cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Does Tree Media: Manufacturing the Newspaper in Twentieth-Century America

By co-opting the phrase “dead tree media,” regularly used to highlight the decline of one medium (newspapers) and the rise of another (the Internet), historian Michael Stamm cleverly draws attentio...
Crash Data-Based Investigation into How Injury Severity Is Affected by Driver Errors:

Unsafe driving behaviors, driver limitations, and conditions that lead to a crash are usually referred to as driver errors. Even though driver errors are widely cited as a critical reason for crash...
Psychopharmacology of covid-19

Background With the rapid, global spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, hospitals have become inundated with patients suffering from coronavirus disease 2019. Consultation-liaison psychiatrists are actively involved in managing these patients and should familiarize themselves with how the virus and its proposed treatments can affect psychotropic management. The only Food and Drug Administration–approved drug to treat COVID-19 is remdesivir, and other off-label medications used include chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, tocilizumab, lopinavir/ritonavir, favipiravir, convalescent plasma therapy, azithromycin, vitamin C, corticosteroids, interferon, and colchicine. Objective To provide an overview of the major safety considerations relevant to clinicians who prescribe psychotropics to patients with COVID-19, both related to the illness and its proposed treatments. Methods In this targeted review, we performed structured literature searches in PubMed to identify articles describing the impacts of COVID-19 on different organ systems, the neuropsychiatric adverse effects of treatments, and any potential drug interactions with psychotropics. The articles most relevant to this one were included. Results COVID-19 impacts multiple organ systems, including gastrointestinal, renal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, immunological, and hematological systems. This may lead to pharmacokinetic changes that impact psychotropic medications and increase sensitivity to psychotropic-related adverse effects. In addition, several proposed treatments for COVID-19 have neuropsychiatric effects and potential interactions with commonly used psychotropics. Conclusions Clinicians should be aware of the need to adjust existing psychotropics or avoid using certain medications in some patients with COVID-19. They should also be familiar with neuropsychiatric effects of medications being used to treat this disease. Further research is needed to identify strategies to manage psychiatric issues in this population.
Incidence of leukemia in infants in Shanxi Children's Hospital

Objective To investigate the incidence of leukemia in infants, and to understand the status of this disease in recent years. Methods A total of 5 802 children aged median 6 years (0-12 years) with first time bone marrow biopsy from January 2009 to December 2015 were retrospectively analyzed, and the results of bone marrow image analysis were analyzed retrospectively to investigate the incidence of leukemia. Results Of the 5 802 cases, 480 (8.27%) cases were children with leukemia. Among them, 381 (79.38%) cases were acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), 99 (20.62%) cases were acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The proportion of children with leukemia with first time marrow puncture was 5.33% (40/750), 4.92% (36/731), 7.06% (58/821), 8.34% (78/935), 10.13% (88/868), 10.89% (92/845), and 10.33% (88/852) from 2009 to 2015, respectively. The proportion of male patients per year was more than female, and the incidence in preschool and school-age children was higher [33.75% (162/480) and 34.79% (167/480), respectively]. Conclusion The proportion of children's leukemia in children with the first time bone marrow aspiration in Shanxi Children's Hospital increases year by year, and its risk factors need to be further analyzed. Key words: Leukemia; Child; Incidence
No difference in 90-day complication rate following open versus arthroscopic Latarjet procedure.

The purpose of this study was to compare the 90-day complication rate between the open and arthroscopic Latarjet procedure. A retrospective review of patients who underwent an open or arthroscopic Latarjet procedure at NYU Langone Health between 2012 and 2019 was performed. The complications, readmissions, and reoperations within 90 days were assessed. Outcomes were compared between the two approaches, and a p value of < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. The study included 150 patients (open: 110; arthroscopic: 40), with no patients lost to follow-up within the first 90 days. Both cohorts were similar in terms of patient demographics. No intra-operative complications were observed in either group. Overall, there were 4 post-operative complications with the open approach and 2 with the arthroscopic approach (3.6% and 5.0%, respectively; n.s.) during the study period. Three patients required a readmission within the 90-day period; one patient in both groups required a revision Latarjet for graft fracture, and one patient in the open Latarjet required irrigation and debridement for deep infection (n.s.). With the open approach, there were 2 (2.3%) wound complications, 1 graft complication, and 1 (1.1%) nerve injury. With the arthroscopic approach, there was 1 (2.8%) wound complication and 1 (2.8%) hardware complication. The safety, and 90-day complication and readmission profile of arthroscopic Latarjet is similar to open Latarjet procedure. Level III.
Behavior of an air-cooled thermosiphon during a non-air gas ingress event

