cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Root surface removal and resultant surface texture with diamond-coated ultrasonic inserts: an in vitro and SEM study

Background: A new diamond-coated ultrasonic insert has been developed for scaling and root planing, and it was evaluated in vitro for the amount of root surface removed and the roughness of the residual root surface as a result of instrumentation. Methods: 48 extracted single-rooted human teeth were ground flat on one root surface and mounted (flat side up) in PVC rings of standard height and diameter with improved dental stone. Each tooth surface was treated with either a plain ultrasonic insert (PI), an ultrasonic insert with a fine grit diamond coating (DI) or sharp Gracey curettes (HI). The mounted teeth were attached to a stepper motor which drove the teeth in a horizontal, reciprocal motion at a constant rate. The thickness from the flattened bottom of the ring to the flattened tooth surface was measured before and after 10, 20, and 30 instrumentation strokes for each root surface with each of the experimental instruments. A number of treated teeth were randomly selected for examination with SEM and a profilometer. Statistical analysis (analysis of co-variance) was performed to compare the amounts of tooth structure removed among the 3 instruments and t-test was used to compare the roughness of the treated root surfaces. Results: The mean depth of root structure removed was PI 10.7 μm, HI 15.0 μm, and DI 46.2 μm after 10 strokes; and PI 21.6 μm, HI 33.2 and DI 142.0 μm after 30 strokes, respectively. On average, 0.9 μm, 1.3 μm, and 4.7 μm of root surface was removed with each stroke of PI, HI and DI, respectively. PI and HI were not different from each other for all the stroke cycles, while DI was significantly different from PI and HI for all the stroke cycles (p<0.0001). Analysis with the profilometer showed that the smoothest surface was produced by the PI followed by the HI. The DI produced a surface that was significantly rougher than the surface produced by the PI or HI. Conclusion: These results suggest that diamond-coated ultrasonic instruments will effectively plane roots, and that caution should be used during periodontal root planing procedures. Additionally, the diamond-coated instruments will produce a rougher surface than the plain inserts or the hand curettes.
Alkyltransition metal compounds VII. Fragmentation of the tert-alkylchromium system

Abstract The tri-tert-alkylchromium system [from PhCH 2 CH 2 C(CH 3 ) 2 MgCl and CrCl 3 (THF) 3 ] undergoes stepwise fragmentation on warming. At low temperatures a homolytic process leads to the exclusive formation of alkane and 1-alkene. At higher temperatures the products consist of alkane, 1- and 2-alkene and a chromium based olefin isomerization catalyst.
A reconfigurable ethernet/SONET circuit-based metro network architecture

We propose a service concept in which high-speed Ethernet interfaces from end hosts are dynamically cross-connected to equivalent-rate Ethernet-over-SONET (EoS) optical circuits for transport across metro-area networks and/or wide-area networks. We call our service concept reconfigurable Ethernet/SONET circuits to end users (RESCUE). We describe how RESCUE can be used for two applications: dial-up service to Internet service provider routers and file transfers. We propose to deploy RESCUE service as an "add-on" to current Internet access for many reasons. Primary among these is that it allows a metro optical circuit-switched network to be operated at a high utilization, which is important to achieve a cost-effective bandwidth-efficient network. Given that end hosts with access to RESCUE service will have a choice of two paths, the primary Internet path and a secondary RESCUE option, end-host applications will need to make a routing decision. We carry out a quantitative analysis to provide a basis for this routing decision for both dial-up service and file transfers. For example, with the file-transfer application, if call-blocking probability on the optical circuit-switched network is 30% and the packet-loss rate on the transmission control protocol/Internet protocol path is 1%, a circuit setup should be attempted for files 180 KB or larger in low-propagation delay environments.
Human Parainfluenza Virus Type 1 Matrix and Nucleoprotein Genes Transiently Expressed in Mammalian Cells Induce the Release of Virus-Like Particles Containing Nucleocapsid-Like Structures

The matrix (M) protein plays an essential role in the assembly and budding of some enveloped RNA viruses. We expressed the human parainfluenza virus type 1 (hPIV-1) M and/or NP genes into 293T cells using the mammalian expression vector pCAGGS. Biochemical and electron microscopic analyses of transfected cells showed that the M protein alone can induce the budding of virus-like particles (vesicles) from the plasma membrane and that the NP protein can assemble into intracellular nucleocapsid-like (NC-like) structures. Furthermore, the coexpression of both the M and NP genes resulted in the production of vesicles enclosing NC-like structures, suggesting that the hPIV-1 M protein has the intrinsic ability to induce membrane vesiculation and to incorporate NC-like structures into these budding vesicles.
Computational Investigation of Aero-Optical Distortions in a Free Shear Layer

