cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Altered platelet serotonin uptake kinetics in schizophrenia and depression

Abstract Platelet uptake of serotonin (5-HT) was studied in drug-free groups of normal controls, depressives and schizophrenics. The Michaelis constant was significantly higher in both the schizophrenics and the depressives than in the controls. The V max did not differ significantly between the three groups. Uptake velocity at low substrate concentrations was significantly lower in the schizophrenic group and showed a similar trend in the depressives. There were no significant differences in K m or V max when depressives were subclassified as unipolar and bipolar. There were no significant correlations between 5-HT uptake kinetics and severity of illness. These findings raise the possibility of a structural defect in the 5-HT reuptake system in the major psychoses that reduces the affinity of the carrier for the amine. This alteration, if present in central serotonergic neurons, may play a role in the etiology and pathogenesis of depression and schizophrenia.
Sex reversal, selection against hatchery females or wild males does not explain differences in sex ratio between first generation hatchery and wild steelhead, Oncorhynchus mykiss

Wild steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) returning to the Hood River in Oregon, USA, show a strongly female-biased sex ratio (average of 63 % female from brood years 1992 to 2004) while first-generation hatchery steelhead (created using local, wild broodstock) display an even sex ratio (51 % female). We considered four hypotheses to explain the difference in sex ratio between populations. First, it is well established that wild male O. mykiss adopt the resident (non-anadromous) life history phenotype at a higher rate than do females, and that the propensity to become resident is under genetic and environmental influence. Therefore, the simplest explanation for the difference in sex ratio between anadromous wild and hatchery fish is that hatchery males adopt the resident life history at a lower rate than do wild males. However, alternative explanations include (1) sex reversal of female hatchery fish to phenotypic males, (2) selection against hatchery females or (3) selection against wild males. The possibility of sex reversal in the hatchery was of particular interest given increased temperature has been shown to skew sex ratios to a male bias. Using a Y-chromosome specific marker (OmyY1 locus) and samples of wild and hatchery fish from various life stages, we were able to reject alternative hypotheses 1, 2 and 3. Hatchery fish were sampled at three life stages (onset of exogenous feeding, 1-year of age and returning adult). Phenotypic and chromosomal sex matched in all 1-year old and adult hatchery samples. Therefore, we see no evidence for sex reversal in the hatchery population. Furthermore, hatchery fish at all three life stages exhibited a 50:50 chromosomal (OmyY1 marker) sex ratio. Therefore, selection against hatchery females while in captivity or after release can be ruled out. The chromosomal sex ratio in a sample of wild smolts was female-biased and matched the sex ratio in returning adults from the same cohort. Therefore, we can also rule out selection against wild males at sea. Given no evidence for sex reversal or selection against either sex it seems most plausible that the greater female bias in wild, compared to hatchery, steelhead from the Hood River results from differential life history expression in males. Wild males appear to become resident (non-anadromous) at a higher rate than do hatchery males.
Policy at the local level

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the appropriate level of data to use for the analysis of public policies. Design/methodology/approach – The paper discusses national, regional and local levels of analysis and the benefits of using local data when available. Findings – A benefit of local analysis is that policy implications may be clearer. Originality/value – The paper gives a better understanding of the costs and benefits of different levels of data analysis.
Concurrent progressive-ratio schedules: built-in controls in the study of delayed reward efficacy.

Abstract Background Delayed rewards maintain lower rates of operant responding than immediate rewards, and when given a choice between immediate and delayed rewards, individuals typically choose the immediate reward, even when it is smaller (a phenomenon called delay discounting). The behavioral and neural mechanisms underlying these behavioral patterns, however, are not conclusively understood. The present study developed a method to examine the efficacy of delayed rewards in a way that is suitable for pharmacological manipulation of delayed reward efficacy (while controlling for general changes in reward efficacy). New method The progressive ratio (PR) paradigm often used to examine reward efficacy was modified such that two PR schedules for lever pressing concurrently yet independently were presented. Across a series of conditions, a range of delays (3–81 s) were arranged on one of the levers while the reward on the other lever remained immediate. Results PR breakpoints (the highest ratio completed on each lever, our measure of reward efficacy) systematically decreased on the delayed, but not on the immediate reward lever, suggesting that delays decreased reward efficacy. This decrease in breakpoint resulted in bias in within-session responding that was accounted for by models that adjusted reward value by the delay to that reward. Comparison with existing methods Unlike the standard PR paradigm, the present arrangement provided the controls needed to differentiate delay specific from general changes in reward efficacy. Conclusions The present method should be helpful in the study of the behavioral and neural mechanisms of delayed reward efficacy. Modifications of the present paradigm should be useful for pharmacological studies.
Rural Outreach Training Efforts to Clinicians and Public Library Staff: NLM Resource Promotion

A project provided access to NLM resources for health care providers, public library staff, and consumers in rural New York. Computer workstations and training were provided for hospital and public library staff. Use of NLM resources was evaluated through pre- and postsession surveys and comparisons with control libraries. A total of 118 staff was trained in hospitals, 67 in libraries, and 488 public end users. NLM resource usage increased dramatically and stayed high one year post-training for all groups. Public library staff made the most dramatic changes in acquiring consumer health information. Familiarity with NLM resources increased consumers' and physicians' use of online health information.
Decrease in eggshell weight in certain birds of prey.

