately contribute toward the improvement of performance in living organisms.
Toward a wearable epileptic seizure monitoring: A case study

Epilepsy affects approximately 70 million people worldwide. Between a fourth and a third of this population suffers with seizures that cannot be medically controlled. The unpredictability of seizures can potentially lead to serious consequences for patients. In this paper, based on our clinical case study, we conclude that use of either (1) a wrist worn system which uses heart rate, arterial oxygenation, and electrodermal activity or (2) a hybrid system which adds three or fewer channels of EEG to the non-EEG biosignals will be capable of accurately and reliably detecting both convulsive and nonconvulsive seizures of 80–90% of patients who suffer from intractable seizures.
Experience with Esophagogastrointestinal Transit Scintigraphy in the Initial 229 Patients: Multiple Regions of Dysmotility Are Common.

The purpose of this investigation was to review our experience with our comprehensive esophagogastrointestinal transit study in the first 229 patients. This scintigraphic study analyzes the motility of the entire gut, from the esophagus through the rectosigmoid colon. Methods: Data were reviewed for our first 2 y of experience with this examination (184 women and 45 men aged 20–79 y [mean ± SD, 44 ± 16 y]). Patients were referred with symptoms suggestive of a motility disorder. They first swallowed 111In-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid in water for the esophageal-swallow study and then 300 mL for a 30-min 111In water-only study, followed by 120 mL of 111In water simultaneously with the solid standardized 99mTc egg-substitute meal. Images and quantification were obtained for esophageal transit, water-only gastric emptying, water-with-solid gastric emptying, small-bowel transit, and colonic transit. Results: Of the 229 patient studies, 45 (20%) were normal. The remaining 184 (80%) had at least 1 region of dysmotility, for a total of 336 regions of abnormal motility. A single region of dysmotility was seen in 92 patients (50%), 2 regions in 50 (27%), 3 regions in 26 (14%), 4 regions in 12 (7%), and 5 regions in 4 (2%). There was a poor correlation between the results of the water-only study and water with the solid meal. Three different patterns of delayed colonic transit were seen. Patient symptoms were often not predictive of the scintigraphic findings. Conclusion: This study highlights the frequent occurrence of dysmotility in more than 1 region of the gastrointestinal tract in patients with a suspected motility disorder and the frequent concurrence of both upper- and lower-tract dysmotility in the same patients. It provides information to referring physicians regarding which motility disorders may be causing the patient symptoms, why the patient is or is not responding to the present therapy, and if and what additional workup and therapy may be needed.
Bending Properties of Materials for Peripheral Nerve Interfaces

Intrafascicular peripheral nerve interfaces (PNIs) with penetrating electrodes have the potential to chronically record from nerves on the scale of single axons. The small size and dynamic environment of peripheral nerves makes material selection important for these devices. In this work, we describe how the bending properties of common PNI electrode materials contribute to their effectiveness as self-inserting PNIs. First, tungsten, platinum-iridium, and carbon fiber wires are tested to assess their ability to survive repeated bending stresses when embedded in silicone. Next, carbon fiber wires are attached to a flexible circuit board encased in silicone to characterize how they survive stresses in prototype PNI devices. Finally, in order to validate experimental results, we use COMSOL to investigate the optimal thickness of the embedded silicone layer by simulating the stress distribution in carbon fiber wires on a flexible circuit board. Carbon fiber wires were shown to survive bending stresses better than tungsten and platinum-iridium wires. Physical testing and COMSOL modeling of carbon fiber prototype devices showed an optimal silicone thickness of 200 μm that prevents carbon fiber breakage but minimizes PNI device size. Overall, these results serve as a guide for selection of self-inserting PNI materials and development of carbon fiber PNIs.
The association of inborn status and resource utilization among neonates who received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Abstract Background Many studies have established that extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can be a cost-effective treatment in some populations, but limited data exist on which factors are associated with length of stay (LOS) and total hospital costs. This study aimed to determine if inborn (i.e., cared for in their birth hospitals) neonates who receive ECMO have different resource utilization and outcomes compared to outborn (i.e., not cared for in their birth hospitals) neonates who receive ECMO. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's Kids' Inpatient Database from 1997–2012. Neonates (infants, Results Of 5,152 neonates receiving ECMO, 800 were inborn and 4,352 were outborn. Inborn neonates were more frequently diagnosed with cardiac-related diagnoses (70.5% vs 62.1%, p Conclusions Inborn neonates placed on ECMO were more frequently diagnosed with cardiac-related diseases or congenital diaphragmatic hernia, had longer LOS, higher total encounter costs, and higher mortality rates relative to their outborn counterparts, and likely represent a higher risk population. These two populations of infants may be inherently different and their differences should be further explored to inform decision making about optimal site of delivery.
Transanal Endoscopic Surgery (TES)