*† ‡ A computational study of an unforced and periodically forced two-dimensional shear layer behind a backward facing step is presented. The goal is to investigate the optical aberrations caused by large and small scale structures in the flow field. Fluid dynamical as well as optical data was used to correlate the flow structures with the optical distortions. Simulations using the compressible Navier-Stokes equations were used to directly compute the unsteady density field. This density data, as well as the computed Optical Path Difference, is analyzed using Proper Orthogonal Decomposition to determine the optically detrimental structures which are the eventual target of feedback flow control. The investigations showed that POD of the density is a well suited tool for this analysis since its changes are largest in the optically detrimental coherent structures in the shear layer.
Calcium current in cortical astrocytes: induction by cAMP and neurotransmitters and permissive effect of serum factors

Voltage-dependent L-type calcium channels were induced in highly purified, cultured, cortical astrocytes by exposure to substances known to increase their intracellular cAMP: 8-bromo-cAMP, forskolin, isoproterenol, and vasoactive intestinal peptide. In untreated control cultures, L-type calcium currents were entirely absent. The induction of this calcium current was specific to cortical astrocytes and a closely related astrocyte type in white matter and did not occur in meningeal cells or oligodendrocytes. The ability of forskolin to induce L-type calcium current in astrocytes depended on previous culture of these cells in a permissive lot of serum for at least 48 hr. In addition, certain lots of sera caused expression of a voltage-dependent T-type calcium channel in untreated control cultures. Several possible mechanisms of calcium channel induction by cAMP are consistent with our data: modification of a silent channel already present in the membrane, indirect effect of cytoskeletal alteration, or insertion of channels from submembrane stores. If the environment in vivo is permissive, regulation of glial ion channels may be under neuronal control.
Acceleration of Ventricular Pacemakers by Transient Increases in Heart Rate in Dogs during Ouabain Administration

The present experiments describe effects of transient increases in heart rate on ventricular pacemakers during digitalization. Fifteen anesthetized, vagotomized dogs were studied during ouabain infusion or after recovery from ouabain-induced ventricular tachycardia. Vagal stimulation was used to assess baseline ventricular automaticity and 30-second periods of atrial pacing were utilized to evaluate the response of ventricular pacemakers following different increments in rate. After an average dose of 45 ± 3 (SE) µg/kg of ouabain, vagal stimulation unmasked an automatic ventricular focus in 14 animals and pacing was followed by ventricular acceleration in all 15 animals. The Degrees of ventricular acceleration varied directly with the pacing rate. The increment in ventricular rate above the level unmasked by vagal stimulation averaged 59 ± 4% of the increment in atrial rate. At the higher driving rates, a transient postpacing depression was present before the emergence of a rapid ventricular focus. These findings were unaffected by beta-receptor blockade with 4-(2-hydroxy-3-isopropylamino propoxy) acetanilide (AY21,011). The results indicate that transient increases in heart rate may accelerate rather than depress ventricular pacemakers during digitalization.
Variable property, steady, axi-symmetric, laminar, continuum plasma flow over spheroidal particles

Abstract Steady, continuum, laminar plasma flow over spheroidal particles has been numerically investigated in this paper using a finite volume method. To body-fit the non-spherical particle surface, an adaptive orthogonal grid is generated. The flow field and the temperature distribution are calculated for oblate and prolate particle shapes. A number of particle surface temperatures and far field temperatures are considered and thermo-physical property variation is fully accounted for in our model. The particle shapes are represented in terms of axis ratio which is defined as the ratio of axis perpendicular to the flow direction to the axis along the flow direction. For oblate shape, axis ratios from 1.6 (disk-like) to 1 (sphere) are used whereas for prolate shape, axis ratios of 1(sphere) to 0.4 (cylinder-like) are used. Effects of flow Reynolds number, particle shape, surface and far field temperatures, and variable properties, on the flow field, temperature variations, drag coefficient, and Nusselt number are outlined. Results show that particle shape has significant effect on flow and heat transfer to particle surface. Compared to a constant property flow, accounting for thermo-physical property variation leads to prediction of higher temperature and velocity gradients in the vicinity of the particle surface. Based on the numerical results, a correlation for the Nusslet number is proposed that accounts for the effect of particle shape in continuum flow with large thermo-physical property variation.
Value of CT and lymphography: distinguishing retroperitoneal metastases from nonseminomatous testicular tumors

Sixty-three consecutive patients with nonseminomatous testicular carcinoma were prospectively examined for paraaortic metastases before undergoing a staging laparotomy with lymphadenectomies or biopsies. Fifty patients had computed tomographic examinations and paraaortic metastases were correctly predicted in 25 of the 38 patients (sensitivity 66%) with paraaortic tumor. In the 56 patients having the study, lymphography was more accurate as 34 of the 44 patients with metastases (sensitivity 77%) were identified. Using inferior vena cavography in 55 patients, only 24 of 41 patients with metastatic tumor (sensitivity 59%) were diagnoses. All three methods had specificities of 100% in those patients who were free of paraaortic metastases. Overall accuracies were 74% for computed tomography, 82% for lymphography, and 69% for inferior vena cava cavography. Although lymphography was the most accurate method for nonbulky tumor, computed tomography was most useful for defining the extent of bulk disease. Inferior...
The Zone of Potential Development: Implications for Intelligence Testing in the Year 2000.

