cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electronic health records and cardiac implantable electronic devices: new paradigms and efficiencies

The anticipated advantages of electronic health records (EHRs)-improved efficiency and the ability to share information across the healthcare enterprise-have so far failed to materialize. There is growing recognition that interoperability holds the key to unlocking the greatest value of EHRs. Health information technology (HIT) systems including EHRs must be able to share data and be able to interpret the shared data. This requires a controlled vocabulary with explicit definitions (data elements) as well as protocols to communicate the context in which each data element is being used (syntactic structure). Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) provide a clear example of the challenges faced by clinicians when data is not interoperable. The proprietary data formats created by each CIED manufacturer, as well as the multiple sources of data generated by CIEDs (hospital, office, remote monitoring, acute care setting), make it challenging to aggregate even a single patient's data into an EHR. The Heart Rhythm Society and CIED manufacturers have collaborated to develop and implement international standard-based specifications for interoperability that provide an end-to-end solution, enabling structured data to be communicated from CIED to a report generation system, EHR, research database, referring physician, registry, patient portal, and beyond. EHR and other health information technology vendors have been slow to implement these tools, in large part, because there have been no financial incentives for them to do so. It is incumbent upon us, as clinicians, to insist that the tools of interoperability be a prerequisite for the purchase of any and all health information technology systems.
2-micron laser development for space-based remote sensing applications

The design and performance of a diode pumped Tm sensitized Ho:LuLiF/sub 4/ (LuLF) laser oscillator and double-pass Tm:Ho:YLF laser amplifiers are described. The oscillator produced 135-mJ of Q-switched output, which represents a slope efficiency of 0.09. To our knowledge this is the highest Q-switched output for this material. The output energy of double-pass amplifier was improved by 75% compared to single-pass amplifier, and 380-mJ single pulse energy and 630-mJ double pulse energy have been achieved with high efficiency.
Modeling Social, Economic, Technical & Environmental Components in an Energy System

Abstract Energy system models have become the main supporting tool for energy policy. Modern challenges in energy policy require energy systems models that integrate technical, environmental and societal aspects of the energy systems. In this paper, we introduce a conceptual model for an energy system model that specifies the relationships between social, technical, environmental, and economic aspects of an energy system. This conceptual model presented in the IDEF0 language will serve as a basis for a computational energy systems model.
Symposium: Environmental Accountability in an Age of Consequences: Foreword

The five articles in this Symposium issue each take a different approach to addressing environmental accountability. There is unequivocal evidence that the climate system is warming, caused mainly by the measurable increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. The Symposium authors include Denis Binder, Susan Stark, Julie E. Steiner, Chris Erchull, Laura Fisher, and Daniel DePasquale. These Authors challenge all to think broadly about utilization of different accountability mechanisms to ensure more efficient environmental outcomes.
Inhibition of the gut enzyme intestinal alkaline phosphatase may explain how aspartame promotes glucose intolerance and obesity in mice

Diet soda consumption has not been associated with tangible weight loss. Aspartame (ASP) commonly substitutes sugar and one of its breakdown products is phenylalanine (PHE), a known inhibitor of intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP), a gut enzyme shown to prevent metabolic syndrome in mice. We hypothesized that ASP consumption might contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome based on PHE’s inhibition of endogenous IAP. The design of the study was such that for the in vitro model, IAP was added to diet and regular soda, and IAP activity was measured. For the acute model, a closed bowel loop was created in mice. ASP or water was instilled into it and IAP activity was measured. For the chronic model, mice were fed chow or high-fat diet (HFD) with/without ASP in the drinking water for 18 weeks. The results were that for the in vitro study, IAP activity was lower (p < 0.05) in solutions containing ASP compared with controls. For the acute model, endogenous IAP activity was reduced by 50% in the ASP gr...
Structure-based fitness prediction for the variable-structure DANNA neuromorphic architecture

In recent years, research on neuromporphic computing platforms has focused on variable-structure, spiking network models. An important methodology for programming these networks is evoluationary optimization (EO), where thousands of networks are generated and then evaluated by determining fitness scores on specific tasks. Fitness scores guide the generation of new networks until a target fitness is achieved. One source of performance overhead during EO is the simulation of the task on each network to determing its fitness. To mitigate this source of overhead, we formulate the Static Fitness Prediction Task (SFPT), for predicting a network's fitness without direct simulation. Our hypothesis is that we can use SFPT to predict a network's fitness sufficiently accurately to reject a significant portion of networks during EO without having to simulate them, thereby making the EO more efficient. We propose a data-driven approach to the SFPT on the neuromorphic model DANNA [1]. Our approach transforms networks into directed graphs and extracts structural features to train an ancillary model for predicting the fitness of new networks. We analyze the extracted features and evaluate several predictive models to predict the fitness of networks for five tasks. Our results demonstrate a predictive capacity in these features and models. Our primary contribution is to demonstrate the utility of graph-level features extracted from variable-structure networks to predict network fitness and circumvent expensive simulations.
Use of in vitro dry matter digestibility and gas production to predict apparent total tract digestibility of total dietary fiber for growing pigs