Abstract This study investigates the transient response of an air-cooled thermosiphon subjected to a sudden non-air gas ingress event. Results presented are from experimental testing conducted on a large-scale thermal hydraulic facility that examines heat removal performance of the Reactor Cavity Cooling System (RCCS) concept, a passive safety system for advanced nuclear reactors. Relying on buoyancy driven natural circulation flow, these systems feature a series of riser standpipes and coupled chimney network that provide a pathway for heat rejection to the atmosphere. In this work, the facility was modified to allow a transition of the draft intake from normal ambient air, to draft intake from an open-top volume containing high purity argon. Testing began by establishing normal operation and allowing the facility to reach steady-state thermal hydraulic flow conditions with natural air draft. The transitioned sequence was then initiated which simultaneously changed the inlet boundary from open air to a pathway from the quiescent argon volume. This event caused 1,200 cu-feet of the heavy gas, twice the internal volume of total facility flow path, to be drawn into the inlet plenum and ingress into the heated riser standpipes. With the upper chimney network still containing residual air, there was insufficient density difference to maintain buoyancy driven natural circulation. After a period of only 90 s past the ingress event, the facility experienced complete flow stagnation before entering an extended period of severely degraded system flow. Due to the cessation of bulk fluid movement and subsequent failure of its heat removal function, fluid and structural temperatures began to rise sharply. Re-circulation patterns developed within the multiple parallel riser standpipes, where hot gas near the outlets was observed to travel downward and re-enter the inlet of adjacent channels. After approximately 18-minutes, fluid temperatures and their associated density difference rose to a level sufficient to allow reestablishment of buoyancy driven system flow, and ultimately, recovery of facility operation to normal behavior.
Induction of Cell Death in Pancreatic Tumors by Zinc and Its Fluorescence Chelator TSQ

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a devastating cancer and is the fourth-leading cause of cancer death in the USA. Zinc is abundant in the pancreas, but its role in pancreatic cancer remains elusive. The aim of this study is to determine effects of zinc chelators in pancreatic cancer. Pdx1Cre and LSL-KrasG12D mice expressing an oncogenic mutation of KRAS develop pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia in the pancreas. We found that EPCAM + tumors developed in the mouse pancreas store zinc that is detectable by fluorescence-activated cell sorting using N-(6-methoxy-8-quinolyl)-p-toluenesulfonamide (TSQ), a fluorescence chelator. EPCAM + TSQ + tumor cells isolated from the mouse pancreas formed organoids in matrigel. Upon treatment with N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-pyridinylmethyl)-1,2-ethanediamine (TPEN), a zinc chelator, the organoids degenerated and its negative effect was rescued by co-treatment with zinc, indicating that zinc is necessary for the growth and survival of tumor organoids. Different from TPEN, TSQ treatment did not affect the organoid growth and survival. Interestingly, co-treatment with TSQ and zinc resulted in strong emission of TSQ fluorescence in the organoid and its degeneration. The combination of zinc with TSQ, but not with TPEN, also induced cell death in PANC-1, a human pancreatic cancer cell line. These results suggest that a TSQ-zinc complex formed in pancreatic tumors induces cell death if zinc is overloaded.
Simultaneous Triple-Parametric Optical Mapping of Transmembrane Potential, Intracellular Calcium and NADH for Cardiac Physiology Assessment

Investigation of the complex relationships and dependencies of multiple cellular processes that govern cardiac physiology and pathophysiology requires simultaneous dynamic assessment of multiple parameters. In this study, we introduce triple-parametric optical mapping to simultaneously image metabolism, electrical excitation, and calcium signaling from the same field of view and demonstrate its application in the field of drug testing and cardiovascular research. We applied this metabolism-excitation-contraction coupling (MECC) methodology to test the effects of blebbistatin, 4-aminopyridine and verapamil on cardiac physiology. While blebbistatin and 4-aminopyridine alter multiple aspects of cardiac function suggesting off-target effects, the effects of verapamil were on-target and it altered only one of ten tested parameters. Triple-parametric optical mapping was also applied during ischemia and reperfusion; and we identified that metabolic changes precede the effects of ischemia on cardiac electrophysiology.
The Bond Between a Horse and a Human

