cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Substance use disorders and the risk of suicide mortality among men and women in the US Veterans Health Administration.

Background and Aims Limited information is available regarding links between specific substance use disorders (SUDs) and suicide mortality; however, the preliminary evidence that is available suggests that suicide risk associated with SUDs may differ for men and women. This study aimed to estimate associations between SUDs and suicide for men and women receiving Veterans Health Administration (VHA) care. Design A cohort study using national administrative health records. Setting National VHA system, USA. Participants All VHA users in fiscal year (FY) 2005 who were alive at the beginning of FY 2006 (n = 4 863 086). Measurements The primary outcome of suicide mortality was assessed via FY 2006–2011 National Death Index (NDI) records. Current SUD diagnoses were the primary predictors of interest, and were assessed via FY 2004–2005 VHA National Patient Care Database (NPCD) records. Findings In unadjusted analyses, a diagnosis of any current SUD and the specific current diagnoses of alcohol, cocaine, cannabis, opioid, amphetamine and sedative use disorders were all associated significantly with increased risk of suicide for both males and females [hazard ratios (HRs)] ranging from 1.35 for cocaine use disorder to 4.74 for sedative use disorder for men, and 3.89 for cannabis use disorder to 11.36 for sedative use disorder for women]. Further, the HR estimates for the relations between any SUD, alcohol, cocaine and opioid use disorders and suicide were significantly stronger for women than men (P < 0.05). After adjustment for other factors, most notably comorbid psychiatric diagnoses, associations linking SUDs with suicide were attenuated markedly and the greater suicide risk among females was observed for only any SUD and opioid use disorder (P < 0.05). Conclusions Current substance use disorders (SUDs) signal increased suicide risk, especially among women, and may be important markers to consider including in suicide risk assessment strategies. None the less, other co-occurring psychiatric disorders may partially explain associations between SUDs and suicide, as well as the observed excess suicide risk associated with SUDs among women.
Prenatal Depression Risk Factors, Developmental Effects and Interventions: A Review.

This narrative review based on a literature search in PubMed and PsycInfo on the two terms prenatal and antenatal depression includes empirical studies, reviews and meta-analyses that have been published during the last 5 years on risk factors, developmental effects and interventions for prenatal depression. Risk factor studies that met criteria feature demographic measures (lower socioeconomic status, less education, non-marital status, nonemployment, less social support and health locus of control, unintended pregnancy, partner violence and history of child abuse) and physiological variables (cortisol, amylase, and pro-inflammatory cytokines and intrauterine artery resistance). The negative effects include postpartum depression, paternal depression, and prematurity and low birth weight. Negative effects on infants include greater right frontal EEG, amygdala connectivity, cortical thinning and more difficult temperament. In childhood, externalizing and internalizing problems have been reported. The data on prenatal antidepressants (specifically SSRIs) reveal negative effects including internalizing problems as well as a greater risk for autism spectrum disorder. Prenatal interventions that have been effective include interpersonal psychotherapy, peer support, massage therapy, yoga, tai chi, and aerobic exercise. Potential underlying mechanisms are discussed as well as methodological limitations including homogeneity of samples and lack of randomization to intervention groups. Despite these limitations, the literature highlights the need for prenatal depression screening and intervention.
A primer to clinical genome sequencing.

Purpose of reviewGenome sequencing is now available as a clinical diagnostic test. There is a significant knowledge and translation gap for nongenetic specialists of the processes necessary to generate and interpret clinical genome sequencing. The purpose of this review is to provide a primer on con
Flux-corrected transport. I. SHASTA, a fluid transport algorithm that works

This paper describes a class of explicit, Eulerian finite-difference algorithms for solving the continuity equation which are built around a technique called “flux correction.” These flux-corrected transport algorithms are of indeterminate order but yield realistic, accurate results. In addition to the mass-conserving property of most conventional algorithms, the FCT algorithms strictly maintain the positivity of actual mass densities so steep gradients and inviscid shocks are handled particularly well. This first paper concentrates on a simple one-dimensional version of FCT utilizing SHASTA, a new transport algorithm for the continuity equation, which is described in detail.
Course format and learning: The moderating role of overall academic performance

This article investigates undergraduate-level student learning in an International Business course taught both online and face-to-face, with an emphasis on identifying students who are likely to learn better online. Theory on student learning differences between course formats suggests that overall academic performance interacts with course format to affect learning. Analysis of 269 students in a comprehensive university BBA program, using an objective measure of learning, shows that students in face-to-face classes learn better than those in online ones. In addition, there was a moderating effect with overall academic performance. Online students with higher overall academic performance learned about as well as face-to-face students. However, students with lower overall academic performance learned significantly better in the face-to-face format relative to online. These findings suggest that students with lower academic performance have a learning risk when taking online courses. Some implications for institutions are discussed, including revising online course enrollment and management policies.
Model population and system-level characterization: ESTS 2017 tutorial: Modeling, measurement, and management of conducted EMI and common-mode behavior in shipboard power systems

