cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Safety of Drug-Eluting-Beads Transarterial Chemoembolization for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt

Purpose To assess the safety of drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). Materials and Methods Records of patients with a patent TIPS who underwent DEB-TACE for inoperable HCC from 2005 to 2014 at two institutions were reviewed. Patient demographics, number of procedures, extent of embolization (lobar vs. segmental), 30-day mortality, and postprocedure adverse events classified based on Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE V4.03) were recorded. Results From the total of 10 patients included (6 male, average age: 59), 3 were classified as Child A and 7 as B. Tumor Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) stage was A in three patients, B in six, and C in one. Patients underwent doxorubicin DEB-TACE with a median dose of 100 mg (range: 50–100). Number of TACE procedures per patient ranged from 1 to 4 (median: 1). Three (30%) patients experienced toxicity grade 2 or higher immediately following the procedure. One patient had grade 3 toxicity of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and bilirubin. Three patients had extended hospital stays beyond 48 hours due to adverse events, including edema, acute pancreatitis, and a hepatic abscess discovered a week after the procedure. All 10 patients were alive and discharged from the hospital at 30 days after the procedure. Conclusion DEB-TACE can be well tolerated by patients with a patent TIPS, given adequate liver function. Lobar DEB-TACE is associated with higher risk of complications.
The Influence of Romantic Relationships on Substance Use in Emerging Adulthood

The current work built on prior research showing aspects of romantic relationships, including relationship quality and partner substance use, influence individual risk for substance use during emer...
Dental Disease in Geriatric Horses

Geriatric horses provide the equine practitioner with a plethora of dental opportunities. While some problems are easily managed, others require more extensive dental knowledge and corrective procedures. The advent of superior dental equipment allows the practitioner to address these problems and enhance the level of care provided to their geriatric patients.
Efficient Generic Forward-Secure Signatures and Proxy Signatures

We propose a generic method to construct forward-secure signature schemes from standard signature schemes. The proposed construction is more computationally efficient than previously proposed schemes. In particular, the key updating operation in the proposed scheme is orders of magnitude more computationally efficient than previous schemes, making it attractive for a variety of applications, such as electronic checkbooks. Another advantage of our proposed scheme is the ability to be easily extended to proxy signature schemes. We define two notions of forward-security in the proxy signature setup, namely, strong forward-secure proxy signatures and weak forward-secure proxy signatures. We then describe a construction of a scheme that satisfies the strong forward-secure proxy signature property.
Facilitating Family Resilience: Relational Resources for Positive Youth Development in Conditions of Adversity

A social ecological understanding of resilience recognizes the important contributions of family and social networks, community services, and cultural influences in the positive development of youth in conditions of adversity. This paper offers relational and systemic perspectives on resilience, first considering how key family bonds in the multigenerational network of relationships can nurture children’s resilience. It then addresses resilience in the family as a functional unit, with ecological and developmental perspectives. It describes the author’s research-informed family resilience framework developed for clinical and community-based practice to strengthen children and families facing adversity. Core principles and guidelines in this family resilience approach are described, suggesting its broad utility for intervention and prevention efforts with vulnerable youth and their families. Key processes in family resilience, culled from findings from research on resilience and effective family functioning, are identified for practitioners to target interventions that enable children and their families to thrive in response to serious life challenges.
Mammary Precancerous Stem and Non-Stem Cells Evolve into Cancers of Distinct Subtypes

There are distinct cell subpopulations in normal epithelial tissue, including stem cells, progenitor cells, and more differentiated cells, all of which have been extensively studied for their susceptibility to tumorigenesis. However, normal cells usually have to progress through a precancerous lesion state before becoming a full-blown tumor. Precancerous early lesions are heterogeneous, and the cell subset that is the primary source of the eventual tumor remains largely unknown. By using mouse models that are tailored to address this question, we identified a keratin 6a-expressing precancerous stem cell (PcSC) subset and a more differentiated whey acidic protein-positive (WAP+) cell subset in mammary precancerous lesions initiated by the Wnt1 oncogene. Both cell subsets rapidly progressed to cancer upon introduction of constitutively active versions of either HRAS or BRAF. However, the resulting tumors were dramatically different in protein profiles and histopathology: keratin 6a+ precancerous cells gave rise to adenocarcinoma, whereas WAP+ cells yielded metaplastic carcinoma with severe squamous differentiation and more robust activation of MEK/ERK signaling. Therefore, both stem and non-stem cells in mammary precancerous lesions can contribute to the eventual cancers, but their differentiation status determines the resulting cancer phenotype. This work identifies a previously unknown player in cancer heterogeneity and suggests that cancer prevention should target precancerous cells broadly and not be limited to PcSC. SIGNIFICANCE: This work uses a novel mouse mammary gland cancer model to show that tumors initiated from different precancerous mammary epithelial cells are distinct.
Electroactive and Conformal Coatings of Oxidative Chemical Vapor Deposition Polymers for Oxygen Electroreduction