The bond that exists between a horse and human was examined using EEG from the horse and human simultaneously. Three volunteers ranging from novice to elite horse experience participated with an unfamiliar horse. The elite participant was also recorded with her own horse. A dose-response effect was tested using 6 conditions requiring increasing interaction between the horse and human (baseline - apart, standing together, petting, grooming, sitting, and riding). EEG was recorded from 10 locations on the horse and the human. EEG brain maps illustrated that increasing interaction between the horse and human showed more synchronous EEG. The elite horse person showed greater synchronization with her own familiar horse. Perhaps these findings illustrate the bond that exists between horses and humans.
Rethinking School Bullying: Dominance, Identity and School Culture

1. The Southside Bump Game: An Introduction 2. Bullying Research: What Bullying Looks Like and Where It Comes From 3. Current Anti-Bullying Work: A Fly in the Ointment 4. Student Identity Construction: Rethinking the Dominance of Bullying 5. Dominance and Schooling: Parallel Narratives from the Same Cloth 6. Need, Stories and Moral Life: Behavior Comes from Somewhere 7. Re-Storying a School: Resistance, Taxonomy and Kindergarten 8. Toward a Holistic Anti-Bullying Model: Culture, Safety and Moral Transformation
Increased platelet-activating factor receptor gene expression by corneal epithelial wound healing.

PURPOSE Platelet activating factor (PAF) is a potent inflammatory mediator the synthesis of which increases in the cornea after injury. The effects of PAF are mediated by receptors (PAF-R), which are present in target cells. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of wound healing, PAF, and growth factors on modulating PAF-R mRNA levels in corneal epithelial cells. METHODS Cultures of rabbit corneal epithelial (RCE), rabbit limbal epithelial (RLE), rabbit corneal fibroblast (RCF), and rabbit corneal endothelial (RCEn) cells, as well as rabbit corneal keratocytes (RCKs) were used. For the in vivo wound-healing experiments, a 7-mm central corneal deepithelialization was performed in anesthetized rabbits. For the in vitro experiments, wounded rabbit corneas were maintained in organ culture. Corneas were stimulated with 120 nM PAF or preincubated with PAF antagonists, cyclohexamide (CHX) or actinomycin D (AcD) before adding PAF. RCE cells were stimulated with transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, -beta2, and, -beta3, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), keratinocyte growth factor (KGF); and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Total RNA was isolated and PAF-R expression evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Northern blot analysis, and quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS PAF-R mRNA was expressed in RCE, RLE, and RCEn cells and RCKs, but not in RCFs. After epithelial injury, PAF-R expression increased from 2.5 to 4 times, both in vitro and in vivo. Addition of cPAF further stimulated PAF-R gene expression in epithelium, which was abolished by PAF antagonists. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed that PAF stimulated PAF-R mRNA threefold after injury. The induction of PAF-R by its agonist required previous injury and was inhibited by AcD but not by CHX. Treatment of RCE cells with TGF-beta1, -beta2, or -beta3, HGF, and KGF increased mRNA in PAF-R; however, bFGF had no effect. CONCLUSIONS Corneal injury produces changes in PAF-R mRNA expression. Whereas stroma fibroblastic cells lost the PAF-R gene expression found in keratocytes, corneal epithelial injury upregulated PAF-R mRNA. These results suggest that activation of selective growth factors and increases in PAF synthesis after injury stimulate PAF-R gene transcription and constitute important feedback mechanisms needed to maintain the inflammatory process and regulate epithelial wound healing.
Dimercaptosuccinic acid scan or ultrasound in screening for vesicoureteral reflux among children with urinary tract infections.