The value of transanal endoscopic surgery (TES) continues to expand as minimally invasive techniques and equipment improve. A variety of rectal and colorectal pathology has been successfully treated with TES owing to superior visualization and better equipment. Further training and research will elucidate the complete scope of this technique as it continues to grow into an important niche in colon and rectal surgery.
The morphology of the human newborn ductus arteriosus: A reappraisal of its structure and closure with special reference to prostaglandin E1 therapy

The ductus arteriosus was examined in 103 fetuses and infants to define the normal structure, development, and morphologic features of the functional and anatomic phases of ductal closure. New contributions include ultrastructural observations and the light microscopic definition of the junctional regions of the ductus with the pulmonary artery and aorta. Observations relating to ductal closure include hyperemia of the ductal vasa vasorum, the presence of longitudinal muscle bands in the inner media, necrosis of the inner ductal wall, and organization of intraluminal thrombi. We found that a ductus arteriosus that fails to close normally is liable to show morphologic lesions, including intimai fibrinous deposits, medial hemorrhages, and dissecting aneurysms. The findings were used comparatively to investigate whether prostaglandin E 1 infusion, given to maintain ductal patency in 17 infants with ductus dependent congenital heart disease, was associated with specific morphologic features. We could not delineate specific changes attributable to its use.
Apparatus for fixing, staining, and rinsing of tissue cultures for fluorescent-antibody testing.

Abstract A staining tray and tray-housing container have been developed to facilitate fluorescent-antibody staining of tissue cultures on cover slips, which allows fixing, staining, and rinsing with a minimum of handling. Breakage and loss of cells were negligible.
The Renaissance of Natural Law: Tolkien, Fantasy, and Video Games

I review the moral systems that designers create inside their video games. There’s much similarity across games, despite wide differences in narratives, backgrounds, target demographics, and mechanics. Using the terms of Dungeons & Dragons morality, most games have three moral factions: Lawful Good, Chaotic Good, and Chaotic Evil. Players usually get to choose between Lawful or Chaotic Good, while the AI plays Chaotic Evil. Now, why does this pattern appear so frequently? I’ll argue it has something to do with Natural Law. Natural Law derives moral judgment from the notion that any reasonably well‐formed human mind can discern what the purpose or end of an item is: What it’s for. It’s a common‐sense morality, which may or may not work well in advanced bioethics but suits the moral world of video games perfectly, where bad guys are really easy to identify but the players fight back and forth about whether to be a rule‐following hero of light or a renegade, rebellious, dark angel. That law/chaos tension is also an aspect of Natural Law. As for how Natural law got into games, the path seems to run through JRR Tolkien – devout Roman Catholic and therefore no stranger to the teachings of Aquinas. From Aquinas to Tolkien to D&D to modern video games, the LG/CG/CE triangle persists as a simple moral world, but one that, judging from player numbers, people very earnestly want to live in. Is this in itself a good thing? Since we’re talking Natural Law, let’s conclude by asking – what is the purpose of fantasy? Does this usage suit fantasy’s purpose?
Impact of comorbidities by ACE-27 in the revised-IPSS for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes

Comorbidities significantly affect the prognosis and outcomes of patients with hematological malignancies. We have previously reported the impact of comorbidities on the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) score. The aim of this study was to determine whether comorbidities continued to have a significant impact when patients were reclassified according to the Revised-IPSS (IPSS-R). The medical records of 600 consecutive myelodysplastic syndrome patients who presented to MD Anderson Cancer Center between January 2002 and June 2004 were reviewed. The Adult Comorbidity Evaluation-27 (ACE-27) was used to assess the severity of comorbid conditions. Four hundred and two (67%) patients were male. Median age at presentation was 66.6 years (17-94). Mean duration of follow-up was 54 months (1-100). Five hundred and two (84%) patients died, and 54 (9%) patients underwent stem cell transplantation. Overall median survival was 16.8 months (1-100). Median survival by IPSS-R was 47, 34, 21, 16, and 6 months for patients in very low, low, intermediate, high, and very high-risk groups, respectively (P 65 years (P = 0.18). Assessment of comorbidity may enhance the prognostic ability of the IPSS-R.
Clinical patient safety: achieving high reliability in a complex system