In vitro DM disappearance (IVDMD) and gas production methods have been developed and used to measure in vivo nutrient digestibility of feed ingredients, but further validation is needed for ingredients containing high concentrations of insoluble fiber such as corn distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS). A 3-step in vitro procedure and resulting gas production were used to predict in vivo apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of total dietary fiber (TDF) among 3 sources each of wheat straw (WS), soybean hulls (SBH), and DDGS. A total of 34 barrows and 2 gilts (84 ± 7 kg BW) were used in a changeover design to determine the ATTD of 9 dietary treatments. The WS, SBH, or DDGS sources were the only ingredients containing fiber in each diet, and all diets were formulated to contain the same TDF concentration (22.3%). The in vivo experiment was conducted in 2 consecutive 13-d periods, each including a 10-d adaptation and a 3-d collection period to provide 8 replications/dietary treatment, and 0.5% TiO was added to each diet as an indigestible marker. Pigs had ad libitum access to water and were fed an amount of feed equivalent to 2.5% of initial BW in each period. The in vitro experiment was used to determine IVDMD and gas production of the 9 ingredients (5 to 8 replicates/ingredient) fed during the in vivo experiment. Gas production kinetics were fitted using a nonlinear model and analyzed using a mixed model, and predictions were evaluated using correlations and regression models. There were differences ( < 0.01) in ATTD of TDF among WS (26.7%), SBH (78.9%), and DDGS (43.0%) and among sources of DDGS (36.0 to 49.8%). Differences ( < 0.05) in IVDMD from simulated gastric and small intestinal hydrolysis were observed among WS (13.3%), SBH (18.9%), and DDGS (53.7%) and among sources of WS (12.8 to 13.8%), SBH (17.0 to 20.5%), and DDGS (52.0 to 56.9%). Differences ( < 0.05) in IVDMD from simulated large intestine fermentation (IVDMDf) were also observed among WS (23.3%), SBH (84.6%), and DDGS (69.6%) and among sources of WS (18.7 vs. 26.8%). In vitro DM disappearance from simulated total tract digestion of SBH (88.9%) and DDGS (86.1%) were greater ( < 0.01) than that of WS (33.5%). Differences ( < 0.01) in asymptotic gas production (A; mL/g DM substrate) were observed among WS (121), SBH (412), and DDGS (317), and ATTD of TDF was highly correlated with IVDMDf and A. In conclusion, low variability in ATTD of TDF and IVDMD among sources of WS and SBH evaluated in the current study may not justify the use of in vitro measurements, but in vitro fermentation accurately predicts ATTD of TDF among sources of corn DDGS.
A violet III-nitride vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser with a MOCVD-grown tunnel junction contact

We demonstrated a violet III-nitride vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) with a GaN tunnel junction (TJ) contact grown by a metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) technique. A peak output power of 319 uW was achieved.
Androgen-induced suppression of autoimmune disease in lacrimal glands of mouse models of Sjögren's syndrome.

Almost 2,000 years ago, Claudius Galen, the Greek physician and writer, proposed that the mental status of an individual may significantly influence one’s susceptibility to disease.1 This postulate serves as an historic landmark in the rapidly growing field of neuroendocrinimmunology, which was established through the recognition that the nervous, endocrine and immune systems control each other through bidirectional channels of communication, that employ both similar signals and receptors.2–7 At present, over 50 neurotransmitters, hormones and secretagogues are known that exert a profound impact on cellular, humoral and mucosal immunity.2–7 However, the exact nature of these interactions is extremely dependent upon the specific signal, target cell, and local microenvironment.8 Thus, depending upon the tissue, neuroendocrine action may result in stimulation, inhibition, or no effect, on immune expression.8 As an additional consideration, antigenic exposure to the immune system may lead to the generation of numerous lymphocytic cytokines (e.g. lymphokines, neuropeptides, hormones), that directly regulate neural and endocrine function.2–7 In consequence, an extensive, triangular interrelationship exists among the neural, endocrine and immune systems that acts to promote homeostasis and health.
Polymer Blending for Packaging Applications

Blending of polymers is becoming increasingly important in packaging applications to enhance properties, improve processing, or lower cost. Achieving a consistent quality blend with the desired properties requires proper attention to both process and product design. Aspects of polymer blending that are important for in-line mixing of resins and other ingredients in a single screw extruder during film converting are highlighted. Most polymer blends are immiscible with one polymer forming a dispersed phase within the other. The size and distribution of the dispersed phase, known as the morphology, influences film properties. Polymer properties, such as the viscosity ratio and interfacial tension, and the imposed stress of the process determine the morphology. Much of the dispersion in single screw extrusion takes place as the polymers melt. These and other key aspects of the thermodynamics and morphology development of polymer blends are examined. Dispersing inorganic fillers, nanocomposites, and rheology of polymer blends are also addressed.
A Review on Consumer External Search: Amount and Determinants