Differential-mode: Desired operation Common-mode: Coherent interference that affects two or more elements of a network Radiated signals coupled equally to both lines An offset from signal commonly created in the driver circuit, or A ground differential between the transmitting and receiving locations. Parasitic elements: a unintended circuit element that is possessed by an electrical component Mutual inductance, stray capacitance.
An Aerosol Laboratory in a Hospital Pharmacy

An aerosol laboratory was established in the hospital pharmacy at The Clinical Center of the National Institutes of Health in late 1965. The need for such a laboratory was prompted by the requests ...
ASPiH standards for simulation-based education: process of consultation, design and implementation.

Standards are paramount for any practice specialty trying to improve performance. Setting a standard provides a benchmark from which to measure progress. Prior to entering clinical practice, medical professionals must demonstrate through testing and performance that they have acquired the knowledge and skills to meet a set of expected actions and abilities for their specialty. This is what helps to define each specialty, and the profession creates the assurance that care will be uniform and follow the guidelines put forth by its accrediting bodies. Now, given the work done by the Association for Simulated Practice in Healthcare (ASPiH) and others, simulation-based education (SBE) is better able to demonstrate to all who rely on it—students, educators, employers and patients—that consistency and quality can be achieved in this educational delivery and methodology. Leaders from the ASPiH should be applauded for their comprehensive review of simulation-based education practice and expected norms for its use in their constituent regions of the United Kingdom. Having accepted and supported reference points provides guidance for the development and sustainability of programmes. While much of what was explored in the process of writing and defining both the standards and the accompanying guidelines reiterates the work conducted by other organisations around the world, the information from this independent review supports and narrows the diversity of independent practice in simulation around the globe and moves one step closer to the revolution predicted by Gaba.1 SimGHOSTS is an affiliated non-profit membership association that focuses specifically on the technical …
Data Fusion of Diverse Data Sources: Enrich Spatial Data Knowledge Using HINs

A range of GPS, social network and transportation applications have been developed, targetting to improve the quality of life of the user. Furthermore, the development of smart devices allows the user to use the applications any time, while also providing the location of the user. As a result, a range of datasets of different nature has been created, describing events that are related to the location. Regardless the great volume of these datasets, their different nature (i.e. schema) deters the analysts from combining the datasets, losing insights of a location that could be important. In this study, we propose a framework that targets to achieve a knowledge fusion by connecting datasets of different nature. In order to achieve the fusion, we initially transform the datasets into graph bases. Afterwards, we import the graph bases into a knowledge base represented as Heterogeneous Information Network (HIN), using the location as the main node type that connects the datasets. This knowledge base provides to the user a bigger picture of the real world, is able to connect information across domains that initially seemed unconnected and provides a semantically rich data basis that is useful to answer many types of questions.
Physicochemical properties of valsartan and the effect of ethyl alcohol, propylene glycol and pH on its solubility.

The aqueous solubility and partition coefficient of valsartan were determined at room temperature. The effect of ethyl alcohol, propylene glycol and pH on its solubility was also investigated. It was found that both solvents increased the solubility of the drug in water. The solubilizing power of ethyl alcohol was found to be higher than that of propylene glycol. Valsartan solubility was also observed to increase at high pH values and its lipophilicity was demonstrated by the high positive value of the logarithm of partition coefficient.
The Relevance of Fromm’s Concept of the Distorted Personality

The general lack of interest in Erich Fromm’s work today, in part, marks the success of his critics during his lifetime.1 Two of his severest and earliest critics, Theodor Adorno and Herbert Marcuse, were, like Fromm, former members of the Frankfurt Institute for Social Research. As early as 1936, in a letter to Max Horkheimer regarding an article by Fromm, Adorno accused Fromm of political and theoretical naivete.
The Political Context of Cicero’s Oration De domo sua

While Cicero preened himself on the rhetorical quality of his speech De domo sua , many modern readers have not shared his high opinion. This is because De domo sua , more than many other Ciceronian orations, was written as a timely political intervention in specific circumstances, not as a timeless literary artwork. De domo sua is carefully designed to persuade the audience of pontifices to take Cicero’s side, a goal particularly evident in the opening digression of the speech, in Cicero’s narrative of his return from exile, and in his characterization of the main question of the case de domo . Cicero’s abusive characterizations of Clodian populares in the speech create clear categories of us and them, using invective tropes to obscure the complexities of the political situation.
Processivity vs. Beating: Comparing Cytoplasmic and Axonemal Dynein Microtubule Binding Domain Association with Microtubule.