THE incidence of broken eggs in nests of peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus, sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus and golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos in Britain has increased considerably since 1950. In 109 peregrine eyries examined in 1904–50, there were only three instances of egg breakage, compared with forty-seven in 168 eyries examined in 1951–66. Two of thirty-five golden eagle eyries examined in 1936–50 contained broken eggs, compared with twelve out of forty-eight examined in 1951–63. One breakage was found in twenty-four sparrowhawk nests in 1943–50, but eight in twenty-seven nests in 1951–60. Peregrines have been witnessed eating their own eggs1, and most recent egg breakages in all three species appeared to involve parental destruction.
Developing a Methodology for Measuring the Comparative Energy Efficiency of Elevators

Existing elevator systems are upgraded approximately every 20 years, providing an opportunity for energy reduction upgrades. This demands complicated analysis because elevators consume energy while at idle and in lifting modes. Traffic patterns, loads and building usage must also be considered in addition to energy recovering potentials. An objective and inclusive measurement methodology for measuring elevator energy efficiency is essential for a valid cost benefit analysis. The necessary requirements for a workable system and a usable first generation solution are presented.© 2013 ASME
A Comparison between Interfacial Electron-Transfer Rate Constants at Metallic and Graphite Electrodes

The Fermi golden rule formalism has been used to derive the rate constant for interfacial electron transfer from a semimetallic electrode, such as highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG), to a redox couple in solution. A simple expression is presented that semiquantitatively relates the electron-transfer rate constant at a semimetallic electrode to that at a metallic electrode. The approach allows for the estimation of the value of the rate constant for interfacial charge transfer to nonadsorbing outer-sphere redox species at semimetallic electrodes. Rate constants for interfacial electron transfer for a variety of one-electron redox couples at semimetallic electrodes have been calculated relative to the rate constant of the ferrocenium/ferrocene redox couple at a gold electrode. Good agreement is found, in general, between the calculated and observed rate constants.
Resonant Raman study of Cl in CdS

Abstract Raman scattering of vibrational modes of Cl in CdS is reported. From the resonance enhancement of these modes with excitons bound to Cl atoms they are identified with either (1) isolated Cl atoms or (2) complexes consisting of a Cl atom and an adjacent Cd vacancy. Our results support an earlier suggestion of Thomas et al. that Cl-Cd vacancy complexes form shallow acceptors in CdS.
Invisible inventories: the case of copper☆

Abstract Most metal stocks held by fabricators and other users go unreported, and consequently variations in these stocks are recorded as changes in metal consumption. This article, using copper as an example, proposes a methodology for quantifying movements in these invisible inventories and thereby for improving the available data on copper consumption. It contends that the true level of copper consumption is largely determined by industrial production, and as a result the error term for a regression of reported copper consumption or industrial production and other relevant variables can provide an approximation of invisible stock movements. The results, though tentative, indicate that invisible stocks move procyclically with expansions and contractions amounting to 10–15% of annual consumption over the business cycle. This suggests that actual copper consumption varies less over the business cycle than indicated by the reported data, and that short-run price elasticities of demand estimated on the basis or reported copper consumption are probably biased toward zero. Estimated changes in invisible inventories also help explain why copper prices rose in 1987, rather than two to three years earlier as was widely expected on the basis of reported inventory movements, and why the rise in price persisted for several years.
A very reliable multilevel YSZ resistive switching memory

Resistive Random Access Memory (RRAM) has emerged as a candidate for scaled memories [1]. To date, even though several metal oxide systems have been shown to exhibit resistive switching characteristics [2], a few of them have multilevel programming (MP) capability. Yttria Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) which is widely used in electrochemistry applications has been largely unstudied, which is surprising given its high ionic mobility and excellent stability. Here, we demonstrate RRAM cells based on YSZ showing excellent performance in all metrics and we show that these devices have very reliable MP capability and in addition we demonstrate the use of an incremental step pulse programming scheme (ISPP) to realize an excellent balance between programming window, lifetime, and endurance. Finally, we demonstrate that oxygen vacancy (OV) based memories have better reliability than metallic filament based devices and are more suitable for multilevel use.
Post-mexicanos, Mónica de la Torre y Román Luján como poetas de frontera

This essay wants to explore what Mexican essayist and public figure Ro - ger Bartra calls Post-mexican condition. According to Bartra, Mexican nationalism fa...
A new probabilistic rule for drug–dug interaction prediction