Consumer external search continues to be a fruitful research area. The bivariate relationships between a number of variables and the central construct, amount of information search, have been proposed, theorized, and empirically tested in the literature. This paper extensively examines the current status and importance of consumer information search with close attention on empirical findings on the subject. While some research findings converge on the bivariate relationship between some variables and amount of information search, e.g., a positive relationship between perceived risk and search effort, some studies found conflicting results on the relationship between other variables and the central construct. There are also some non-linear relationships found between a few variables such as experience and the degree of search. Some hypotheses are also proposed and discussed.
Behavior Modification in Prediabetes and Diabetes: Potential Use of Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring

Real-time continuous glucose monitoring (RT-CGM) provides real time glucose readings to participants wearing the device. The ability to see changes in glucose has the potential to provide immediate feedback to users on food choices and physical activity. The National Diabetes Prevention Program is currently the only reimbursable intervention for diabetes prevention and weight loss. The purpose of this article is to review the CGM literature on measurements other than Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) changes and hypoglycemia and discuss RT-CGM potential use as a behavior modification tool for lifestyle changes and weight reduction in people with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (T2D).
Offboard Machine Learning Through Edge Computing for Robotic Applications

The paper presents a study on offboard machine learning through edge computing for robotic applications. Edge or ‘fog’ computing is being pursued as a supplement to cloud computing to provide the computing resources near the ‘edge’ where it is needed most. In this paper a framework of such an edge computing system is presented for robotic applications. The system consists of a recent machine learning platform (Jetson TX2) integrated within a heterogeneous robotic environment of UAVs and mobile robots operated through robot operating system (ROS). The UAVs and the mobile robots are equipped with cameras for providing visual feedback of the surrounding to the main processor (Jetson TX2) for image processing and object classification. The UAVs and the robots have their individual local processors capable enough to handle local processing of other sensor data and providing interface for transmitting images to and receiving identification results from the offboard processor. The system has been developed around ROS which provides the communication between hardware and system drivers for UAVs and mobile robots. The effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated using a UAV and a mobile robot to send images to the offboard process to identify a moving person and receive commands to follow him. The mobile robot follows the person and the UAV action is simulated using a simulator with parameters of a physical UAV.
A guide for the analysis of policy arguments

Based on what appears to be required for fully supporting a proposal for policy action, a series of interrelated propositional types is suggested as a tool for the design and critique of policy arguments. The kinds of criticisms to which different prepositional types are susceptible and the impacts of these on a policy argument are explored as are the uses persons in different roles might make of these criticisms. Finally, as an example, the typology is applied to a portion of the President's 1973 State of the Union Address.
Synthesis of D-Desosamine and Analogues by Rapid Assembly of 3-Amino Sugars.

Key step in the synthesis of D-desosamine and analogs (V) is the chromatography-free procedure for the coupling of chiral nitrobutanols (I) with glyoxal to give pure 3-nitro sugars by crystallization.
Type IV capitellum fractures in children

Capitellum fractures represent 1% of elbow fractures. A coronal shear fracture which involves the trochlea is classified as a type IV McKee fracture. The combination of its rarity in the paediatric population as well as its unique appearance on X-ray make diagnosis of this fracture a challenge. We present the case of a 14-year-old boy who sustained this fracture falling from his bike. It was diagnosed from the double arc sign on X-ray. In addition, a CT scan was obtained to aid preoperative planning. It was treated by open reduction and fixation with two headless compression screws. Follow-up at 6 months showed no avascular necrosis. The patient could achieve full extension, while flexion was reduced only by 5°. Final follow-up was conducted at 15 months. Anatomic reduction and stable internal fixation are essential for a good outcome in these uncommon paediatric fractures.
FaReT: A free and open-source toolkit of three-dimensional models and software to study face perception.

A problem in the study of face perception is that results can be confounded by poor stimulus control. Ideally, experiments should precisely manipulate facial features under study and tightly control irrelevant features. Software for 3D face modeling provides such control, but there is a lack of free and open source alternatives specifically created for face perception research. Here, we provide such tools by expanding the open-source software MakeHuman. We present a database of 27 identity models and six expression pose models (sadness, anger, happiness, disgust, fear, and surprise), together with software to manipulate the models in ways that are common in the face perception literature, allowing researchers to: (1) create a sequence of renders from interpolations between two or more 3D models (differing in identity, expression, and/or pose), resulting in a “morphing” sequence; (2) create renders by extrapolation in a direction of face space, obtaining 3D “anti-faces” and caricatures; (3) obtain videos of dynamic faces from rendered images; (4) obtain average face models; (5) standardize a set of models so that they differ only in selected facial shape features, and (6) communicate with experiment software (e.g., PsychoPy) to render faces dynamically online. These tools vastly improve both the speed at which face stimuli can be produced and the level of control that researchers have over face stimuli. We validate the face model database and software tools through a small study on human perceptual judgments of stimuli produced with the toolkit.
1787 A Case of Female Genital Tuberculosis with Superimposed Tubo-Ovarian Abscess in a Developed Nation