Since the 2001 Institute of Medicine Report which estimated that 44,000 to 98,000 patients die each year as a result of healthcare error. This report in effect launched a global patient safety movement, with many proposed regulatory, research and administrative solutions. Patient safety areas of focus such as work complexity, teamwork and communication, technology, and evidence based practice provide a basis for understanding healthcare error. Reliability concepts are the goal of healthcare organizations; and applications such as simulation theory provide means to achieve this status. The translation of research into practice is the foundation of organizational patient safety. Understanding and awareness of patient safety issues has increased; however, significant work to improve patient care outcomes remains.
SCN1A Splice Variants Exhibit Divergent Sensitivity to Commonly Used Antiepileptic Drugs

Summary Purpose: A common genetic variant (rs3812718) in a splice donor consensus sequence within the neuronal sodium channel gene SCN1A (encoding NaV1.1) modulates the proportion of transcripts incorporating either the canonical (5A) or alternative (5N) exon 5. A pharmacogenetic association has been reported whereby increased expression of exon 5N containing NaV1.1 transcripts correlated with lower required doses of phenytoin in epileptics. We tested the hypothesis that SCN1A alternative splicing affects the pharmacology of NaV1.1 channels. Methods: To directly examine biophysical and pharmacologic differences between the exon 5 splice variants, we performed whole-cell patch clamp recording of tsA201 cells transiently coexpressing either NaV1.1-5A or NaV1.1-5N with the β1 and β2 accessory subunits. We examined tonic inhibition and use-dependent inhibition of NaV1.1 splice isoforms by phenytoin, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine. We also examined the effects of phenytoin and lamotrigine on channel biophysical properties and determined concentration–response relationships for both splice variants. Key Findings: We observed no significant differences in voltage dependence of activation, steady-state inactivation, and recovery from inactivation between splice variants. However, NaV1.1-5N channels exhibited enhanced tonic block by phenytoin and lamotrigine compared to NaV1.1-5A. In addition, NaV1.1-5N exhibited enhanced use-dependent block by phenytoin and lamotrigine across a range of stimulation frequencies and concentrations. Phenytoin and lamotrigine induced shifts in steady-state inactivation and recovery from fast inactivation for both splice isoforms. No splice isoform differences were observed for channel inhibition by carbamazepine. Significance: These results suggest NaV1.1 channels containing exon 5N are more sensitive to the commonly used antiepileptic drugs phenytoin and lamotrigine.
The computer science of DNA nanotechnology

DNA nanotechnology, pioneered by Seeman, Winfree, and Rothemund, exploits the information processing capabilities of nucleic acids to program matter to do our bidding at atomic and molecular scales. This field is now a rapidly growing interdisciplinary research adventure involving chemists, molecular biologists, computer scientists, materials scientists, electrical and computer engineers, and others. DNA tile assembly, DNA origami, and DNA strand displacement have enabled the programmed self-assembly of complex nanoscale structures, dynamic nanoscale machines, and nanoscale Boolean circuits. Applications on the horizon include patterning of smaller, faster computer chips; nanoscale detectors and instruments for measurement; and in-cell computers that diagnose and treat disease. This talk will survey the role of computer science in making DNA nanotechnology more productive, predictable, and safe. Topics will include the specification and verification of nanoscale systems, the intrinsic universality (a strong version of Turing universality) of self-assembly, the role of randomness in molecular programming, and the essential role of software in the design of wet-lab experiments in DNA nanotechnology.
The dark triad: Facilitating a short-term mating strategy in men

This survey (N = 224) found that characteristics collectively known as the Dark Triad (i.e. narcissism, psychopathy and Machiavellianism) were correlated with various dimensions of short-term mating but not long-term mating. The link between the Dark Triad and short-term mating was stronger for men than for women. The Dark Triad partially mediated the sex difference in short-term mating behaviour. Findings are consistent with a view that the Dark Triad facilitates an exploitative, short-term mating strategy in men. Possible implications, including that Dark Triad traits represent a bundle of individual differences that promote a reproductively adaptive strategy are discussed. Findings are discussed in the broad context of how an evolutionary approach to personality psychology can enhance our understanding of individual differences. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Establishing an on-site pharmacy in a community health center to help indigent patients access medications and to improve care.