Background There is considerable interest in detecting vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) because its presence, especially when severe, has been linked to an increased risk of urinary tract infections and renal scarring. Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG), also known as micturating cystourethrography, is the gold standard for the diagnosis of VUR, and the grading of its severity. Because VCUG requires bladder catheterisation and exposes children to radiation, there has been a growing interest in other screening strategies that could identify at-risk children without the risks and discomfort associated with VCUG. Objectives The objective of this review is to evaluate the accuracy of two alternative imaging tests - the dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan (DMSA) and renal-bladder ultrasound (RBUS) - in diagnosing VUR and high-grade VUR (Grade III-V VUR). Search methods We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, BIOSIS, and the Cochrane Register of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies from 1985 to 31 March 2016. The reference lists of relevant review articles were searched to identify additional studies not found through the electronic search. Selection criteria We considered published cross-sectional or cohort studies that compared the results of the index tests (DMSA scan or RBUS) with the results of radiographic VCUG in children less than 19 years of age with a culture-confirmed urinary tract infection. Data collection and analysis Two authors independently applied the selection criteria to all citations and independently abstracted data. We used the bivariate model to calculate summary sensitivity and specificity values. Main results A total of 42 studies met our inclusion criteria. Twenty studies reported data on the test performance of RBUS in detecting VUR; the summary sensitivity and specificity estimates were 0.44 (95% CI 0.34 to 0.54) and 0.78 (95% CI 0.68 to 0.86), respectively. A total of 11 studies reported data on the test performance of RBUS in detecting high-grade VUR; the summary sensitivity and specificity estimates were 0.59 (95% CI 0.45 to 0.72) and 0.79 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.87), respectively. A total of 19 studies reported data on the test performance of DMSA in detecting VUR; the summary sensitivity and specificity estimates were 0.75 (95% CI 0.67 to 0.81) and 0.48 (95% CI 0.38 to 0.57), respectively. A total of 10 studies reported data on the accuracy of DMSA in detecting high-grade VUR. The summary sensitivity and specificity estimates were 0.93 (95% CI 0.77 to 0.98) and 0.44 (95% CI 0.33 to 0.56), respectively. Authors' conclusions Neither the renal ultrasound nor the DMSA scan is accurate enough to detect VUR (of all grades). Although a child with a negative DMSA test has an < 1% probability of having high-grade VUR, performing a screening DMSA will result in a large number of children falsely labelled as being at risk for high-grade VUR. Accordingly, the usefulness of the DMSA as a screening test for high-grade VUR should be questioned.
Handbook on Systemic Risk: Pricing and Mitigation of Counterparty Credit Exposures

Abstract We analyze the market price of counterparty risk and develop an arbitrage-free pricing valuation framework, inclusive of collateral mitigation. We show that the adjustment is given by the sum of option payoff terms, depending on the netted exposure, i.e. the difference between the on-default exposure and the predefault collateral account. We specialize our analysis to Interest Rates Swaps (IRS) and Credit Default Swaps (CDS) as underlying portfolio, and perform a numerical study to illustrate the impact of default correlation, collateral margining frequency, and collateral re-hypothecation on the resulting adjustment. We also discuss problems of current research interest in the counterparty risk community. Keywords Counterparty Risk, Systemic Risk, Credit Default Swaps, Interest Rates Swaps, Default Correlation, Stochastic Intensity, Collateral Margining. AMS Classification Codes : 60H10, 60J60, 60J75, 62H20, 91B70. JEL Classification Codes : C15, C63, C65, G12, G13. Introduction Basel II defines the counterparty credit risk as the amount that a financial institution would lose in the event that one of its counterparties defaults before the final settlement of the transaction. Unlike a firm's exposure to credit risk through a loan, where the exposure to credit risk is unilateral and only the lending bank faces the risk of loss, the counterparty credit risk creates a bilateral risk of loss, when both parties are default sensitive. Such risk is embedded in all financial contracts which are traded over the counter, where the credit quality of counterparties plays a key role.
Knowledge discovery and experience modeling in computer forensics media analysis

This paper is presented to identify research goals for the modeling of experiences, lessons learned, and knowledge discovered during the analysis of digital evidence in a forensic investigation. Additionally this paper suggests how such models might be used to facilitate automated computer forensics media analysis tools. The scope of this paper, with respect to computer forensics, is limited to the search for, identification of, and analysis of evidence found on digital storage media. Probing questions are presented that the authors are intending to answer in this research, as well as an idea of what products might be produced in this research effort.
Neuronal survival activity of S100ββ is enhanced by calcineurin inhibitors and requires activation of NF-κB