Polymer from 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) was synthesized using oxidative chemical vapor deposition (oCVD). To enable the synthesis of PEDOT, two different oxidants, antimony pentachloride (Sb...
Case-based Review of Subtle Signs of Breast Cancer at Mammography

Radiologists can decrease the chance of missing a subtle breast cancer by adhering to rules of proper positioning and technique, developing a standard search pattern at image interpretation, and ca...
Sampling-free enforcement of non-gaussian chance constraints via fourier transforms

Verification of stochastic dynamical systems can often be formulated as chance-constrained optimization problems - maximize probability of satisfaction of safety/reachability objectives subject to dynamics and control bounds. For linear systems perturbed by Gaussian noise, chance-constraint techniques have proven to be highly efficient. With the goal of extending this approach to non-Gaussian disturbances, this short paper focuses on tractable approaches to enforce chance constraints involving non-Gaussian random vectors. After reviewing existing techniques, we propose a novel approach to enforce chance constraints for arbitrary disturbances using Fourier transforms that is sampling-free and provides tight approximations. We demonstrate the efficiency of our approach in a simple example.
A systematic review of multidisciplinary teams to reduce major amputations for patients with diabetic foot ulcers.

Abstract Objective Multiple single-center studies have reported significant reductions in major amputations among patients with diabetic foot ulcers after initiation of multidisciplinary teams. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between multidisciplinary teams (ie, two or more types of clinicians working together) and the risk of major amputation and to compile descriptions of these diverse teams. Methods We searched PubMed, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception through May 24, 2019 for studies reporting the association between multidisciplinary teams and major amputation rates for patients with diabetic foot ulcers. We included original studies if ≥50% of the patients seen by the multidisciplinary team had diabetes, they included a control group, and they reported the effect of a multidisciplinary team on major amputation rates. Studies were excluded if they were non-English language, abstracts only, or unpublished. We used the five-domain Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety Model to describe team composition and function and summarized changes in major amputation rates associated with multidisciplinary team care. A meta-analysis was not performed because of heterogeneity across studies, their observational designs, and the potential for uncontrolled confounding (PROSPERO No. 2017: CRD42017067915). Results We included 33 studies, none of which were randomized trials. Multidisciplinary team composition and functions were highly diverse. However, four elements were common across teams: teams were composed of medical and surgical disciplines; larger teams benefitted from having a “captain” and a nuclear and ancillary team member structure; clear referral pathways and care algorithms supported timely, comprehensive care; and multidisciplinary teams addressed four key tasks: glycemic control, local wound management, vascular disease, and infection. Ninety-four percent (31/33) of studies reported a reduction in major amputations after institution of a multidisciplinary team. Conclusions Multidisciplinary team composition was variable but reduced major amputations in 94% of studies. Teams consistently addressed glycemic control, local wound management, vascular disease, and infection in a timely and coordinated manner to reduce major amputation for patients with diabetic foot ulcerations. Care algorithms and referral pathways were key tools to their success.
Phase I Trial of Allogeneic Umbilical Cord Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Neonates with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy

Background & Aim Background In neonatal animal models of hypoxic-ischemic brain injury administration of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) improves anatomic and functional outcomes. A prior study suggests potential benefit of autologous cord blood-derived cells for infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) but cord blood collection in this population is challenging. A safe, effective off-the-shelf allogeneic cell product could be a useful alternative. Our aim was to conduct a phase I open-label study of umbilical cord tissue-derived MSCs in infants treated with hypothermia for HIE. Methods, Results & Conclusion Methods Infants >35 weeks gestation treated with hypothermia for HIE based on NICHD hypothermia trial criteria were eligible. Goal enrollment was 6 infants. Allogeneic umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hCT-MSC) were manufactured in the Robertson GMP Cell Manufacturing Laboratory from a single cord tissue donated to the Carolinas Cord Blood Bank. Cells were expanded to passage 2 and cryopreserved. A representative cryobag was quality-tested for cell count, viability, phenotype, functional assays, gram stain and sterility. For administration cells were thawed and diluted 1:1 and delivered in syringes containing plasmalyte-A, 5% HSA, and residual DMSO. Post thaw samples were tested for cell count, viability (required ≥70%) and sterility. The first 3 infants (cohort 1) received 2 × 106 cells/kg i.v. in the first 48 postnatal hours, the second 3 (cohort 2) received a 2nd dose at 2 months. Primary safety outcomes were occurrence of infusion reactions or infections within 2 weeks of infusion. Results Of 18 eligible infants, 6 were enrolled (Table 1). All cultures obtained from subjects were negative, and no subject had an infusion reaction. Subject #5, had a positive panel reactive antibody (PRA) screen at 6 months. Broth culture from thawed hCT-MSC for subject # 1 grew coagulase-negative staphylococci. The infant remained asymptomatic after re-warming and the infant's blood cultures were sterile. The broth culture was assessed as contaminant via handling post-thaw rather than cell product contamination. There was one protocol deviation (One infant received a study dose at 71 hours. (Table 2)). Conclusions Our results suggest that hCT-MSC, an umbilical cord tissue-derived MSC product, can be prepared and infused safely in infants treated with hypothermia for moderate - severe HIE. Further safety and efficacy studies are warranted.
There are arbitrarily large uniquely homogeneous spaces