This study compares the role of electrostatics in the binding process between microtubules and two dynein microtubule-binding domains (MTBDs): cytoplasmic and axonemal. These two dyneins are distinctively different in terms of their functionalities: cytoplasmic dynein is processive, while axonemal dynein is involved in beating. In both cases, the binding requires frequent association/disassociation between the microtubule and MTBD, and involves highly negatively charged microtubules, including non-structured C-terminal domains (E-hooks), and an MTBD interface that is positively charged. This indicates that electrostatics play an important role in the association process. Here, we show that the cytoplasmic MTBD binds electrostatically tighter to microtubules than to the axonemal MTBD, but the axonemal MTBD experiences interactions with microtubule E-hooks at longer distances compared with the cytoplasmic MTBD. This allows the axonemal MTBD to be weakly bound to the microtubule, while at the same time acting onto the microtubule via the flexible E-hooks, even at MTBD–microtubule distances of 45 A. In part, this is due to the charge distribution of MTBDs: in the cytoplasmic MTBD, the positive charges are concentrated at the binding interface with the microtubule, while in the axonemal MTBD, they are more distributed over the entire structure, allowing E-hooks to interact at longer distances. The dissimilarities of electrostatics in the cases of axonemal and cytoplasmic MTBDs were found not to result in a difference in conformational dynamics on MTBDs, while causing differences in the conformational states of E-hooks. The E-hooks’ conformations in the presence of the axonemal MTBD were less restricted than in the presence of the cytoplasmic MTBD. In parallel with the differences, the common effect was found that the structural fluctuations of MTBDs decrease as either the number of contacts with E-hooks increases or the distance to the microtubule decreases.
Health Care Provider Attitudes Toward Safety of Selected Hormonal Contraceptives in Breastfeeding Women.

Little is known about provider attitudes regarding safety of selected hormonal contraceptives among breastfeeding women. Using a nationwide survey, associations were analyzed between provider characteristics and perception of safety of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) in breastfeeding women ≥ 1 month postpartum without other venous thrombosis risk factors and depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) in breastfeeding women < 1 month postpartum and ≥ 1 month postpartum. Approximately 68% of public-sector providers considered COCs safe for breastfeeding women ≥ 1 month postpartum without other venous thrombosis risk factors, with lower odds among non-physicians versus physicians (adjusted odds ratios [aOR] range 0.34–0.51) and those with a focus on adolescent health/pediatrics versus reproductive health (aOR 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.47–0.99). Most public-sector providers considered DMPA safe for breastfeeding women during any time postpartum, with lower odds among non-physicians versus physicians (aOR range 0.20–0.54) and those with primary clinical focus other than reproductive health (aOR range 0.26–0.65). The majority of office-based physicians considered COCs safe for breastfeeding women ≥ 1 month postpartum without other venous thrombosis risk factors, with lower odds among those who did not use, versus those who used, CDC’s contraceptive guidance (aOR 0.40, 95% CI 0.21–0.77). Most office-based physicians also considered DMPA safe for breastfeeding women during any time postpartum. A high proportion of providers considered use of selected hormonal contraceptives safe for breastfeeding women, consistent with evidence-based guidelines. However, certain provider groups might benefit from education regarding the safety of these methods for breastfeeding women.
Soluble phosphate fertilizers and placement strategies in soybean

Soluble phosphate fertilizers can present distinct reactions on soil due to fertilizer composition and interactions with the environment. Thus, factors involving soil-plant-environment can affect the efficiency of mineral fertilization. This study aims to assess the effect of different soluble phosphate sources with different physical-chemical characteristics, under different types of application on the dry weight, tissue nutrients concentration, and grain yield of soybean (Glycine max (L.)). This study was carried out in the Sao Vicente do Sul- RS, Brazil, on a Ultisol (sandy loam soil) under no-till. The treatments were composed by soluble fertilizer sources, with different solubility coefficient according to the calcium content in the formulation and by the molecular structure of the sources (factor A), submitted to different placement strategies (factor B). Thus, Factor A was divided in: 1) high solubility, 2) medium solubility, and 3) low solubility. The different placement strategies (factor B) were on surface (broadcast), and in the furrow (banding). The results indicate significant interaction between the factor A and B for grain yield, dry weight, and nitrogen, potassium, calcium and magnesium content on leaves tissue. The fertilizer sources that were considered to have high solubility presented greater grain yield in average, where the broadcast strategy showed greater agronomic efficiency.
Gendered by Design: A Duoethnographic Study of Personal Fitness Tracking Systems

Using fitness trackers to generate and collect quantifiable data is a widespread practice aimed at better understanding one’s health and body. The intentional design of fitness trackers as genderless or universal is predicated on masculinist design values and assumptions that do not result in “neutral” devices and systems. Instead, ignoring gender in the design of fitness tracking devices marks a dangerous ongoing inattention to the needs, desires, and experiences of women, as well as transgender and gender non-conforming persons. We utilize duoethnography, a methodology emphasizing personal narrative and dialogue, as a tool that promotes feminist reflexivity in the design and study of fitness tracking technologies. Using the Jawbone UP3 as our object of study, we present findings that illustrate the gendered physical and interface design features and discuss how these features reproduce narrow understandings of gender, health, and lived experiences.
Z hu Xi’s Normative Realism and Internal Moral Realism

