cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Standards for evaluating neonatal growth outcomes using individualized pathological growth potential realization indices

Provide standards for detecting neonatal growth abnormalities with the average pathological Growth Potential Realization Index (av. pGPRI).Individualized Growth Assessment (IGA) evaluations of 117 ...
Lessons in clinical reasoning ‒ pitfalls, myths, and pearls: a case of confusion, disequilibrium, and "picking at the air".

OBJECTIVES: Defects in human cognition commonly result in clinical reasoning failures that can lead to diagnostic errors. CASE PRESENTATION: A 43-year-old female was brought to the emergency department with 4-5 days of confusion, disequilibrium resulting in several falls, and hallucinations. Further investigation revealed tachycardia, diaphoresis, mydriatic pupils, incomprehensible speech and she was seen picking at the air. Given multiple recent medication changes, there was initial concern for serotonin syndrome vs. an anticholinergic toxidrome. She then developed a fever, marked leukocytosis, and worsening encephalopathy. She underwent lumbar puncture and aspiration of an identified left ankle effusion. Methicillin sensitive staph aureus (MSSA) grew from blood, joint, and cerebrospinal fluid cultures within 18 h. She improved with antibiotics and incision, drainage, and washout of her ankle by orthopedic surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Through integrated commentary on the diagnostic reasoning process from clinical reasoning experts, this case underscores how multiple cognitive biases can cascade sequentially, skewing clinical reasoning toward erroneous conclusions and driving potentially inappropriate testing and treatment. A fishbone diagram is provided to visually demonstrate the major factors that contributed to the diagnostic error. A case discussant describes the importance of structured reflection, a tool to promote metacognitive analysis, and the application of knowledge organization tools such as illness scripts to navigate these cognitive biases.
Keeping up with venetoclax for leukemic malignancies: key findings, optimal regimens and clinical considerations.

Introduction Venetoclax has transformed the treatment landscape in hematologic malignancies, especially in elderly population. With high rates of remission, deep and durable responses, and safe toxicity profile, venetoclax in combination therapy has been extremely effective, garnering accelerated approval and becoming standard of care in lymphoid and myeloid malignancies. Areas covered The role of venetoclax in the intrinsic apoptotic pathway is covered. This includes preclinical and clinical experience of venetoclax monotherapy and combination therapy in relapsed/refractory and frontline CLL, AML, ALL and high-risk MDS, with an emphasis on key clinical trials and efficacy of combination regimens in distinct mutational landscapes. Strategies to mitigate myelosuppression, manage dose adjustments and infectious complications are addressed. Expert opinion Targeting BCL-2 offers a safe and highly effective adjunct to available therapies in hematologic malignancies. Despite success and frequent utilization of venetoclax, several resistance mechanisms have been elucidated, prompting development of novel combinatorial strategies. Further, on-target myelosuppression of venetoclax is a key obstacle in clinical practice, requiring diligent monitoring and practice-based knowledge of dose modifications. Despite these limitations, venetoclax has gained tremendous popularity in hematologic-oncology, becoming an integral component of numerous combination regimes, with ongoing plethora of clinical trials encompassing standard chemotherapy, targeted agents and immune-based approaches.
A Microsoft Excel Version of Parrondo’s Paradox

Parrondo’s paradox is analyzed via Monte Carlo simulation and Markov chains within Microsoft Excel. The properties of individual and mixed games are clearly demonstrated. The accompanying Excel workbook, Parrondo.xls, enables the reader to replicate results, verify claims, and extend the analysis in unforeseen ways.
Presence of two endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidases in human kidney

Abstract We have isolated for the first time two kinds of endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidases (E-beta-GNases) simultaneously from human kidney. E-beta-GNase 1 was purified by water extraction, ammonium sulfate fractionation, and chromatography on Sephadex-G-200, DEAE-Sephadex, concanavalin A-Sepharose and Hypatite C columns. After the DEAE-Sephadex step, 107 units of E-beta-GNase 1 with a specific activity of 0.53 units/mg was obtained and after hydroxyapatite column, the enzyme recovery was 26 units with a specific activity of 10.4 units/mg. This enzyme hydrolyzed the high mannose-type asparaginylglycopeptide efficiently and had little activity toward the complex-type glycopeptide. This enzyme had an pH optimum at about 4.5 and was not inhibited by acetate ion. The Asn residue in a glycopeptide appeared not to be an important recognition site for E-beta-GNase 1 to express its activity because the acetylation or the dansylation of Asn residues as well as the elimination of Asn residue from the glycopeptide did not change the susceptibility of the oligosaccharide to E-beta-GNase 1. E-beta-GNase 2 was purified by water extraction, ammonium sulfate fractionation, and chromatography on Sephadex G-200, DEAE-Sephadex, concanavalin A-Sepharose, and Mono S columns. This enzyme was purified about 110-fold with 6.6% recovery. E-beta-GNase 2 was found to be a novel type of E-beta-GNase that hydrolyzed both the high mannose-type and the complex-type oligosaccharide with chitobiosyl group at the reducing end and without the Asn. E-beta-GNase 2 activity was found to be dependent on a L-aspartamido-beta-D-N-acetylglucosamine amidohydrolase (Asn-GNase) for the hydrolysis of asparaginylglycopeptide. Asn-GNase cleaved off the Asn residue from the glycopeptide, and the resulting oligosaccharide was hydrolyzed by E-beta-GNase 2. Because the acetylation or the dansylation of Asn residue in a glycopeptide rendered the glycopeptide resistant to Asn-GNase, the use of the modified asparaginylglycopeptide could not reveal the existence of E-beta-GNase 2 activity. The pH optimum of E-beta-GNase was found to be about 3.5. Like beta-hexosaminidases, this enzyme was inhibited by acetate ion, suggesting the recognition of GlcNAc moiety by this enzyme.
Hume's Labyrinth Concerning the Idea of Personal Identity