Abstract A topological space X is uniquely homogeneous if for every a , b ∈ X , there is exactly one homeomorphism h : X → X such that h ( a ) = b . We say that X is strongly uniquely homogeneous if it is uniquely homogeneous and the only continuous functions f : X → X are homeomorphisms and constant functions. We show that if n ≥ 2 , then there is a strongly uniquely homogeneous subspace of R n , all of whose homeomorphisms are restrictions of isometries of R n (rigid motions if n is even). Using a similar construction, we show that if κ is an infinite cardinal, then there is a strongly uniquely homogeneous Hausdorff and completely regular space of cardinality 2 κ .
TweetyNet: A neural network that enables high-throughput, automated annotation of birdsong

Songbirds provide an excellent model system for understanding sensorimotor learning. Many analyses of learning require annotating song, but songbirds produce more songs than can be annotated by hand. Existing methods for automating annotation are challenged by variable song, like that of Bengalese finches. For particularly complex song like that of canaries, no methods exist, limiting the questions researchers can investigate. We developed an artificial neural network, TweetyNet, that automates annotation. First we benchmark the network on open datasets of Bengalese finch song, showing that TweetyNet achieves significantly lower error than a similar method, using less training data, and maintains low error across multiple days of song. We then show TweetyNet performs similarly on canary song. This accuracy allowed fully automated analyses of datasets an order of magnitude larger than previous studies, improved the precision of statistical models of syntax, and revealed novel details of syntax in a new canary strain. Hence TweetyNet enables automated annotation and analysis of Bengalese finch and canary song that was formerly manual.
Indication-based analysis of patient outcomes following deep brain stimulation surgery.

Abstract Background While considered a safe operation, deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been associated with various morbidities. We assessed differences in postsurgical complication rates in patients undergoing the most common types of neurostimulation surgery. Methods The National Readmission Database (NRD) was queried to identify patients undergoing neurostimulation placement with the diagnosis of Parkinson disease (PD), epilepsy, dystonia, or essential tremor (ET). Demographics and complications, including infection, pneumonia, and neurostimulator revision, were queried for each cohort and compiled. Readmissions were assessed in 30-, 90-, and 180-day intervals. We implemented nearest-neighbor propensity score matching to control for demographic and sample size differences between groups. Results We identified 3230 patients with Parkinson disease, 1289 with essential tremor, 965 with epilepsy, and 221 with dystonia. Following propensity score matching, 221 patients remained in each cohort. Readmission rates 30-days after hospital discharge for PD patients (15.5 %) were significantly greater than those for ET (7.8 %) and seizure patients (4.4 %). Pneumonia was reported for PD (1.6 %), seizure (3.3 %) and dystonia (1.7 %) patients but not individuals ET. No PD patients were readmitted at 30-days due to dysphagia while individuals treated for ET (6.5 %), seizure (1.6 %) and dystonia (5.2 %) were. DBS-revision surgery was performed for 11.48 % of PD, 6.52 % of ET, 1.64 % of seizure and 6.90 % of dystonia patients within 30-days of hospital discharge. Conclusion 30-day readmission rates vary significantly between indications, with patients receiving DBS for PD having the highest rates. Further longitudinal studies are required to describe drivers of variation in postoperative outcomes following DBS surgery for different indications.
Association of Elevated Levels of Inflammatory Marker High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and Hypertension.

IntroductionThe correlation between inflammation and vascular disease is widely accepted. High levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) have been shown to play a role in the process of endothelial dysfun...
UNCONFINED AND CONFINED WIDE WIDTH TENSION TESTING OF GEOSYNTHETICS

The thrust of this paper stems from the classical confined wide width testing work of McGown, Andrawes and their co-workers in 1981 and 1982 on geotextiles. It extends the work into the following geosynthetics which are currently used in various waste containment applications: a) Woven and nonwoven geotextiles; b) Geomembranes; c) Geosynthetic clay liners; and d) Geonets. Confining (normal) pressures up to 138 kPa are utilized to note the effects and, in particular, the variation from the standard unconfined behavior. A range of commercially available materials is used in each of the above categories. The test device used is based on the design principles set by McGown, Andrawes and their co-workers with some modifications being made to simplify the testing technique. The test results substantiate the successful performance of the apparatus. With the exception of nonwoven geotextiles and in particular needle-punched nonwoven geotextiles, the influence of normal stress is shown to be insignificant. This is considered to be the major finding in this study. Confinement does, however, enhance greatly the load- extension modulus of needle-punched geotextiles while it has little effect on their tensile strength. For the covering abstract see IRRD 860243.
When Bipolar Disorder Mimics ADHD