This chapter places ZHU Xi’s metaphysics and moral theory in the context of contemporary debates on realism and anti-realism. This chapter distinguishes the notion of li理 (rendered as ‘principle’ in this chapter) in ZHU Xi’s metaphysic and the notion of li in his moral philosophy. In ZHU Xi’s metaphysics, this chapter identifies the theme of normative realism, which posits normative principles in the nature of particular things. With regard to ZHU Xi’s moral theory, this chapter defines it as internal moral realism, which locates moral principles within human mind. The two themes constitute an apparent paradox: are normative principles external or internal to human mind? Are humans regulated by outside laws or are they self-regulated? This chapter appeals to some contemporary Chinese scholars’ analyses to resolve this paradox. The conclusion is that ZHU Xi’s normative realism and internal moral realism are two sides of the same coin, because in his moral metaphysics, the objective principles in things themselves are necessarily sustained by the internal moral principle in human mind. Without the latter, the former would have no significance, and yet the former cannot be reduced to the latter. Objective moral principles both exist outside and within human mind.
Staphylococcus aureus Antibiotic Susceptibilities in Infections in an Outpatient Dermatology Office on O'ahu

Staphylococcus aureus is a pathogen that causes skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) in dermatology patients. There is an increasing rate of methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA) reported in the dermatology literature since 1987. This report profiles the antibiotic susceptibilities of methicillin-sensitive S aureus (MSSA) and MRSA in an outpatient office in Hawai'i. This is a retrospective study done by chart review from 2012 to 2014. Demographics, anatomical site of infection, clinical diagnoses and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were analyzed and compared. Of the 66 samples, 57% were males and 43% were females. S aureus was more commonly found in impetigo, folliculitis, furuncles and secondarily infected psoriasis and more commonly located on the extremities. MSSA accounted for 73% (48) of the cases and MRSA accounted for 27% (18) of the cases. The antibiotics most effective against all S aureus cultures for outpatients were linezolid (100%), trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole (95%) and tetracyclines (94%). Linezolid (100%), trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole (100%) were most effective against MRSA isolates. Our S aureus and MRSA antimicrobial susceptibility results are similar to the local Hawai'i outpatient antibiogram collected from a large private laboratory in Hawai'i in 2014 and the current Infectious Disease Society of America guidelines. This study may be helpful in guiding empiric treatment of SSTIs suspected to be caused by S aureus.
Complication Rates after Lateral Plate Fixation of Periprosthetic Distal Femur Fractures: A Multicenter Study.

Abstract Objective Periprosthetic fractures of the distal femur can be challenging injuries to treat; nonunion rates of up to 22% have been reported. The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of complications and nonunion in a multicenter series, and to identify patient or surgical factors that were associated with nonunion. Design Retrospective comparative study Setting Three Level 1 trauma centers Patients Fifty-five patients with a periprosthetic distal femur fracture proximal to a total knee arthroplasty. Minimum follow up for inclusion was six months or until union or failure. Intervention Surgical fixation using a precontoured lateral locking plate Main Outcome Measurement Fracture union was the primary outcome. Patient demographic and injury variables (age, comorbidities, fracture classification and characteristics) and surgical technique factors (mode of plate fixation, plate material, working length, screw density, and proximal screw type) were identified and compared between patients who developed a nonunion and those who did not. Regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for nonunion. Results The overall rate of nonunion was 18% and the total complication rate was 24%. After additional surgery, 49 of 55 patients went on to heal (89%). There were no statistical differences in patient demographic or injury variables between the union and nonunion groups, and none of the variables studied were independent risk factors for nonunion in the regression analysis. Conclusions In this series of 55 patients with periprosthetic distal femur fractures treated with precontoured lateral locking plates, 18% developed nonunion and the overall complication rate was 24%. No patient or surgical variables were identified as risk factors. Future research should seek to identify patients at high risk for complication and nonunion who could benefit from alternative fixation strategies or distal femoral replacement.
The C. elegans proteasome subunit RPN-12 is required for hermaphrodite germline sex determination and oocyte quality