Etude du probleme de l'identite personnelle chez Hume qui contredit son attitude sceptique et son approche naturaliste du mental. Examinant la definition des perceptions multiples du moi dans le «Traite de la nature humaine» et sa refutation par la notion de simplicite dans l'«Appendice», l'A. se propose de resoudre le dilemme de la multiplicite et de l'unite de l'identite dans le cadre de la theorie humeenne de la representation des objets intentionnels par la perception et l'impression.
Multi-coupled resonant splitting with a nano-slot metasurface and PMMA phonons

Coupled-resonances can be used in applications that include, but are not limited to, surface-enhanced infrared spectroscopy (SEIRS), surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), biosensing, and index sensing. Fano resonance in analogue plasmonic systems has been described as the coupling of a bright (superradiant) mode and a dark (subradiant) mode via the near field.Dark and bright mode interactionsareinvestigated with the use of a Fano resonant metamaterial (FRMM) where the metamaterial is a dual nano-slot metasurface on a silicon cavity. The FRMM is numerically simulated using Ansys High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS). The FRMM is coupled to the carbon double bond in polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) to demonstrate mode splitting and signal enhancement. Then the dual nano-slot is compared to the complementary dual nano-rod configuration.
Evidence of the Gulf Stream's influence on tropical cyclone intensity

[1] Historical storm data and satellite imagery are analyzed to determine the intensity changes and storm-related characteristics of 53 coastal and landfalling tropical cyclones (TCs) from Florida to North Carolina that passed over the Gulf Stream (GS) during the period 1944–2000. It appears that less intense storms (Category 2 or weaker), as well as those occurring earlier in the Atlantic hurricane season, are more likely to be strengthened by the GS. In addition, 81% of the Category 2 or weaker storms that intensified based on both maximum wind speed (MWS) and minimum central pressure (MCP) had tracks approximately parallel to the GS, while 3 of the 5 major (Category 3–5) hurricanes that intensified based on both MWS and MCP tracked perpendicular to the GS. The presence of an upstream mid-latitude trough could have contributed to the intensification of the weaker TCs by steering them along the GS.
High-risk liver transplant candidates: An ethical proposal on where to draw the line.

In making liver transplantation (LT) listing decisions, transplant programs accept that very large differences in expected 5-year posttransplant survival should matter and that small differences in expected survival should not matter. To date, the transplant community has not explicitly addressed the difficult question of how to make decisions when the differences are less dramatic. Existing well-accepted transplant policies neither articulate a criterion for where to draw the line nor provide an ethical justification for distinguishing those who should not be eligible for transplantation from those who should be. Herein we analyze a case from our LT program that raises the issue of how much of a difference should separate the eligible from the ineligible. We explain how our ethical analysis is consistent with the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients cumulative sum metric for transplant center performance, the United Network for Organ Sharing standard of capping Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores at 40 for listing purposes, and the longstanding tradition of allocating scarce medical resources in accordance with the principle of triage. We also discuss how subjectivity can influence judgments about likely outcomes. We conclude by calling for research to gather data that could make survival predictions objective and by proposing a policy that would make the treatment of all patients fair. Liver Transpl 21:607–611, 2015. © 2015 AASLD.
Opportunity for thought and differences in the need for cognition: a person by situation analysis of self-generated attitude change

Abstract It was predicted that as the opportunity for thought increased, both the evaluative consistency of attitude-related beliefs and the intensity of attitudes (i.e. affect) would increase. These increases were expected to be more likely for low than for high need for cognition persons. Participants were classified as either high or low in the need for cognition. They were given either a brief or ample opportunity to think about issues toward which they had previously expressed moderately strong attitudes. The results supported all predictions. Additional analyses indicated that attitude change was contingent upon belief change. Alternative explanations (e.g. schema complexity, commitment to initial positions) for the results were discussed.
Capillary supercritical fluid chromatography with nitro- and nitroso-specific chemiluminescence detection

The thermal energy analyzer (TEA), a gas-phase chemiluminescence detector which is specific for nitro and nitroso compounds, was evaluated as a detector for use with capillary supercritical fluid chromatography. The potential use of the TEA for thermally labile compounds and environmental samples was demonstrated. The TEA showed good sensitivity and broad linear dynamic range; minimum detectable quantities (MDQ) were below 20 pg for pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) with a dynamic range of over 4 orders of magnitude. The analysis of cyclotetramethylene tetranitramine (HMX) was accomplished by using modified (CO2) with a corresponding MDQ of 67 pg. The selectivity of the TEA for nitro and nitroso compounds can be adjusted by changing the pyrolysis temperature. The SFC/TEA system was applied to a variety of nitro and nitroso compounds, and evaluated more extensively for routine analysis of propellant and explosive residues.
Theoretical effects of mechanical grain-size reduction on GEM domain states in pyrrhotite