Bipolar disorder (BD) is serious mental health condition that is relatively uncommon in adolescents. Because of its varied presentations, BD can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from typical adolescent development or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Understanding these varied presentations can be helpful in determining when concerns for bipolar disorder are warranted. Key points in differentiating BD from typical development or ADHD lie in its episodic nature and the severity of symptoms. Effective treatments for BD exist, and teens should be evaluated promptly when concerns are identified so that treatment can be started early.
Douglas-fir encroachment reduces drought resistance in Oregon white oak of northern California

Abstract Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana Douglas ex Hook.) is experiencing increasing competition from Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) across much of its range at the same time as climate variability is increasing, including more frequent and extreme droughts. These combined factors suggest that Douglas-fir encroachment is not only leading to range reduction from competition, but also likely exacerbating drought stress for a keystone oak species in the Pacific West of North America. Our research examines this by evaluating radial tree growth and drought response in Oregon white oak (n = 104 trees) and Douglas-fir (n = 104 trees) along a gradient of encroachment in an oak woodland in the North Coast region of California. Linear mixed-effects models were used to evaluate the effects of tree diameter, Douglas-fir competition, oak competition, and climate on drought resistance (2013–2015) and recent tree growth (2002–2016). Oregon white oak growth was more resistant to prolonged drought than Douglas-fir. However, Oregon white oak drought resistance declined with increasing Douglas-fir competition and increased with increasing oak competition. Oregon white oak and Douglas-fir growth related to different seasonal climate factors, but both species were more strongly limited by Douglas-fir competition than climate. Oregon white oak may be better suited to future climate conditions than Douglas-fir, although Douglas-fir encroachment will likely continue to reduce Oregon white oak resistance to future drought. These results present a strong case for the need to release Oregon white oak by controlling Douglas-fir in areas that were historically oak woodlands with diverse understory species, wildlife, and important traditional ecological values and services.
Mental contamination, disgust, and other negative emotions among survivors of sexual trauma: Results from a daily monitoring study.

Abstract Mental contamination (MC)—feelings of dirtiness triggered by internal sources—is a potentially important yet understudied factor for survivors of sexual trauma. MC has been linked to disgust and other negative emotions (e.g., shame, guilt) cross-sectionally and in lab-based paradigms but not yet examined in ecological contexts. Additionally, links between MC and distinct negative emotions have not been studied systematically. The present study thus modeled relationships between MC and specific emotions both across and within days over a daily monitoring period. Forty-one females with sexual trauma history and associated MC completed twice-daily assessments of MC and seven emotions (disgust, shame, guilt, anger, hopelessness, sadness, anxiety) over 2 weeks via a smartphone app. Baseline MC and average daily MC were largely associated with higher daily averages of negative emotions. Concurrently, within-person changes in MC and negative emotions were also positively linked. Unexpectedly, intraindividual changes in MC were largely not associated with later negative emotions, whereas several emotions were negatively associated with later MC. Notably, MC among screened sexual trauma survivors was much more prevalent compared to prior research. Clinical relevance and future recommendations for ecological research in trauma-related mental contamination are discussed.
Adnexal Torsion: Narcotic Administration and Gynecologists’ Diagnostic Accuracy

Study Objective To determine Gynecologists' accuracy in diagnosing adnexal torsion (AT) and determine differences in in the amount of narcotics administered in morphine milligram equivalent (MME) in patients who received gynecology consultation for AT. Design A retrospective cohort study between 2017-2020. Setting A tertiary, academic medical center. Patients or Participants 138 women received a gynecologic consultation in the emergency room to rule out AT. Interventions Surgical intervention. Measurements and Main Results 138 women met inclusion criteria. 32 of them (23%) underwent diagnostic laparoscopy for suspected AT, and 18 (56%) were confirmed to have AT. The MME median in patients undergoing surgery was 6.25 mg, which was significantly higher than 2.5 mg in patients who did not undergo surgery (p = 0.0011). MME medians for women who had surgically confirmed AT and those who underwent surgery but did not have AT were 7.25 mg and 4 mg respectively, which was not significantly different (p = 0.2221). Age, race (white vs non-white), payer status (insured vs uninsured), history of sexually transmitted disease or ovarian cyst, and pain severity did not differ between the group of women that underwent surgery and the group of women that did not. However, there was a significant difference in the presence of vomiting (p = Conclusion While this study highlights no statistically significant difference in MME administration and accuracy of AT diagnosis due to small sample size, there was a difference in MME administration between women undergoing surgery and those who did not. Determining which predictors and to what extent they may impact the diagnosis and decision to proceed with surgery remain an area that warrants further investigation.
Response of Blood Vessel Cells to Viral Infection