An innovative probabilistic rule is proposed to predict the clinical significance or clinical insignificance of DDI. This rule is coupled with a hierarchical Bayesian model approach to summarize substrate/inhibitor's PK models from multiple published resources. This approach incorporates between-subject and between-study variances into DDI prediction. Hence, it can predict both population-average and subject-specific AUCR. The clinically significant DDI, weak DDI, and clinically insignificant inhibitions are decided by the probabilities of predicted AUCR falling into three intervals, (-infinity, 1.25), (1.25, 2), and (2, infinity). The main advantage of this probabilistic rule to predict clinical significance of DDI over the deterministic rule is that the probabilistic rule considers the sample variability, and the decision is independent of sampling variation; while deterministic rule based decision will vary from sample to sample. The probabilistic rule proposed in this paper is best suited for the situation when in vivo PK studies and models are available for both the inhibitor and substrate. An early decision on clinically significant or clinically insignificant inhibition can avoid additional DDI studies. Ketoconazole and midazolam are used as an interaction pair to illustrate our idea. AUCR predictions incorporating between-subject variability always have greater variances than population-average AUCR predictions. A clinically insignificant AUCR at population-average level is not necessarily true when considering between-subject variability. Additional simulation studies suggest that predicted AUCRs highly depend on the interaction constant K(i) and dose combinations.
IUE observations of the atmospheric eclipsing binary system Zeta Aurigae

IUE observations of the eclipsing binary system Zeta Aurigae made prior to and during the eclipse of the relatively small B8 V star by the cool supergiant star (spectral type K2 II) are reported. Spectral lines produced by the absorption of B star radiation in the atmosphere of the K star during eclipse can be used as a probe of the extended K star atmosphere, due to the negligible cool star continuum in the 1200-3200 A region. Spectra taken prior to eclipse are found to be similar to those of the single B8 V star 64 Ori, with the exception of very strong multi-component absorption lines of Si II, Si IV, C IV and the Mg resonance doublet with strong P Cygni profiles, indicating a double shell. Absorption lines including those corresponding to Al II, Al III, Cr II, Mn II, Fe II, Ni II and Ca II are observed to increase in strength and number as the eclipse progresses, with high-ionization-potential lines formed far from the K star, possibly in a shock wave, and low-ionization potential lines, formed in cool plasma, probably a cool wind, nearer to the K star. Finally, an emission-line spectra with lines corresponding to those previously observed in absorption is noted at the time the B-star continuum had disappeared.
THE UNITED STATES ORPHAN DRUG ACT CHALLENGES AND SUCCESS

The Orphan Drug Act, by providing incentives to pharmaceutical firms to develop new drugs for rare diseases, has helped many patients in the United States. This paper reviews its progress from its passage in 1983 to date, including the designation of 643 orphan products and the marketing approval of 125 of these. The next goal is to achieve harmonization with the European Union and Japan.
Rapamycin Inhibits Postprandial-Mediated X-Box-Binding Protein-1 Splicing in Rat Liver

Recent studies have linked the unfolded protein response (UPR), in particular the inositol-requiring, endoplasmic reticulum-to-nucleus signaling protein 1α (IRE1α)-X-box-binding protein-1 (XBP1) branch of the UPR, to the regulation of lipogenesis and hepatic steatosis. In this study, we examined the hypothesis that the postprandial environment can activate the IRE1α-XBP1 branch of the UPR in the liver via a mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1)-dependent mechanism. Toward this end, rats were fed a high-carbohydrate diet (68% of energy from corn starch) for 3 h in the absence or presence of rapamycin (intraperitoneal injection of 1 mg/kg) and liver tissue was taken 1 or 7 h following the feeding period. Feeding activated the mTORC1 pathway and IRE1α, induced XBP1 splicing, and increased the expression of XBP1 target genes and lipogenic genes in the liver. The presence of rapamycin prevented the activation of mTORC1 and IRE1α, XBP1 splicing, and the increased expression of XBP1 target genes and lipogenic genes. Rapamycin also prevented the feeding-induced increase in nuclear sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c. These data suggest that the postprandial environment promotes activation of the IRE1-XBP1 branch of the UPR in the liver. This activation appears to be mediated in part by mTORC1.
A Role for Auxin Response Factor 19 in Auxin and Ethylene Signaling in Arabidopsis

Although auxin response factors (ARFs) are the first well-characterized proteins that bind to the auxin response elements, elucidation of the roles of each ARF gene in auxin responses and plant development has been challenging. Here we show that ARF19 and ARF7 not only participate in auxin signaling, but also play a critical role in ethylene responses in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) roots, indicating that the ARFs serve as a cross talk point between the two hormones. Both arf19 and arf7 mutants isolated from our forward genetic screens are auxin resistant and the arf19arf7 double mutant had stronger auxin resistance than the single mutants and displayed phenotypes not seen in the single mutants. Furthermore, we show that a genomic fragment of ARF19 not only complements arf19, but also rescues arf7. We conclude that ARF19 complements ARF7 at the protein level and that the ARF7 target sequences are also recognized by ARF19. Therefore, it is the differences in expression level/pattern and not the differences in protein sequences between the two ARFs that determines the relative contribution of the two ARFs in auxin signaling and plant development. In addition to being auxin resistant, arf19 has also ethylene-insensitive roots and ARF19 expression is induced by ethylene treatment. This work provides a sensitive genetic screen for uncovering auxin-resistant mutants including the described arf mutants. This study also provides a likely mechanism for coordination and integration of hormonal signals to regulate plant growth and development.
Orientations of chain axes and transition moments in Langmuir-Blodgett monolayers determined by polarized FTIR-ATR spectroscopy