Abstract Recent laboratory experiments by Halgedahl and Ye (1999) show that domain widths in pyrrhotite change very little, or not at all, as a grain is mechanically thinned along one or two directions. In their experiments, particles were initially demagnetized in an alternating field until a global energy minimum (GEM) domain state was attained. Surprisingly, the overall positions of surviving walls and many small-scale details in the shapes of curved walls were remarkably insensitive to thinning. Thus, domain states that survived thinning were interpreted to be local energy minimum (LEM) states. As a first step toward providing a theoretical reference frame for the thinning results, GEM domain widths in pyrrhotite have been calculated here as grains are thinned to one-fourth or less of their original size. Nine models assume one-dimensional (1D) thinning, which greatly changes both particle size and shape. Two other models address the effects of three-dimensional (3D) thinning, in which particles retain a cubic shape as their sizes are reduced. If a particle can maintain a GEM state while it is thinned, seven of the nine 1D models and both 3D models predict that domain widths will adjust by amounts that are readily detected experimentally. Thus, results of these calculations support the interpretation that LEM states in pyrrhotite can be stable over a broad range of grain sizes and shapes. The primary origin of this stability remains an unsolved problem, however. If this stability is intrinsic to the pure material, then future micromagnetic models for pyrrhotite are required to investigate LEM states and their stability as functions of grain size and grain shape. On the other hand, this stability could originate from the pinning of preexisting walls by defects [Halgedahl and Ye, 1999]. Whatever their origins, the energy barriers that inhibit LEM–LEM transitions could play a significant role in the acquisition of remanence and the temporal stability of the paleomagnetic signal in rocks.
Genes encoding adrenergic receptors are not clustered on the long arm of human chromosome 5

The distal portion of the long arm of chromosome 5 (5q) contains a large number of genes encoding membrane receptors belonging to various gene families, including G protein-coupled adrenergic receptors. Previous reports indicated that the genes for two of the adrenergic receptors, ADRB2 and ADRA1B, were within 300 kb of one another on 5q. In an effort to determine if a third adrenergic receptor assigned to 5q, ADRA1A, was physically close to the genes encoding the other adrenergic receptors, we attempted to place all three loci on a radiation hybrid map of 5q. The results conflicted with previous mapping results in two ways. First, ADRA1B is on 5q but is several million bases, rather than a few hundred thousand bases, from ADRB2. Second, ADRAl A is not on chromosome 5, but rather on chromosome 20. Thus, even though 5q contains an extraordinary number of genes encoding receptors for various hormones, growth factors, and neurotransmitters, there is no particular clustering of genes encoding adrenergic receptors in this region.
Pros and Cons of Rotating Ground Motion Records to Fault-Normal/Parallel Directions for Response History Analysis of Buildings

AbstractAccording to the regulatory building codes in the United States (e.g., 2010 California Building Code), at least two horizontal ground motion components are required for three-dimensional (3D) response history analysis (RHA) of building structures. For sites within 5 km of an active fault, these records should be rotated to fault-normal/fault-parallel (FN/FP) directions, and two RHAs should be performed separately (when FN and then FP are aligned with the transverse direction of the structural axes). It is assumed that this approach will lead to two sets of responses that envelope the range of possible responses over all nonredundant rotation angles. This assumption is examined here, for the first time, using a 3D computer model of a six-story reinforced-concrete instrumented building subjected to an ensemble of bidirectional near-fault ground motions. Peak values of engineering demand parameters (EDPs) were computed for rotation angles ranging from 0 through 180° to quantify the difference between...
In situ analysis of anastomosis in representative genera of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form obligate symbiotic associations with plants. As a result, the role of hyphal interactions in the establishment and maintenance of common mycorrhizal networks is poorly understood because of constraints on methods for in situ analysis. We designed a rhizohyphatron that allows the examination of intact mycelia growing from whole mycorrhizal plants. Plants preinoculated with spores were cultivated in a compartment with a connecting tube from which hyphae extend through a fine nylon mesh onto agar-coated slides. Species selected from each of the five AMF genera were used to assess and characterize the anastomosis behavior in the rhizohyphatron. Hyphal networks of Paraglomus occultum, Ambispora leptoticha, Scutellospora heterogama, and Gigaspora gigantea growing on the agar-coated slides showed no evidence of hyphal fusion. In contrast, anastomosis occurred in the hyphal networks of Glomus clarum and Glomus intraradices at an average frequency of less than 15% for both species. The rhizohyphatron developed in this study will provide knowledge of the biology and genetics of self/non-self recognition in AMF and help to better understand Glomeromycotan life history strategies.
A mass spectrometric study of the effect of supersonic molecular beam sampling on the clustering of acetic, acid vapor