Background: The proteasome is a multi-subunit complex and a major proteolytic machinery in cells. Most subunits are essential for proteasome function, and depletion of individual subunits normally results in lethality. RPN-12/Rpn12/PSMD8 is a lid subunit of the 19S regulatory particle (RP) of the 26S proteasome. Studies in Caenorhabditis elegans demonstrated that RNAi depletion of RPN-12 does not result in lethality. RPN-12 has not been well studied in higher eukaryotes. In this study we investigate the biological significance of RPN-12 in C. elegans. Results: We found that the null mutant rpn-12(av93) did not cause major impairment of the proteolytic activity of the proteasome. Most rpn-12(av93) hermaphrodites lack sperm leading to feminization of the germ line that can be partially rescued by mating to males. The lack of sperm phenotype can be suppressed by downregulation of TRA-1, a player in the hermaphrodite germline sex determination pathway. Also, rpn-12(av93) animals show significant nuclear accumulation of the meiotic kinase WEE-1.3, a protein predominantly localized to the perinuclear region. Interestingly, chemical inhibition of the proteasome did not cause nuclear accumulation of WEE-1.3. Conclusions: RPN-12 plays a previously unknown role in oogenesis and the germline sex determination pathway in C. elegans hermaphrodites.
Male preconception antioxidant supplementation may lower autism risk: a call for studies.

Current research indicates that a sizable number of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) cases arise from de novo mutations (DNMs) occurring within the paternal germline, usually in an age-dependent manner. Andrologists have reported that somatic cells and gametes share the same pathologies that generate these DNMs—specifically, DNA hypomethylation caused by oxidative nucleoside base damage. Because many ASD researchers seek to identify genetic risk factors, teams are developing methods of assessing aberrant DNA patterns, such as parental gonadal mosaicism. Several studies propose antioxidant supplementation as a strategy to lower autism risk, and/or suggest connections between childhood neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and paternally-derived DNMs. Actual data, however, are currently not available to determine whether male preconception antioxidant supplementation effectively lowers autism risk. The purpose of this paper is to (1) explore the mechanisms causing DNMs, specifically DNA hypomethylation; (2) explain how antioxidant supplementation may lower the risk of having a child with ASD; and, (3) advocate for the implementation of large prospective studies testing (2). These studies may very well find that male preconception supplementation with antioxidants prevents neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring, in much the same way that female prenatal consumption of folate was found to decrease the risk of birth defects. If this is indeed the case, the alarming rise in autism prevalence rates of the past few decades will slow—or even cease—upon the initiation of public awareness campaigns.
Acculturation and a sense of belonging of children in U.S. Schools and communities: The case of Japanese families

The population of immigrants in the U.S. continues to grow, with more than one million immigrants arriving every year. This study examines the acculturation of new immigrant and temporary resident children and their parents from Japan, as they navigate two cultures and seek a sense of belonging. Acculturation to a new culture poses various psychosocial challenges, including a loss of a sense of belonging, which can result in social isolation and withdrawal. Examination of the experiences of families from Japan, where group belonging is highly valued, can illuminate the role of belonging in acculturation. We examined individual interviews with 14 Japanese parents in U.S. southern cities. During the interviews, they described the experiences of a total of 23 children from preschool to 9th grade. Parents indicated an absence of a place for children where they feel a sense of belonging (i.e., Ibasho) in their local schools, which resulted in social isolation, psychological exhaustion, and a reluctance to seek support. Children, however, found their Ibasho at a Japanese Supplementary School, where they attended weekly to receive academic instruction in Japanese, enjoyed playing with Japanese friends, and gained energy to navigate challenges at their local schools. The Supplementary School also served as parents' Ibasho where they exchanged information to navigate cross-cultural experiences. This study has implications for how we can better support acculturation of new immigrant and temporary resident families including those from other cultural groups.
Improve Performances of a Laser Tracking System by Adopting a Modified Fuzzy Neural Network Controller

In this study, a modified fuzzy neural network controller (MFNNC) is proposed to improve the control performance and tracking accuracy of a controller used in a laser tracking system (LTS). In a LTS, the objective of the controller is not only to track a moving target installed on the end-effector of a robot through adjustment of joint angles and velocities of a two Degrees-Of-Freedom (DOF) tracking gimbal that is composed of two DC motors, but also to obtain the smallest tracking errors with high tracking speed. For those purposes, different control strategies, including artificial intelligence controllers, are selected and studied. Two popular controllers, fuzzy logic and neural network controllers, are discussed and analyzed. As a result, a modified fuzzy neural network controller is designed and studied to try to improve and the control performance of the LTS. The simulation study results show that a better dynamic performance can be obtained by using the proposed modified fuzzy neural network controller.
Comparing outcomes of tunnelled dialysis catheter insertions and exchanges with or without fluoroscopy.

