cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patients with Type-1 Diabetes Are at Greater Risk of Periprosthetic Joint Infection: A Population-Based, Retrospective, Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND The effect of diabetes type on the risk of periprosthetic joint infection is not well documented. We hypothesized that patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 would be at greater risk for periprosthetic joint infection than those with diabetes mellitus type 2 and that a history of diabetic complications would be associated with an increased risk of periprosthetic joint infection. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study, within a statewide database, on all adult patients who underwent hip or knee arthroplasty, with follow-up of ≥2 years, from 1996 to 2013. Of the 75,478 patients included, 1,668 had type-1 diabetes and 18,186 had type-2 diabetes. Risk factors were calculated using Cox regression, adjusting for siblings and stratified by age. Logistic regression was used to analyze the effect of diabetic complications on the risk of periprosthetic joint infection, controlling for other known risks for periprosthetic joint infection. RESULTS There was no difference in age or sex between groups (p > 0.05). The frequency of periprosthetic joint infection in patients without diabetes was 2.6% compared with 4.3% in all patients with diabetes (relative risk, 1.47; p < 0.001). Patients with type-1 diabetes were at a 1.8 times greater risk for periprosthetic joint infection than patients with type-2 diabetes (7% compared with 4%; p < 0.001). The following diabetic complications increased the risk of periprosthetic joint infection: peripheral circulatory disorders (odds ratio [OR], 2.59 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.70 to 3.94]), ketoacidosis (OR, 2.52 [95% CI, 1.51 to 4.19]), neurological manifestations (OR, 2.33 [95% CI, 1.96 to 2.78]), renal manifestations (OR, 2.15 [95% CI, 1.66 to 2.79]), and ophthalmic manifestations (OR, 1.76 [95% CI, 1.24 to 2.51]). The odds of periprosthetic joint infection increased with each added complication and patients with ≥4 complications were 9 times more likely to have a periprosthetic joint infection than patients with uncomplicated diabetes (OR, 9.47 [95% CI, 4.97 to 18.03]). Overweight and obese patients with type-2 diabetes and underweight patients with type-1 diabetes were at greater risk for periprosthetic joint infection compared with the general population (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our data showed an increased risk of periprosthetic joint infection in patients with type-1 diabetes compared with those with type-2 diabetes, along with an increasing risk associated with additional diabetic complications. These findings emphasize the need to better understand the medical history of patients with diabetes for more appropriate risk management. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
REVAMP$^2$T: Real-time Edge Video Analytics for Multi-camera Privacy-aware Pedestrian Tracking

This article presents REVAMP$^2$T, Real-time Edge Video Analytics for Multi-camera Privacy-aware Pedestrian Tracking, as an integrated end-to-end IoT system for privacy-built-in decentralized situational awareness. REVAMP$^2$T presents novel algorithmic and system constructs to push deep learning and video analytics next to IoT devices (i.e. video cameras). On the algorithm side, REVAMP$^2$T proposes a unified integrated computer vision pipeline for detection, re-identification, and tracking across multiple cameras without the need for storing the streaming data. At the same time, it avoids facial recognition, and tracks and re-identifies pedestrians based on their key features at runtime. On the IoT system side, REVAMP$^2$T provides infrastructure to maximize hardware utilization on the edge, orchestrates global communications, and provides system-wide re-identification, without the use of personally identifiable information, for a distributed IoT network. For the results and evaluation, this article also proposes a new metric, Accuracy$\cdot$Efficiency (AE), for holistic evaluation of IoT systems for real-time video analytics based on accuracy, performance, and power efficiency. REVAMP$^2$T outperforms current state-of-the-art by as much as thirteen-fold AE~improvement.
The rhythm and rate of distension‐induced esophageal contractility: A physiomarker of esophageal function

Background Distention of the esophagus elicits a unique pattern of repetitive contractions in healthy controls. We aimed to assess the rhythm and rate of distension-induced contractile patterns between achalasia and controls and identify factors that distinguish the normal contractile response to distension. Methods Twenty asymptomatic controls and 140 adult patients with treatment-naive achalasia defined by HRM (29 type I, 81 type II, 30 type III) were prospectively evaluated with functional luminal imaging probe (FLIP) during sedated endoscopy. 16-cm FLIP balloons were positioned within the distal esophagus during stepwise balloon distension. Functional luminal imaging probe panometry studies were retrospectively analyzed using a customized program. Key results All controls had contractility in a repetitive antegrade contraction (RAC) pattern with a rate of mean (10-90th) 6 (4-8) contractions per minute. 19/20 controls had > 6 consecutive antegrade contractions (ACs), that is, duration > 6 ACs, >6 cm in length, at a rate of 6 ± 3 contractions per minute (met the "Rule-of-6s"). 50 achalasia patients had repetitive contractions that occurred at a rates of 11 (7 - 15) ACs per minute; P Conclusion The normal contractile response to sustained distention is associated with > 6 RACs with a consistent rate of 6 ± 3 per minute, which was exceptionally rare in achalasia. These findings support that the RAC pattern is disrupted in achalasia and the faster rate may be a manifestation of abnormal inhibition and/or a reduced refractory period.
Association of the US Affordable Care Act With Out-of-Pocket Spending and Catastrophic Health Expenditures Among Adult Patients With Traumatic Injury.