Abstract A supersonic molecular beam, operated to preclude ion-molecule reactions, is used as a sampling system in a mass spectrometric study designed to test whether the molecular beam sampling process significantly disrupts the auto-association equilibrium between acetic acid monomers and dimers. From the temperature dependence of relative ion intensities, the heat of dimerization is determined to be −14.6 + 0.5 kcal mol−1. Agreement of this value with others in the literature indicates that this molecular beam technique can provide a specific approach to the study of cluster species at equilibrium in the nozzle. Analysis of the mass spectrum suggests a way to estimate the spectrum of the dimer and provides no evidence for any cluster larger than the dimer at pressures up to 40 torr. Photon ionization produces more extensive fragmentation than electron impact.
Economic stocking and cutting-cycle in a regulated selection forest

Abstract A theoretical model was developed to determine the best cutting policy (cutting cycle and residual stock) in a regulated selection forest. This model was obtained by a simple modification of the objective function in a linear-programming model of a non-regulated stand. The parallel between the determination of the best rotation in an even-aged regulated forest and that of the cutting cycle in an uneven-aged regulated forest was apparent. This conceptual model could be applied to a wide variety of situations, including the selective management of natural tropical forests. In this paper, the model was solved with data for northern hardwood forests in the United States. The results showed that regulating an uneven-aged forest to get a yearly production had a cost, compared to cutting the entire forest at intervals equal to the cutting cycle. The cost of regulation increased with the fixed cost (cost per ha of preparing and administering a harvest). The results also showed that the choice of a cutting cycle in uneven-aged forests was critical only when fixed costs were low. Particular attention was given to the loss that would occur by computing the best cutting cycle and residual stock of a regulated forest as if it were not regulated. The results showed that this loss was small, except for extreme interest rates and fixed costs. For all practical purposes, the best cutting cycle and residual stock could be computed for a regulated forest while ignoring the cost of regulation.
Arousal and T-maze choice behavior in mice: A convergent paradigm for neophobia constructs and optimal arousal theory

Abstract Three experiments investigating the effects of arousal on the T-maze choice behavior of inbred mouse strains are reported. In Experiment 1, CBA and NZB mice were administered unrewarded free choice alternation tests on 10 consecutive days under either No Shock, Shock Start (shocked in the start box), or Shock Choice (shocked at the choice point) treatment conditions. Both strain and treatment effects were observed: In the No-Shock condition, the nonreactive CBA strain alternated, but the reactive NZB strain did not. In the Shock Start condition the CBA strain showed only a suppressed alternation, while the NZB strain administered the same treatment perseverated. Both strains perseverated in the Shock Choice condition. In Experiment 2, NZB mice administered identical shocks in the start box and goal arms on both trials of five consecutive tests conducted once a day perseverated to the same goal arm in which they had been shocked on the first trial. In Experiment 3, NZB mice punished for perseverating (with shock continuation) and simultaneously reinforced for alternating (with shock termination) showed a “punishment paradox”; they perseverated despite the reinforcement contingencies. These results, which are congruent with the optimal arousal theory and several characteristics the theory shares with the emergent neophobia construct, support the contention that arousal mediates a symmetrical relationship between approach and avoidance along a novelty-familiarity continuum.
Triage in the ICU

Some patients in intensive care units are too sick to derive much benefit from being there, while others are too well to require the technology and skills offered. When ICU resources are scarce, they may ethically be withdrawn from either sort of patient in favor of one more likely to benefit from the care.
Cocaine self-administration in pigeons☆

Abstract Pigeons with chronic indwelling intravenous catheters responded under a multiple schedule of food and cocaine presentation. In one component, responding was maintained by food presentation under a fixed-ratio (FR 50) schedule, whereas in the other component, responding was maintained under the same schedule by IV infusions of cocaine (0.03 or 0.1 mg/kg/injection). A 30-s timeout followed each cocaine infusion. Components alternated after 3 presentations of either food or cocaine, and each session was terminated after 18 cocaine infusions or 2 h, whichever occurred first. In general, under baseline conditions, the response rate was higher in the food component than in the drug component. Under control conditions where saline was substituted for cocaine, the response rate gradually decreased across sessions, while food-maintained responding was generally unaffected. Substituting doses lower or higher than the training dose decreased the rate of cocaine-maintained responding. Food-maintained responding only decreased at higher doses of cocaine. When blackout periods were substituted for the food component (Experiment 2), the response rate in the cocaine component decreased and then stabilized at levels well above zero. Saline substitution on this baseline produced a further decrease in the rate of FR responding. In Experiment 3, the effects of pretreatment with haloperidol (0.056 or 0.1 mg/kg) on both food- and cocaine-maintained responding were examined using a multiple schedule similar to that used in Experiment 1. Each dose was given for a period of 7–10 days. In general, haloperidol dose-dependently decreased both the overall rate of cocaine-maintained responding and the percent of available reinforcers obtained, while having little or no effect on food-maintained responding. This research indicates that cocaine can serve as a reinforcing stimulus for maintaining self-administration behavior in pigeons, and that this behavior is sensitive to antagonism by haloperidol.
Fault Injection for Semi-Parametric Reliability Models

