cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of phospholipase cδ by hexadecylphosphorylcholine and lysophospholipids with antitumor activity

Abstract The antineoplastic compound hexadecylphosphorylcholine (HPC) was shown to be a highly effective inhibitor of phospholipase Cδ (PLCδ1), with an I50 of about 30 nmol mL (30μM) in the presence and absence of 200μM spermine. A number of lysophospholipids, of which HPC can be considered to be a structural analog, also inhibited PLC. Lysosphingomyelin, lysophosphatidylserine, and lysophosphatidylcholine exhibited I50 values of 15,10, and 7 nmol mL , respectively, in the presence of 200 μM spermine. The 150 values were increased to 21–53 nmol mL in the absence of spermine. N,N-Dimethylsphingosine and N,N,N-trimethylsphingosine, which inhibit the metastatic potential of human and murine tumor cells, were weak activators of PLCδ1. It is postulated that HPC is more effective as an antineoplastic agent than lysophospholipids because HPC is metabolized slowly, while the lysophospholipids are metabolized rapidly in vivo.
Modeling of radiative transfer using multiple spherical harmonics approximations

Abstract The radiative transfer equation (RTE) has been modeled by using hybrid double and octuple spherical harmonics approximations for one-dimensional plane-parallel and two-dimensional cylindrical geometrics, respectively. The governing equations for these approximations are systems of first-order partial differential equations. In the formulation for the one-dimensional case, a linearly anisotropic scattering phase function is used, whereas, for the two-dimensional case, a delta-Eddington phase function is employed. Emitting and diffusely-reflecting boundaries are considered. Numerical solutions of the equations for the plane-parallel geometry are obtained using a software package DISPL2 and the results are compared with those available in the literature.
New approaches to postmarketing surveillance.

As part of a large-scale ongoing project exploring new pharmacy-based methods of postmarketing surveillance, we are comparing a patient-initiated monitoring system to a staff-initiated approach. Here we report data only from staff-initiated, computer-directed telephone interviews with 231 outpatients approximately 2 weeks after they had been prescribed a target drug chosen from two markedly different pharmacological classes for which adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are well-documented. Our results indicate that spontaneous patient reports of “new or unusual symptoms” obtained from a standardized staff-initiated telephone interview can be quite reliable, leading to accurate detection of known tricyclic antidepressant and antibiotic ADRs.
Marshaling statistics : Enhancing interlibrary loan service with OCLC management software

ABSTRACT This article reviews the importance of keeping statistics, followed by a practical, systematic guide to using OCLC's ILL Management Statistics package in conjunction with Microsoft Office to streamline interlibrary loan record and report keeping. One library's experience with the programs is highlighted to illustrate how automated statistics are used to improve and monitor the quality of ILL customer service.
Thy-1 positive tingible body macrophages (TBM) in mouse lymph nodes

This study was prompted by the observation that cells in mouse lymph nodes (LN) with cytological characteristics of tingible body macrophages (TBM) appeared to be Thy-1 positive. The objective of this study was to determine if these large cells were TBM and to conclusively demonstrate their reactivity for Thy-1. The cells were studied using monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) against Thy-1 and macrophage markers including F4/80 and Ia antigens at both light microscopic (LM) and electron microscopic (EM) levels. Immunocytochemical reactivity by TBM for Thy-1 antigen specific MoAb was demonstrated by LM in both in situ and in vitro LN preparations. Furthermore, ultrastructural examination of these germinal center cells in situ demonstrated that the Thy-1 reactivity visualized at the LM level was associated with ribosomes and endoplasmic reticulum as well as their plasma membrane. Similarly, these cells expressed intracytoplasmic and membrane reactivity for Ia antigens and also for the macrophage specific antigen F4/80. This indicates that the reactivity is due to active synthesis of the Thy-1 antigen and not attributable to reactivity of any phagocytosed Thy-1 positive cells. As defined by their germinal center location and morphological characteristics, these Thy-1 reactive macrophages were identified as TBM. Germinal center TBM thus represent a unique, vigorously phagocytic subset of mature macrophages which express both macrophage and thymocyte markers.
Assessing Numeracy in the Upper Elementary and Middle School Years

Numeracy is the ability or tendency to reason critically about quantitative information. The preponderance of published research on numeracy examines this construct among either pre-K or early elementary samples, students with developmental challenges, or is focused on post-secondary and adult cohorts. The numeracy skills of upper-elementary and middle school students is less documented and understood, most notably because of the lack of valid instruments that are developmentally appropriate for the age range. A numeracy scale for use among upper-elementary and middle school students is introduced in this paper. Scale validation was performed using a gender-balanced, racially / ethnically diverse sample of 3rd through 8th grade students (N=197) from a private, Catholic K-8 school in Santa Clara County, California. Construct validity is supported by strong, positive correlations with the three subscales of the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) as well as the Iowa Test of Basic Skills Mathematics test, a standardized academic achievement domain assessment. A preliminary exploration of the critical-thinking dispositional correlates of numeracy suggests a positive relationship with students’ self-reported creative problem solving, diligence, systematicity, and fairmindedness.
Membrane autoantibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus: a case of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, antiphospholipid antibodies, and transient acquired activated protein C resistance.