Injury to blood vessel cells has been implicated in the development of a variety of vascular disorders including atherosclerosis,2’13 disseminated intravascular coagulation, 7 and immune vasculitis.44 Endothelial cell (EC) injury can arise from a variety of causes including hemodynamic stress,50 mechanical trauma,51 hypercholesterolemia, 45 infectious agents,14,39,42 oxygen,28 and other chemical agents such as homocysteine.56 Renewed interest in the relationship between vascular injury due to viral infection and atherosclerosis stems from recent observations which demonstrated that virus particles, virus antigens, and virus DNA can be detected in vascular lesions of chickens9,39 and humans4,21,38 with atherosclerosis. Viruses may produce vascular injury by mechanisms other than direct invasion of endothelium. Antigen-antibody complexes involving hepatitis B surface antigen have been isolated from the sera of some patients with periarteritis nodosa.17 Tumor formation as a result of viral infection is another possible mechanism by which viruses may induce vascular disease as is the case with cytomegalovirus and Kaposi’s sarcoma.20
TU‐EF‐303‐03: Single Cell Measurements of Tanscription Heterogeneity of Highly Mobile Identical Genes

Many medical physics diagnostic and therapeutic developments have significant overlap with biophysical approaches to measuring and modeling molecular and cellular systems. Although these methods may differ dramatically in terms of temporal and spatial scales, many of the underlying concepts are identical, suggesting potential synergies across the scales. For example, while clinical imaging is typically in the (sub)millimeter and second regime, biophysical imaging technologies reach sub-nanometer and sub-picosecond scales. Despite these scale differences, the use of molecular labeling, resulting large datasets, and need for quantitative analysis methods are similar, and solutions developed for one application are easily translated to others. Similarly, mathematical models used to understand clinical responses are often based on molecular and cellular networks that have been elucidated by biophysical studies. In turn, such models are directly useful for guiding on-going biophysical and biomedical research. Relevant biophysical applications are found in the cancer, neuroscience, and cardiac fields, which are also research focus areas for many AAPM members. Presentations by physicists working in biophysics will explore potential synergies with diagnostic and therapeutic medical physics, as well as help identify areas of common interest that would be ripe for novel collaborations. Learning Objectives: 1. 1.To learn about differences in temporal and spatial scales of medical physics and biophysics 2. To learn about common methods used in medical physics and biophysics 3. To learn about synergistic opportunities between medical physics and biophysics
Inhibition of Attachment of Streptococcus Pneumoniae and Haemophilus Influenzae by Human Milk

Human milk contains several components with anti-microbial activity (1) and breast feeding is associated with decreased morbidity in infectious diseases (2–4).
Neurolaw and Neuroprediction: Potential Promises and Perils

Neuroscience has been proposed for use in the legal system for purposes of mind reading, assessment of responsibility, and prediction of misconduct. Each of these uses has both promises and perils, and each raises issues regarding the admissibility of neuroscientific evidence.
Longitudinal Associations Between Breastfeeding and Observed Mother-Child Interaction Qualities in Early Childhood

AbstractBackgroundDespite extensive literature on the role of breastfeeding in maternal and child health and cognitive development, few studies have systematically tested whether breastfeeding predicts children's socio-emotional outcomes. The present study examined associations between trajectories
Contribution of Protein and Lipid Components to the Salt Response of Envelopes of an Extremely Halophilic Bacterium

Kushner, D. J. (National Research Council, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada), and H. Onishi. Contribution of protein and lipid components to the salt response of envelopes of an extremely halophilic bacterium. J. Bacteriol. 91:653–660. 1966.—Removal of protein from envelopes of Halobacterium cutirubrum by peptic digestion left residues that required little or no salt for stability. The salt requirement of envelopes was also lowered by incubation in 0.1 m MgCl2, and could be lowered even further by digestion with trypsin or chymotrypsin in 0.1 m MgCl2. Dissolution of envelopes in low salt concentrations made their protein more susceptible to attack by these and other proteolytic enzymes. Removal of lipids raised the requirement for divalent cations, particularly for Mg++; it slightly increased the Na+ requirement and did not affect the requirement for K+. It was concluded that the requirement for high salt concentrations in extreme halophiles is due to mutual repulsion between negatively charged groups on proteins rather than to repulsion between negatively charged phosphate groups on the lipids. The latter act primarily as sites on which divalent cations, especially Mg++ which is required in high concentrations by growing cells, are bound. In this manner, the phosphate groups support envelope structure.
Session 4 DNA glycosylases: Specificity and mechanisms