A new result about the reliability models of reconfigurable digital systems is derived and then applied to the problem of establishing ultra reliability by fault injection experiments. The result shows that the complicated fault recovery procedure can be adequately described by a few parameters. The resulting reduction in modeling and experimental effort brings establishing extremely low probabilities of failure within experimental reach. There is a discussion of the differences between this approach and previous efforts. The result is used to design experiments for several example systems
Should the freehand allograft be abandoned as a reliable alternative for aortic valve replacement

Cryopreserved aortic allografts were used for aortic valve replacement in 80 patients between 1986 and 1994 (infra-coronary in 46 and complete root replacement in 34). Hospital mortality was 6.3% (5/80) with all deaths occurring in the infracoronary group. Three of five deaths were in patients with endocarditis and valve ring abscess. Left ventricular—aortic mean pressure gradients across the allograft valves were significantly lower for root replacement patients (mean, 9.0 ± 6.9 mm Hg versus 18.1 ± 8.7 mm Hg for infracoronary patients) ( p = 0.0001). No patient having root allograft replacement had early echocardiographic aortic insufficiency greater than grade 1 versus 28% of those having infracoronary implantations. Late aortic insufficiency of grade 2 or greater was seen in 46% of patients having infracoronary implantation versus 17% of patients having root implantation. Nine patients had explantation of an aortic allograft (eight infracoronary and one root). Reasons for explantation were as follows: endocarditis (three infracoronary, one root), technical (three infracoronary), undiagnosed idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (1 patient), and prolapsing infracoronary leaflet (1 patient). Actuarial freedom from grade 3 and 4 aortic insufficiency or explantation was 77% at 7 years for infracoronary implantations. We conclude that the infracoronary aortic allograft has an unacceptable frequency of late insufficiency and its use in this position should be abandoned. The substantial incidence of late endocarditis in the infracoronary (freehand) aortic allograft was surprising. In aortic root allografts the progression to grade 2 valvular insufficiency (moderate) in 17% of patients by 22 months must be viewed with concern.
High-Throughput Plasmid Content Analysis of Borrelia burgdorferi B31 by Using Luminex Multiplex Technology

Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease in North America, is an invasive pathogen that causes persistent multiorgan manifestations in humans and other mammals. Genetic studies of this bacterium are complicated by the presence of multiple plasmid replicons, many of which are readily lost during in vitro culture. The analysis of B. burgdorferi plasmid content by plasmid-specific PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis or other existing techniques is informative, but these techniques are cumbersome and challenging to perform in a high-throughput manner. In this study, a PCR-based Luminex assay was developed for determination of the plasmid content of the strain B. burgdorferi B31. This multiplex, high-throughput method allows simultaneous detection of the plasmid contents of many B. burgdorferi strains in a 96-well format. The procedure was used to evaluate the occurrence of plasmid loss in 44 low-passage B. burgdorferi B31 clones and in a library of over 4,000 signature-tagged mutagenesis (STM) transposon mutant clones. This analysis indicated that only 40% of the clones contained all plasmids, with (in order of decreasing frequency) lp5, lp56, lp28-1, lp25, cp9, lp28-4, lp28-2, and lp21 being the most commonly missing plasmids. These results further emphasize the need for careful plasmid analysis in Lyme disease Borrelia studies. Adaptations of this approach may also be useful in the evaluation of plasmid content and chromosomal gene variations in additional Lyme disease Borrelia strains and other organisms with variable genomes and in the correlation of these genetic differences with pathogenesis and other biological properties.
The effect of angiostatic steroids and β-cyclodextrin tetradecasulfate on corneal neovascularization in the rat

Folkman and coworkers have described angiostatic steroids that markedly inhibit neovascularization of the rabbit cornea when given topically with beta-cyclodextrin tetradecasulfate (beta-CD), yet have minimal or no glucocorticoid or mineralocorticoid activity. Our objective was to extend these observations to another species, the rat. We induced neovascularization by cauterizing rat corneas with silver nitrate/potassium nitrate; drugs were applied topically four times per day for 4 days in most experiments. Submicron sized emulsions of lipid-soluble dexamethasone and the angiostatic steroids 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (1 or 10 mg ml-1) and cortexolone (1 or 10 mg ml-1) were prepared by lecithin encapsulation of drug microcrystals. The vehicle for water-soluble hydrocortisone 21-phosphate (HCP) +/- beta-CD (Molecusol; Pharmatec, Inc) was 10% Tween 20 in Tris-buffered 0.9% saline. Angiogenesis was significantly inhibited only by 1 mg ml-1 dexamethasone (-63.2% when compared with controls), 0.5 mg ml-1 HCP + 1 mg ml-1 beta-CD (-33.4%), and 1 mg ml-1 HCP (-40.2%). HCP (0.5 mg ml-1) or beta-CD (1 or 2 mg ml-1) alone had no significant effect on neovascularization; the inhibition by 1.0 mg ml-1 HCP was not potentiated by 2 mg ml-1 beta-CD. We also tested HCP and tetrahydro-S (TH-S) using 1.5% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose vehicle and beta-CD from Takeda Chemical Industries, Ltd., to simulate the procedure of Folkman and coworkers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Local factors in osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is widely believed to be the result of local factors acting within the context of systemic susceptibility. Local factors, which are specific to joint site and in some instances specific to joint compartment, are receiving increasing attention in natural history studies of osteoarthritis. This review focuses on epidemiologic investigations dealing with these local factors. Local factors may be further characterized as extrinsic or intrinsic to the joint organ. In the past, the epidemiologic literature has emphasized the extrinsic category, factors and events that have an origin external to the joint and its immediate environment--for example, physical activity and injury. In recent years, intrinsic factors such as alignment, strength, laxity, and proprioception have begun to receive more attention. Ultimately, epidemiologic studies aid the development of strategies to prevent disease development or modify its course. Such strategies may be especially powerful for local factors, given the vicious cycles set in motion by these factors and the effect of these factors on neighboring joint-organ structures.
The Emergency Department Safety Assessment and Follow-up Evaluation (ED-SAFE): Method and design considerations