BACKGROUND: Warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia and antiphospholipid antibodies (which include lupus anticoagulants and anticardiolipin [ACL] antibodies) are associated, respectively, with approximately 10 and 40 percent of cases of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study reports a case of SLE presenting with an unusual constellation of findings that included an immunoglobulin M (IgM) cold autoantibody of high thermal amplitude, high-titer ACL antibodies, and transient acquir ed activated protein C resistance. CASE REPORT: A previously untransfused, nulligravid 17-year-old woman without a significant medical history presented with signs and symptoms of SLE and an extravascular hemolytic anemia. Spontaneous agglutination was noted in blood samples collected for testing. Serologic testing revealed a normal-titer, high-thermal-amplitude IgM red blood cell (RBC) autoantibody but no additional RBC antibodies in the patient's plasma. Additional testing was significant for a high-titer ACL IgM and a positive test for activated protein C resistance (a screening test for the Factor [F]V Leiden mutation), which prompted initiation of prophylactic anticoagulation. Confirmatory DNA testing for FV Leiden, however, was negative. The patient's symptoms, anemia, RBC autoagglutinins, ACL antibodies, and activated protein C resistance all resolved after 6 weeks of immunosuppression. CONCLUSION: This case illustrates the wide range of clinical and laboratory findings that autoantibodies against cellular membranes may produce. IgM autoagglutinins of high thermal amplitude associated with a significant extravascular hemolytic anemia may be a presenting feature of SLE. Concomitant antiphospholipid antibodies may interfere with partial thromboplastin time–based tests of hypercoagulability such as that for activated protein C resistance.
First Trimester Screening: The BUN Study

First trimester risk assessment for trisomies 21 and 18 is rapidly transitioning from an investigational procedure performed at a few major centers to the clinical arena. The BUN study (Biochemistry, Ultrasound, Nuchal translucency) was conceived to evaluate the performance of first trimester screening using PAPP-A, free beta HCG, and ultrasound measurement of the nuchal translucency when introduced into practice. Over a 4-year period, 13 prenatal diagnostic centers evaluated over 8500 patients and reported an 85.2% trisomy 21 detection rate with a 9.4% false positive rate. Further evaluation of the data revealed that, once training and experience were accomplished, sonographers could perform NT measurements consistent with reported standards. In approximately half of the patients enrolled in the study, second trimester serum analytes were obtained leading to additional trisomy 21 detection but with an unacceptably high false positive rate. A "sequential contingency" screening approach using both first and second trimester values in some patients may provide the additional detection afforded by measuring second trimester analytes with a limited invasive procedure rate.
Juxtaposition of the generative cell and vegetative nucleus in the mature pollen grain of amaryllis (Hippeastrum vitatum)

Computer-generated, three-dimensional reconstructions from serial ultrathin sections were used to investigate the spatial organization and extent of association between the generative cell and vegetative nucleus within the mature pollen grain of amaryllis. In all cases examined, the highly lobed vegetative nucleus was found in close proximity and positioned laterally to the elongated, oval shaped generative cell. Numerous projections of the vegetative nucleus come to within 53 nm of the inner vegetative cell plasma membrane which surrounds the generative cell. These areas of close association may continue transversely around the generative cell for a distance of up to 4 μm. Although an association exists between the generative cell and vegetative nucleus of the mature pollen grain, it is apparent that several changes must take place after pollination in order to achieve the high amount of close contact that occurs between the vegetative nucleus and the numerous terminal cell extensions of the leading sperm in the pollen tube of amaryllis (Mogensen 1986). Thus, this study demonstrates that the spatial organization among components of the male germ unit in the mature pollen grain does not necessarily reflect relationships that ultimately exist among these components within the pollen tube.
Green-Schwarz mechanism and α′-deformed Courant brackets

We establish that the unusual two-form gauge transformations needed in the Green-Schwarz anomaly cancellation mechanism fit naturally into an α′-deformed generalized geometry. The algebra of gauge transformations is a consistent deformation of the Courant bracket and features a nontrivial modification of the diffeomorphism group. This extension of generalized geometry emerged from a ‘doubled α′-geometry’, which provides a construction of exactly gauge and T-duality invariant α′ corrections to the effective action.
A note on superlinear speedup

Abstract In the July 1986 edition of Parallel Computing two articles appeared claiming A resp. - A were true, where A is the statement that in parallel algorithms superlinear speedup can be achieved. This paper tries to resolve the controversy.
Routine Maintenance Behaviors: A Comparison of Relationship Type, Partner Similarity and Sex Differences

This study replicates and extends previous research by probing for routine behaviors that maintain relationships. In addition, maintenance behaviors of married vs dating partners are compared, and similarity of relational partners' reports of maintenance behaviors is assessed. Finally, the differences in the use of maintenance behaviors by men and women are examined. Results indicate that many of the behaviors identified in this study are similar to behaviors found in past research on relational maintenance strategies. However, sharing tasks, a behavior only infrequently mentioned in previous research, was the most frequently reported maintenance behavior, indicating that sharing tasks is characteristic of routine, rather than strategic, maintenance behavior. Results also indicate that there is little difference in maintenance behaviors according to relationship type; that relational partners' reports of maintenance behaviors are quite similar; but that there are significant differences in the behaviors l...
Atomic layer deposition in nanostructured photovoltaics: tuning optical, electronic and surface properties