Background/objective:To study the safety and outcome profiles of tunnelled dialysis catheter (TDC) insertions and exchanges with fluoroscopy versus without fluoroscopy.Methods:This was a retrospect...
RESEARCH ARTICLE: Development of professional behaviour with an additional experiential year in pharmacy curriculum: students’ and preceptors’ perspectives

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine whether an additional year of experiential training fosters the development of professional behaviours in pharmacy students. Surveyed cohorts included experiential year one (EY1) and two (EY2) students, compared to their clinical preceptors. Methods: A validated survey instrument called APIPHANI was utilised to assess professionalism across five distinct domains that aligned with the American Pharmacists Association (AphA) toolkit. Data were analysed by a 2-tailed Mann-Whitney U test. Results: EY2 students exhibited non-statistically significant higher numerical scores than EY1 students in both Knowledge (domain 1) and Professional Involvement (domain 3), and nearly equivalent scores in Proactivity (domain 2) and Integrity (domain 5). Conclusions: These results suggest that an additional year of experiential training expands the knowledge with the EY2 students, moving closer towards the preceptors’ level of knowledge. Students harboured stronger community involvement than preceptors, with the highest reported by EY2 students.
Odontogenic keratocyst clinically mimicking an eruption cyst: report of a case

This article describes a case of odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) in a 1 year and 7 month old girl who presented such a lesion mimicking an eruption cyst. To date, only one well-documented OKC occurring in a patient under 5 years old has been reported and it was thought to be associated with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS). In our OKC case, the cyst was totally enucleated. No evidence of recurrence and NBCCS was found after a 4-year follow-up. The development of involving tooth in a growing child and the histogenesis of OKC are discussed in this article.
A multi-imager camera for variable-definition video (XDTV)

The enabling technologies of increasing PC bus bandwidth, multicore processors, and advanced graphics processors combined with a high-perform-ance multi-image camera system are leading to new ways of considering video. We describe scalable varied-resolution video capture, presenting a novel method of generating multi-resolution dialable-shape panoramas, a line-based calibration method that achieves optimal multi-imager global registration across possibly disjoint views, and a technique for recasting mosaicking homographies for arbitrary planes. Results show synthesis of a 7.5 megapixel (MP) video stream from 22 synchronized uncompressed imagers operating at 30 Hz on a single PC.
Population-based comparison of laparoscopic and open pyeloplasty in paediatric pelvi-ureretic junction obstruction

Objective To describe the extent of use and in-hospital outcomes of open and laparoscopic pyeloplasty for paediatric pelvi-ureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction in the USA. Patients and Methods Using the 2004–2008 Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we identified 4590 paediatric patients (≤18 years old) who underwent open or laparoscopic pyeloplasty for PUJ obstruction at 195 hospitals. Multivariable regression models were used to test the associations between hospital and patient covariates (age, gender, race, primary health insurance), type of admission (emergent vs elective), and hospital characteristics (teaching vs non-teaching status; rural vs urban location) with complications, length of stay (LOS), and total hospitalization costs. Results During the 5-year study interval, 4426 (96.4%) and 164 (3.6%) paediatric patients diagnosed with PUJ obstruction underwent open and laparoscopic pyeloplasty, respectively. The proportion of patients undergoing laparoscopic pyeloplasty gradually increased from 2.4% in 2004 to 4.4% in 2008, but this increase was not significant (P = 0.22 for trend). On multivariable analysis, laparoscopic pyeloplasty was observed to have rates of postoperative complications (2.51 vs 5.00; P = 0.67), LOS (2.42 vs 2.75; P = 0.33) and total hospitalization cost ($9755 vs $8537; P = 0.24) similar to those of open pyeloplasty. Conclusions While laparoscopic pyeloplasty was generally an infrequent operation performed for paediatric PUJ obstruction during the period studied, this minimally invasive surgery provided similar outcomes in terms of in-hospital complications, LOS and total hospitalization costs. The results of this study inform policymakers about the comparative effectiveness of laparoscopic and open pyeloplasty.
Lupus erythematosus simulating toxemia of pregnancy.

Abstract A case of lupus erythematosus during pregnancy, erroneously diagnosed, is presented with the suggestion that the signs and symptoms of abnormal renal function during pregnancy may indicate the presence of lupus rather than nephrosis, nephritis, or toxemia of pregnancy.
Yeast Kar3 is a minus-end microtubule motor protein that destabilizes microtubules preferentially at the minus ends.

Abstract Mutants of the yeast Kar3 protein are defective in nuclear fusion, or karyogamy, during mating and show slow mitotic growth, indicating a requirement for the protein both during mating and in mitosis. DNA sequence analysis predicts that Kar3 is a microtubule motor protein related to kinesin, but with the motor domain at the C-terminus of the protein rather than the N-terminus as in kinesin heavy chain. We have expressed Kar3 as a fusion protein with glutathione S-transferase (GST) and determined the in vitro motility properties of the bacterially expressed protein. The GST-Kar3 fusion protein bound to a coverslip translocates microtubules in gliding assays with a velocity of 1-2 microns/min and moves towards microtubule minus ends, unlike kinesin but like kinesin-related Drosophila ncd. Taxol-stabilized microtubules bound to GST-Kar3 on a coverslip shorten as they glide, resulting in faster lagging end, than leading end, velocities. Comparison of lagging and leading end velocities with velocities of asymmetrical axoneme-microtubule complexes indicates that microtubules shorten preferentially from the lagging or minus ends. The minus end-directed translocation and microtubule bundling of GST-Kar3 is consistent with models in which the Kar3 protein crosslinks internuclear microtubules and mediates nuclear fusion by moving towards microtubule minus ends, pulling the two nuclei together. In mitotic cells, the minus end motility of Kar3 could move chromosomes polewards, either by attaching to kinetochores and moving them polewards along microtubules, or by attaching to kinetochore microtubules and pulling them polewards along other polar microtubules.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Pre-existing differences in motivation for food and sensitivity to cocaine-induced locomotion in obesity-prone rats