36O and 42O, respectively. Those angles of the transition moments of the CHI group were 66O and 46O, respectively. Cadmium and lead stearate monolayers had nearly uniaxial chain and moment distributions. Molecular orientations varied substantially with the ion type bound to the polar groups but little with the substrate surface. The average tilt angle of the chain axes was ca. 1 1 O higher in X-type monolayers (methyl groups on the substrate surface) than in Z-type monolayers (polar groups on the surface) of lead stearate. The dichroic ratio for the cadmium stearate monolayer decreased from 0.98 at 25 OC to 0.84 at 130 OC. Recrystallization of the monolayer upon cooling was observed to be reversible and showed no time lag.
Near Infrared Imaging of a Giant Red Envelope Galaxy

Recently Maccagni et al. (ApJ, 334, L1, 1989) obtained g, r and i images of an X-ray luminous galaxy at the center of a poor cluster of galaxies (1E1111.9-3754). The images showed that the central galaxy was surrounded by a remarkable spatially extended red envelope, visible as a kink in the r14 surface brightness profile at a radius of 100 kpc. Johnstone & Fabian (MNRAS, 237, 27p, 1989) suggested that the red envelope is composed of low mass stars formed in a cooling flow. This observation sparked considerable interest as the first direct detection of low mass star formation in cooling flows. We have obtained near infrared H-band (1.65 μ images of 1E1111.9-3754 from the Infrared Imaging Spectrometer on the 4-m Anglo-Australian Telescope. Even though low mass stars should be more prominent in the near infrared than at optical wavelengths, the 1.65 μ surface brightness profile shows no deviation from the r14 profile out to a radius of 100 kpc. This observation argues against the hypothesis that the envelope is composed of low mass stars formed from cooled X-ray gas.
Portal vein stenosis in children with segmental liver transplants: treatment with percutaneous transhepatic venoplasty.

We reviewed the early results of percutaneous portal venoplasty as a method of treating portal vein stenosis in 11 children with reduced-size liver transplants.Percutaneous transhepatic portal venoplasty was attempted in 11 children with portal vein stenoses over a period of 9 months. The venoplasty was performed by direct puncture of an intrahepatic portal vein followed by balloon angioplasty of the stenotic segment. Patients presented with symptoms of portal venous hypertension or were identified by routine surveillance with posttransplant Doppler sonography. All stenoses were verified with angiography before portal venoplasty was attempted. In patients with suboptimal results after portal venoplasty or who developed recurrent stenoses, intravascular stents were placed across stenoses.In eight of 11 patients, initial clinical and technical success was achieved. Intravascular stents were placed in two of these patients. In the three unsuccessful procedures, complete occlusion of the portal vein precluded...
Carriage of Bacteria and Protozoa in the Intestinal Tract of Common Tern Chicks

Little is known about the intestinal microflora of Common Terns (Sterna hirundo) and their capacity to disseminate human gastrointestinal pathogens along migratory flyways. Common Tern chicks on Pettit Island in Barnegat Bay, New Jersey, USA, were evaluated for carriage of bacterial and protozoan pathogens. Oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs were taken for culture-based detection of bacterial gastrointestinal pathogens during the 2009 and 2010 breeding seasons. Bulk fecal samples were also taken during the 2010 nesting season to determine Cryptosporidium oocyst loads. Of 125 birds sampled in 2009, none carried Salmonella and only one carried Campylobacter. Moreover, the majority of birds sampled in the 2009 breeding season carried Escherichia coli and Klebsiella ozaenae, members of bacterial family Enterobacteriaceae. In 2010, one of the 54 birds sampled carried Salmonella and none had Campylobacter in their intestines. Similar to the birds sampled in 2009, the 2010 cohort showed relatively high carriage of E. coli and K. ozaenae. Microscopic examination of fecal smears obtained in 2010 revealed that 39 of 54 Common Tern chicks had microscopic structures consistent with Cryptosporidium oocysts in their intestines. These data indicate that Common Tern chicks in Barnegat Bay present low to no threat to public health through the spread of human gastrointestinal pathogens.
A RhoA-Derived Peptide Inhibits Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 Entry In Vitro

RhoA-derived peptides have been shown to have antiviral activity against both human respiratory syncytial virus and human parainfluenza virus-3. The present study investigates the toxicity, anti-HIV-1 activity and mechanism of action of a RhoA-derived peptide (RhoA 77-95). The efficacy of this peptide was compared to a scrambled peptide of the same amino acid composition and Enfuvirtide, a HIV entry inhibitor. Our data show that this RhoA-derived peptide is a non-toxic and effective inhibitor of a CXCR4 tropic strain of HIV-1. We also demonstrate that the mechanism of entry inhibition is likely mediated by polyanionic properties and is dependent on the dimerization of peptides.
The effect of a magnetic field on free convection heat transfer