Abstract The emphasis of this paper is the practice and interpretation of intelligence testing of educable retarded children. The current and future state of intelligence testing are in terms of three criteria: their predictive, diagnostic and remedial functions. In the first section we consider individual testing formats within a framework of Vygotsky's theory of potential development and the underlying assumptions of that theory concerning task analysis and transferring of training. In section two, we consider the social nature of the testing situation and the degree of contextual support provided for the learner. In the final section we consider Neisser's distinction between academic intelligence and everyday thinking with particular reference to the life adjustment of mildly retarded citizens
Ipswich lacrimal tube: pedicle nasal septal tube for the reconstruction of lacrimal drainage passage

Canalicular blockage of the lacrimal system still remains a major challenge for oculoplastic surgeons. The conventional treatment of conjunctival dacryocystorhinostomy using the Lester Jones bypass tube is often associated with tube migration and foreign body reaction. The authors report a new technique to reconstruct the lacrimal passage on a single patient with severe canalicular obstruction following repeated failures from previous Lester Jones tube operations. An epithelial-lined tube was recreated between the nasal cavity and the conjunctiva using a superiorly based mucoperichondrial flap from the nasal septum (Ipswich lacrimal tube). The pedicle of the flap was divided six weeks following the operation. The patient was still symptom free two years following the operation together with a positive dye test confirming the patency of the new lacrimal tube.
Genetic Predisposition to Diabetic Nephropathy: Evidence for a Role of the Angiotensin I–Converting Enzyme Gene

In search of genetic determinants of susceptibility to diabetic nephropathy, we examined the association between DNA sequence differences at the locus of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) and renal complications in 151 insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) patients with a diabetes duration of 16-21 years. This nested case-control study included 77 normoalbuminuric control subjects (albumin excretion rate < 30 micrograms/min) and 74 cases with evidence of nephropathy ranging from microalbuminuria to overt proteinuria. DNA from each of these patients was genotyped at the ACE locus by a three-allele restriction fragment-melting polymorphism (RFMP) (Dde I), which we described recently, and a two-allele insertion/deletion recognized as an Xba I restriction fragment-length polymorphism, which has been shown by other investigators to be associated with serum levels of ACE and with risk of myocardial infarction. The least common allele of the Dde I RFMP was significantly more frequent among cases with nephropathy than among normoalbuminuric control subjects (12.8 vs. 4.5%, P < 0.05). The deletion in the ACE gene was also more frequent in case than in control subjects (56.1 vs. 47.4%), but the difference was not statistically significant (P < 0.25) with this sample size. To determine the independence of these associations, the two polymorphisms were analyzed jointly to identify Xba I/Dde I haplotypes. As might be expected, carriers of the Xba I/Dde I '+ =' haplotype had a fourfold risk of developing diabetic nephropathy (odds ratio [OR] 4.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5-11.0). However, this did not explain all of the excess Xba I '+' allele among cases.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Influence of Interstitial Lung Disease on Outcome in Systemic Sclerosis: A Population-Based Historical Cohort Study

Background Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a frequent complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and a major cause of SSc-related deaths. This study aimed to determine the influence of ILD on SSc in a population-based historical cohort study. The hypothesis was that patients with SSc who develop ILD have increased morbidity and mortality when compared with patients with SSc without ILD. Methods Using the record linkage system of the Rochester Epidemiology Project in Olmsted County, Minnesota, this study identified the incidence of SSc between 1980 and 2010 and point prevalence on December 31, 2010 and determined the progression of organ involvement and its influence on outcome. Results During the 30-year interval, we identified 64 incident cases of SSc: 57 women and seven men, median age 49.1 years (interquartile range [IQR], 39.8-67.6 years). There were 43 prevalent cases. ILD occurred in 19 cases, usually after the diagnosis of SSc (median, 2 years; IQR, 0-10 years), with only three cases occurring 6 to 24 months beforehand. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) was diagnosed in 14 cases, heart failure in 27 cases, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in 21 cases. Seventeen patients died during the study period, with a median survival time after diagnosis of 22.9 years. ILD, PAH, and CKD were associated with an increased risk of death. Conclusions The incidence of ILD associated with SSc was relatively low in this population-based cohort. ILD appeared to be a contributing factor to mortality. Other factors, including age, PAH, and CKD, were also associated with poor outcome.
Image segmentation based on Bayesian network-Markov random field model and its application to in vivo plaque composition

Combining Bayesian network (BN) and Markov random field (MRF) models, this paper presents an effective supervised image segmentation algorithm. Representing information from different features, a Bayesian network generates the probability map for each pixel via the conditional PDF (probability density function) learned from a limited training data set. Considering the spatial relation and a priori knowledge of the image, MRF theory is used to generate a reasonable segmentation by minimizing the proposed energy functional. Applying this algorithm to multi-contrast MR image in vivo plaque composition measurement shows comparable results with expert manual segmentation.
Upregulated Matrix Metalloproteinase 2/9 Activity in Murine Asthma Detected with Activatable Cell-Penetrating Peptides