Nanostructured materials offer key advantages for third-generation photovoltaics, such as the ability to achieve high optical absorption together with enhanced charge carrier collection using low cost components. However, the extensive interfacial areas in nanostructured photovoltaic devices can cause high recombination rates and a high density of surface electronic states. In this feature article, we provide a brief review of some nanostructured photovoltaic technologies including dye-sensitized, quantum dot sensitized and colloidal quantum dot solar cells. We then introduce the technique of atomic layer deposition (ALD), which is a vapor phase deposition method using a sequence of self-limiting surface reaction steps to grow thin, uniform and conformal films. We discuss how ALD has established itself as a promising tool for addressing different aspects of nanostructured photovoltaics. Examples include the use of ALD to synthesize absorber materials for both quantum dot and plasmonic solar cells, to grow barrier layers for dye and quantum dot sensitized solar cells, and to infiltrate coatings into colloidal quantum dot solar cell to improve charge carrier mobilities as well as stability. We also provide an example of monolayer surface modification in which adsorbed ligand molecules on quantum dots are used to tune the band structure of colloidal quantum dot solar cells for improved charge collection. Finally, we comment on the present challenges and future outlook of the use of ALD for nanostructured photovoltaics.
OUTCOMES AFTER INTRAVESICAL BACILLUS CALMETTE-GUERIN ARE NOT AFFECTED BY SUBSTAGING OF HIGH GRADE T1 TRANSITIONAL CELL CARCINOMA

Purpose:: Substaging of T1 bladder tumors into T1a and T1b based on invasion of the tumor superficial to and beyond the muscularis mucosa has been assigned prognostic significance. We determined whether outcomes after intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) differ between stage T1a and T1b subcategories.Materials and Methods:: Retrospective pathological evaluation of the initial transurethral resection specimens of stage T1 bladder tumors was performed by 2 pathologists. Grade 1, 2 or 3 and stage T1a or T1b were assigned to each case. Followup was from the date of transurethral resection to date of death or the last visit. Kaplan-Meier probability and log rank test were used to evaluate recurrence and progression.Results:: Substaging was performed in 49 of the 55 patients (89%) with stage T1 disease. Disease was stage T1a in 32 (65%), stage T1b in 17 (35%), grade 3 in 45 (92%) and grade 2 in 4 (8%) cases. Maximum followup was 147 months (median 71) and 28 cases had a minimum of 5 years of followup. Re...
Peace in parts : integration and conflict in regional organization

This book addresses the issue of whether nation-states can form regional islands of peace in a turbulent international system. It carefully describes the problems and prospects in forming common markets and security communities among neighboring states. After surveying various theories of peace through regionalism, it sets forth a model of regional economic integration against which real cases from Europe, Latin America, and Africa are judged. Originally published by Little, Brown and Company in 1971. This edition contains a new preface by the author.
Thermogenic effect from nutritionally enriched coffee consumption.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of nutritionally enriched JavaFit™ (JF) coffee (450 mg of caffeine, 1200 mg of garcinia cambogia, 360 mg of citrus aurantium extract, and 225 mcg of chromium polynicotinate) on resting oxygen uptake (VO2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), heart rate (HR), and blood pressure (BP) in healthy and physically active individuals. Ten subjects (8 male, 2 female; 20.9 ± 1.7 y; 178.1 ± 10.4 cm; 71.8 ± 12.1 kg) underwent two testing sessions administered in a randomized and double-blind fashion. During each session, subjects reported to the Human Performance Laboratory after at least 3-h post-absorptive state and were provided either 354 ml (1.5 cups) of freshly brewed JF or commercially available caffeinated coffee (P). Subjects then rested in a semi-recumbent position for three hours. VO2 and HR were determined every 5 min during the first 30 min and every 10 min during the next 150 min. BP was determined every 15 min during the first 30 min and every 30 min thereafter. Area under the curve (AUC) analysis was computed for VO2, whereas a session-average was calculated for RER, HR and BP. Initial analysis revealed no significant differences. However, seven of the ten subjects were considered responders to JF (had a higher AUC for VO2during JF than P). Statistical analysis showed the difference between JF and P (12%) to be significantly different in these responders. In addition, the average systolic BP was higher (p < 0.05) in JF (118 ± 7 mmHg) than P (115 ± 8 mmHg) in both the total sample and the subgroup of responders. No differences in average HR and average diastolic BP were observed between JF and P in both the total sample and the subgroup of responders. It appears that consuming a nutritionally-enriched coffee beverage may increase resting energy expenditure in individuals that are sensitive to the caffeine and herbal coffee supplement. In addition, this supplement also appears to affect cardiovascular dynamics by augmenting systolic arterial blood pressure.
Transient Tropospheric Forcing of Sudden Stratospheric Warmings