S100betabeta is a calcium binding, neurotrophic protein produced by nonneuronal cells in the nervous system. The pathway by which it enhances neuronal survival is unknown. Here we show that S100betabeta enhances survival of embryonic chick forebrain neurons in a dose-dependent manner. In the presence of suboptimal amounts of S100betabeta, neuronal survival is enhanced by the immunosuppressants FK506 and cyclosporin A at concentrations that inhibit calcineurin, which is present in these cells. Rapamycin, an immunosuppressant that does not inhibit calcineurin, did not enhance cell survival. Cypermethrin, a direct and highly specific calcineurin inhibitor, mimicked the immunophilin ligands in its neurotrophic effect. None of the drugs stimulated neuronal survival in the absence of S100betabeta. In the presence of suboptimal amounts of S100betabeta, FK506, cyclosporin A, and cypermethrin (but not rapamycin) also increased NF-kappaB activity, as measured by immunofluorescence of cells stained with antibody to the active subunit (p65) and by immunoblotting of nuclear extracts. Antioxidant and glucocorticoid inhibitors of NF-kappaB decreased both the amount of active NF-kappaB and the survival of neurons caused by S100betabeta alone or in the presence of augmenting drugs. We conclude that S100betabeta enhances the survival of chick embryo forebrain neurons through the activation of NF-kappaB.
Integrating seepage heterogeneity with the use of ganged seepage meters

The usefulness of standard half-barrel seepage meters for measurement of fluxes between groundwater, and surface water is limited by the small bed area that each measurement represents and the relatively large associated labor costs. Standard half-barrel cylinders were ganged together to allow one measurement of the summed seepage through all of the meters, reducing labor cost and increasing the representative area of measurement. Comparisons of ganged versus individual-meter measurements at two lakes, under both inseepage and outseepage conditions, indicate little loss of efficiency resulting from routing seepage water through the ganging system. Differences between summed and ganged seepage rates were not significant for all but the fastest rates of seepage. At flow rates greater than about 250 mL min−1, ganged values were as low as 80% of summed values. Gangedmeter head losses also were calculated to determine their significance relative to hydraulic-head gradients measured at the field sites. The calculated reduction in hydraulic gradient beneath the seepage meters was significant only for the largest measured seepage rates. A calibration tank was used to determine single-meter and gangedmeter efficiencies compared to known seepage rates. Single-cylinder seepage meters required an average correction factor of 1.05 to convert measured to actual values, whereas the ganged measurements made in the tank required a larger correction factor of 1.14. Although manual measurements were used in these tests, the concept of ganging seepage cylinders also would be useful when used in conjunction with automated flowmeters.
Compariing parallel multidimensional integration algorithms

We consider the design and implementation of new parallel globally adaptive multidimensional numerical integration algorithms. We describe a pair of algorithms (implemented in MPI on an IBM SP2); one uses a master-slave paradigm and the other is genuinely distributed. Then, we describe modifications of these algorithms to take advantage of a singularity detection scheme. The most obvious competitors for globally adaptive schemes in high dimensions are algorithms based on lattice rules. We compare our globally adaptive strategy with the straightforward implementation of a lattice rule algorithm paying attention to the quality of the respective error estimates. The lattice rule algorithm implementations involve computing new "seeds" for larger numbers of points than used previously, a significant though straightforward computational task.
Why I Stayed/Left: An Analysis of Voices of Intimate Partner Violence on Social Media

A common response to intimate partner violence is to ask victims why they stay in the abusive relationship. Unfortunately this can have the effect of blaming or holding the victim responsible for the abuser’s actions. Recently, social media brought attention to this issue following the highly publicized case of intimate partner violence (IPV) with NFL player Ray Rice and his fiance. Twitter users responded to the media’s perceived victim blaming by posting their own stories of why they stayed or left abusive relationships. The purpose of this study was to conduct a qualitative content analysis of these Twitter postings. The Twitter hashtags generated N = 676 responses (“whyIstayed” n = 409; “whyIleft” n = 267) and these were examined to answer the following research questions: (1) what factors influence victims of IPV to stay in an abusive relationship? (2) What factors influence victims of IPV to leave an abusive relationship? 12 themes and 8 subthemes emerged that highlight the numerous factors that influence decisions about abusive relationships. Clinical implications and future research recommendations are discussed.
A user's view of MCM-D/C packaging: is it worth the trouble?