Importance Trauma is an expensive and unpredictable source of out-of-pocket spending for American families. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) sought to improve financial protection by expanding health insurance coverage, but its association with health care spending for patients with traumatic injury remains largely unknown. Objective To evaluate the association of ACA implementation with out-of-pocket spending, premiums, and catastrophic health expenditures (CHE) among adult patients with traumatic injury. Design, Setting, and Participants Data from a nationally representative sample of US adults aged 19 to 64 years who had a hospital stay or emergency department visit for a traumatic injury from January 2010 to December 2017 were analyzed using the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Multivariable generalized linear models were used to evaluate changes in spending after ACA implementation. Additionally, 4 income subgroups were evaluated based on ACA thresholds for program eligibility: lowest-income patients (earning 138% or less of the federal poverty level [FPL]), low-income patients (earning 139% to 250% of the FPL), middle-income patients (earning 251% to 400% of the FPL), and high-income patients (earning more than 400% of the FPL). Data were analyzed from February to December 2019. Exposures Implementation of the ACA, beginning January 1, 2014. Main Outcomes and Measures Out-of-pocket spending, premium spending, out-of-pocket plus premium spending, and likelihood of experiencing CHE, defined as out-of-pocket plus premium spending exceeding 19.5% of family income. Results Of the 6288 included patients, 2995 (weighted percentage, 51.3%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 41.4 (12.8) years. Implementation of the ACA was associated with 31% lower odds of CHE (adjusted odds ratio, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.87;P = .002). Changes were greatest in lowest-income patients, who experienced 30% lower out-of-pocket spending (adjusted percentage change, −30.4%; 95% CI, −46.6% to −9.4%;P = .01), 26% lower out-of-pocket plus premium spending (adjusted percentage change, −26.3%; 95% CI, −41.0% to −8.1%;P = .01), and 39% lower odds of CHE (adjusted odds ratio, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.84;P = .002). Low-income patients experienced decreased out-of-pocket spending and out-of-pocket plus premium spending but no changes in CHE, while middle-income and high-income patients experienced no significant changes in any spending outcome. In the post-ACA period, 1 in 11 of all patients with traumatic injury and 1 in 5 with the lowest incomes continued to experience CHE each year. Conclusions and Relevance Implementation of the ACA was associated with improved financial protection for US adults with traumatic injury, especially lowest-income individuals targeted by the law’s Medicaid expansions. Despite these gains, injured patients remain at risk of financial strain.
Competition and Risk

Merger review in the United States has overlooked a significant competition harm: increasing risk. Mergers can increase both direct and systemic risk. There is now persuasive evidence that negative shocks to a firm can harm the firm’s consumers and trading partners, leading to national economic effects. And, as the COVID-19 pandemic has shown all too clearly, how we structure our markets can become a matter of life and death overnight. I argue that mergers that increase risk by harming competition can be blocked under the Clayton Act. Risk should therefore be treated like innovation in merger review as a factor that can increase or decrease merger legality. I show when a merger is likely to change risk, to whom, and in what direction. Important factors include pre- and post-merger market power, consumer exposure, and economic centrality. When a merger increases risk because of a harm to competition, that increased risk is an antitrust harm and can therefore be used to block the merger. Moreover, the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice’s prosecutorial discretion allows them to consider risk harms in merger review even when such harms are not the direct result of reduced competition. To illustrate, I apply risk analysis to a large generic pharmaceuticals merger. I conclude with recommendations on how to incorporate risk analysis into merger review. Doing so reveals otherwise invisible but significant merger harms and demonstrates that merger efficiencies have serious costs in addition to their often-discussed benefits. In an Appendix, I propose language for a new section on risk that the new administration can consider if it revises the DOJ and FTC’s Horizontal Merger Guidelines.
Progress in immunopathogenesis of Henoch-Schonlein purpura

Henoch-Schonlein purpura is a common general small-vessel vasculitis among children. The purpura repeated easily. It′s called Henoch-Schonlein purpura nephritis when kidney is involved. The pathogenesis of Henoch-Schonlein purpura is unknown. In many researches, the levels of serum cytokines are abnormal expression, such as IL-6, IL-21, and IL-33. In rencent researches, cytokines′ abnormal expression plays a fatal role in pathogenesis of Henoch-Schonlein purpura and Henoch-Schonlein purpura nephritis. Key words: Henoch-Schonlein purpura; Cytokine
A Temporal Based Forensic Analysis of Electronic Communication

Previous work reported on our research in developing a data mining environment for analyzing email communication data. In this paper, we describe our extensions to EMT for applying forensic discovery over temporal email data. The goal is to produce a semi-automatic system to aid in evidence discovery and a host of other applications. We describe our research on profile stability, temporal search and clustering, and new social network dynamic algorithms.
Mixed Bag: A review of Frans de Waal’s The Ape and the Sushi Master: Cultural Reflections of a Primatologist