Abstract Free convection heat transfer due to the simultaneous action of buoyancy and induced magnetic forces is investigated. The analysis is carried out for laminar boundary-layer flow about an isothermal vertical plate. It is found that the free convection heat transfer to liquid metals may be significantly affected by the presence of a magnetic field; but that very small effects are experienced by other fluids.
A case of intertextual discourse: Ernesto Caballero's Pepe el Romano and Federico García Lorca's La casa de Bernarda Alba

The theatre of Ernesto Caballero is inherently postmodern. His works, which are intertextually and intratextually conceived and constructed, reject straightforward mimesis and neatly structured narratives in favor of textual interplay and a semiotic system to create a vital link to other works. Caballero's Pepe el Romano. La sombra blanca de Bernarda Alba (2003) is the one play within the playwright's repertoire in which his postmodern proclivity toward intertextuality is the most pronounced, intricate, complex, and sustained. Caballero's play shares a deep intertextual and intratextual relationship with Federico Garcia Lorca's La casa de Bernarda Alba (1936), the text from which it formally derives, and which it thematically echoes and structurally replicates. Through an intricate network of allusions, references, character doubling, and metatheatrical conventions, Caballero reproduces the world created by Lorca in La casa de Bernarda Alba. Like a mise-en-abyme, Pepe el Romano is at once an original stor...
A quantitative analysis of pendular motion of the lower leg in spastic human subjects

Gravity-induced oscillations of the lower leg in normal and spastic subjects were examined with a view towards evaluating a clinical test of spasticity called the pendulum test. For passive limb motion (in which no reflex excitation occurred), a second-order linear model did not provide an adequate description of the motion for either spastic or normal legs. System equations including nonlinear mechanical properties simulating asymmetries in the swing and amplitude dependent variations in stiffness and damping provided a more accurate description. For spastic limb motion (in which reflex excitation did occur) accurate simulation required components accounting for abnormal reflex activation, coinciding with the time course of EMG activation. These included increased stiffness and damping with their gains related to reflex EMG magnitude, and changes in the rest length of the stiffness. Comparison of numerical with experimental data showed that the nonlinear model simulated the motion accurately, with the variance accounted for usually exceeding 90%. >
Linkage mapping and partial sequencing of 10 cDNA loci in the chicken

Summary Ten cDNA clones derived from chicken spleen cell mRNA have been partially sequenced and the genes which encode the mRNAs have been located within the linkage map of the chicken genome. The sequences of five of these clones show strong homology to known mammalian genes, the remainder show little homology to sequences present in the current databases. Interestingly, one of these clones appears to be the chicken homologue of the mammalian peptide transporter gene TAP2 and is located within the major histocompatibility complex. Two other clones are homologous to genes involved in protein synthesis and these are tightly linked in chickens, as in mice. These results suggest that partial sequencing and mapping of clones from selective cDNA libraries may be an efficient way of adding candidate genes to the chicken linkage map and that on a local scale there may be some conservation of grouping of genes between chickens and mammalian species.
Optimization of Pulsed Operation of the Superconducting Radio-Frequency (SRF) Cavities at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS)

In order to address the optimization in a pulsed operation, a systematic computational analysis has been made in comparison with operational experiences in superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) cavities at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS). From the analysis it appears that the SNS SRF cavities can be operated at temperatures higher than 2.1 K, a fact resulting from both the pulsed nature of the superconducting cavities, the specific configuration of the existing cryogenic plant and the operating frequency.
An overview of the breast cancer screening controversy.

Randomized controlled studies show that screening mammograms are as important for women aged 40‐49 as for women 50 years old and above. It was the improper use of retrospective, unplanned, sub-group analysis to advise women and their physicians that caused the controversy over mammograms for women under 50. Furthermore, arbitrarily grouping women into two groups leads to the incorrect conclusion that the age of 50 is a significant break point when it is not. The data demonstrates that none of the parameters of screening change abruptly at age 50. The recall rates (an abnormal mammogram) and the rate at which biopsies are recommended are virtually the same, regardless of age. Breast cancer is not a trivial problem for women in their forties. More than 30% of the years of life lost to breast cancer are from women diagnosed while in their forties. Because of changing demographics, in 1995 and 1996, there were actually more women diagnosed with breast cancer in their forties than for women in their fifties. The data clearly show that screening women for breast cancer, on an annual basis, beginning by age 40, can reduce the death rate by approximately 24%. It is important to separate medical and scientific analyses from the economic considerations. ‘‘Society’’ may decide that it is too expensive to screen women for breast cancer, but women should be provided with the scientific and medical information so that they can participate in the discussion of whether screening is ‘‘worthwhile’’ and decide whether or not to avail themselves of its benefit. The economics should not be used to influence the scientific and medical analysis of benefit. [Monogr Natl Cancer Inst 1997; 22:1‐3]
Adolescent Use of the Emergency Department Instead of the Primary Care Provider: Who, Why, and How Urgent?