In todays packaging environment, we are constantly faced with an array of technology choices for our applications. When new technology is involved there is almost always the point in the development project when the designers ask themselves, "Is it worth it?" or "Did we make the right choices?" It is from this process we learn and look for more efficient ways of doing business in the future. This paper describes why we chose Multi-Chip Modules with Thin-Film wiring (MCM-D on C) for our latest AS/400 processor package. The package consists of 5 layers (2 power, 2 signal, 1 mounting/repair) of thin-film metal applied to the surface of a 30 layer ceramic substrate. The paper specifically addresses design aspects of this module such as the electrical, thermal, mechanical requirements and why this version of MCM packaging was necessary. Included is a discussion on what advantages (real and wished-for) were derived from utilizing the thin-film wiring. A comparison is provided of the actual package performance to the design requirements from the application perspective. The paper also addresses such topics as design methodology, noise analysis (power and signal), test, concurrent process development, and debug/repair strategies that burden the development process of using MCMs.
Desogestrel, Norgestimate, and Gestodene: The Newer Progestins:

Objective:To review and compare the newer progestins desogestrel, norgestimate, and gestodene with regard to chemistry, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and tolerability.Data Sources:Primary literature on desogestrel, norgestimate, and gestodene was identified from a comprehensive MEDLINE English-literature search from 1984 through 1994, with additional studies selected by review of the references. Indexing terms included progestins, desogestrel, gestodene, norgestimate, levonorgestrel, and norgestrel.Study Selection:Only human clinical and pharmacokinetic trials performed in Europe, Canada, and the US were included.Data Extraction:All available data from human studies were reviewed; both comparative and noncomparative studies were included because of the paucity of direct comparative information available.Data Synthesis:The newer progestins were designed to minimize the adverse effects (e.g., acne, hirsuitism, nausea, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism changes) observed with older oral contraceptives (OCs) whi...
A study of the molecular dimensions of fractions of high pressure polyethylene

A sample of high pressure polyethylene was fractionated and subsequently characterized by means of osmometry, light scattering, and viscometry. The molecular weight distributions of the fractions as calculated by means of the numerical approximation method of Beall were compared with those obtained from the osmometry and light-scattering experiments. Also a comparison was made between the molecular dimensions calculated respectively from light-scattering data, viscometry, and second virial coefficients. It is shown that an application of current theories to the data gives vastly different values for the molecular dimensions depending on what measurements are taken as a starting point. For calculations on the branching, it appears necessary to take into consideration the difference in the width of the molecular weight distribution of the branched polymer and the linear polymer with which it is compared.
Medullary sponge kidney. Two cases in young infants.

Medullary sponge kidneys are characterized by the cystic dilatation of collecting tubules in the renal medulla. The cortex is generally normal. No sympioms are present unless there is infection or lithiasis. The abnormality appears to be an intrinsic enlargement of collecting tubules related to hamartomatous polycystic kidneys. It has only recently been recognized and most cases have been described in adults. Two examples in young infants are reported.
Local heat transfer in a rotating serpentine passage with rib-roughened surfaces

Abstract An experimental study is conducted on heat transfer in a rotating serpentine passage with ribroughened walls under uniform wall heat flux. Seven roughness configurations are tested to determine their effects on convective heat transfer enhancement. Results are obtained for heat transfer distributions which are compared with those having smooth surfaces. It is revealed that rotation, roughness and the angle-of-attack of ribs have significant influences on the heat transfer performance with 45PR having the best enhancement in both stationary and rotating cases. The flow mechanism in a rib-roughened passage is proposed to explain its effect on heat transfer performance.
Cinema, Emergence, and the Films of Satyajit Ray

Cinema, Emergence, and the Films of Satyajit Ray. By Keya Ganguly. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2010. Pp. 262. ISBN 9780520262164 $60 (hbk); ISBN 9780520262171 $25.95 (pbk). In this re...
Types of anemia and mortality among older disabled women living in the community: the Women’s Health and Aging Study I