Frans de Waal challenges the belief that only humans manifest cultural transmission and asserts that because apes also do, human distinctiveness is seriously undermined. de Waal emphasizes the importance of social learning for ape culture. Issue is taken with de Waal’s intentional stance regarding nonhumans and his negative, erroneous characterizations of aspects of behaviorism.
Partitioning and Diffusion of Fluorescently Labelled FTY720 in Resting Epithelial Cells

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive signalling molecule that mediates important cellular functions such as cell proliferation, cytoskeletal rearrangement, angiogenesis, mobilization of intracellular calcium, and immune cell trafficking. 2-Amino-2-[2-(4-octylphenyl) ethyl] propane-1,3-diol hydrochloride (also known as FTY720 or Fingolimod), a synthetic analog of sphingosine that has immunosuppressive properties, is the first oral drug approved by the U.S. FDA for treatment of multiple sclerosis. It is hypothesized that FTY720 is phosphorylated by sphingosine kinase 2 (SphK2) prior to binding to S1P receptor 1 (S1PR1) followed by internalization and degradation of the receptor. Here we examined the cellular uptake, partitioning, and diffusion of two fluorescent analogs of this drug (namely, Bodipy-FTY720) in cultured C3H10T1/2 cells, derived from mouse embryos. Multichannel imaging and co-localization with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) tracker (Glibenclamide-Bodipy-FL) indicates that Bodipy-FTY720 resides in the ER of C3H10T1/2 cells, where it is expected to be phosphorylated by SphK2, and is excluded from the nucleus. This conclusion is supported by the rotational and translational diffusion measurements of this FTY720 analog in the ER membrane of the cells. Our results also indicate a heterogeneous environment of the cellular Bodipy-FTY720 as revealed by two-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging. These studies represent a step forward towards elucidating the effects of Bodipy moiety on the action mechanism of FTY720 at the single-cell level.
The role of remote engagement in supporting boundary chain networks across Alaska

Abstract Boundary organizations serve multiple roles in linking science and decision making, including brokering knowledge, supporting local- and cross-level networks, facilitating the co-production of knowledge, and negotiating conflict. Yet they face several challenges in providing services for an ever-increasing number of actors and institutions interested in climate information and adaptation. This study evaluates how the Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy (ACCAP) innovated its boundary spanning role to improve outcomes by partnering with other boundary organizations through its ongoing climate webinar series. We utilize the concept of boundary chains to investigate outcomes associated with different extended network connections. Our evaluation is based on the analysis three datasets, including interviews (2013) and two web-based questionnaires (2010 and 2013–2015). Findings from the evaluation reveal several ways that remote engagement via the ACCAP webinar series facilitates learning, decision application, and cross-level network building, and overcomes barriers associated with large geographic distances between communities. In an organic evolution and innovation of the climate webinar series, ACCAP partnered with other boundary organizations to establish satellite hub sites to facilitate in-person gatherings at remote locations, thereby increasing the number and diversity of participants served and supporting local networking within organizations, agencies, and communities. Leveraging complementary resources through the satellite hub sites provided mutual benefits for ACCAP and partnering boundary organizations. These findings advance our understanding of the value of remote engagement in supporting boundary spanning processes and how boundary organizations innovate their roles to build capacity and increase the usability of climate information.
Shock compression of liquid methane and the principle of corresponding states

The principal Hugoniot of liquid methane has been measured between 5 to 43 GPa and a doubly-shocked state has been measured at 91 GPa. The repulsive pair potential for methane and argon are demonstrated to obey the principle of corresponding states.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH—PEYRONIE'S DISEASE: Peyronie's Disease Following Radical Prostatectomy: Incidence and Predictors

ABSTRACT Introduction Both prostate cancer and Peyronie's disease (PD) are prevalent in men after their fifth decade of life. The evidence to support or refute a link between radical prostatectomy (RP) and PD is limited. Aims To define the incidence of PD in men who had RP and determine possible predictors of PD development after RP. Methods A review of a prospectively built sexual medicine database, years 2002–2008, looking at subjects who had RP as a monotherapy for localized prostate cancer. We identified and characterized subjects who developed PD within 3 years after RP and compared them with subjects who did not. Main Outcome Measures The incidence of PD among men who attended a sexual medicine clinic after they had RP, predictors of PD development after RP. Results The study population included 1,011 subjects, and PD incidence in this population was 15.9%. Mean time to develop PD after RP was 13.9 ± 0.7 months. Mean curvature magnitude was 31 + 17 degrees. On univariate analysis, younger age (mean age of 59 + 7 in men with PD vs. 60 + 7 years in men without PD, P = 0.006) and white race (vs non-white, 18% vs. 7%, P Conclusions Men presenting with sexual dysfunction after RP have higher PD incidence then the general population. Therefore, they should be routinely evaluated for PD. Younger men and men of white race are at increased risk for PD. Prospective controlled studies are needed to elucidate the incidence of PD following RP and to conclude if RP has a causative role in the pathogenesis of PD. Tal R, Heck M, Teloken P, Siegrist T, Nelson CJ, and Mulhall JP. Peyronie's disease following radical prostatectomy: Incidence and predictors.
Characterization of Amplifier Nonlinearities and Their Effects in Communications Systems