Abstract Background Due to the concentration of individuals at-risk for suicide, an emergency department visit represents an opportune time for suicide risk screening and intervention. Purpose The Emergency Department Safety Assessment and Follow-up Evaluation (ED-SAFE) uses a quasi-experimental, interrupted time series design to evaluate whether (1) a practical approach to universally screening ED patients for suicide risk leads to improved detection of suicide risk and (2) a multi-component intervention delivered during and after the ED visit improves suicide-related outcomes. Methods This paper summarizes the ED-SAFE's study design and methods within the context of considerations relevant to effectiveness research in suicide prevention and pertinent human participants concerns. 1440 suicidal individuals, from 8 general ED's nationally will be enrolled during three sequential phases of data collection (480 individuals/phase): (1) Treatment as Usual; (2) Universal Screening; and (3) Intervention. Data from the three phases will inform two separate evaluations: Screening Outcome (Phases 1 and 2) and Intervention (Phases 2 and 3). Individuals will be followed for 12 months. The primary study outcome is a composite reflecting completed suicide, attempted suicide, aborted or interrupted attempts, and implementation of rescue procedures during an outcome assessment. Conclusions While ‘classic’ randomized control trials (RCT) are typically selected over quasi-experimental designs, ethical and methodological issues may make an RCT a poor fit for complex interventions in an applied setting, such as the ED. ED-SAFE represents an innovative approach to examining the complex public health issue of suicide prevention through a multi-phase, quasi-experimental design embedded in ‘real world’ clinical settings.
A Revision of the New Zealand Genus Stenosagola Broun, 1921 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae: Faronitae)

ABSTRACT The New Zealand pselaphine genus Stenosagola Broun (type species = S. planiocula Broun) comprises 21 species, 18 of which are described as new: Stenosagola pseudogracilis Park and Carlton, new species; Stenosagola clarkei Park and Carlton, new species; Stenosagola egmontensis Park and Carlton, new species; Stenosagola ramsayi Park and Carlton, new species; Stenosagola domettensis Park and Carlton, new species; Stenosagola eylesi Park and Carlton, new species; Stenosagola stewartensis Park and Carlton, new species; Stenosagola huiaensis Park and Carlton, new species; Stenosagola northlandensis Park and Carlton, new species; Stenosagola thayerae Park and Carlton, new species; Stenosagola dugdalei Park and Carlton, new species; Stenosagola tararuaensis Park and Carlton, new species; Stenosagola haunuiensis Park and Carlton, new species; Stenosagola pseudoconnata Park and Carlton, new species; Stenosagola chandleri Park and Carlton, new species; Stenosagola nunni Park and Carlton, new species; Stenos...
Changes in the Ultrastructure of Egg Yolk by the Growth of Streptococcus faecalis var liquefaciens

The growth of Streptococcus faecalis var liquefaciens caused the separation of egg yolk into upper and lower layers. Ultrastructure studies using transmission election microscopy showed that the upper layer was mostly low density fraction (LDF) with few electron dense particles. In contrast, the lower layer was mostly high density fraction (HDF). The separation factor caused aggregation of the HDF and openness of the structure of the matrix. The extent of incubation had a pronounced effect on the ultrastructure. Freeze-thaw treatment produced greater aggregation of HDF and more disruption of the LDF matrix, particularly in the lower layer.
Observations on myiasis by the calliphorid, Bufolucilia silvarum, in the eastern American toad (Bufo americanus americanus) from southeastern Wisconsin.