Aims: To classify the different types of anemia among moderately to severely disabled women living in the community and examine the relationship between types of anemia and mortality. Methods: We studied anemia in 688 women, ≥65 years, in the Women’s Health and Aging Study I, a population-based study of moderately to severely disabled older women living in the community in Baltimore, Maryland. Anemia was defined by World Health Organization criteria. Causes of anemia were classified as due to nutritional deficiencies (iron, folate, and B12 deficiencies), anemia of chronic inflammation, anemia with renal disease, and unexplained anemia. Results: 147 of 688 (21.4%) women were anemic (hemoglobin <12 g/dL). Of the 147 anemic women, 22 (15.0%) had anemia due to nutritional causes, 45 (30.6%) had anemia due to chronic inflammation, 29 (19.7%) had anemia and renal disease, and 51 (34.7%) had unexplained anemia. The proportions of those who died over five years among non-anemic women and women with anemia due to nutritional causes, chronic inflammation, renal disease, and unexplained anemia were 26.1%, 18.2%, 38.6%, 64.3%, and 33.3%, respectively (p<0.0001). Compared with non-anemic women, those with anemia and renal disease (HR 1.99, 95% CI 1.18–3.35, p=0.009) and anemia of chronic inflammation (HR 1.69, 95% CI 1.00–2.84, p=0.05) had higher risk of death. Conclusions: Anemia is common among moderately to severely disabled older women living in the community, and about one-third of the anemia is unexplained. Anemia with renal disease and anemia of chronic inflammation are associated with a higher mortality.
New solution of the BCS gap equation

Abstract A new solution of the BCS gap equation is given. The role of the cutoff energy and interaction potential are clarified. Results very similar to the BCS theory are obtained.
Simulation of Seasonal Variation of Marine Boundary Layer Clouds over the Eastern Pacific with a Regional Climate Model

AbstractThe seasonal cycle of marine boundary layer (MBL) clouds over the eastern Pacific Ocean is studied with the International Pacific Research Center (IPRC) Regional Atmospheric Model (iRAM). The results show that the model is capable of simulating not only the overall seasonal cycle but also the spatial distribution, cloud regime transition, and vertical structure of MBL clouds over the eastern Pacific. Although the modeled MBL cloud layer is generally too high in altitude over the open ocean when compared with available satellite observations, the model simulated well the westward deepening and decoupling of the MBL, the rise in cloud base and cloud top of the low cloud decks off the Peru and California coasts, and the cloud regime transition from stratocumulus near the coast to trade cumulus farther to the west in both the southeast and northeast Pacific. In particular, the model reproduced major features of the seasonal variations in stratocumulus decks off the Peru and California coasts, includin...
561. Novel Tissue-Specific Regulatory Cassettes Direct High-Level Transgene Expression in Skeletal and Cardiac Muscle

Top of pageAbstract Systemic delivery of rAAV6 vectors can achieve efficient transduction of the entire striated musculature, making this an attractive strategy for gene therapy of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. However, this delivery method also transduces cells in many non-muscle tissues, which may cause therapeutic problems including toxicity and a transgene-directed immune response. These problems could be avoided by limiting transgene expression through the use of muscle-specific promoters. Unfortunately, the expression levels of such promoters following systemic delivery of rAAV vectors are lower than viral promoters in most skeletal muscles and negligible in cardiac muscle. The goal of this project is to design regulatory cassettes that drive high levels of skeletal and cardiac muscle-specific transgene expression while also being sufficiently short (<800bp) to fit into rAAV vectors containing microdystrophin cDNA (3.8-kb). Our lab has developed a series of muscle-specific regulatory cassettes based on the enhancer and promoter of the murine muscle creatine kinase (MCK) gene. The CK6 cassette, previously thought to be the strongest modification, has higher activity than the wild type cassette in skeletal muscle, but very low activity in cardiac and diaphragm muscle. We have designed new cassettes to increase expression, and their activities have been evaluated in various muscles and non-muscle tissues following systemic delivery of rAAV6 vectors expressing a human placental alkaline phosphatase reporter gene. First, we designed a 570-bp MCK-based cassette, CK7, which exhibited activity levels similar to CK6 in quadriceps, a predominantly fast-twitch muscle, but had significantly higher activity in cardiac muscle, diaphragm, and soleus, a predominantly slow-twitch muscle. To further improve expression, especially in cardiac muscle, we added a 190-bp enhancer from the murine alpha-myosin heavy chain gene (|[alpha]|MHC) to the CK7 cassette to produce MHCK7, a 770-bp cassette that has the highest overall activity. When compared to CK6, the activity of MHCK7 was about 400-fold higher in cardiac muscle and 10-fold higher in soleus, which was equivalent to the activity of the CMV promoter. Staining for AP activity in cross-sections of both muscles revealed strong expression in virtually all fibers. The activity in diaphragm was about 40-fold higher, but was still considerably lower than the CMV promoter, with only about 20% of the fibers staining positive. Finally, the activity in quadriceps muscle was equivalent to CK6. The activity of MHCK7 in kidney, aorta, brain, testes, and intestine was at background levels, while a very slight increase in activity, about 50|[ndash]|200-fold lower than in muscle, was detected in liver, spleen, and lung. Based on these results, the MHCK7 cassette is currently being tested with respect to its capacity for driving microdystrophin expression in mdx mice following intramuscular and systemic injections of rAAV6 vectors.
Self-inflicted ocular mutilation