Many of the requirements of a communications system are determined by the design of the output power amplifier and its interaction with the signal waveform. Although there is a long history of amplifier design and characterization in the field of microwave engineering, recent implementations of more complex digital waveforms for personal communications applications require a new set of tools and parameters to characterize amplifier operation. The goal of this chapter is to describe some of these new system performance requirements within the context of microwave amplifier operation and characterization and to briefly discuss some of the tools being developed to better understand amplifier operation in modern communications systems.
A Network Optimization Model for Multi-layer IP/MPLS over OTN/DWDM Networks

The operational model for large Internet service providers is moving to a multi-layer architecture consisting of IP/MPLS coupled with OTN/DWDM. While there has been significant work on multi-layer networks, the explicit modeling in IP/MPLS over OTN/DWDM has not been addressed before. In this paper, we present a detailed network optimization model for the operational planning of such an environment that considers OTN as a distinct layer with defined restrictions.
Identification of the amino terminal peptide of N-terminally blocked proteins by differential deutero-acetylation using LC/MS techniques

Publisher Summary The blocked proteins are usually digested with a high-specificity protease and the resultant peptides separated chromatographically and sequenced in turn, or alternately, proteins or peptides can be deblocked, using specific enzymes or chemical treatment, although success is variable. This chapter describes a method that facilitates the identification of the blocked amino terminal peptide in a digest of a blocked protein. Moreover, this method can be applied even if the amino acid sequence and blocking group are unknown. Although, LC/MS does allow the analysis of a complex mixture of peptides, one must examine every component in order to identify the amino terminal peptide, even when one knows the amino acid sequence and suspects the nature of the blocking group. Comparison by LC/MS of enzymatic digests before and after modification with deuterated acetic anhydride allows facile identification of the amino terminal peptide of amino terminally blocked proteins. Subsequent MS/MS analysis establishes the specific nature of the blocking group and the sequence of the peptide. The chemical modifications involved are simple and effective. These procedures can be done in solution or after the protein has been separated by SDS-PAGE and blotted to a membrane. The chapter explains that modern mass spectrometric techniques greatly simplify this kind of analysis, when compared with classical approaches to the same problem.
Abstract 839: N-acetylcysteine chemoprotection without decreased cisplatin antitumor efficacy in pediatric tumor models

PURPOSE. Cisplatin chemotherapy is used in the treatment of many pediatric cancers, but has significant toxicities that impact patient quality of life. Decreasing oxidative damage with the anti-oxidant agent N-acetylcysteine (NAC) can reduce cisplatin side effects; however its use is limited by concerns about decreased anti-tumor efficacy. This study evaluated the effect of the timing of NAC on cisplatin efficacy in vitro and in rat models of human pediatric cancers. METHODS. Female athymic nude rats received subcutaneous implantation of human SK-N-AS neuroblastoma cells or intra-cerebellar implantation of human D283-MED medulloblastoma cells. Rats were untreated or treated with cisplatin (3 or 4 mg/kg IV) with or without NAC (1000 mg/kg IV) 30 min before or 4 h after cisplatin treatment. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and tumor volumes were measured. Viability and apoptosis were assessed in vitro in both cell types. RESULTS. NAC was protective against cisplatin toxicity in both SK-N-AS and D283-MED cells in vitro if added within 2 h after chemotherapy. Untreated SK-N-AS neuroblastoma subcutaneous tumor volumes increased by 17.7 ± 4.9 fold over 2 weeks, with final tumor weight of 4.3 ± 1.6 g. Cisplatin decreased relative tumor growth to 6.4 ± 2.5 fold over baseline (P Citation Format: Leslie L. Muldoon, Y. Jeffrey Wu, Michael A. Pagel, Kathleen A. Beeson, Edward A. Neuwelt. N-acetylcysteine chemoprotection without decreased cisplatin antitumor efficacy in pediatric tumor models. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 839. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-839
Fiber-based telecommunication-band source of degenerate entangled photons.

We have constructed and experimentally characterized what we believe to be the first fiber-based source of degenerate polarization-entangled photon pairs in the telecommunication band. Our source design utilizes bichromatic pump pulses and an optical-fiber Sagnac loop aligned to deterministically separate degenerate photon pairs at a central wavelength. The source exhibits 0.997±0.006 fidelity with a maximally entangled state, measured using quantum state tomography. When reconfigured to produce identical photon pairs, the source exhibits a Hong-Ou-Mandel interference visibility of 0.97±0.04.
Dimensional Analysis: A Critique and Cautionary Note

The concept of dimensions has been very useful in the physical sciences for more than a century (e.g., Maxwell 1871). Spaulding (1960) has discussed the issue of dimensionality in a very general sense with respect to archeology. Yet, the recent article by Dobbert et al. ("An Application of Dimensional Analysis in Cultural Anthropology," AA 86:854-884) is the first application of dimensional analysis in anthropology. Although their pioneering effort is commendable, there are serious problems with their analysis. These problems occur because they used variables that cannot be analyzed dimensionally and "dimensions" that are not really dimensional. The results of such an "analysis" cannot be justified by the technique used to generate them. Specifically, my criticisms are: 1. The technique requires that its variables be measured on ratio scales. Interval scaled
Topical anesthetic abuse after radial keratotomy