Abstract Purpose Adolescents frequently rely on emergency medical care, rather than using primary care providers (PCPs). Our objectives were to characterize a population of adolescents presenting to a large, urban emergency department (ED) and to examine the reasons why they present to the ED, rather than to their PCP's office. Methods Adolescents ages 12 to 21 years and their parents/guardians were invited to participate and asked to complete a brief online survey. Demographic data and triage information were collected from electronic medical records. Results Of 203 participants, 66% (n = 134) had public insurance, and 40% (n = 82) were triaged as nonurgent. Nearly all (93%, n = 189) reported having a PCP or primary clinic. The most common reasons given for presenting to the ED were participant perception of illness requiring immediate care (34%), followed by PCP referral to the ED (21%). Those with public insurance (odds ratio = 4.44; 95% CI 2.01 to 9.81) or no insurance/unknown insurance status (odds ratio = 4.77; 95% CI 1.34 to 17.01) were more likely to be triaged as nonurgent than those with private insurance. Conclusions Many adolescents in this study were triaged as nonurgent, with several participants perceiving they were acutely ill requiring immediate physician care. Further analyses revealed that private insurance was significantly associated with urgent triage status. Future studies could educate adolescents and families about appropriate use of the ED or examine PCP offices directly to determine practices for phone triage and ED referrals of adolescents.
Nutritional Efficiency Wages and Unemployment: Where's the Beef?

We modify the standard nutritional efficiency wage model to allow for the fact that employers can directly provide calories to their workers rather than paying a higher wage to induce employees to spend more on their own caloric consumption. We derive the various theoretical outcomes that are possible depending on the assumptions about the transaction costs of directly providing calories. We argue that in most real‐world situations the ability of employers to directly provide calories undermines the traditional efficiency wage theory as a cause of equilibrium unemployment.
Adaptive Echo State Network to maximize overhead power line dynamic thermal rating

A widely distributed power line sensor network (PLSN) has been proposed to monitor such a utility asset's status. One of its important applications is to evaluate the real time dynamic current capacity of overhead power lines down to ‘per span’ level of granularity, and thus to maximize the existing power grid utilization. How to predict the conductor temperature ahead of time subject to various conductor overload conditions is the most critical and challenging task to evaluate the line dynamic thermal rating. This paper proposes an Echo State Network (ESN) to adaptively identify the nonlinear overhead conductor thermal dynamics under different weather conditions, and to predict the conductor temperature. This method requires only temperatures and line current as inputs and its simplified calculation makes it an attractive and cost effective solution to real-time implementation. Furthermore, by continuously providing accurate real-time line thermal conditions, this method can assist in utilizing the power lines more effectively.
Plasma interleukin-6 correlates with connectivity of the default mode network in midlife adults

The default mode network (DMN) is a group of brain systems that exhibit correlated activity at rest. Functional variation within the DMN is implicated in social, cognitive, and affective processes, as well as psychiatric and neurological disorders that associate with systemic inflammation. A major DMN hub, the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), connects with autonomic and neuroendocrine mechanisms that proximally influence inflammation. We tested whether plasma interleukin (IL)-6 covaried with functional DMN connectivity among 98 adults aged 30–54 (39% male; 81% Caucasian). DMN connectivity maps were derived using independent component analyses (MELODIC; ( http://fsl.fmrib.ox.ac.uk/fsl/fslwiki/MELODIC )). Voxel-wise linear regression analyses tested IL-6 and DMN associations controlling for age, sex, and BMI at a whole-brain corrected false discovery rate threshold of q = 0.05 with an extent threshold of 20 voxels. Within the vmPFC, IL-6 covaried positively with connectivity of the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex and negatively with a portion of Brodmann area 11; while subcortically, IL-6 covaried negatively with connectivity of the medial thalamus and dorsal pons (all t ’s >3.4). It is possible that (1) higher peripheral inflammation through afferent visceral pathways influences connectivity within vmPFC and subcortical regions or (2) vmPFC connectivity, potentially via subcortical pathways, modulates peripheral autonomic and neuroendocrine mechanisms that upregulate inflammation. A link between DMN and peripheral inflammation provides a novel brain-body pathway that may be relevant to understanding depression and dementia.
Cardiac computed tomographic angiography what's the prognosis?

Computed tomography (CT) has been a source of recurring controversy since its introduction into medical practice in 1973 ([1][1]). In those early years, pictures revealing unprecedented structural detail of living brains and bodies, obtained without invasive procedures, were sufficiently compelling
Digestibility of Glandless Cottonseed Protein in Diets for Pacific White Shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei

Accurate digestibility coefficients for protein, energy, and lipid are needed by feed formulators to optimize diets to meet nutritional requirements and to substitute ingredients cost-effectively. Of particular interest is protein, which accounts for the majority of shrimp feed content and expense. The current study evaluated seven cottonseed meal and protein products. Most of the samples were derived from a glandless cotton variety that lacks significant levels of the antinutritive compound, gossypol. The various protein fractions were evaluated for apparent crude protein, crude lipid, and energy digestibility when fed to juvenile Pacific White Shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. Apparent energy digestibility for the protein fractions derived from the glandless seed ranged from 76.7% for ground kernels to 94.6% for protein isolate, and these values were greater than the value obtained for the commercial meal that contained gossypol (64%). Apparent protein digestibility for the six glandless-cotton-based samples varied from 72.3% for the ground full-fat kernels to 94.1% for the protein isolate, and these values were mostly higher than the value obtained for the commercial meal (82.3%). The high apparent digestibility values demonstrate that low-gossypol cottonseed protein products may be useful as a cost-effective replacement for more expensive protein sources in L. vannamei diets.
Substituent effects on CL···N, S···N, and P···N noncovalent bonds.