Video Objective To describe the surgical techniques in a case of female genital tuberculosis (TB) with superimposed tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) in a developed country. Setting A 22-year-old G0 who was born in Vietnam presented to the emergency room with pelvic pain and known bilateral hydrosalpinx. She was treated for pelvic inflammatory disease, and a TB test was sent and later returned as positive. Her initial chest x-ray was read as normal. When she returned for follow up, a CT scan was planned to evaluate the extent of pulmonary and possible pelvic disease. However, before this could be done, she became febrile, requiring hospitalization with concern for TB or TOA. Interventions Once pulmonary and peritoneal TB were suspected based on imaging, diagnosis of TB was attempted via sputum culture and endometrial biopsy. However, there was significant concern that the patient had a tubo-ovarian abscess given the high fevers, dilated tubes, and delay in urogenital TB diagnosis confirmation. This led to the patient being taken to the operating room for diagnostic laparoscopy and drainage of the tube. This video shows the techniques used to evaluate pelvic organs when acute infection is suspected. Ultimately, the endometrial biopsy returned positive for culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, confirming the diagnosis of female genital tuberculosis. Conclusion This patient was diagnosed genital TB with superimposed bacterial infection, leading to the pyosalpinx. Female genital TB can cause a diagnostic challenge, and surgery may be required to achieve a diagnosis. Pre-operative planning and careful surgical technique is essential when faced with dense adhesions.
On the Epistemological Aspects of Geo-Computational Thinking and Curriculum Design

What should we teach students who are interested in geospatial data science and what should an undergraduate or graduate curriculum in this area look like? This paper addresses such issues from an epistemological perspective and discusses the critical linkages among different fields that are related to geo computational thinking.
Round Cell Sarcoma with EWSR1‐PATZ1 Gene Fusion in the Neck: Case Report and Review of the Literature

EWSR1-PATZ1 is a rare gene fusion recently recognized to occur in round and spindle cell sarcomas. To date, fewer than 20 cases have been described in the literature. However, no dedicated case reports have detailed its presentation in the head and neck region. We recently cared for a 52-year-old woman with an isolated, single right level 5A cervical mass. Excisional biopsy at an external hospital revealed pathology results consistent with EWSR1-PATZ1 polyphenotypic round and spindle cell sarcoma. The patient subsequently underwent surgical excision of the tumor and right neck lymph node dissection followed by adjuvant chemoradiation. Laryngoscope, 2020.
Maintaining High-Quality Multidisciplinary Pain Medicine Fellowship Programs: Part II: Innovations in Clinical Care Workflow, Clinical Supervision, Job Satisfaction, and Postgraduation Mentorship for Pain Fellows During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Pain fellowship programs are facing unique challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Restrictions by state governments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have resulted in a rapidly changing and evolving learning environment for today's fellows. Innovative solutions must be sought to maintain proper education and ensure the well-being of our trainees. METHODS: We assembled a panel of pain program directors who serve as officers/board members of the Association of Pain Program Directors, offering guidance and recommendations to pain fellowship directors nationwide. Panel members evaluate the best available evidence and expert opinion on use of remote and virtual platforms in clinical care, adaptability to alterations in clinic and referral management, and provide guidance on postgraduate impact. CONCLUSIONS: The country is in the midst of an unprecedented pandemic. The impact on pain management fellowships has been significant and will likely last for months, resulting in extraordinary challenges to the administration of pain fellowship programs and the education of our fellows. Several strategies will help address these challenges, including employing telehealth capabilities to continue clinical experiences and providing trainees with opportunities to continue their professional growth beyond fellowship completion. Together, we can implement innovative solutions to overcome these challenges.
New Cars on the Highways: Trends in Injuries and Outcomes Following Ejection

Background: Although ejections from motor vehicles are considered a marker of a significant mechanism and a predictor of severe injuries and mortality, scant recent data exist to validate these outcomes. This study investigates whether ejections increase the mortality risk following a motor vehicle crash (MVC) utilizing data that reflect the introduction of new vehicles to the streets of a large city in the United States. Methods: The Trauma and Emergency Medicine Information System of Los Angeles County was queried for patients ≥16 years admitted following a MVC between 2002 and 2012. Ejected patients were compared to non-ejected. Primary outcome was mortality. A logistic regression model was utilized to identify predictors of mortality and severe trauma. Results: 9,742 (6.8%) met inclusion criteria. 449 (4.6%) were ejected; 368 (82.0%) were passengers and 81 (18.0%) were drivers. The rate of ejection decreased linearly (6.1% in 2002 to3.4% in 2012). Compared to non-ejected patients, ejected patients were more likely to require ICU admission (43.7% vs. 22.1%, p 25) (24.2% vs. 7.3%,p 25)with AOR 2.48 (p<0.01). Conclusion: Ejections following MVC have decreased throughout the years, however, they remain a marker of critical injuries and predictive of mortality.
Risk of Myocarditis from COVID-19 Infection in People Under Age 20: A Population-Based Analysis