Publisher Summary The chapter discusses the various classes of major deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) glycosylases characterized so far in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. The chapter discusses their general properties, such as: (1) most DNA glycosylases, with the notable exception of UDG, have strong preference for duplex DNA even though their initial substrate recognition may require subtle structural perturbation or base unpairing at the site of lesion. The base or nucleotide flipping appears to be the common mechanism of substrate recognition and catalysis, by all DNA glycosylases, and (2) DNA glycosylases require no cofactor, including exogenous divalent metal ions. The chapter discusses the specificity and the mechanism of DNA glycosylases is limited to DNA glycosylases responsible for the repair of 8-oxoguanine and thymine (U) in G.T (U) pairs. The mechanism and structural basis of enzymatic activity of several other DNA glycosylases have been extensively discussed in this chapter.
A correction to Whitney and Boots

Abstract A major, potentially compromising, computational error in the title paper is corrected and analyzed. In addition, an hypothesis as to its origin is offered.
Transient Interhemispheric Neuronal Synchrony Correlates with Object Recognition

Object recognition might be achieved by the recreation of a meaningful internal image from visual fragments. This recreation might be achieved by neuronal synchronization that has been proposed as a solution for the perceptual binding problem. In this study, we evaluated synchronization between the occipitotemporal regions bilaterally using electroencephalograms during several visual recognition tasks. Conscious recognition of familiar objects spanning the visual midline induced transient interhemispheric electroencephalographic coherence in the alpha band, which did not occur with meaningless objects or with passive viewing. Moreover, there was no interhemispheric coherence when midline objects were not recognized as meaningful or when familiar objects were presented in one visual hemifield. These data suggest a close link between site-specific interregional synchronization and object recognition.
On the distribution of ionospheric electron density observations

[1] For most space scientists, the general expectation of ionospheric measurements is that if properly binned, observations will obey a normal or Gaussian distribution. This paper challenges this assumption and argues that a lognormal distribution can better describe ionospheric densities. It presents a simple mathematical argument for ionospheric density observations obeying a lognormal distribution. To demonstrate the efficacy of the lognormal distribution, a sample distribution of total ion densities is presented and is compared with a lognormal distribution characterized by parameters estimated from the data. This distribution of DMSP observations fits a lognormal distribution with a probability plot correlation coefficient (PPCC) of 0.99932. The PPCC is the linear correlation between the ordered distribution and ordered statistical medians and measures how well a given set of values conforms to a given distribution. When the PPCC = 1, the distribution perfectly fits the data. When binned by solar activity (on the basis of the F10.7 cm proxy) and geomagnetic latitude, over 95.3% of the binned observations follow a lognormal distribution with a PPCC over 0.9. Since the topside electron densities tend to obey a lognormal distribution, the existing metrics for forecast performance need to be revised.
Creating Aging-Friendly Communities in the United States

An aging United States population, combined with traditional American values of independence and individualism, is fostering increased interest in community efforts to promote aging in place. This article describes the types of community aging-friendly initiatives that currently exist in the United States, and the roles that various sectors (e.g., public, non-profit, private) have played in their development. Findings from a national internet-based survey identified 292 current aging-friendly community initiatives, of four types: community planning, system coordination and program development, co-location of services, and consumer associations. Most represent local community interventions, developed in the absence of federal funding or guidance and often hampered by limited political authority or economic resources. Private sector solutions, such as mutual-benefit associations, appear to be on the rise; however, such initiatives are not widely accessible, especially to those individuals with insufficient resources or political power to participate in the private market. Taken together, these findings raise questions regarding the sustainability of current efforts, their availability to less-resourced individuals and communities, and the long-term ability of communities in the United States to make the infrastructure changes required to meet the needs of an aging society without an increased government role.
Evidence for DNA repair replication in unirradiated mammalian cells—Is it an artifact?

Abstract Unirradiated HeLa, CHO and L cells were incubated with [3H]bromodeoxyuridine according to procedures used to measure repair replication after ultraviolet or X-ray irradiation. In contrast to earlier reports, no incorporation of [3H]bromodeoxyuridine into extant normal density DNA can be found when single-stranded DNA is prepared under alkaline conditions. Thus, there is no evidence that repair replication occurs in unirradiated cells, and previous reports can be ascribed to artifacts.
Cholecystokinin- and dexfenfluramine-induced anorexia compared using devazepide and c-fos expression in the rat brain

Abstract It has been proposed that there might be a link between the anorectic actions of cholecystokinin (CCK) and serotonin (5HT). The present study compared the patterns of c- fos protein-like immunoreactivity (FLI) induced in rat brain by CCK and the indirect 5HT agonist dexfenfluramine (DFEN), as well as the ability for devazepide, a CCK-A receptor antagonist, to antagonize both anorexia and FLI induced by these agents. Devazepide reversed the anorectic effect of CCK but not that of DFEN in food deprived rats. The FLI induced by CCK and DFEN occurred in similar brain regions, but in different subdivisions. Such regions included the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST), the lateral central nucleus of the amygdala (CeL), and the lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPB). Devazepide abolished the FLI induced by CCK most of these brain regions, but had no effect on FLI induced by DFEN. These results suggest that the LPB-CeL/BST pathway might be responsible for the anorectic effects of both CCK and DFEN, but different parts or neuronal populations in these structures might be differentially engaged by CCK and DFEN. The putative interaction between CCK and 5HT might happen along this pathway, rather than in the periphery.
On-off intermittency: A mechanism for bursting.