A 49-year-old woman developed corneal epithelial defects and stromal infiltration shortly after a 4-cut radial keratotomy (RK) for myopia. Although cultures grew staphylococci and appropriate antibiotic treatment was applied, the epithelial defects increased in size. The corneal epithelium did not heal fully for more than 2 months. Penetrating keratoplasty 1 year later was followed by epithelial breakdown and perforation, as was a second keratoplasty. Despite repeated questioning, the patient did not admit until 18 months after her initial surgery that she had begun self-treatment with dilute proparacaine shortly after RK and continued it after her keratoplasties. The elective use of topical anesthetics to control pain after refractive surgery should be approached with caution, and patients should be warned of the possible consequences of their misuse.
A Longitudinal Investigation of Associations between Boys' Pubertal Timing and Adult Behavioral Health and Well-Being.

To extend research linking pubertal timing and adolescent health outcomes, this study examines boys’ pubertal timing and subsequent interpersonal success and health behaviors in mid adulthood. Past research has shown that boys’ pubertal timing is associated with both positive and negative developmental outcomes in the short term, and so it is unclear how pubertal timing is consequential for adjustment across the long term. Data from 460 boys from the Terman Life-Cycle Study were examined over a 39-year period to relate age of pubertal onset to later marital success, career success, and adult health behaviors. Boys who reached puberty earlier than their peers achieved greater success in their careers and experienced more satisfaction in their marriages. Early-developing boys were not found to be more likely than their peers to smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol as adults. Findings are discussed in terms of the importance of pubertal timing for life-span development.
Error analysis of ratiometric imaging of extracellular pH in a window chamber model

Ratiometric fluorescence-imaging technique is commonly used to measure extracellular pH in tumors and surrounding tissue within a dorsal skin-fold window chamber. Using a pH-sensitive fluorophore such as carboxy SNARF-1 one can measure pH distributions with high precision. However, it is often observed that the measured pH is lower than expected, with a bias that varies from one image to another. A comprehensive analysis of possible error sources is presented. These error sources include photon noise, estimator bias, instrument errors, temperature, and calibration errors from biological factors.
Cycloergometer-induced bronchospasm

Abstract The Cycloergometer Exercise test is readily administered to children and adolescents for evaluating exercise-induced asthma. It offers the advantages of ready acceptance and full cooperation of the patients and ease of administration to a wide range of age groups, and it can be given under standard conditions with a known work load. The initial pulmonary-function values (VC and FEV 1 ) do not predict those patients most likely to have exercise-induced bronchospasm. This phenomenon appears limited to asthmatic patients.
ACID-BASE INTERACTIONS IN FILLER CHARACTERIZATION BY INVERSE GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY

Glass beads as model fillers were characterized by inverse gas chromatography (IGC) according to the Lewis acid–Lewis base (donor–acceptor) concepts as adapted by Fowkes. A range of organic probes (acidic chloromethanes, neutral n-alkanes, and basic acetone and diethylether) was used to elucidate the acid–base nature of the glass bead surface. The untreated glass bead surface was found to contain predominantly acidic sites while the treated glass bead (treated with an aminopropyltriethoxysilane coupling agent) was more basic than its unmodified counterpart. Calculation of the enthalpies of acid–base interactions (ΔHab) form the retention behavior of the basic probes with the two glass beads produced at least an 8-kJ/mol difference between the two glass types, the ΔHab of the untreated glass being greater than the treated glass. A difference of this magnitude is sufficient to produce a corresponding difference in the interfacial behavior of the two glass types. Therefore, IGC can be used as a quantitative technique for characterizing filler surfaces.
Anaphylaxis in the guinea‐pig isolated heart: selective inhibition by burimamide of the positive inotropic and chronotropic effects of released histamine

Abstract 1. Anaphylaxis was induced in the isolated heart of the guinea-pig in the presence of burimamide at concentrations of 4 × 10-5M and 2·7 × 10-4M. 2. Burimamide did not affect the immunological release of histamine; however, it selectively antagonized the positive inotropic and chronotropic effects of released histamine. The antagonism of the positive chronotropic effect was concentration-dependent. 3. Neither the negative dromotropic effect nor the decrease in coronary flow rate occurring during anaphylaxis were inhibited by burimamide. 4. The results are in agreement with the double histamine receptor theory and suggest that, in the heart of the guinea-pig, H2-receptors are involved in the positive inotropic and chronotropic effects of released histamine, and H1-receptors in the negative dromotropic effect.
Prospective Study of the Clinical Features and Outcomes of Emergency Department Patients with Delayed Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism

Objectives:The authors hypothesized that emergency department (ED) patients with a delayed diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) will have a higher frequency of altered mental status, older age, comorbidity, and worsened outcomes compared with patients who have PE diagnosed by tests ordered in the ED. Methods:For 144 weeks, all patients with PE diagnosed by computed tomographic angiography were prospectively screened to identify ED diagnosis (testing ordered from the ED) versus delayed diagnosis (less than 48 hours postadmission). Serum troponin I level, right ventricular hypokinesis on echocardiography, and percentage pulmonary vascular occlusion were measured at diagnosis; patients were prospectively followed up for adverse events (death, intubation, or circulatory shock). Results:Among 161 patients with PE, 141 (88%) were ED diagnosed and 20 (12%) had a delayed diagnosis. Patients with a delayed diagnosis were older than ED-diagnosed patients (61 [±15] vs. 51 [±17] years; p 50% vascular obstruction. Patients with a delayed diagnosis had a higher rate of in-hospital adverse events (9% vs. 30%; p = 0.01). Conclusions:In this single-center study, the diagnosis of PE was frequently delayed and outcomes of patients with delayed diagnosis were worse than those of patients with PE diagnosed in the ED.
Zebras on the Commons: Rare Conditions in Family Practice

Background: Family physicians (FPs) specialize in the management of common problems, but we know little about their role in the care of patients with rare conditions. Objective: To describe the roles FPs play in the identification and management of patients with rare conditions in a typical practice. Methods: Office record review of 100 patients with rare conditions in the everyday, community-based, private practice of 4 FPs. Analysis of patient demographic characteristics, diagnoses, and the roles played by the FP in the patient’s care, including diagnosis, treatment, referral, and long-term patient management. Results: These FPs cared for patients with a wide variety of rare disorders across the spectrum of patient age and sex, organ system involved, and medical specialty area. FPs identified the problem in 89%, diagnosed the disorder in 54%, provided acute care in 56%, and provided continuing care for 76% of patients. FPs consulted other physicians in 85% of cases. The condition was life threatening in 58% of patients. Conclusions: Family physicians provide a broad range of services to a wide variety of patients with rare medical problems.
Comparison of latex agglutination, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and indicator plants for detection of potato viruses S and X in potatoes

Potato virus S (PVS) was consistently detected by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the latex agglutination test (LAT) at dilutions (PVS sap: healthy sap) of 1:499 and 1:19, respectively. Mechanical inoculation ofNicotiana debneyi gave variable results with detection possible 38% of the time at dilutions of 1:499.
The Illusion of Competence: Increasing Self-Efficacy in Outdoor Leaders

The development of self-efficacy from participation in adventure education is consistently viewed as a positive and desirable outcome. However, outdoor leadership training is a context in which self-efficacy enhancement should be approached with caution. Recent research outside the field of outdoor leadership and adventure education has called into question the assumption of a consistently positive relationship between increased selfefficacy and subsequent behavior. Self-efficacy beliefs can be overinflated and result in inappropriate selection of behaviors, acceptance of risk, and decreased performance. This has particular relevance for outdoor leaders because of the dire consequences associated in outdoor settings. Several conditions in outdoor leadership training may contribute to inflated or inaccurate self-efficacy beliefs. These include the overprovision of success, isolated lessons of instruction, and inadequately processed experiences. Solutions to the conditions which create outdoor leaders' illusions of competence include providing a balance of opportunity for failure and success, combining skills in lessons to accurately represent future contexts of application, and the adaptation of metacognitive monitoring interventions to improve students' interpretations of experience and competence.
Influencing public education: A "Window of opportunity" through school library media centers

How can the field of instructional technology (IT) have an impact on public education when their philosophies and strategies are so different? Most suggestions in the literature place instructional technology professionals in the role of external change agents to the schools. This article suggests that a new opportunity is on the horizen for modeling IT theory and practicewithin each school through the school library media center. Viewed primarily as support centers in the past, technological developments and the growing interest in information literacy have brought school library media centers to prominence among educators. The computerization of library systems is also finally making it possible for school library media specialists to devote a major portion of their time to instructional matters. A true change in the role of the school library media specialist, however, hinges on high quality training for these professionals. IT professionals are asked to carefully consider this avenue as a way to influence public education.
Microscale damage evolution and stress redistribution in Ti-SiC fiber composites

Abstract Local damage evolution in a composite is the primary micromechanical process determining its fracture toughness, strength, and lifetime. In this study, high energy X-ray microdiffraction was used to measure the lattice strains of both phases in a Ti–SiC fiber composite laminate. The data provided in situ load transfer information under applied tensile stress at the scale of the microstructure. To better understand damage evolution, predictions of a modified shear lag model were compared to the strain data. This comparison (1) demonstrated the importance of accounting for the matrix axial and shear stiffness, (2) optimized the stiffness ratio for load transfer, and (3) improved the interpretation of the ideal planar geometry commonly used in micromechanical composite models. In addition, the results proved the matrix within and around the damage zone sustained substantial axial load and locally yielded. It was also shown that an area detector is essential in such a diffraction study as it provides multi-axial strain data and helps eliminate the “graininess” problem.
Some Versions of the Hortus Conclusus in Elizabethan Landscape and Literature