The amplitude of upward-propagatingtropospherically forcedplanetarywaves is knownto be offirst-order importance in producing sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs). This forcing amplitude is observed to undergo strong temporal fluctuations. Characteristics of the resulting transient forcing leading to SSWs are studied in reanalysis data and in highly truncated simple models of stratospheric wave‐meanflow interaction. It is found in both the reanalysis data and the simple models that SSWs are preferentially generated by transient forcing of sufficiently long time scales (on the order of 1 week or longer). The time scale of the transient forcing is found to play a stronger role in producing SSWs than the strength of the forcing. In the simple models it is possible to fix the amplitude of the tropospheric forcing but to vary the time scale of the forcing. The resulting frequency of occurrence of SSWs shows dramatic reductions for decreasing forcing time scales.
Seeing what they read and hearing what they say: readers' representation of the story characters' world.

Do readers “see” the words that story characters read and “hear” the words that they hear? Just as priming effects are reduced when stimuli are presented cross-modally on two different occasions, we found reduced transfer effects when story characters were described as experiencing stimuli cross-modally. In Experiment 1, a repeated phrase was described as being part of a spoken message in both Story A and Story B, and transfer effects were found. In Experiment 2, in contrast, when the phrase was described as a written note in one story and a spoken message in the other, reading-time results indicated that readers did not retrieve the meaning of the repeated phrase. The results are consistent with findings indicating that visual imagery simulates visual processing and that auditory imagery simulates auditory processing. We conclude that readers mentally simulate the perceptual details involved in story characters’ linguistic exchanges.
The Colorado River Delta: Regional Geomorphology and Sedimentary Processes

Abstract Surrounding the Colorado River Delta is the Sonoran sand sea to the east, delta deposits to the north, and basin and range country plus tidal salt flats to the west. Eolian sands at the western end of the sand sea form a 100-m high escarpment between the Sonoran desert–plateau and the Gulf of California. The western edge of the sand sea has a narrow zone of badland topography with well-developed dendritic drainage patterns. Where the sand sea meets the Gulf of Mexico, eolian sands predominate along the strand. Geometry of the spits indicates a net northward transport of eolian sands into the channel and shoal architecture of the delta. An array of longshore mudflats, salt flats, spits, bars, and coastal dunes dominate the shores of the Gulf. The USGS EROS data center provided standard images on CD-ROM to order. Browse images and metadata sets are easily accessible via the Internet. Included are the latest Landsat 7 thematic mapper (ETM+) images exploiting the multispectral and panchromatic imager...
Chloroplast phylogeography of Dirca palustris L. indicates populations near the glacial boundary at the Last Glacial Maximum in eastern North America

Aim Little is known about the distribution of temperate forest shrubs in eastern North America during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), and how far they subsequently migrated to occupy previously glaciated landscapes. We assessed whether populations of Dirca palustris L. persisted near the glacial margin during the LGM. Such populations might explain how the species colonized northern latitudes, despite scant evidence for contemporary long-distance seed dispersal. Location Eastern North America, Mexico and California. Methods We conducted ecological niche modelling (ENM) and sequenced five non-coding regions of the chloroplast genome from 390 plants among 104 populations representing the four species of Dirca. We used a Bayesian approach to identify relationships among individuals and to estimate timing of lineage splits. The spatial genetic structure of D. palustris was evaluated qualitatively and by statistical methods, including Monmonier's algorithm and analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA). Results Ecological niche modelling indicated suitable climate at the LGM in the Gulf Coastal Plain, but also north to the Ozark Plateaus Province (northern Arkansas), Interior Low Plateaus and Appalachian Plateaus Provinces (portions of Tennessee and Kentucky), and the Piedmont and Coastal Plain Provinces of the Carolinas and Virginia. Sequence variation was extensive and indicated deep lineage splits within D. palustris. Numerous haplotypes, many private, were identified at middle latitudes (c. 35–40° N), Monmonier's algorithm identified multiple genetic discontinuities within this region, and northern and southern regions differed by AMOVA. Main conclusions Ecological niche modelling and genetic analyses indicate that populations likely existed within several hundred km of the Laurentide ice sheet at the LGM. Deep Pleistocene diversification, along with weak geographical fidelity of haplotypes, probably resulted from repeated isolation, differentiation, and secondary contact during Quaternary glacial cycles. The absence of many northern haplotypes south of 35° N supports the hypothesis that temperate understorey shrubs accompanied temperate trees of eastern North America in populations near the glacial margin at the LGM.
On the packet error probability of coded frequency-hopped spread-spectrum systems with codeword interleaving

The author discusses the multiple access capability of an asynchronous frequency-hopped spread-spectrum communication system using error correcting codes. The spread spectrum system under consideration uses error correcting codes with more than one code symbol per dwell interval and packets that consist of more than one codeword. A method to compute the packet error probability when the codewords of the packet are interleaved to a degree dictated by the number of code symbols per dwell interval is presented. The performance superiority of the fully interleaved spread spectrum system compared to a spread spectrum system with no interleaving is demonstrated quantitatively. >
On Achievable Sum Rate for Vector Gaussian Interference Channels