Obesity is a significant problem in the United States, with roughly one third of adults having a body mass index (BMI) over thirty. Recent evidence from human studies suggests that pre-existing differences in the function of mesolimbic circuits that mediate motivational processes may promote obesity and hamper weight loss. However, few preclinical studies have examined pre-existing neurobehavioral differences related to the function of mesolimbic systems in models of individual susceptibility to obesity. Here, we used selectively bred obesity-prone and obesity-resistant rats to examine 1) the effect of a novel "junk-food" diet on the development of obesity and metabolic dysfunction, 2) over-consumption of "junk-food" in a free access procedure, 3) motivation for food using instrumental procedures, and 4) cocaine-induced locomotor activity as an index of general mesolimbic function. As expected, eating a sugary, fatty, "junk-food" diet exacerbated weight gain and increased fasted insulin levels only in obesity-prone rats. In addition, obesity-prone rats continued to over-consume junk-food during discrete access testing, even when this same food was freely available in the home cage. Furthermore, when asked to press a lever to obtain food in an instrumental task, rates of responding were enhanced in obesity-prone versus obesity-resistant rats. Finally, obesity-prone rats showed a stronger locomotor response to 15 mg/kg cocaine compared to obesity-resistant rats prior to any diet manipulation. This enhanced sensitivity to this dose of cocaine is indicative of basal differences in the function of mesolimbic circuits in obesity-prone rats. We speculate that pre-existing differences in motivational systems may contribute to over-consumption and enhanced motivation in susceptible individuals.
Syndromic surveillance: the case for skillful investment.

PUBLIC HEALTH SURVEILLANCE is the ongoing, systematic collection, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of data regarding a health-related event that enables public health authorities to reduce morbidity and mortality.1 Surveillance serves many public health functions—for example, estimating the burden of a disease or injury, portraying the natural history of a condition, determining the distribution and spread of illness, generating hypotheses and stimulating research, supporting disease control interventions, evaluating prevention and control measures, and facilitating planning.2 One important public health function of surveillance that is particularly relevant to biodefense is outbreak detection—that is, the ability to detect an abnormal rise in the frequency of a disease. Infectious disease outbreaks typically have been recognized either through accumulation in public health departments of case reports of suspected or diagnosed cases of a reportable disease, or by alert health care professionals, laboratorians, or the public bringing cases and clusters of diseases to the attention of public health authorities. Syndromic surveillance (defined below) is an approach to public health surveillance that may extend current capabilities to detect outbreaks early in their course. The concept of syndromic surveillance has not been clarified precisely, however, and expectations of what such surveillance can accomplish vary widely. Evaluation of the effectiveness of syndromic surveillance as one component of a comprehensive strategy for outbreak detection is urgently needed so policy makers can determine if, when, and how this technique should be applied.
Cardiorespiratory Changes and Pain Response of Lift Laparoscopy Compared to Capnoperitoneum Laparoscopy in Dogs.

Objective To compare intraoperative physiologic variables and post-operative pain associated with lift laparoscopy and conventional capnoperitoneum laparoscopy. Study Design Prospective randomized case controlled study. Animals Healthy dogs (n = 30). Methods Dogs having laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy were randomly assigned to lift laparoscopy (n = 14) or capnoperitoneum (16) laparoscopy. Physiologic variables measured intraoperatively were documented. Postoperatively, pain response was assessed in a blinded fashion using the short Glasgow pain scale and von Frey filament aesthesiometry. Results Lift laparoscopy was associated with less frequency of hypercapnia, required less anesthetic gas, and was not more time-consuming or painful than capnoperitoneum laparoscopy. Conclusions Lift laparoscopy is a feasible alternative to capnoperitoneum laparoscopy, especially in dogs where pressurized capnoperitoneum is not desired.
Cytokines and growth factors in implantation

A variety of cell types at the blastocyst implantation site produce cytokines and growth factors that could play an important role in the implantation process. Furthermore, receptors for cytokines and growth factors have been detected on embryonic and trophoblastic cells. The purpose of the article is to review the published literature on the effect of cytokines and growth factors on implantation events, and to present recent data from our laboratory on effects of growth factors and cytokines on mouse blastocyst implantation events in vitro. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Comparison of Web and Mail Surveys in Collecting Illicit Drug Use Data: A Randomized Experiment.