Larvae of certain species of blowflies (Calliphoridae) cause myiasis in amphibians which may result in significant mortality, yet there are few reports from North America. In this study, we observed primary myiasis in a population of juvenile eastern American toads (Bufo americanus americanus) collected during May–July 1998 from southeastern Wisconsin (USA). Nine (6%) of 140 toads were infected by the green blow fly (Bufolucilia silvarum) with a mean intensity of 10.5±7.2 (range=1–24). Weekly parasite prevalence and mean intensity remained low, ranging from 0–20% and 2±1.4 to 14±6, respectively. We found: 1) flies lay eggs on healthy toads, 2) eggs hatch with first instar maggots penetrating under the skin, 3) maggots develop to mature third instars within 5–7 days, 4) maggots leave the host and form pupa within 8–11 days of hatching, and 5) maggots pupate within 7–9 days at room temperature. All infected toads died within 1–2 wk as a result of the infection. The low prevalence observed in this study and ...
Uranium series and beryllium isotope evidence for an extended history of subduction modification of the mantle below Nicaragua

Abstract U-series nuclides, beryllium, and lead isotopes have been measured on historic lavas from eight volcanoes in Nicaragua. Low-Ti samples from northern Nicaragua have ( 230 Th) ( 232 Th) ratios from 2.23 to 2.56 and are enriched in 238U and 234U over 230Th by 1–16%. Those from southern Nicaragua have ( 230 Th) ( 232 Th) ≈ 2.1 and have ( 238 U) ( 230 Th) = 1.0–0.9. High-Ti samples have intermediate ( 230 Th) ( 232 Th) ratios and are strongly enriched in 230Th. Lead isotopic data for all samples plot in the mantle array with 206 Pb 204 Pb = 18.50–18.63 . Th isotopic ratios for all samples imply source U/Th ratios that are significantly higher than those implied by lead isotopic ratios. All historic samples have ( 210 Po) ( 230 Th) and thus ( 226 Ra) ( 230 Th) > 1 , suggesting that lavas erupt less than 8,000 y after generation. Thorium isotopic ratios for all volcanic samples correlate well with 10 Be 9 Be and B/Be as well as with 87 Sr 86 Sr and Ba/La ratios from the literature. ( 238 U) ( 230 Th) ratios do not correlate well with any of these ratios but rather anti-correlate with Th concentrations and published La Yb ratios. These observations, and inferences therefrom, lead to the following preferred, although not completely unique, interpretations. Comparison of thorium, beryllium, and strontium isotopic ratios of the Cocos plate sediments at DSDP 495 with the low-Ti volcanic regression trends shows that the subducted component transferred to the mantle has isotopic compositions similar to the bulk sediments. B/Be and Ba/La ratios of the volcanic samples are well correlated with the isotopes, but the inferred ratios in the subduction component are at least 10 and 5 times higher, respectively, than values in the bulk sediment. These relationships suggest that the subduction component combines the element-transport properties of both a melt and a hydrous fluid. The ( 230 Th) ( 232 Th) and 87 Sr 86 Sr ratios corresponding to a 10 Be 9 Be ratio of zero are about 2.0 and 0.704, significantly higher than expected in the postulated MORB source for the lavas. We attribute these characteristics to subduction related addition of strontium, uranium, plus or minus thorium, and related tracers to the mantle prior to about 4.5 Ma, such that the 10Be signal of this event has decayed away. The observed good correlations are generated primarily by addition of 10Be, U >Th, B and Ba between 4.5 Ma. and ca. 200–300 ka. The most recent event occurred since 200–300 ka and perhaps more recently than 8 ka. It transported only a fraction of the total slab-derived flux of 10Be, B, Ba, and probably thorium stored within the mantle, but added U >Th and may have raised the partition coefficient of uranium over thorium. The magnitude of the uranium excess thus relates to the extent of partial melting of the mantle source during this event. The U-series and beryllium isotope systematics of the high-Ti lavas are consistent with their derivation from the mantle residue after extraction of low-Ti melts.
An Optimizing Design Point Program for Selection of a Gas Turbine Cycle

As vehicles evolve through the concept phase, a wide variety of engines are usually considered. For long-life vehicles such as heavy armored tracked vehicles, gas turbines have been favored because of their weight and volume characteristics at high hp levels (1500 to 2000 hp). Many existing gas turbine engines, however, are undesirable for vehicular use because their original design philosophy was aircraft oriented. In a ground vehicle, mass flow and expense are only two areas in which these engines differ greatly. Because the designer generally is not given the freedom to design an engine from scratch, he must evaluate modifications of the basic Brayton cycle. In this study, various cycles are evaluated by using a design point program in order to optimize design parameters and to recommend a cycle for heavy vehicular use.Copyright © 1977 by ASME
Channel selection methods for the P300 Speller

The P300 Speller brain-computer interface (BCI) allows a user to communicate without muscle activity by reading electrical signals on the scalp via electroencephalogram. Modern BCI systems use multiple electrodes ("channels") to collect data, which has been shown to improve speller accuracy; however, system cost and setup time can increase substantially with the number of channels in use, so it is in the user's interest to use a channel set of modest size. This constraint increases the importance of using an effective channel set, but current systems typically utilize the same channel montage for each user. We examine the effect of active channel selection for individuals on speller performance, using generalized standard feature-selection methods, and present a new channel selection method, termed jumpwise regression, that extends the Stepwise Linear Discriminant Analysis classifier. Simulating the selections of each method on real P300 Speller data, we obtain results demonstrating that active channel selection can improve speller accuracy for most users relative to a standard channel set, with particular benefit for users who experience low performance using the standard set. Of the methods tested, jumpwise regression offers accuracy gains similar to the best-performing feature-selection methods, and is robust enough for online use.
SELECTIVITY, RESISTANCE TO DISTRACTION AND SHIFTING AS THREE ATTENTIONAL FACTORS