We develop a procedure to compute a lower bound of the sum capacity for the vector Gaussian interference channel (IFC). The obtained lower bound is shown to be tight for the very strong interference case and the procedure can be used to construct an inner bound for the vector Gaussian IFC. Alternatively, orthogonal transmission via frequency division multiplexing is considered and we establish the concavity of the sum rate as a function of the bandwidth allocation factor for the vector channel case. Numerical examples indicate that the achievable sum rate via the superposition code compares favorably with orthogonal transmission. This improvement holds for all interference power levels, a sharp contrast to that of the scalar counterpart.
The Cosmic Breath: Spirit and Nature in the Christianity–Buddhism–Science Trialogue

Amos Yong is currently a professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, having recently moved from Regent University. As a Pentecostal, Yong is an evangelical with a decidedly pneumatological emphasis. ...
Alcohol consumption and rates of cancer screening: Is cancer risk overestimated?

Purpose Alcohol consumption in moderation has been associated with incident breast and colorectal cancer. Whether these associations may be overestimated by more intensive screening among moderate consumers is unknown. This study examines the associations of alcohol consumption with cancer screening.
Mistral: A comprehensive model for tritium transport in lithium-base ceramics: Part I: Theory and description of model capabilities☆

Abstract MISTRAL is a theoretical model developed to describe tritium transport and release in fine-grained ceramic materials for tritium breeding applications in fusion blankets. The model includes as relevant physical processes tritium diffusion in the effective bulk (grains and grain boundaries), adsorption, recombination and desorption at the breeder surface and diffusion through the network of pores. A key improvement of the model, compared with those already in the literature, consists of a better characterization of the processes at the breeder surface and their linking to the bulk and pore regions. The sets of governing transport equations and corresponding boundary conditions are formulated together with the choice of the computational algorithm. A computer code with transient capabilities has been developed based on the model. It aims at describing tritium release for several transient conditions relevant for in-pile tritium recovery experiments and for fusion blankets. To assess the range of applicability of the model, several calculations have been performed and the results of the analysis are herein presented and discussed.
Standard compared with mnemonic counseling for fecal incontinence: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE To estimate whether women who underwent mnemonic counseling had better recall of fecal incontinence therapies at 2 months and if mnemonic counseling resulted in greater satisfaction with physician counseling and improvement in quality of life when compared with a group who underwent standard counseling. METHODS Counseling-naive women with fecal incontinence were recruited from an academic urogynecology clinic. Women underwent physical examinations, completed the Quality of the Physician-Patient Interaction, recorded fecal incontinence treatment options they recalled, and completed the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index and Manchester Health Questionnaire immediately after counseling and again at 2 months. RESULTS Ninety women consented to participate, were randomized, and completed baseline questionnaires. At baseline, women did not differ in age, ethnicity, education, Fecal Incontinence Severity Index, or Manchester Health Questionnaire scores. After counseling, the mnemonic group reported higher satisfaction on Quality of the Physician-Patient Interaction (66.4±6.5 compared with 62.2±10.7, P=.03). Ninety percent (81/90) of women followed up at 2 months. Our primary endpoint, 2-month recall of fecal incontinence treatments, was not different between groups (2.3±1.6 mnemonic counseling compared with 1.8±1.0 standard counseling; P=.08). Secondary endpoints for the mnemonic group reported greater improvement on total Manchester Health Questionnaire (P=.02), emotional (P=.03), sleep (0.045), role limitations (P<.01), and physical limitations (P=.04) when compared with the standard group. CONCLUSION Fecal incontinence counseling with a mnemonic aid did not improve recall at 2 months but improved patient satisfaction and quality of life at 2 months.
Interactions between bacterial lipopolysaccharides and serum lipoproteins and their possible role in coronary heart disease.

This study aimed to determine whether or not endothelium-dependent vasodilation is preserved in spastic segments of human epicardial coronary arteries. Segmental responses of coronary arteries to substance P were examined in 30 patients with variant angina and in 10 patients with atypical chest pain using a quantitative angiographic technique. Coronary diameter at the basal state was matched between spastic and non-spastic segments in patients with variant angina, normal coronary arteries and with atypical chest pain (2.3 +/- 0.2 mm, 2.3 +/- 0.4 mm, 2.4 +/- 0.3 mm, respectively). In segments where vasospasm was induced by ergonovine and/or acetylcholine, changes in diameter in response to substance P did not differ from those in non-spastic segments; maximal dilation averaged 27.1 +/- 9.5% in the spastic segments and 24.4 +/- 9.6% in the non-spastic segments (expressed as a percent increase over the value before drug administration). It would appear that the potential of the endothelium to release endothelium-dependent relaxant factor (EDRF) and the vasodilator response to EDRF are preserved, even in spastic segments.
Complete replacement of methylprednisolone by azathioprine in cyclosporine-treated primary cadaveric renal transplant recipients.