On-off intermittency is an aperiodic switching between static, or laminar, behavior and chaotic bursts of oscillation. It can be generated by systems having an unstable invariant (or quasi-invariant) manifold, within which is found a suitable attractor. We clarify the roles of such attractors in producing intermittency, provide examples, and relate them to previous work.
Solvent, emulsifier and drug concentration factors in poly(D,L-lactic acid) microspheres containing hexamethylmelamine

Biodegradable poly(D,L-lactic acid) (PLA) microspheres containing hexamethylmelamine (HMM) were developed for potential use in chemoembolization and intraperitoneal implantation. The emulsion-solvent-evaporation/extraction method was used to prepare 15 formulations with different drug/polymer ratios, solvent compositions and emulsifer concentrations in the continuous aqueous phase. A central composite experimental design was used, with five levels of the three different factors. All formulations resulted in the formation of discrete matrix microspheres containing crystalline drug. The mean particle sizes of the microsphere formulations ranged from 62-348 microm and the effect of the independent variables on microsphere size was satisfactorily predicted using response surface methodology. For theoretical drug loads of 5-40%, efficiency of entrapment ranged from 75-107% and porosities of the microspheres were between 0-6.5%. The rate of drug release from the microspheres depended on drug loading and particle size. Microspheres with 22.5% or greater theoretical drug content released drug rapidly, with almost complete release occurring in 70 h or less. Formulations with drug loading of 5% and 9.57%, however, released drug very slowly, with less than 50% released in 40 days. Release kinetics of narrow sieve cuts of microspheres with high drug load (35.4%) followed square root of time profiles.
Response to Sauter (2007)

Purpose To respond to the companion letter by T. B. Sauter (2007) commenting on “Initial Audiologic Assessment of Infants Referred From Well Baby, Special Care, and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nur...
Raman Generator Modeling

Stokes seed production in a Raman generator has been modeled for a pump of long duration and with many longitudinal modes. The model uses three-dimensional wave optics and includes pump depletion. The modeling is similar to that of Lewenstein in its use of stochastic c-number equations. The model simulates the spontaneous Stokes source with effective Stokes fields supplied in a prescribed manner. The analysis to support this simulation and examples of computer results will be presented.
Accurate quantitative myocardial perfusion using single cycle T1 mapping

Background Quantitative myocardial perfusion MRI depends on accurate determination of the arterial input function (AIF). Unfortunately, typical doses of contrast agent (CA) cause saturation in the AIF signal intensity at peak CA concentrations. Methods using dual boluses [1] or dual sequences [2] have been proposed to correct for this effect; however, they require additional data acquisition which complicates the imaging procedure. CA concentrations can be directly found by calculating blood and myocardial T1 values [3,4]. This method was performed in vivo and compared to the dual sequence method [2]. Methods Radial AIF correction was performed using the method described in [4]. T1 relaxation following an SR magnetization preparation and FLASH acquisition can be modeled [3]. By acquiring multiple images after a single SR and using the acquisition parameters, pixelwise T1 can be found by solving a simple non-linear data fitting exercise. Gd concentration is found using the known relaxivity of Gd CA [6]. Ten healthy volunteers underwent perfusion MRI studies on a Siemens 3T Verio system with IRB approval and written consent. Two first pass perfusion scans were
Outcome of patients with proximal gastric cancer depends on extent of resection and number of resected lymph nodes.

Background: Studies have shown that the survival of patients with gastric adenocarcinoma is related to the number of regional lymph nodes with metastases. The probability of identifying node-positive cancers increases with the number of lymph nodes resected and examined. It has been recommended that at least 15 lymph nodes be removed and examined for adequate staging. Prospective randomized studies have shown the lymph node yield is much greater with the D2 resection than the D1. This study evaluated the relative contribution of both the number of resected lymph nodes and the extent of gastric resection (D1/D2) on the outcome of patients with proximal gastric cancer. Methods: The medical records of 114 patients with adenocarcinoma of the proximal stomach, who underwent a curative gastric resection, were reviewed. Patients were stratified into four groups, i.e., two groups, D1/D1.5 and D2/D2.5, based on the extent of resection, and two groups based on the number of lymph nodes removed, fewer than 15 lymph nodes and 15 or more lymph nodes. Survival was determined by the method of Kaplan-Meier and differences compared by the log-rank test. Multivariate analysis was performed by using the Cox model. Results: The number of resected lymph nodes had no effect on the survival of the group as a whole. A significant improvement in survival was noted for patients with a D2 or greater resection. The median survival of patients with 15 or more lymph nodes resected improved from 25 months to 42 months when treated with an extended resection, (D2 or D2.5). Resection of 15 or more lymph nodes alone, or combined with an extended resection, resulted in a statistically significant improvement in survival for patients in American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging (AJCC) stage II. Conclusions: Both resection of 15 or more lymph nodes and extended lymphadenectomy contributed to the survival advantage observed in patients with AJCC stage II gastric cancer. The D2 gastric resection prolonged the median survival time and improved the 5-year survival rate for patients with 15 or more resected lymph nodes.
6.5: Mechanical Integrity of an AMLCD Panel