This randomized experiment examined survey mode effects for self-reporting illicit drug use by comparing prevalence estimates between a Web-based survey and a mail-based survey. A random sample of 7,000 traditional-aged undergraduate students attending a large public university in the United States was selected to participate in the spring of 2001. Students were randomly assigned to self-administer a survey via the Web or U.S. mail. The Web survey produced a significantly higher response rate than the U.S. mail survey. The prevalence estimates of illicit drug use (lifetime and past year) did not differ significantly between the two survey modes. The findings provide preliminary evidence that Web and U.S. mail surveys produce similar results regarding illicit drug use among undergraduate students. Although additional research is needed involving more diverse samples, these findings bode well for using Web surveys in college-based research.
Comparing characterization of functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes by potentiometric proton titration, NEXAFS, and XPS

Abstract Since the discovery of carbon nanotubes (CNT), this material has been recognized as an attractive catalyst support. CNT must be functionalized before use as a catalyst support and typically this involves oxidation. However, the functional group distribution on the CNT is very complex mixture of groups and varies with oxidation agent used. Here a simple acid-base titration is introduced to characterize the oxygen functionalized CNT. By comparing characterization with near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for both at the C and O K-edges, it can be demonstrated that potentiometric proton titration can be a fast and quantitative analysis for Bronsted acid functional groups on CNT.
Hate crimes in Pennsylvania, 1984-99: Case characteristics and police responses

To gain a better understanding of factors related to the occurrence and processing of hate crimes, we examined 2,031 hate-crime incidents reported to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission from 1984 to 1998. The results of multilevel random coefficient analyses indicated that the frequency and severity of hate incidents, as well as police involvement in response to hate crimes, were significantly related to individual-and community-level influences. Furthermore, some characteristics of victims, offenders, and offenses were significant predictors of local police involvement, the composition of a county's population moderated the processing of hate crimes. Implications for reporting, policy, and future research on hate crimes are discussed.
Plastic deformation of crystalline polymers

Abstract : Draw ratios have been measured for samples of polyethylene and trans-polyisoprene, crystallized at various temperatures and at various degrees of orientation. The values obtained range from unity, i.e., no drawing is observed, up to values of about 15X for materials crystallized in the oriented state and then drawn in a perpendicular direction. The results are in rough accord with a simple molecular network model in which network strands are incorporated into crystallites with a number of reversals of direction (folds), and the remainder of a strand between network functions is randomly arranged. The reduction in draw ratio with increasing temperature of crystallization and with increasing orientation at the time of crystallization in then accounted for in terms of a reduction in the number of reversals (folds) per molecular strand. Differences in natural draw ratio for different polymers are attributed to variations in characteristic sequence length within a crystallite and in the number of folds per network strand. Originator supplied keywords include: Crystalline polymers, Deformation, Drawing, Ductility, Plastic deformation, Polyethylene, and Polymers.
Synthesis and electric field actuation of an ionic liquid polymer.

Polymerizable ionic liquids and their actuation in an electric field are a combination of material and properties with unique potential to display structural and fluid dynamics above that found in small molecule ionic liquids. In an effort to blend ionic liquid nature with actuation response, we have synthesized a new ionic liquid ammonium sulfonate monomer and polymer. The liquid temperature ranges of both the monomer and polymer ionic liquid systems are quite large extending from their respective glass transitions (Tg) of −57 and −49 °C to decomposition at approximately 200 °C. Particularly remarkable is the small Tg increment that accompanies the transformation from monomer to polymer. The electrowetting behavior of the polymer and of the monomer presents an interesting contrast. This communication will encompass the polymerization, characterization, and actuation of these new ionic liquids.
Blume-Capel model for plane-triangular and fcc lattices

Position-space renormalization-group methods are used to solve the Blume-Capel model for the plane-triangular and fcc lattices. For ferromagnetic nearest-neighbor coupling, the results are similar to other recent results for the square and bcc lattices. However, since these lattices are close-packed, each of the antiferromagnetic results is distinctive. Corresponding results are also given for the lattice gas.
Segmental Lung Resection in the First Year of Life

Segmental lung resection was performed in 5 infants with congenital lung disease. The lesions were cystic adenomatoid malformation in 2, congenital cystic disease in 2, and congenital lobar emphysema in 1. A higher than expected incidence of major segmental bronchovascular anomalies was encountered (3 of 5 patients). Other than prolonged air leak in 1 patient, complications were negligible. All patients were well from one to six and one-half years after operation. Segmentectomy is a sensible operation for congenital pulmonary disease and ultimately may have as its greatest virtue the preservation of normal lung tissue.