In cylosporine (CsA)-treated renal transplant recipients complete corticosteriod withdrawl followed by CsA monotherpy has been associted with severe rejection episodes in a significance proportion of patients. We report the results of replacements of steroids by azathioprine (AZA) in 25 primary cadaveric renal transplant recipients initially treated with CsA and methylprednisolone (MP). MP taper was started 8.85.6 months posttrasplant when the MP dose was either 10mg/day or 20 mg every other day. MP was tapered off over a 5-month period. At the initation of MP taper, AZA was added at 1 mg/kg/day and increased to 1.5 mg/kg/day after two months. The CsA dose was adjusted to maintain trough serum levels as measured by radioimmunoasay (RIA) of 50–75 ng/ml, during and after MP with drawl. Seventeen patients have remained continuously off MP for 14.65.0 months with stable renal function. Reinstitution of MP at 10 mg/day was required in 8 patients, 6 for rejection (1.80.7 months after MP with drawl), 1 for AZA-indiced leukopenia, and 1 for denovo glomerulopathy. Renal function returned to baseline in all 6 patients have again been successfully retapered off MP. In the patients withdrawn from MP, body weight and mean arterial blood pressure had decreased by 2.11.3 kg (P<.05) and 117 mmHg (P<.05), respectively, at the time of the most recent follow-up compared with values at the initiation of steroid withdrawal. The number of blood pressure medications per patient decresed by 38% (P<.05) and 6 patients were able to discontinue all antihyupertansive drugs after cessation of steroids. Discontinuation of MP also resulted in a decrease in serum cholesteorl concentration from 24850 to 21755 mg/dl (P<.05). We conclude that steroids can be replaced by AZA in the majority of CsA-treated primary cadaveric renal transplant recipients by the end of the first posttransplant year withour an adverse effect on graft survival. This protocol resulted in significant reductions in serum cholesterol, mean arterial blood pressure, and body weight, and may avoid the long-term siode effects of steroid therapy.
Modelling Simple Experimental Platform for in Vitro Study of Drug Elution from Drug Eluting Stents (DES)

We present a simple model of experimental setup for in vitro study of drug release from drug eluting stents and drug propagation in artificial tissue samples representing blood vessels. The model is further reduced using the assumption on vastly different characteristic diffusion times in the stent coating and in the artificial tissue. The model is used to derive a relationship between the times at which the measurements have to be taken for two experimental platforms, with corresponding artificial tissue samples made of different materials with different drug diffusion coefficients, to properly compare the drug release characteristics of drug eluting stents.
Theory of Metal-Barrier-Metal Tunneling

Our objective in this chapter is to illustrate the calculation of the general features of the current-voltage (I–V) characteristics of a metal-insulatormetal (M-I-M) tunnel junction. In particular, no attempt is made to give either a review or a comprehensive survey of the extensive literature on this topic,* and our attention is confined to the use of the simplest models on the basis of which the I–V characteristic may be evaluated.
Temporal evolution of the trident and piglet signs of osmotic demyelination syndrome

Central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) is a potentially-devastating complication of rapid osmolar shifts, classically attributed to overlyaggressive correction of chronic hyponatremia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allowed earlier diagnosis of CPM, but most importantly, it has revealed that the odds of good functional recovery are surprisingly high. A trident shaped pontine lesion is a typical finding in CPM (the trident sign). The "piglet sign" is a much less well-known radiologic finding in CPM. Due to the rarity of CPM, very little has been published on the evolution of these MRI findings. We present a case of CPM in an alcoholic young man, and describe the temporal evolution of both the trident and piglet signs on MRI in CPM.
Hemorrhagic Stroke and Critical Care Seizures

Hemorrhagic strokes constitute approximately every 5th to 10th stroke and are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Patients with hemorrhagic strokes are always admitted to general or neurological intensive care units to allow delivery of more aggressive interventions, and better monitoring and management of complications. Seizures are amongst these complications that may develop secondarily during the hospital stay or less frequently may be the initial presenting symptom. Patients with hemorrhagic stroke are at higher risk to develop seizures than those with ischemic stroke; however, several characteristics of the initial insult modify the risk for developing seizures and are specific to the type of hemorrhagic stroke. Early seizures, that occur within the first days after the ictus, have to be differentiated from delayed seizures and epilepsy, which may develop years after hospital discharge, as underlying mechanisms, impact on brain physiology and outcome and treatment differ between early and delayed seizures. In addition, treatment of hemorrhagic strokes either medical, surgical or endovascular itself may at times be associated with the development of seizures.
Can Cover Crop Use Allow Increased Levels of Corn Residue Removal for Biofuel in Irrigated and Rainfed Systems