Situating its discussion among recent ecocritical developments in studies of Shakespeare and the literature of the English Renaissance, this essay considers the medieval enclosed garden, or hortus conclusus, as a way of being in the world that was available to the Elizabethan imagination. A concept ultimately derived from Canticles 4.12, the idea of the enclosed garden was read allegorically, if differently, by both Catholic and Protestant exegetes. Enormously productive in the late middle ages, the iconography of the hortus conclusus was appropriated in Elizabethan England by poets and gardeners alike and may be found in plays including Shakespeare's Richard II, Romeo and Juliet, and The Winter's Tale, as well as in actual gardens, among them Theobalds, Kenilworth, Wimbledon, and Nonsuch. While fashioned to embrace theological and political concerns of the late sixteenth century, these late manifestations of the enclosed garden retain a recognizably medieval character.
Prophylactic agents effecting lysis of dental plaque. Penetration of monomolecular films of stearyl alcohol and of N-octadecylacetamide by N-dodecylurea and related compounds

Abstract The effects of N-dodecylurea (I), dodecyl carbamate (II), myristamide (III), N-dodecylguanidine (IV), and N-dodecylthiourea (V) upon monomolecular films of stearyl alcohol and of N-octadecylacetamide were studied. The data reflect that compounds I and II elicit significant interactions associated with film-disruption.
Intensity-based registration algorithm for probabilistic images and its application for 2D to 3D image registration

Registration of 2-D projection images and 3-D volume images is still a largely unsolved problem. In order to register a pre-operative CT image to an intra-operative 2-D x-ray image, one typically computes simulated x-ray images from the attenuation coefficients in the CT image (Digital Reconstructed Radiograph, DRR). The simulated images are then compared to the actual image using intensity-based similarity measures to quantify the correctness of the current relative pose. However, the spatial information present in the CT is lost in the process of computing projections. This paper first introduces a probabilistic extension to the computation of DRRs that preserves much of the spatial separability of tissues along the simulated rays. In order to handle the resulting non-scalar data in intensity-based registration, we propose a way of computing entropy-based similarity measures such as mutual information (MI) from probabilistic images. We give an initial evaluation of the feasibility of our novel image similarity measure for 2-D to 3-D registration by registering a probabilistic DRR to a deterministic DRR computed from patient data used in frameless stereotactic radiosurgery.
Decomposition of congruences involving a map Φ

Congruences of Ankeny-Artin-Chowla type modulo p2 for a cyclic subfield K of prime conductor p were derived by Jakubec and expressed in terms of a technically defined map Φ. Later, Jakubec and Lassak found a decomposition of the map Φ modulo p2 and simplified the formulation of these congruences. A corresponding decomposition of the map Φ modulo p3 was obtained in [MARKO, F.: Towards Ankeny-Artin-Chowla type congruence modulo p3, Ann. Math. Sil. 20 (2006), 31–55]. That technical step was important for the formulation of congruences of Ankeny-Artin-Chowla type modulo p3. This paper will show how to produce an analogous decomposition of the map Φ modulo an arbitrary power pn which would allow a description of analogous congruences modulo pn.
Electric and dynamic quadrupole moments of even-even nuclei

For the ground-state bands of nonmagic even-even nuclei, the variable moment-of-inertia law defines an effective moment of inertia $\mathfrak{g}(J)$, using only the energies of the ${2}^{+}$ and ${4}^{+}$ states. From the definition, $\mathfrak{g}(J)$ is never negative. The "average" moment of inertia ${\mathfrak{g}}_{02}\ensuremath{\equiv}\frac{1}{2}[\mathfrak{g}(0)+\mathfrak{g}(2)]$ may then be related to the transition quadrupole moment ${Q}_{02}$. $\mathfrak{g}(Q)$ is well described by a continuous function ranging over almost two orders of magnitude in both quantities. This function is linear for small values of $Q(\ensuremath{\lesssim}4 e\mathrm{b})$, quadratic for intermediate values ($4\ensuremath{\lesssim}Q\ensuremath{\lesssim}11$ e b), and essentially constant for larger values ($11\ensuremath{\le}Q\ensuremath{\le}13$ e b). The linear section pertains to all nuclei which deviate by not more than two pairs from being singly magic. In this group are both light deformed nuclei (e.g., $^{12}\mathrm{C}$ and $^{24}\mathrm{Mg}$) and heavier spherical nuclei ranging from $30\ensuremath{\lesssim}A\ensuremath{\lesssim}200$. The values of $\mathfrak{g}$ and $Q$ in this region are (within \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 50%) those that would be obtained if the nucleus were replaced by a dumbbell with length equal to the nuclear diameter and an $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ particle at either end. The quadratic relation has a simple interpretation in a picture of the nucleus as a droplet composed of two fluids, a superfluid which does not contribute to the angular momentum, and an inertial or rigidly rotating component which forms a fixed fraction $f$ of the mass density at each point in the nucleus. The fraction $f$, computed according to a simple rule from the degree of deformation of the droplet, vanishes if the droplet is spherical. The constancy of $\mathfrak{g}$ at the largest $Q$ values (associated with spontaneously fissioning nuclei) may be due to a slight proton excess at the poles of the nucleus.NUCLEAR STRUCTURE Quadrupole moments, VMI model, moments of inertia.
Making Difficult Discussions Easier: Using Prognosis to Facilitate Transitions to Hospice