L14 Upregulated Matrix Metalloproteinase 2/9 Activity in Murine Asthma Detected with Activatable Cell-Penetrating Peptides Csilla N. Felsen, Elamprakash N. Savariar, Michael Whitney, Roger Y. Tsien; University of California, San Diego. RATIONALE: Asthma, an airway inflammatory disease characterized by intermittent airway obstruction, affects more than 300 million people worldwide. Matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 (MMP2/9) mRNA and protein levels correlate with asthma pathogenesis; however, the role of MMP2/9 in asthma is not well understood, particularly because previous studies have not evaluated protease activity. We report the application of activatable cell-penetrating peptides (ACPPs), injectable probes that highlight in vivo protease activity, to assess protease activity in murine asthma. METHODS: Asthma mice were sensitized (ovalbumin [OVA] + alum in saline [PBS]) and then challenged (OVA in PBS). Age-matched control mice were sensitized but not challenged. The day after the final OVA challenge, ACPPs (cleavable and uncleavable, n 5 3-6 mice each) were administered intravenously 6 hr before mice were sacrificed. Lungs were imaged for Cy5 fluorescence (Maestro, CRi). Lung sections (10 mm, 8 images/mouse) were imaged for Cy5 fluorescence on a confocal microscope (5Live, Zeiss) and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. RESULTS: MMP2/9 activity was > 2-fold higher in lungs from asthma mice than controls (p5 1.8310). The same pattern was observed for ratiometric ACPPs.MMP2/9 activity localized around inflamed airwayswith 1.6-fold higher ACPP uptake surrounding airways compared to the normal lung parenchyma (p 5 0.03). MMP2/9 activity detected by ACPPs co-localized with gelatinase activity measured with in situ DQ gelatin. CONCLUSIONS: MMP-activated ACPPs allow for real-time detection of protease activity in a murine asthma model, improving our understanding of protease activation in asthma progression and elucidating novel therapy targets.
Urban African-American Men Speak Out on Sexual Partner Concurrency: Findings from a Qualitative Study

Sexual partner concurrency, which fuels the spread of HIV, has been hypothesized as a cause of higher rates of HIV among low-income, urban African-Americans. Despite this hypothesis, little is known about the phenomenology of partner concurrency. To address this gap in the literature, we recruited 20 urban African-American men from a public STD clinic to elicit their ideas about partner concurrency. Five themes emerged during focus group discussions. First, there was a general consensus that it is normative to have more than one sexual partner. Second, men agreed it is acceptable for men to have concurrent partners, but disagreed about whether it is acceptable for women. Third, although men provided many reasons for concurrent partnerships, the most common reasons were that (a) multiple partners fulfill different needs, and (b) it is in a man’s nature to have multiple partners. Fourth, men described some (but not all) of the negative consequences of having concurrent partners. Finally, men articulated spoken and unspoken rules that govern concurrent partnerships. These findings increase knowledge about urban, African-American men’s attitudes toward concurrent partnerships, and can help to improve the efficacy of sexual risk-reduction interventions for this group of underserved men and their partners.
Surface changes induced by fluoride prophylactic agents on titanium-based orthodontic wires ☆

This study investigated the effect of fluoride prophylactic agents on the surfaces of titanium-based orthodontic wires. Four types of titanium-based orthodontic wires (2 nickel-titanium alloy wires [nickel-titanium and copper-nickel-titanium] and 2 beta-titanium alloy wires [titanium-molybdenum and titanium-niobium], all from Ormco, Glendora, Calif) with similar sizes were prepared and immersed in 5 fluoride prophylactic agents (2 acidulated phosphate fluoride agents [Nupro APF (Dentsply International, York, Pa) and Florentine III (Confi-Dental, Louisville, Colo)], 1 neutral agent [Neupro Neutral (Dentsply International)] and 2 stannous fluoride agents [Florentine II (Confi-Dental) and Perio-Med (Omni International, Warrenton, Va)]) for 5 minutes, 1 hour, and 24 hours. After immersion, average surface roughness and color changes were evaluated. The surface changes were observed with a scanning electron microscope. The average surface roughness data were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance and Tukey post hoc test at a significance level of alpha = 0.05. There were no significant differences in average surface roughness value among fluoride solutions or orthodontic wires, except for the titanium-molybdenum wire, which showed significantly (P <.05) higher average surface roughness values after immersion in Nupro APF for 24 hours. The results suggested that a few applications of acidulated phosphate fluoride agents might change the surface color of the beta-titanium alloy wires, particularly the titanium-molybdenum wire, which contains a large amount (about 80%) of titanium.
Cognitive therapy of personality disorders: The state of the art

Contemporary cognitive-behavioural approaches to conceptualizing and treating personality disorders are summarized and examined. The initial evidence regarding the effectiveness of these treatment approaches consisted primarily of clinical anecdotes but a growing body of empirical evidence regarding the efficacy of cognitive-behavioural treatment for clients with personality disorders has developed in recent years. The available empirical literature is reviewed and is discussed in terms of its implications for clinical practice.
MECHANIZED WALL THICKNESS MEASUREMENTS BY ULTRASONICS AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO SAFETY AND ECONOMY