Corn (Zea mays L.) residue removal at high rates can result in negative impacts to soil ecosystem services. The use of cover crops could be a potential strategy to ameliorate any adverse effects of residue removal while allowing greater removal levels. Hence, the objective of this study was to determine changes in water erosion potential, soil organic C (SOC) and total N concentration, and crop yields under early- and late-terminated cover crop (CC) combined with five levels of corn residue removal after 3 years on rainfed and irrigated no-till continuous corn in Nebraska. Treatments were no CC, early- and late-terminated winter rye (Secale cereale L.) CC, and 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% corn residue removal rates. Complete residue removal reduced mean weight diameter (MWD) of water-stable aggregates (5 cm depth) by 29% compared to no removal at the rainfed site only, suggesting increased water erosion risk at rainfed sites. Late-terminated CC significantly increased MWD of water-stable aggregates by 27 to 37% at both sites compared to no CC, but early-terminated CC had no effect. The increased MWD with late-terminated CC suggests that CC when terminated late can offset residue removal-induced risks of water erosion. Residue removal and CC did not affect SOC and total soil N concentration. Particulate organic matter increased with late-terminated CC at the irrigated site compared to no CC. Complete residue removal increased irrigated grain yield by 9% in 1 year relative to no removal. Late-terminated CC had no effect on corn yield except in 1 year when yield was 8% lower relative to no CC due to low precipitation at corn establishment. Overall, late-terminated CC ameliorates residue removal-induced increases in water erosion potential and could allow greater levels of removal without reducing corn yields in most years, in the short term, under the conditions of this study.
Formation of tetragonal gas bubble superlattice in bulk molybdenum under helium ion implantation

Abstract We report the formation of tetragonal gas bubble superlattice in bulk molybdenum under helium ion implantation at 573 K. The transmission electron microscopy study shows that the helium bubble lattice constant measured from the in-plane d-spacing is ~4.5 nm, while it is ~3.9 nm from the out-of-plane measurement. The results of synchrotron-based small-angle x-ray scattering agree well with the transmission electron microscopy results in terms of the measurement of bubble lattice constant and bubble size. The coupling of transmission electron microscopy and synchrotron high-energy X-ray scattering provides an effective approach to study defect superlattices in irradiated materials.
Review of "The Bone Book: A Photographic Lab Manual for Identifying and Siding Human Bones"

REFERENCE: Mann RW. The Bone Book: A Photographic Lab Manual for Identifying and Siding Human Bones . Springfield, IL: Charles C Thomas; 2017, 390 pp.
Comment on The Role of the Firm’s Internal Technical Entrepreneurs in Commercializing Technology From The Federal Laboratories

Professors Geisler and Rubenstein [p. 155] give us a sobering view of technology transfer. Based on their survey of existing research, in much of which they have been personally involved, and on their personal experiences with corporations and federal laboratories, they voice concern about “the complexity of the transfer process between federal laboratories and industry.” Later they say “At best, successful tech transfer in the firm, even between operating units of the same firm, is a low probability event.” The reasons for low probability are found throughout their paper, and add up to an imposing set of impediments within firms and laboratories alike. They observe that a corporate entrepreneur is present in most instances of successful transfer, and may well be a “necessary” condition for success, though probably not a “sufficient” condition. Their paper explores the reasons, and derives a set of prescriptions for labs and firms that hope to succeed in technology transfer.
Heat activation kinetics of Bacillus megaterium spores.

Abstract Bacillus megaterium QM B1551 spores were activated by heating in aqueous suspension. Activation was measured by increase in germination rate (on glucose at 30 C) over that of dormant spores. At any one temperature, activation increased linearly with time of exposure. Spores were activated throughout the range of test temperatures (50–75 C). The exposure time required to achieve a given germination rate increased with decreasing temperature. The logarithm of the activation velocity (increase in germination rate/sec of heating) was a linear function of the temperature of heating. The apparent average thermodynamic constants for the system were: ΔH‡ = 72.4 kcal/mol; ΔF‡ = 22.8 kcal/mol; ΔS‡ = 147.4 cal/mol/deg.
Biochemical Mechanisms of Pollutant Stress

A discussion of biochemical mechanisms in this symposium is critical if one wishes to develop a concept of how O3 exposure induces alterations in a plant’s metabolism, which ultimately lower a plant’s final yield or market value. Furthermore, an understanding of what is and is not known will allow future research to be formulated. In keeping with this concept, I hope to describe several possible scenarios for the development of yield reduction due to primary and secondary biochemical responses. I will concentrate upon O3, as it was the major oxidant investigated within the NCLAN studies.
HEATING AND COOLING OF BUILDINGS THROUGH LANDSCAPE DESIGN

All too frequently architects, builders and engineers inherit a site or building alteration with disadvantages of undesired heating or cooling, which can be avoided at the initial planning stage. Preventive methods exist to provide a more acceptable site micro-climate, or to alter a punitive existing situation. Site choice, building location, building orientation, envelope design and judicious employment of landscape materials in and around buildings are major contributing factors to ammelioration. This paper is limited to the use of landscape materials and site strategies to assist comfort levels and reduce the energy needs for heating and cooling buildings.
Abstract 19810: Characterization of Lesions Created by a Heated, Saline Irrigated Needle-Tip Catheter in the Normal and Infarcted Canine Heart