ABSTRACT Background There have been recent reports of myocarditis (including myocarditis, pericarditis or myopericarditis) as a side-effect of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines, particularly in young males. Less information is available regarding the risk of myocarditis from COVID-19 infection itself. Such data would be helpful in developing a complete risk-benefit analysis for this population. Methods A de-identified, limited data set was created from the TriNetX Research Network, aggregating electronic health records from 48 mostly large U.S. Healthcare Organizations (HCOs). Inclusion criteria were a first COVID-19 diagnosis during the April 1, 2020 - March 31, 2021 time period, with an outpatient visit 1 month to 2 years before, and another 6 months to 2 years before that. Analysis was stratified by sex and age (12-17, 12-15, 16-19). Patients were excluded for any prior cardiovascular condition. Primary outcome was an encounter diagnosis of myocarditis within 90 days following the index date. Rates of COVID-19 cases and myocarditis not identified in the system were estimated and the results adjusted accordingly. Wilson score intervals were used for 95% confidence intervals due to the very low probability outcome. Results For the 12-17-year-old male cohort, 6/6,846 (0.09%) patients developed myocarditis overall, with an adjusted rate per million of 876 cases (Wilson score interval 402 - 1,911). For the 12-15 and 16-19 male age groups, the adjusted rates per million were 601 (257 - 1,406) and 561 (240 - 1,313). For 12-17-year-old females, there were 3 (0.04%) cases of myocarditis of 7,361 patients. The adjusted rate was 213 (73 - 627) per million cases. For the 12-15- and 16-19-year-old female cohorts the adjusted rates per million cases were 235 (64 - 857) and 708 (359 - 1,397). The outcomes occurred either within 5 days (40.0%) or from 19-82 days (60.0%). Conclusions Myocarditis (or pericarditis or myopericarditis) from primary COVID19 infection occurred at a rate as high as 450 per million in young males. Young males infected with the virus are up 6 times more likely to develop myocarditis as those who have received the vaccine.
Do Federal Price Transparency Regulations Neglect Oncology Patients

Purpose/Objective(s) Financial toxicity is far more prevalent in oncology than in general patient populations and is associated with inferior quality of life and health outcomes. In 2021, the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) required all hospitals to publish “shoppable,” payer-negotiated prices for ≥ 300 services of which 70 (including specialty care such as joint and cataract surgery) were specified, but oncology price inclusion was optional. National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated centers are referral sites for cancer care, but the rate at which they choose to report prices for radiation therapy (RT) or systemic therapy is unknown. We predicted that the proportion of NCI-designated cancer centers reporting RT and infusion prices would lag behind their general rate of compliance with publication of shoppable prices. Materials/Methods 63 clinical NCI-designated cancer centers were identified. On February 1, 2021, (1 month after regulations took effect), online shoppable price lists and lengthy “chargemaster” documents containing prices for every offered service were identified through search terms such as “price transparency” or “price estimate.” These tools were queried for the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes 77385 and 96413 corresponding to the charge per fraction for simple intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and the first hour of infusion of systemic therapy, respectively. Search terms such as “radiation,” “radiotherapy,” “IMRT”, “chemotherapy,” and “infusion” were also used. Primary endpoints were the rate of reporting of shoppable prices for IMRT and infusion. Secondary endpoints were the rate of publication of shoppable prices and the rate of reporting any RT service. Descriptive statistics including proportions and frequency counts were performed. Results The price transparency webpages for all 63 institutions were easily identified. 52 (83%) listed shoppable prices in any format including 49 (78%) user-friendly web-based tools and 3 downloadable documents. 9 (17%) and 8 (15%) centers listed prices for IMRT and infusion, respectively, in their shoppable tools, and 20 (38%) listed at least one RT price. When also including negotiated prices found in chargemaster documents, 20 (32%), 23 (37%), and 31 (49%) of the 63 centers listed negotiated IMRT, infusion, and any RT prices, respectively. Conclusion Although 83% of NCI-cancer centers are compliant with mandates to report shoppable prices, almost 1 in 5 are noncompliant. Furthermore, less than 1 in 5 report negotiated RT and systemic therapy prices in shoppable tools. Oncology price reporting rates rise when considering chargemaster data, but these documents are opaque and patients may not know they exist. Policy changes such as mandatory RT and infusion price reporting should be considered to mitigate financial burden by improving patient access to reliable oncology price information.
An Overview of Souk Nets: A Component-Based Paradigm for Data Source Integration