Patients with advanced cancer face difficult decisions regarding their treatment, and many will need to make difficult choices about end-of-life care because although cancer-directed therapies are increasingly available, few provide a cure. High-quality cancer care includes access to palliative care throughout the cancer care continuum, and increasing evidence suggests that timely enrollment in hospice can increase quality of life for patients dying from cancer. Therefore, clinicians must learn to recognize patients who are hospice-eligible and to develop prognostication and communication skills that enable honest provider-patient dialogue about end-of-life options. In this article, the authors review available tools for prognostication in advanced cancer and present a method for discussing prognosis by using the SPIKES acronym. In addition, by using patient-identified goals and service needs, the authors recommend a method for making a hospice referral after disclosure of poor prognosis.
Management of patients with cancer of the thyroid. James Ewing Society Presidential Address, 1967.

ARCINOMA OF THE THYROID IS NOT A COMC mon disease. The incidence based on statistics from death certificates shows that the death rate in this disease is approximately one per lOO,OOO.5 Of course, these figures do not show the prevalence of the disease among the living. This is unknown because published statistics vary so greatly. The reported occurrence of carcinoma in nontoxic nodular goiters varies from 3.6 to 17.1y0 and in solitary nodules from 9 to 33y0.1. 2943 6 These data concern only surgical patients and do not apply to the general population. The wide variation in figures is due to inaccuracy in distinguishing clinically between single and multiple nodules of the thyroid and to the unavoidable selection of cases. Some of the disparity is aIso due to the lack of uniform criteria for evaluating pathologic findings. Certainly the low incidence of malignant tumors in some areas reflects the failure of pathologists to recognize cancer of the thyroid. PROBABLE POPULATION WITH DISEASE For more than 50 years it has been assumed that cancer of the thyroid was more frequent in goitrous than in nongoitrous regions. No large-scale investigation has been carried out but the few limited surveys conducted in the last 15 years indicate that cancer of the thyroid is equally distributed throughout all areas and has no relationship to goitrous regions. The reported inequality appears to be related to local interest in the disease rather than any geographic differences. Carcinoma of the thyroid rarely is associ
An approximation for black-body x-ray transport in air☆

Abstract A simplified method is presented for approximating the air-transported x-ray spectrum from nuclear detonations in the atmosphere. Computational time is reduced such that a desk-top computer can provide results that match, within ±10% for a wide range of conditions, Monte Carlo results which requires 5–10 times greater computation time on a Cray.
Effect of estrogen on androgen receptor dynamics in female rat pituitary.

We examined the role of estrogen in regulating the number of androgen–280 g) that were ovariectomized for 3 days were used in this study. AR numbers were determined in pituitary cytosol and nuclear fractions by binding and exchange assays using the synthetic ligand 17α-methyl-3H-trienolone. The administration of a single dose of estradiol benzoate [(EB) 10 μg/100 g BW] to ovariectomized female rats resulted in a 60% increase in cytosolic AR which was significantly (P < 0.01) elevated above that of oil-treated controls by 12 h post EB. Cytosolic AR levels remained elevated for as long as 48 h post EB (213% of controls). Saturation analysis of pituitary cytosolic AR revealed a single, high affinity binding site for 17α-methyl-3H-trienolone exhibiting an apparent dissociation constant (Kd) of 0.5 × 10-10 M in both EB- and oil-treated animals. The administration of cycloheximide (1 mg/ kg BW) before EB administration prevented the EB-induced rise in AR when measured 8 h post EB. When dihydrotestosterone (1.5 ...
Simplified Procedure for Seismic Analysis of Sites With Deep Soil Mixing

The paper reports the results of a parametric study undertaken to investigate the influence of deep mixing (DM) of soil columns on the porewater pressure response in the vicinity of the treatment. The study utilized a two-dimensional effective stress program, TARA-2M. The predictive capability of TARA-2M was initially verified by using a well-documented centrifuge database generated as a part of the NSF funded study VELACS (Arulanandan and Scott 1993). The porewater pressure responses have been provided for two levels of excitation (amax= 0.2g and 0.4g) and for two DM column spacing distances. Computed results show the extent of the influence of the treated columns in reducing the excess porewater pressures. The results are presented in normalized form such that the estimates of porewater pressures at interior locations can be made, if porewater pressure response is known in the free-field.
Cyclic variations in the increased responsiveness of the pituitary to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) induced by LHRH.

Following a single iv injection of 50 ng of LH-releasing hormone (LHRH), a small increase in plasma LH titers was observed and this response was greater on proestrus and estrus than in other stages of the cycle. When a second injection of a similar dose of the neurohormone was given one hour later, the response to the second injection was markedly enhanced on proestrus but only slightly increased at other stages of the cycle. The response to LHRH in androgenized females was similar to that observed on proestrus, and, as on proestrus, an enhanced response to a second injection occurred.Only small increases in FSH followed these injections and there was no increase in responsiveness to the second injection in any of the groups. It is postulated that rising estrogen titers can bring about a priming action of LHRH which enhances the response of the gland to a second injection on proestrus. The priming action of LHRH may magnify the response of the pituitary to endogenous decapeptide release to further increas...