To assess whether degree of selectivity, ability to resist distraction, and capacity for voluntary shifting are separate, identifiable attention processes, 164 eighth-grade students were given three adaptations of the Gottschaldt Embedded-figures Test. Distraction was represented by three tasks devised by Karp, called Cancellation, Arithmetic Operations, and the Distracting Contexts Test 2B. Shifting was defined by an anagrams task and one requiring the drawing of alternately placed triangles. A group version of the Stroop Color-Word Test was predicted to load both selectivity and shifting. Data were subjected to a principal components analysis, followed by an oblique rotation which permits comparison of the degree to which an obtained factor matrix approximates a hypothesized pattern matrix. Tests load as predicted. Results support the hypothesis of three separate attention factors underlying the performance of tests used.
The association of heartburn with gastritis

Esophageal, fundal, antral, and duodenal mucosal biopsies from 10 patients with heartburn were compared with biopsies from 18 patients with dyspepsia but without heartburn or radiographic or endoscopic evidence of peptic ulcer disease, gastric retention, or esophageal stricture. There was a highly significnt correlation between heartburn and antral gastritis and duodentitis (P less than 0.01). It is suggested that histologic reflux changes are determined by the severity of reflux and reparative potential of the esophageal mucosa. Heartburn, on the other hand, is more related to the nature of the refluxed fluid. The fluid most likely to induce heartburn is one containing duodenal fluid, which is also believed to be an important cause of antral gastritis.
A simulation study used to design the sequential monitoring plan for a clinical trial

In designing a sequential monitoring plan for the AVID (Antiarrhythmics Versus Implantable Defibrillators) study, a multi-centred clinical trial, we completed a simulation study to help ourselves and the Data Safety Monitoring Board understand the implications of various monitoring plans. In particular, we compared three test statistics and three use functions. Simulation was based on approximate trial parameters and two plausible but distinct alternative hypotheses. The power to detect a difference between the two treatment arms was computed as a function of time. The simulated results illuminate several of the important statistical and ethical issues involved in selecting a sequential monitoring plan and illustrate how one can use simulations to design a clinical trial.
Transient myocardial ischemia in infants prenatally exposed to cocaine

This prospective study examined whether neonates of pregnant women who used cocaine during pregnancy are at a risk for the development of transient myocardial ischemia and altered autonomic function, as in adults. We studied 21 of 35 infants with a history of prenatal exposure to cocaine. The ST segment changes and heart rate variability were evaluated from three-channel Hotter monitors within 48 hours of birth. The data were compared with those on 20 control infants with similar birth weight, gestational age, and postnatal age. Six infants (29%) who were exposed to cocaine in utero had transient ST segment elevation, versus only one infant (5%) from the control group (odds ratio = 7.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.14, 50.64). Heart rates, results of total power and low-frequency power spectral analyses for heart rate variability, and arrhythmias were not significantly different in the two groups. However, a lower ratio of low-to high-frequency power reflected Increased vagal activity in cocaine-exposed infants. We conclude that cocaine use in pregnant mothers is associated with transient ST segment abnormalities in their infants. These abnormalities are consistent with transient myocardial ischemia.
Wind-induced effects on bluff bodies in turbulent flows: Nonstationary, non-Gaussian and nonlinear features

Abstract Developments made over the past several decades in bluff body aerodynamics and aeroelasticity have enhanced our abilities to better understand and capture the effects of turbulent wind on structures. These developments had implicit assumptions of stationarity, Gaussianity and linear features while observations in storms and the attendant aerodynamic effects clearly show a departure from these tacit assumptions. In view of this, there is a need to revisit the current paradigms and to look for improved understanding concerning the nature of wind fields, the associated aerodynamics and the resulting load effects in recognition of the following emerging realities: nonstationarity/transient wind events; non-Gaussianity; nonlinearity of structural and aerodynamic origins and unsteady/transient aerodynamics. Besides, the role of turbulence in bluff body aerodynamics and aeroelasticity is emphasized and its implications are delineated. Also, one needs to take note of recent advances in analysis and identification tools, and modeling frameworks, which promise to offer better understanding of the underlying complexities associated with the aforementioned themes. This paper discusses these issues and illustrates their significance in bluff body aerodynamics and aeroelasticity from the perspective of wind effects on built infrastructure.
Lexical Decay During Online Sentence Processing in Adults With Specific Language Impairment

Purpose Decay of memory traces is an important component of many theories of working memory, but there is conflicting evidence on whether the rate of decay differs for individuals with specific language impairment (SLI) as compared to peers with typical language. The authors tested the hypothesis that adults with SLI have a slower decay rate. Method Twenty adults with SLI, ages 18–27 years, and 23 age-matched peers identified target words in sentences. Sentences were presented at normal and slow rates. Participants separately judged whether a picture and sentence matched in meaning as a measure of sentence processing efficiency. Results After controlling for sentence processing efficiency, the group with SLI was slower to detect words in sentences. Response times for the group with SLI increased less in the slow condition as compared to the group with typical language, resulting in a Group × Presentation Rate interaction. Conclusions The Group × Presentation Rate interaction is consistent with a slower le...