Construction of complex software systems with off-the-shelf components has become a reality. Component-based frameworks tailored specifically for the domain of database integration are lacking, however. To use an existing component framework, data integrators must construct custom components specialized to the tasks of the data integration problem at hand. This approach allows other components provided by the framework to be reused, but is overly tedious and requires the integrator to employ the programming paradigms assumed by the component framework for interconnection and intercommunication between components, and manipulation of data provided by them. An alternate approach would employ a framework containing components tailored to data integration and which allows them to be interconnected using programming methods that are more natural to the domain of data integration. Souk is a language-independent, component-based paradigm for data integration. It is designed to allow the rapid construction of data integration solutions from off-the-shelf components, and to allow flexible evolution. This paper gives an overview of this paradigm.
The role of the right hemisphere in metaphor comprehension: A meta‐analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging studies

The role of the right hemisphere (RH) in metaphor comprehension is still controversial. Numerous neuroimaging studies have found that conventionality, sentential context, and task demand can influence the involvement of the RH in metaphor processing. The current meta-analysis used foci from 17 original functional magnetic resonance imaging studies to identify what factors modulate the involvement of the RH in metaphor processing. Activation likelihood estimation was used for quantification. We focused on the contrast of metaphorical meaning processing versus literal meaning processing and calculated the meta-analysis effects when (1) metaphorical meaning is conventional, (2) metaphorical meaning is novel, (3) metaphorical and literal meaning are presented in words, (4) metaphorical and literal meaning are presented in sentential context, (5) task is valence judgment, and (6) task is semantic relatedness judgment. The results indicated that the RH only showed significant effects in metaphor processing when the metaphorical meaning is novel, when metaphorical meaning is presented in sentential context, and when the task is semantic relatedness judgment. The effects were located in right fronto-temporal regions, including inferior frontal gyrus, middle frontal gyrus, insula, superior temporal gyrus, and middle temporal gyrus. These results suggest that conventionality, contextual complexity, and task demand can modulate the effect of figurativeness and influence the involvement of RH in metaphor comprehension. The main role of the RH in metaphor processing is related with activating broad semantic fields and integrating concepts that may have distant semantic relations, and hence provide support for the view that the RH is responsible for processing coarse semantic information in language comprehension.
Attraction to attachment insecurity: Flattery, appearance, and status's role in mate preferences

Research has shown that people select securely attached individuals as their first choice when asked to choose among secure or insecure partner prototypes. Despite this pattern, not everyone chooses a secure partner in real life. The goal of the reported studies was to examine factors that lead people to select insecure mates. Specifically, the roles of flattery, appearance, and status were assessed. In the first study, we found that flattery increased attraction to insecure partners. Study 2 showed that men preferred physical beauty over security. In Study 3, anxious women were attracted to high-status insecure men. These findings help explain why people may sometimes end up with insecure partners despite their professed preference for secure companions. When deciding on a mate, people are faced with an array of options. In an ideal world people would consistently select romantic partners who provide them with a supportive relationship. In reality, however, not all individuals end up in healthy relationships (e.g., Petersen, Moracco, Goldstein, & Clark, 2004). Furthermore, people’s accounts of what they most desire in mates do not always correspond to the features of their actual romantic partners (Botwin, Buss, & Shackelford, 1997), and recent work shows that reported preferences sometimes have little prediction for real-world attraction (Eastwick & Finkel, 2008a).
Where is the allergic reaction in ragweed asthma?: II. Demonstration of ragweed antigen in airborne particles smaller than pollen

Abstract Asthma from ragweed pollen presents a paradox. The pollen grains are too large to penetrate the lower airway, but amounts of pollen sufficient to cause asthma when inhaled through the mouth do not do so when applied directly to the nasal mucosa. This paradox could be resolved if ragweed antigen existed in particles 5μ and smaller. An Andersen sampler was operated continuously from mid-August to mid-September to collect airborne particles of various sizes. Rayweed pollen was found only on the first two stages, but each stage was found to have ragweed antigen when tested by the passive transfer antigen neutralization technique. The results demonstrated airborne particles, less than 5μ in diameter, capable of neutralizing ragweed reagin. These particles could penetrate to lower airways and initiate an allergic reaction there.
Abstract T P240: Sex-specific Differential Gene Expression in a Murine Model of Experimental Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Introduction: Decreased mortality and improved functional outcome in female compared to male mice after experimental intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has been demonstrated. We postulate that sex-specific differences in post-ICH gene expression may provide mechanistic insight. Methods: Ten to 12 week old C57/Bl6 male (M) and female in low estrus (LE-F) or high estrous state (HE-F) mice (n=3/group) underwent ICH induction via left intrastriatal collagenase injection. Whole brain samples were collected at baseline, immediately after sham injury and 6 hours after injury. Genome-wide expression profiling was performed with Affymetrix GeneChip Mouse Genome 2.0 to identify genes differentially expressed between baseline and 6 hours in males and females. Probes showing expression levels greater than log2 (10) for all samples were selected for differential analysis. Comparisons were made between baseline and 6-hour time points to determine significant differential gene expression in both sexes. An adjusted p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 12136 probes qualified for our filtering criteria, representing 9830 genes. Of the genes tested, 119 in M, 76 in LE-F, and 420 in HE-F were expressed differently at 6 hours as compared to baseline. Of these genes, a total of 37 were shared in M and HE-F groups, 32 in M and LE-F groups, and 42 in HE-F and LE-F groups. Several pathways were identified based on the top list of genes in each group comparison, including coagulation and inflammatory mediator signaling. Conclusions: Sex-specific differential gene expression exists at 6 hours after experimental ICH. Further experiments will be designed to test whether these observed differences in gene expression are associated with outcome after experimental ICH and, thus, may yield novel therapeutic targets for translation into the human disease. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Cosmic Ray Electrons and Positrons — a Review of Current Measurements and Some Implications