This paper examines the mechanical strength of both the surfaces and edges of AM LCD panels made from Code 1737 and Eagle2000™ boroaluminosilicate glasses. Depending on handling, finishing and processing conditions employed by the panel manufacturer, our data show that edge strength can be lower or higher than the surface strength. This is particularly true of #4 surface.
Ebola, Team Communication, and Shame: But Shame on Whom?

Examined as an isolated situation, and through the lens of a rare and feared disease, Mr. Duncan's case seems ripe for second-guessing the physicians and nurses who cared for him. But viewed from the perspective of what we know about errors and team communication, his case is all too common. Nearly 440,000 patient deaths in the U.S. each year may be attributable to medical errors. Breakdowns in communication among health care teams contribute in the majority of these errors. The culture of health care does not seem to foster functional, effective communication between and among professionals. Why? And more importantly, why do we not do something about it?
Relative ultrasonographic echogenicity of standard, dimpled, and polymeric-coated needles.

PURPOSE To use quantitative ultrasonographic measurements to compare the effect of a polymeric coating designed to increase needle echogenicity to commercially available needles. MATERIALS AND METHODS Commercially available standard smooth and dimpled echogenic tip 21-gauge needles established reference levels of echogenicity in gelatin-based and turkey breast phantoms. Examples of both types of needles were coated with a thin polymeric film that utilizes entrapped microbubbles of air on its surface to increase echogenicity. Samples of each type in both coated and noncoated versions were placed in phantoms in matched positions and imaged with clinical ultrasound machines. Similar numbers of each category were evaluated at various angles of insonation for a total of 109 images. Similar numbers of each category were imaged at 5-minute intervals for up to 38 minutes for a total of 226 images. Images were recorded, digitized, and evaluated for relative echo strength in arbitrary echogenic brightness units. RESULTS Coating increased peak echogenicity over the entire needle to a level that closely approximates the peak echogenicity of dimpled needle tips (means: dimpled=834, coated smooth=803, coated dimpled=823; P = .54). Smooth is lower than this group at 468 ( P = .0001). Representative area echogenicity increased with coating or dimpling (smooth = 377 vs coated smooth=778, coated dimpled=690, dimpled=775; P = .0001). Coating increased peak values 74% and area values 95% compared to smooth. Decreased angles of insonation moderately reduced echogenicity on coated smooth, coated dimpled, and dimpled, while it decreased to below good visibility threshold on standard smooth needles. The echogenicity of the coated needles fades in saline with time (1%/min). CONCLUSIONS Objective measurements show that this coating significantly increases echogenicity of entire needles to match that obtained with a dimpled tip.
An exploration of the use of language training in exporting firms. Case studies from Northamptonshire

Abstract Despite the importance of using foreign languages as a means of increasing competitiveness in overseas markets, there is little empirical data on how firms use languages and access training as part of a competitive strategy. Based on interviews with the owner/managers of 14 firms in Northamptonshire, this paper considers their use of language training. A detailed investigation was carried out of the type of training used in the surveyed firms. Through the use of in‐depth interviews, the diverse strategies used by the firms were revealed. The implications for local training providers are also discussed.
On The Application of Fuzzy Clustering for Crime Hot Spot Detection

One of the fundamental challenges in crime mapping and analysis is pattern recognition. Efforts and methods to detect crime hot-spots, or geographic areas of elevated criminal activity, are wide ranging. For aggregate data, such as total crime events in a census tract(s), measures of spatial autocorrelation have proven useful. For disaggregate data (i.e. individual crime events), kernel density smoothing and non-hierarchical cluster analysis (e.g. k-means), are widely used. Non-hierarchical techniques are particularly effective in delineating geographic space into areas of higher or lower crime concentrations, because each observation is assigned to one and only one cluster. The resulting set of partitions provides clear-cut spatial boundaries that can be used for hot-spot evaluation and interpretation. However, the strength of non-hierarchical methods can also be viewed as a weakness. Although the hard-clustering of observations into a set of discrete clusters is helpful, there are many cases where ambiguity exists in the data. In such cases, a more generalized approach for hot-spot detection would be helpful. The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of a generalized partitioning method known as fuzzy clustering for hot-spot detection. Functional and visual comparisons of fuzzy clustering and two hard-clustering approaches (medoid and k-means), across a range of cluster values are analyzed. The empirical results suggest that a fuzzy clustering approach is better equipped to handle intermediate cases and spatial outliers.