Background: Inability to eliminate intramural arrhythmogenic substrates is one of the reasons for recurrent VT after catheter ablation in patients with sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT). The aim of the present study was to evaluate intramural lesion formation using a SERF (saline enhanced radiofrequency) needle-tip catheter, compared to a conventional ablation catheter in normal and dogs with healed myocardial infarction (MI). Methods and Results: Twenty-two adult mongrel dogs (30-40 kg, 15 normal, 7 MI group) were studied. Lesions were created using the SERF catheter or a standard contact force catheter (SC) in normal and MI dogs. Comparing SERF to SC ablation, SERF (40W/50°C) produced larger lesion volumes than the SC - even with contact force (CF) of >20g - in both normal and infarcted left ventricular (LV) myocardium (983.1±905.8 vs. 461.9±178.3 mm 3 ; p=0.005, normal dogs, 1052.3±543.0 vs. 340.3±160.5 mm 3 ; p 20g in both groups (59.1% vs. 7.7%; p=0.001, normal dogs, 60.0% vs. 12.5%; p=0.029, MI dogs). Using SERF, the mean depth of ablated lesions reached 90% of the LV wall in both normal and MI dogs (Figure 1B and 2B). Comparing SERF lesions (40W/50°C), in normal to lesions in myocardium with infarct scar, there were no significant difference in lesion volume (p=0.338). Conclusions: The SERF catheter created more often transmural and larger ablative lesions in both normal and infarcted canine myocardium. SERF ablation size does not seem to be affected by the presence of scar tissue.
Bilateral Neck Exploration for Sporadic Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Use Patterns in 5,597 Patients Undergoing Parathyroidectomy in the Collaborative Endocrine Surgery Quality Improvement Program

Background For many surgeons, focused parathyroidectomy has become the preferred approach for management of sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT). This study describes use patterns of bilateral neck exploration (BE) by endocrine surgeons participating in the Collaborative Endocrine Surgery Quality Improvement Program (CESQIP). Study Design Using the CESQIP parathyroid dataset (2014 to 2017), use trends, demographic and clinical characteristics of patients undergoing BE vs focused vs focused converted to BE parathyroidectomy were compared. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were also analyzed. Results Among 5,597 patients who underwent initial parathyroidectomy for HPT, BE was used in 2,253 (40%), 613 (11%) of which were converted procedures. Patients with BE were older and more likely female. Ultrasound (87%), sestamibi (66%), and CT scans (20%) were commonly used. Glands were highly localized. Intraoperative-parathyroid hormone (ioPTH) was used in >90%. Operative time >2 hours was more likely in BE (16%) and converted (30%) vs focused (3%) procedures. Two or more glands were removed in 57% of BE cases. Outpatient procedures were more common in focused cases; emergency room visits, readmissions, and complications were more likely in BE and converted cases. Concern for failure and lack of ioPTH decrease was significantly more common in BE and converted cases. Conclusions This is the first analysis of parathyroidectomy use trends by high-volume endocrine surgeons in CESQIP. Bilateral neck exploration is a commonly used approach (40%), and conversion from focused to BE was observed in 11% of cases, despite highly localized glands. Bilateral neck exploration remains a complex and frequently used procedure, and surgeons intending to perform parathyroid surgery should be adequately trained and adept at BE.
FDA Approval Summary: Ivosidenib for relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia with an isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 mutation

The FDA approved ivosidenib (Tibsovo; Agios), a small-molecule inhibitor of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)1 on July 20, 2018, for treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (R/R AML) with susceptible IDH1 mutation as detected by an FDA-approved test. The efficacy of ivosidenib was established on the basis of complete remission (CR) + CR with partial hematologic recovery (CRh) rate, duration of CR + CRh, and conversion from transfusion dependence (TD) to transfusion independence (TI) in Study AG120-C-001, a single-arm trial. With median follow-up of 8.3 months for 174 adults with IDH1-mutated R/R AML treated with 500 mg ivosidenib daily, the CR + CRh rate was 33% [95% confidence interval (CI), 26-40], median duration of response was 8.2 (95% CI, 5.6-12) months, and conversion from TD to TI occurred in 37% of patients. These endpoints reflect short-term benefit in patients with an unmet medical need; long-term efficacy outcomes were not assessed. Serious adverse reactions (AR) in ≥5% of patients were differentiation syndrome (10%), leukocytosis (10%), and QT interval prolongation (7%). Common (≥20%) ARs of any grade were fatigue, leukocytosis, arthralgia, diarrhea, dyspnea, edema, nausea, mucositis, QT interval prolongation, rash, pyrexia, cough, and constipation. Assessment of long-term safety of ivosidenib is a condition of this approval.
Morphology of the Musculus Uvulae In Vivo Using MRI and 3D Modeling Among Adults With Normal Anatomy and Preliminary Comparisons to Cleft Palate Anatomy

Purpose:To investigate the musculus uvulae morphology in vivo in adults with normal velopharyngeal anatomy and to examine sex and race effects on the muscle morphology. We also sought to provide a ...
Article alerts: Items from 2013.

This eighth installment of 'Article Alerts' includes a print component with 200 methodological articles about research synthesis published in 2013. Since the preceding installment, more than 3400 articles, dissertations, book chapters, and other types of work in this methodological domain have been added to the archive component, all from 2009 to 2013. The online Supporting Information now includes over half of the parent compilation's more than 26 000 records: 1000 from the print component and more than 13 000 from the archive component. Current online addresses for similar bibliographic resources are provided.