We review recent measurements of cosmic ray electrons and positrons. In contrast to the earlier situation there now appears to be good agreement between different measurements of the electron spectrum at 10 GeV. These measurements are consistent with the previous so called “high” intensities. This new level of agreement permits the interstellar electron spectrum to be derived in a more precise way directly from the radio background measurements. This new electron spectrum is interpreted with regard to its implications for the various energy loss processes occurring in interstellar space and also for its implications regarding the production of gamma-rays below ~ 100 MeV. A primary electron spectrum after accleleration with an index of -2.3 ± 0.1 between a few MeV and several hundred GeV is consistent with the data.
Cryoplasty for the Treatment of Coronary Bifurcation Stenoses Following Main Vessel Stenting

Objectives This retrospective study sought to assess the safety and clinical efficacy of cryoplasty for treatment of side-branch stenoses following main vessel stenting in coronary bifurcation lesions. Background Cryoplasty prevents restenosis by reducing smooth muscle proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis. Clinical effectiveness has been demonstrated in the peripheral circulation. Treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions remains a challenge. We used a novel strategy of main vessel stenting combined with side-branch cryoplasty to treat high-grade stenoses following main vessel stenting. Methods Eighteen patients with bifurcation lesions had significant plaque shift into a side branch after main vessel intervention. Drug-eluting stents were placed in the main vessel and cryoplasty was performed on the side-branch vessel. Quantitative coronary analysis was performed on all side-branch vessels both pre– and post–main vessel stenting. All patients had clinical follow-up 3 months or more after cryoplasty including either nuclear stress testing or diagnostic coronary angiogram. Results Mean percent stenosis decreased from 80.6% post main vessel stenting to 24.8% following cryoplasty (P < 0.0001). Of the 17 patients who had pre-cryoplasty nuclear stress testing 1 patient had ischemia identified in the distribution of the treated vessel at follow-up. Five patients had follow up angiography. One patient had restenosis, the other 2 were unchanged. There was a low incidence of MACE. Conclusions In this first report of its use in the coronary circulation, cryoplasty for bifurcation side-branch disease was safe and associated with a low rate of clinical recurrence in carefully selected patients. (J Interven Cardiol 2013;26:239–244)
Jay Haley’s Supervision of a Case of Dissociative

This is a transcript of a supervision session with a young therapist caught in the complex world of a woman with multiple personality. Occurring very early in the written literature about treating multiple personalities, the highlight of this paper is the supervision style and technique of Jay Haley. His approach to supervision will make the reader wish that he or she could be in the room during this session.
Description of Common Clinical Presentations and Associated Short-Term Physical Therapy Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Neck Pain.

Abstract Objective To determine the effect of clinical presentations of neck pain on short-term physical therapy outcomes. Design Retrospective analysis of pair-matched groups from a clinical cohort. Setting Thirteen outpatient physical therapy clinics in 1 health care system. Participants Patients (N=1069) grouped by common clinical presentations of neck pain: nonspecific neck pain (NSNP) with duration 4 weeks; neck pain with arm pain; neck pain with headache; and neck pain from whiplash. Intervention Conservative interventions provided by physical therapists. Main Outcome Measures Neck Disability Index (NDI) and numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) recorded at the initial and last visits. The main outcome of interest was achieving recovery status on the NDI. Changes in NDI and NPRS were compared between clinical presentation groups. Results Compared with patients presenting with NSNP >4 weeks, patients with NSNP 4 weeks. Conclusions Treating patients with NSNP within
EPR studies of weakly coupled oxomolybdenum (V) and low-spin iron (III) porphyrin centers

Novel compounds containing twoS=1/2 coupled spin centers (Mo(V) and low spin Fe(III) have been investigated in detail by X- and Q-band EPR spectroscopy, spectral simulation and molecular modelling calculations. For one system with a Mo−Fe distance of ≈9.4 A the dominant dipolar coupling allows distinction among structures that are consistent with molecular modelling calculations. For the second system with a Mo−Fe of ≈ 7.9 A the exchange interaction is dominant (0.5 <J < 3.0 GHz). These coupled systems are preliminary benchmarks for using EPR to investigate the Mo−Fe interaction in sulfite oxidase.
Isolation and characterization of kinetoplast DNA from Leishmania tarentolae.