Wall thickness measurements become more and more important with increasing time of operation on any type of plant. Corrosion and erosion often produce effects which may not be planned or foreseen. Manual wall thickness measurement is an easy way to find a value for a certain point, but it fails in cases where corrosion and/or erosion is present on large areas. The minimum existent wall thickness can only be detected by mechanized inspection and data presentation by means of “Corrosion Mapping”. P-Scan has a sophisticated program – called T-Scan – for wall thickness measurement and presentation. Positive experience with this type of equipment in various nuclear power stations is presented.
Tracking by Detection Algorithms Using Multiple Cameras

Detecting and tracking people using cameras is a basic task in many applications such as video surveillance and smart environment. In this chapter, we review approaches that detect and track targets using a single camera. After that, we explore the approaches that fuse multiple sources of information to enable tracking in a camera network. At last, we show an application that estimates the occupancy in a smart room.
A synthetic peptide derived from glycine-gated Cl- channel induces transepithelial Cl- and fluid secretion.

Abstract M2GlyR is a synthetic 23-amino acid peptide that mimics the second membrane-spanning region of the alpha-subunit of the postsynaptic glycine receptor. This peptide has been shown to form an anion-selective channel in phospholipid bilayers. We have investigated the possibility that the peptide may incorporate into the apical membrane of secretory epithelia and induce the secretion of Cl- and water. We improved the solubility of this peptide by adding four lysine residues to the carboxy terminus, C-K4-M2GlyR, and assayed its channel-forming activity using a subculture of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. The addition of 100 microM C-K4-M2GlyR to the apical surface of MDCK monolayers significantly increased short-circuit current (Ise), hyperpolarized transepithelial potential difference, and induced fluid secretion. The increase in Ise was inhibited by 100 microM bumetanide and by Cl- channel inhibitors. The effectiveness of the channel blockers followed the sequence niflumic acid > or = 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoate > diphenylamine-2-carboxylate (DPC) > glibenclamide. The effect of the peptide was not inhibited by 4.4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2-2'-disulfonic acid. Removing Cl from the bathing solutions also inhibited the effect of the peptide. The Cl- efflux pathway induced by C-K4-M2GlyR differs from the native pathway activated by the adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) agonist, forskolin. First, intracellular cAMP levels were unaffected. Second, the concentration of DPC required to inhibit the effect of the peptide was much lower than that needed to block the forskolin response (100 microM vs. 3 mM). These results support the hypothesis that the synthetic peptide C-K4-M2GlyR can from Cl -selective channels in the apical membrane of secretory epithelial cells and can induce sustained transepithelial secretion of Cl- and fluid.
Quark Model and the Pomeranchuk Theorem

It has been pointed out that the quark model may not be compatible with the Pomeranchuk theorem. We investigate one such model in more detail and discuss the implications of violation of the Pomeranchuk theorem, if any.
Decoding the Nature of Emotion in the Brain

A central, unresolved problem in affective neuroscience is understanding how emotions are represented in nervous system activity. After prior localization approaches largely failed, researchers began applying multivariate statistical tools to reconceptualize how emotion constructs might be embedded in large-scale brain networks. Findings from pattern analyses of neuroimaging data show that affective dimensions and emotion categories are uniquely represented in the activity of distributed neural systems that span cortical and subcortical regions. Results from multiple-category decoding studies are incompatible with theories postulating that specific emotions emerge from the neural coding of valence and arousal. This 'new look' into emotion representation promises to improve and reformulate neurobiological models of affect.
Pathology Consultation on Patients With a Large Rh Immune Globulin Dose Requirement.

Objectives : To review the differential diagnosis and laboratory issues for women with a large calculated dose of Rh immune globulin (RhIG). Methods: A case-based approach is used to review the differential diagnosis of patients with a large calculated dose of RhIG, RhIG dosing for women with baseline elevations in hemoglobin F, the formulations of RhIG, and issues for the transfusion medicine service with the release of large doses of RhIG. Results: A large fetomaternal bleed after delivery requiring multiple doses of RhIG is rare. Such patients may require intravenous RhIG to avoid multiple injections. Patients with a large percentage of circulating fetal RBCs should be evaluated for a disorder of hemoglobin synthesis and, if present, should have quantification of the circulating fetal RBCs by flow cytometry. Conclusions: Accurate laboratory evaluation of women with large fetomaternal bleeds is essential for appropriate RhIG administration.
Diagnosis and management of the oral manifestations of HIV infection and AIDS.