Cl, S, and P atoms have previously been shown as capable of engaging in a noncovalent bond with the N atom on another molecule. The effects of substituents B on the former atoms on the strength of this bond are examined, and it is found that the binding energy climbs in the order B = CH3 < NH2 < CF3 < OH < Cl < NO2 < F. However, there is some variability in this pattern, particularly for the NO2 group. The A···N bonds (A = Cl, S, P) can be quite strong, amounting to as much as 10 kcal/mol. The binding energy arises from approximately equal contributions from its induction and electrostatic components, although the former becomes more dominant for the stronger bonds. The induction energy is due in large measure to the transfer of charge from the N lone pair to a B–A σ* antibonding orbital of the electron-acceptor molecule containing Cl, S, or P. These A···N bonds typically represent the lowest-energy structure on each potential energy surface, stronger than H-bonds such as NH···F, CH···N, or SH···N.
Hepatobiliary Dysfunction in Infants and Children Associated with Long-term Total Parenteral Nutrition. A Clinico-pathologic Study

Hepatobiliary dysfunction is a well recognized complication in infants and children on long-term total parenteral nutrition. This clinical-pathological study of fifteen patients with this syndrome suggests that cholestasis is the primary pathogenetic mechanism. The cause of the cholestasis is not well understood, but does not appear to be primarily related to the type of intravenous fluids or the occurrence of sepsis. It is suggested that the prolonged fasting results in disruption of the normal gastro-intestinal mechanisms responsible for bile production and flow. This is supported by the pathological findings, the fact that hepatobiliary dysfunction develops late (usually around 2-3 months), the observation that elevated bile acids and direct hyperbilirubinemia occurs prior to any evidence of hepatocellular necrosis and the occurrence of cholelithiasis in some patients.
Fast and Slow Proton Transfer in Ice: The Role of the Quasi-Liquid Layer and Hydrogen-Bond Network

The proton mobility in ice is studied through molecular dynamics simulations carried out with a newly developed ab initio-based reactive force field, aMS-EVB3/ice. The analysis of both structural and dynamical properties of protonated ice as a function of temperature indicates that the mobility of excess protons at the surface is largely suppressed, with protons becoming essentially immobile at temperatures below 200 K. In contrast, fast proton transfer/transport can exist in bulk ice Ih at low temperature through connected regions of the proton-disordered hydrogen-bond network. Based on the simulation results, it is shown that the mechanisms associated with proton transfer/transport in both bulk and interfacial regions of ice are largely dependent on the local hydrogen-bond structure surrounding the charge defect. A molecular-level picture of the mechanisms responsible for proton transfer/transport in ice is then developed and used to interpret the available experimental data.
Canadian Divorce before Reform: The Case of Prince Edward Island, 1946–67.

This paper represents the first scholarly effort to explore the meaning and practice of divorce in Canada between the end of World War II and the coming of divorce reform in 1968. It is based on a thorough analysis of the case files of the divorce court of Prince Edward Island, resurrected in 1946 to deal with divorce in that province. The paper attempts to place the law and practice of divorce in Prince Edward Island in a national context. It also discusses social patterns of divorce 1946–67 (based upon data never before collected for the period), generally finding them consistent with other available information for the periods immediately preceding and following the one under discussion. The paper concludes with an examination of patterns of divorce among farm families on the Island, exploring other explanatory variables besides traditional morality to explain their distinctiveness
Legal Briefs: Devastating Outcome Following PDA Ligation and Inadequate Anesthesia

A 32-weeks’-gestation male infant was born to a 38-year-old G3P1Ab1 woman whose pregnancy was complicated by severe pregnancy-induced hypertension. A week before delivery, the biophysical profile (BPP) was 10/10. The mother noticed decreased fetal movement, a repeat BPP evaluation was performed, and it was 4/10. Because of this reduction in BPP, the obstetrician decided to perform an emergent cesarean delivery. One dose of antenatal steroids was given before a vigorous 1,600-g infant was delivered. Cord gases were unremarkable. Apgar Scores were 6 and 9 at 1 and 5 minutes, respectively. The baby was intubated at 5 minutes because of respiratory difficulty. He was given one dose of surfactant replacement therapy. The initial mean blood pressure (BP) was 36 mm Hg. Ampicillin and cefotaxime were started. His complete blood count showed a white blood cell count (WBC) of 5.5 × 103/uL with a normal differential, a hematocrit of 39.5% (0.39) for which he was transfused packed red blood cells, and a platelet count of 114 × 103 u/L. The nucleated red blood cell count was 363 per 100 WBC. The neonatologist retained by the defense pointed out that this elevated nucleated red blood cell count suggested brain damage in utero. The plaintiff neonatologist disagreed and said it suggested stress, not damage. The following day, day 1, the baby remained intubated on a low ventilator setting. His creatinine was 1.4 mg/dL. The neonatologist retained by the defense pointed out that this high creatinine at birth suggested brain damage in utero. The neonatologist retained by the plaintiff said it was not possible to determine if it was from the baby or the mother because her creatinine level was not evaluated, but an elevated creatinine does not necessarily imply brain damage in utero, even if it were from the baby. He had …
P17.62THE IMPORTANCE OF DELAYED PSEUDOPROGRESSION AND THE PROBLEM WITH RANO IN GBM.

Treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) with temozolomide (TMZ) plus radiotherapy [chemoradiotherapy (CRT)] can induce the inflammatory reaction known as pseudoprogression in a large proportion of patients. Pseudoprogression (Ps) is associated with increased survival; however, it is difficult to differentiate Ps from true tumor progression on conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and the time course, true incidence, and mechanisms to increase or decrease Ps are not known. This IRB-approved retrospective study determined the rate and timing of pseudoprogression and the survival of GBM patients who received adjuvant TMZ until tumor progression. METHODS: Patients with biopsy-proven newly diagnosed GBM at Oregon Health and Science University from January 2006 to June 2012 after standard CRT received adjuvant TMZ until tumor progression. Diagnosis of Ps was made using dynamic perfusion MRI with ferumoxytol (a nanoparticle blood pool agent) in comparison to RANO criteria. Patients received bevacizumab (Avastin) anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody upon tumor progression. RESULTS: In our single institutional experience with 68 consecutive patients, the overall median survival was 19.9 months. Perfusion MRI revealed Ps in 24 (35%) patients. Pseudoprogression developed in 12.5% of our patient population at time points beyond the arbitrary 3 month cutoff defined by the RANO criteria. Survival was significantly greater in patients with Ps than in patients without Ps, 34.7 months versus 13.4 months, respectively. The subgroup of patients with Ps and hypermethylated MGMT had longer survival than patients with Ps and nonhypermethylated MGMT: 54.1 versus 28.2 months respectively. The patients that never experienced Ps had poor survival despite receiving bevacizumab. DISCUSSION: Ps is associated with better outcome, especially if concurs with MGMT promoter methylation. This study emphasizes the importance of differentiating tumor progression and Ps for treatment decisions and survival prediction, and emphasizes that ferumoxytol perfusion MRI may help as a diagnostic tool. Our results compare favorably with the recent report of the AVAglio trial of bevacizumab in GBM. Ps was diagnosed in only 9.3% of patients within 1 month after CRT in the AVAglio trial. Usage of upfront bevacizumab in the AVAglio trial further decreased the rate of Ps to 2.2%. The decrease in the beneficial inflammatory effects of Ps may explain why patients treated with upfront bevacizumab show increased progression-free survival without an increased overall survival benefit. Altogether these results demonstrate a need to reevaluate the RANO criteria in GBM.
An Improved Method for Standardization of Microspectrofluorometers

The use of meshed cadmium-zinc sulfide fluorescent particles in combination with an electron microscope locator grid greatly facilitates the standardization of miam spectrofluorometers. The fluorescent particles emit maximally at 570 nm, and the intensity of fluorescence is directly proportional to cross-sectional area when epi-illumination is used Details concerning technique and fluorescent particle characteristics are reported.
Karyotype is prognostically more important than the FAB system's distinction between myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myelogenous leukemia

Patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) share certain specific karyotypes. Therefore, we compared the relative importance of karyotype and morphology (MDS vs. AML) in determining survival in these patients. We analyzed 768 patients with a banded karyotype who presented as either MDS or AML. Patients with "unfavorable" karyotypes had similarly short survivals regardless of whether they were classified as refractory anemia with excess blasts (RAEB), refractory anemia with excess blasts in transformation (RAEBT), or AML. Patients with diploid karyotypes survived significantly longer, again with relatively minor differences between patients with RAEB, RAEBT, and AML. We conclude that classification of patients with excess myeloblasts in the marrow might more appropriately be based on cytogenetics than on the distinction between MDS and AML.
Design of a rectifier-free UHF Gen-2 compatible RFID Tag using RF-only logic

AC-DC rectifier and storage capacitors take up 25% or more of chip area for cost-sensitive passive RFID tags. In this work, we show that these components can be eliminated by utilizing a RF-only circuit structure. Therefore, the chip would be smaller and cheaper. RF-only logic permits digital operations to be performed from an AC, rather than DC, power supply. An UHF Gen-2 compatible RFID tag is designed using the RF-only logic. Powering and communication solutions in direct ASK carrier powered scenario are developed. RF front-end circuits are designed in RF-only fashion and a standard cell library of RF-only logic is developed and tailored for this application. The RFID tag is implemented in a 0.13 μm CMOS technology. The tag dimensions are 0.6 mm × 0.3 mm and its sensitivity is 0 dBm at RF amplitude of 500mV in simulation. The same methodology can be applied to enable lower RF amplitude implementations that trade off area for sensitivity.