Abstract Kinetoplast DNA (ϱ = 1.703 g/ml.) was isolated by preparative cesium chloride ultracentrifugation in a fixed-angle rotor from total cell DNA of Leishmania tarentolae and examined in terms of sedimentation properties, melting characteristics, and appearance in the electron microscope. It consisted of several molecular types, either free or bound together in associations of variable size: minicircles (molecular weight = 0.56 ± 0.03 × 106), catenated minicircles, “figure 8” molecules, and long molecules. The associations seem to be held together by the long molecules threading through the smaller circles and catenanes. The large associations could be broken down by sonication, DNase II-treatment, or shear forces. Minicircles, catenated dimers, trimers, and small linear fragments were separated on preparative sucrose gradients of sonicated DNA, and S20,w values were assigned to each molecular type by band sedimentation in the analytical ultracentrifuge. The kinetoplast DNA was found to be conserved during at least 4.8 cell divisions. There are more than 14 DNA units which segregate independently of each other on cell division. Nuclear DNA (ϱ = 1.716 g/ml.) consisted of long, linear molecules, and had a monophasic melting curve. Kinetoplast DNA did not denature irreversibly until the closed circular molecules were nicked or broken. A preliminary model was presented for the molecular architecture of the kinetoplast DNA structure in situ from the fact that the width of the kinetoplast DNA found in thin sections is equal to the diameter of a minicircle.
The Relationship between Tic Disorders and Tourette's Syndrome Revisited

ABSTRACT Objective The relationship between Tourette's syndrome (TS) and chronic tic disorder is of great clinical and scientific importance because of uncertainties in both prognosis and pharmacotherapeutic strategies. One approach to evaluating the relationship between TS and chronic tics is to examine whether they share similar neuropsychological and psychiatric correlates. Method : Children with TS ( n = 32) and children with chronic tics ( n = 39) were ascertained from an unselected sample of the children referred for psychopharmacological treatment and examined using standardized diagnostic assessments and testing procedures. Results Children with TS and those with chronic tics were similar to each other and different from controls in clinical correlates that included psychiatric comorbidity, as well as school, neuropsychological, and psychosocial impairments. Patients with TS also had higher rates of obsessive-compulsive disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and simple phobia than did patients with chronic tic disorder. Conclusions These findings indicate that TS and chronic tic disorder are part of the same disease entity, with TS being a more severe form of tic disorder. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry , 1995, 34, 9:1133–1139.
Opportunistic Human Infections Caused by Tritrichomonas species: A Mini-Review

Abstract The main purpose of this mini-review is to provide information on opportunistic human infections caused by Tritrichomonas spp. Rare cases of human trichomoniasis, including fatal meningoencephalitis and peritonitis, have been reported exclusively in immunosuppressed or immunocompromised individuals, suggesting the protozoa are human opportunistic pathogens. These infections are readily diagnosed by the characteristic morphology of the protozoa. Species identification is augmented by testing with molecular methods, such as PCR and DNA sequencing. Risk factors for infection and treatment are also discussed.
Effect of calcium channel blockers on serotonin uptake

AbstractWe previously demonstrated that verapamil inhibits serotonin uptake by bovine pulmonary arterial endothelial cells by a mechanism not involving alterations in calcium fluxes. In this study, we determine whether verapamil inhibition of serotonin uptake occurs in other pulmonary cell types (bovine pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells), in cells from other organs and species (rat epididymal endothelial cells), and in intact organs (isolated rat lungs). We also compare the effects of verapamil with those of nifedipine and diltiazem. At concentrations of 10-6M or greater, verapamil is an inhibitor of serotonin uptake by cultured cells and isolated lungs. Nifedipine and diltiazem are weak inhibitors of serotonin uptake by cultured bovine cells only at suprapharmacologic doses and have no effect on serotonin uptake by isolated lungs. Surprisingly, nifedipine stimulates serotonin uptake by rat epididymal endothelial cells. We conclude that inhibition of serotonin uptake by verapamil is a generalized pheno...
Bittersweet harvest : Children, work and the global march against child labour in the post-apartheid state

This article explores recent transformations in child labour legislation in the wake of rapid democratic political change in South Africa. It reflects on working children’s agency and their defence of their rights to work, drawing on ethnographic research in the wine lands of the Western Cape Province. The article argues that recent anti-child labour campaigns in South Africa fail to provide economic solutions for destitute black and coloured children who depend on remunerated vineyard work to sustain household economies. It contends that international legislation prohibiting child labour is myopic because it ignores the key role that children play in the global flexible labour market and, by disaggregating child from adult exploitation, perpetuates the economic conditions which give rise to child labour.
Coronectomy is an effective strategy for treating impacted third molars in close proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve.

The source of funding for this systematic review was grant 81070858 from the National Natural Science Foundation of China.