SUMMARY The oral manifestations of HIV infection present as a variety of opportunistic infections, neoplasms, and other lesions. Some of these are common, perhaps the most common, features of HIV disease and are highly predictive of the development of AIDS. Clinicians caring for HIV-infected persons should become familiar with the diagnosis and management of this group of conditions. The oral lesions of HIV infection present challenges of diagnosis and therapy. As the epidemic progresses, it can be expected that further lesions will be observed and that additional rational and effective therapeutic approaches will be developed.
Changing the Diagnostic Concept of Schizophrenia: The NIMH Research Domain Criteria Initiative

Several factors have contributed to a renewed debate in recent years about the nature of schizophrenia. These include discussions about modifications to the diagnostic criteria for the DMS-5 and ICD-11 revisions, increasing data showing that schizophrenia and bipolar disorder do not “breed true,” GWAS findings of shared genetic risk among disorders, and endophenotype-based intermediate phenotypes that show considerable overlap across disorders. These factors accord with proposals that schizophrenia should be thought of not as a specific disease, but rather as a syndrome that represents one segment of a broad spectrum of serious mental illness. Testing such hypotheses requires a different approach to classification that transcends typical “disorder versus control” studies that preclude analysis of cross-cutting mechanisms. The NIMH Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) project was initiated to develop an experimental classification system based upon functional neurobehavioral domains that can be measured at various units of analysis. We provide an overview of the rationale and goals of the RDoC initiative and discuss examples from the recent schizophrenia literature that illustrate RDoC principles. These are intended to illustrate RDoC’s role in facilitating explorations of heterogeneity and co-morbidity that can lead to more precise diagnosis and treatment for psychotic disorders.
Convergent Phenomenology and Adesse Objectivity

This chapter deals with the formal and material objects of the a priori science of convergent phenomenology. The material objects of the science are divided into pure consciousness as “toward…” and empirically real relations in their formal essence as such. The chapter then proceeds through a leveled series of meditations to enter into the new science. These meditations concentrate on Husserl’s notion of imaginative phantasy and daydreaming, Ricoeur’s and Levinas’s notion of dreaming, and the complex problematic and interrelation of perception, language and thought. The last meditation shows how the Transcendental Ego is nothing other than the first material object of the science.
Spinal Epidural Abscess in Adults: A 10-Year Clinical Experience at a Tertiary Care Academic Medical Center.

Background. Delayed recognition of spinal epidural abscess (SEA) contributes to poor outcomes from this highly morbid and potentially lethal infection. We performed a case-control study in a regional, high-volume, tertiary care, academic medical center over the years 2005-2015 to assess the potential changing epidemiology, clinical and laboratory manifestations, and course of this disorder and to identify factors that might lead to early identification of SEA. Methods. Diagnostic billing codes consistent with SEA were used to identify inpatient admissions for abstraction. Subjects were categorized as cases or controls based on the results of spinal imaging studies. Characteristics were compared using Fisher's exact or Kruskal-Wallis tests. All P values were 2-sided with a critical threshold of <.05. Results. We identified 162 cases and 88 controls during the study period. The incidence of SEA increased from 2.5 to 8.0 per 10 000 admissions, a 3.3-fold change from 2005 to 2015 (P < .001 for the linear trend). Compared with controls, cases were significantly more likely to have experienced at least 1 previous healthcare visit or received antimicrobials within 30 days of admission; to have comorbidities of injection drug use, alcohol abuse, or obesity; and to manifest fever or rigors. Cases were also more likely to harbor coinfection at a noncontiguous site. When available, inflammatory markers were noted to be markedly elevated in cases. Focal neurologic deficits were seen with similar frequencies in both groups. Conclusions. Based on our analysis, it appears that selected factors noted at the time of clinical presentation may facilitate early recognition of SEA.
Medication History Lab and Assessment using the Medication Mysteries Infinite Case Tool.

Abstract Introduction Teaching medication history taking or medication reconciliation to students requires practice for students to achieve competency. Practice makes students more confident with t...
[Sar9,Met(O2)11]substance P

[Sar9,Met(O2)11]-Substance P, a potent and selective agonist at the neurokinin-1 receptor, is a synthetic peptide analog of substance P. It is used solely as a research tool for characterizing the pharmacological and physiological consequences of …
Atlas of genodermatoses, second edition: a colorful review of genodermatoses

While genodermatoses are rare, there are often changes that can be made to the patient’s management to improve outcomes when the disease is recognized early. These include monitoring for associated...
Very Low Prevalence of Hyperhomocysteinemia among US Children with Personal/Family History of Thrombosis. Towards Reconsideration of the Recommendation for Routine Testing.