Objective To describe the establishment of an on-site pharmacy in a community health center (CHC) to improve access to medications for indigent patients, the implementation of pharmaceutical care programs and clinical pharmacy services to improve patient care and therapeutic outcomes, and the development of an ambulatory care site for training pharmacy students. Setting Partnership Health Center (PHC), a federally funded CHC in Missoula, Mont. Practice Description Establishment of an on-site pharmacy and strategies for accessing medications for indigent patients, including participation in the U.S. Public Health Service pricing program, pharmaceutical manufacturers' assistance programs, and drug sampling, are described. The clinical pharmacy, disease management, and pharmaceutical care programs developed at the site to improve medication use and therapeutic outcomes are discussed. Development of an ambulatory care clerkship site at the CHC for training University of Montana pharmacy students is reviewed. Practice Innovation Partnership between PHC and the University of Montana School of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences (SPAHS) to establish an on-site pharmacy to help medically indigent patients access medications and to improve care. Interventions Programs to help indigent patients access, adhere, and appropriately use needed medications while decreasing clinic expenditures for medications. Main Outcome Measures Number of prescriptions dispensed per month, clinic expenditures on medications per month, and number of clinical services and pharmaceutical care programs developed. Results Between November 1, 1999, and April 30, 2000, the average number of prescriptions filled for PHC clients increased from 219/month to 838/month and the average expenditure per prescription decreased from $16.55/month to $0.51/month. A pharmacist-assisted refill program was implemented. Programs in diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, asthma, anticoagulation, and peptic ulcer disease were developed. Conclusion Establishing an on-site pharmacy in a CHC in collaboration with a school of pharmacy significantly improved indigent patients' access to medications while decreasing clinic expenditures. Pharmaceutical care programs improved therapeutic outcomes, and clinical pharmacy services complemented the clinical activities of other health care providers in managing chronic diseases and resolving drug-related problems. The CHC provided an excellent setting for training pharmacy students in ambulatory care.
A statistically oriented approach for teaching principles of paleontology

Abstract Research projects that are oriented statistically are highly effective for teaching paleontological principles. The exercises developed at Syracuse University over the past several years are outlined briefly and one is annotated in detail. Students respond favorably toward the projects and most individuals believe that the projects comprise more creative and demanding, and better learning experiences than conventional laboratory exercises.
Efficient sensitivity analysis of large-scale differential-algebraic systems

Abstract A new algorithm and software for numerical sensitivity analysis of differential-algebraic equations are presented. The staggered corrector method proposed has lower computational complexity than both the staggered direct and the simultaneous corrector methods. The results here are especially significant for, though not limited to, large-scale sparse differential-algebraic systems.
Plasmon-waveguide resonance studies of ligand binding to integral proteins in membrane fragments derived from bacterial and mammalian cells

Abstract A procedure has been developed for directly depositing membrane fragments derived from bacterial cells (chromatophores from Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides) and mammalian cells (μ-opioid receptor- and MC4 receptor-transfected human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells and rat trigeminal ganglion cells) on the silica surface of a plasmon–waveguide resonance (PWR) spectrometer. Binding of ligands (cytochrome c2 for the chromatophores, the peptide agonists DAMGO and melanotan-II that are specific for the μ-opioid and MC4 receptors, and two nonpeptide agonists that are specific for the CB1 receptor) to these membrane fragments has been observed and characterized with high sensitivity using PWR spectral shifts. The KD values obtained are in excellent agreement with conventional pharmacological assays and with prior PWR studies using purified receptors inserted into deposited lipid bilayer membranes. These studies provide a new tool for obtaining useful biological information about receptor-mediated processes in real biological membranes.
Effect of ibuprofen on bilirubin-albumin binding

Ibuprofen is used for closing the ductus arteriosus in premature newborn infants. Ibuprofen interferes with bilirubin-albumin binding and increases the unbound bilirubin in pooled newborn plasma to levels similar to those produced by sulfisoxazole, a drug that causes kernicterus in premature newborn infants.
Effects of Theophylline, Prostaglandin E1 and Adrenergic Blocking Agents on TSH Stimulation of Thyroid Intermediary Metabolism

The effects of theophylline, pro-staglandin E1 and α and β-adrenergic blocking drugs on glucose oxidation and 32P incorporation into phospholipids and the TSH stimulation of these parameters have been studied in dog and pig thyroid slices. 5 × 10−3m Theophylline, which significantly inhibits phosphodiesterase, inhibited glucose oxidation and 32P incorporation into phospholipids. Lower concentrations of theo-phylline (5 × 10−5m) had no effect on these parameters and did not potentiate stimulation of them by TSH. Prostaglandin E1 (0.95 × 10−6m) significantly increased glucose-1-14C oxidation in dog thyroid slices but had no effect on 32P incorporation into phospholipid. Prostaglandin E1 neither inhibited nor potentiated the effects of TSH on 14CO2 production. Phenoxybenzamine (2.9 × 10−8m), an α-adrenergic blocking agent, did not modify basal or TSH stimulated glucose oxidation. DCI (1.15 × 10−4m), a β-adrenergic blocking agent, occasionally stimulated glucose oxidation but did not consistently reduce the e...