Abstract Background: Comprehensive thrombophilia laboratory testing is recommended for the evaluation of children with thrombosis by the Perinatal and Pediatric Subcommittee of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH). The C677T thermolabile variant of the methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene is highly prevalent in Caucasians, carried in heterozygous form in 45% and homozygously in 10%. The thrombogenicity of the MTHFR C667T mutation is mediated via elevation in plasma homocysteine concentration. However, in the U.S., folate fortification of food products may circumvent the impact of this mutation upon plasma homocysteine. Objective: To determine the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia among U.S. children with a personal history of thrombosis (thrombosis group) or a first-degree family history of thrombosis or thrombophilia (familial risk group). Methods: All children comprising the two study groups had been referred to the Thrombosis/Thrombophilia Program at The Children's Hospital, Denver, and were consecutively recruited for participation in collection of laboratory and clinical data for this research. Plasma homocysteine, performed clinically as part of the ISTH recommended thrombophilia laboratory assessment, was determined by gas chromatograph mass spectroscopy. Results: Homocysteine concentration was normally distributed within the study population, and did not vary with age or differ significantly between the two study groups. Table 1 displays the results relative to age and study group. In 100% of subjects, homocysteine level was either low or normal with respect to the previously-established reference range for healthy individuals. Conclusions: Despite a high historical prevalence of the MTHFR C677T mutation in Caucasians, the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia among U.S. children with thrombosis or a familial risk of thrombosis is extremely low, being absent among nearly 200 children studied. Because other mutations that do result in hyperhomocysteinemia and thrombosis occur rarely, homocysteine testing as part of a comprehensive thrombophilia assessment in U.S. children should be targeted to those patients in whom metabolic disease is suspected clinically. Plasma Homocysteine Levels (UMl/L) in Children. Category Total 1 - 7 - 13 - + Thrombosis − Thrombosis N 193 25 48 44 76 128 65 Mean 5.6 4.4 5.0 5.3 6.6 5.6 5.6 Median 5.6 4.8 5.0 5.3 6.2 5.8 5.4 Std. Dev. 2.4 2.2 2.3 2.6 2.1 2.6 1.9
Organizational Justice Model across Seven Countries

In general research that has examined organizational justice (OJ) across countries has failed to prove first the measurement equivalence of their measures, thus making their results questionable. The present study focuses on the measurement equivalence of the three factor OJ model in seven countries (four languages) with the aim of seeing if the three factor model of OJ holds across these countries. The basic question that we want to answer is „Do respondents from different countries interpret the OJ measure in a conceptually similar manner?”. In subsidiary we looked at the effect of language and geographical location. Our findings indicate that OJ is equivalent across all seven countries (configural, metric, scalar and uniqueness equivalence). Different sub-models are discussed (grouped by language and geographical location). Results indicated that neighbor countries that share the same language have a better fit of the three factors OJ model.
High-risk obstetrics: V. Cytohormonal and interhormonal relationships in normal and abnormal pregnancy☆

Abstract One hundred and forty-four pregnant subjects consisting of 20 controls, 93 problem cases with normal pregnancy outcome and 31 problem cases with abnormal pregnancy outcome were intensively studied with serial estriol, pregnanediol, and chorionic gonadotropin excretion and simultaneously obtained hormonal vaginal cytology as determined by the KPI. The resulting data were analyzed to correlate KPI findings with HCG, pregnanediol (P) and estriol (E) excretion, P + E and P/E ratio. A general correlation of KPI to E, P, P + E, and P/E ratio was found in decreasing order of relationship. Elevated KPI (10 per cent) is most closely related to low or falling estriol excretion. The sensitivity of elevated KPI is only 10 to 15 per cent among all cases of depressed hormonal excretion in the last trimester of pregnancy. However, the reliability of an elevated KPI being associated with depressed hormonal excretion is relatively high and is highest with depressed estriol excretion. Although a general correlation was noted between HCG and E, P, and P + E, HCG was a relatively insensitive indicator of fetoplacental status. Like KPI, when the HCG was elevated it carried about as good a reliability rating as either estriol or pregnanediol excretion. No predictable relationship could be established between HCG and the KPI or P/E ratio. A hypothesis capable of explaining these interrelationships is discussed and its clinical implications are presented.
Differential sensitivities of human lung and breast cancer cell lines to soluble SLIT2 identifies a gene signature and potential mechanisms of action for anti-tumor effects.

4570 The SLIT2 gene (4p15.2) encodes a large (200kDa) protein, and is subject to frequent loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in lung and breast cancer, as well as frequent epigenetic inactivation by promoter hypermethylation in a variety of human tumor types (lung (NSCLC 53%, SCLC 36%), breast (43%), colorectal (72%) and glioma (59%)). SLIT2 is best known as the ligand of the Robo1 transmembrane receptor, and plays a pivotal role in the mediation of axonal repulsion. It is subject to proteolytic cleavage forming an N-terminal (140kDa) and a C-terminal (60kDa) fragment. Both the full length and N-terminal fragments bind Robo1 and are believed to mediate the effects on axon guidance. The C-terminal fragment is unable to do so and its cellular role is unknown. We have found that treatment of lung and breast cancer cell lines with recombinant SLIT2 via either transient transfection or application of recombinant SLIT2 produced into conditioned media, leads to a reduction in colony formation and induction of apoptosis. This effect appears to be Robo independent and mediated via the SLIT2 C-terminal fragment. We quantitated the amount of recombinant SLIT2 produced into the conditioned media of MCF7 cells (selected for their ability to tolerate SLIT2) and then tested a large panel of lung and breast cancer cell lines for the ability of SLIT2 to inhibit colony formation. Tumor lines varied >1,000 fold in their sensitivity to SLIT2. Affymetrix gene expression profiles were also obtained and a gene expression signature (94 genes) was found to correlate with sensitivity and resistance to SLIT2. Treatment of the SLIT2 sensitive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) line NCI-H1993 with SLIT2 upregulated AP1, NFkB, NFAT and HSP mediated signaling. These pathways are involved in calcium and cellular stress signaling, suggesting that SLIT2 is involved, and perhaps mediates cell death via these pathways in sensitive cell lines. Unexpectedly, we found that one NSCLC line HCC1359 actually had its growth dramatically stimulated by SLIT2. This is reminiscent of data published by Wang et al 2003 (Cancer Cell 4(1); 19-29), which suggested that SLIT2 was associated with increased tumor growth and angiogenesis of melanoma cells. Comparison of expression profiling data from the sensitive and resistant NSCLC lines with that for HCC1359 identified upregulation of interleukins, chemokines and matrix metalloproteases in HCC1359 which could explain its phenotype. In conclusion, we find that lung and breast cancers exhibit large differences in their ability to undergo growth inhibition and apoptosis after exposure to SLIT2 and that these differences are associated with specific gene expression profiles. Soluble SLIT2 is a candidate drug that could be developed to treat SLIT2 inactivated and sensitive tumors.
Leveraging machine learning-based approaches to assess human papillomavirus vaccination sentiment trends with Twitter data

As one of the serious public health issues, vaccination refusal has been attracting more and more attention, especially for newly approved human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines. Understanding public opinion towards HPV vaccines, especially concerns on social media, is of significant importance for HPV vaccination promotion. In this study, we leveraged a hierarchical machine learning based sentiment analysis system to extract public opinions towards HPV vaccines from Twitter. English tweets containing HPV vaccines-related keywords were collected from November 2, 2015 to March 28, 2016. Manual annotation was done to evaluate the performance of the system on the unannotated tweets corpus. Followed time series analysis was applied to this corpus to track the trends of machine-deduced sentiments and their associations with different days of the week. The evaluation of the unannotated tweets corpus showed that the micro-averaging F scores have reached 0.786. The learning system deduced the sentiment labels for 184,214 tweets in the collected unannotated tweets corpus. Time series analysis identified a coincidence between mainstream outcome and Twitter contents. A weak trend was found for “Negative” tweets that decreased firstly and began to increase later; an opposite trend was identified for “Positive” tweets. Tweets that contain the worries on efficacy for HPV vaccines showed a relative significant decreasing trend. Strong associations were found between some sentiments (“Positive”, “Negative”, “Negative-Safety” and “Negative-Others”) with different days of the week. Our efforts on sentiment analysis for newly approved HPV vaccines provide us an automatic and instant way to extract public opinion and understand the concerns on Twitter. Our approaches can provide a feedback to public health professionals to monitor online public response, examine the effectiveness of their HPV vaccination promotion strategies and adjust their promotion plans.
Bacteria: Laboratory bioassay of bacteria against aquatic insects with emphasis on larvae of mosquitoes and black flies

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses laboratory bioassay of bacteria against aquatic insects with emphasis on larvae of mosquitoes and black flies. The bioassay of bacteria against larvae of most mosquito species is a relatively straightforward procedure. A number of factors, such as mosquito species and age, number of mosquito larvae per bioassay container, water quality and temperature, volume and depth of water, presence or absence of food and other particulates can significantly influence toxin activity and the results of bioassays. In addition to other susceptibility factors related to species, the feeding behavior of a particular species will influence the amount of inoculum with which the larvae will come into contact. The ITU ratings for Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis formulations as determined with mosquito larvae are often not correlated with activity against black fly larvae in laboratory bioassays nor under field conditions. It is suggested that once effective isolates are identified in laboratory bioassays, the most realistic evaluation of formulated bacterial microbial control agents will be under field conditions.
Integrated model development for safeguarding pyroprocessing facility: Part I-model development and validation

Abstract Pyroprocessing is a method involving electrochemistry, thermodynamics, and transport theory. Driven by the current, nuclear materials redistribute between anode, electrolyte, and cathode to realize the desired separation. In the present study, a model for predicting the mass transport for the electrochemical process was developed. The model took into account the following key parameters: diffusion and mass transfer in both the electrode and electrolyte, the anodic dissolution and cathodic precipitation kinetics, the molten salt flow condition, and the solubility of species in molten LiCl-KCl and liquid cadmium. It was validated by available transport data between different pairs of the electrodes, namely liquid cadmium anode to solid cathode, solid anode to solid cathode, and solid anode to liquid cadmium cathode. Time for Pu depositing on the solid cathode as well as Zr dissolving from U-Pu-Zr alloy anode was precisely predicted. The potential and composition changes in various experiments were also well reproduced. The plausible explanation was given to explain the minor disagreement and future work was suggested to improve its capability. The model is useful to understand the reaction mechanisms and safeguard a pyroprocessing facility by monitoring the separation process and tracking the material flow.