Self-inflicted mutilation of the eyes is an uncommon but fairly distinct entity. Patients are typically young men; they often have criminal records and histories of drug abuse. Underlying schizophrenia is a common feature. The patients frequently suffer from castration fears, oedipal conflicts, repressed homosexual impulses, severe guilt, and a need for punishment. We treated two patients with this disorder. The first, a 26-year-old prison inmate convicted of murdering his grandfather, cut his eyes with a razor blade. He had previously attempted to commit suicide, suffered from delusions, and experienced auditory hallucinations. Surgical repair of his injuries improved his visual acuity to R.E.: 6/15 (20/50) and L.E.: 6/30 (20/100). The second patient, a 24-year-old inmate of a mental institution, had previously undergone a lensectomy for a hypermature cataract induced by a self-inflicted lye burn in his left eye. One year later, he was treated for lacerations of his right eye and partial amputation of his tongue. In the year between admissions, he had enucleated his left eye. Visual acuity in his remaining eye was no light perception, so no surgery was performed.
Rapid infusion with valproate sodium is well tolerated in patients with epilepsy

Many IV antiepileptic drugs administered in emergency situations to patients with prolonged seizures have serious adverse effects. For this reason, the authors conducted a multicenter, open-label, prospective, dose-escalation study of IV valproate sodium administered to patients with epilepsy at rates of infusion of up to 6 mg/kg/minute and doses of up to 30 mg/kg. Valproate sodium had no clinically significant negative effects on blood pressure and pulse rate and caused only mild-to-moderate, reversible adverse events.
Development of a new high-efficiency thermal ionization source for mass spectrometry

Abstract A thermal ionization source for mass spectrometry has been designed and tested. The ion source is based on a tungsten crucible with a deep cavity into which the sample is loaded. The crucible is heated by high energy electron bombardment from a tantalum filament surrounding the crucible. As the sample evaporates inside the crucible, gaseous analyte atoms are produced which interact with the inner surface of the crucible walls to produce positive ions through surface ionization. The ions are extracted from the cavity through a small opening at the end of the crucible. Regulation of the electron emission current makes it possible to control the energy and power applied to the crucible and, therefore, the crucible temperature. A number of elements have been tested in this source. The ionization efficiencies measured using a high transmission isotope separator spectrometer show 10 to 100 times higher efficiency than in conventional surface thermal ionization sources.
Aircraft Measurements of the Aerosol Direct Radiative Effect

Aerosol relative forcing efficiency obtained from multiple field experiments is used to compare the direct radiative effect of various different aerosol types.
Factors affecting recognition of scintigraphic abnormalities

Predicting the recognition of marginally detectable abnormalities in scintigrams by the physician is a key weakness in our present capability for evaluating the effectiveness of nuclear medicine imaging systems. Development of a method for evaluating scintigraphic systems and for predicting lesion-detection performance has been impeded by lack of knowledge of the visual response of the observer to the poor resolution, low contrast, and random intensity fluctuations that are characteristic qualities of scintigrams. Three parameters of the image appear to govern visual recognition of abnormalities: count density in the general area of the lesion, contrast between the suspected area of the image and adjacent normal areas, and the lateral dimension of the perturbation in count density caused by the lesion. The effects of various characteristics of the clinical problem, the radiopharmaceutical, and the imaging system on these image parameters are discussed. Available data on the role of each image parameter in detection of localized lesions are presented. Tradeoffs involving features of the clinical problem and image system that affect more than one of these image parameters simultaneously are discussed. Experimental measurements of the performance of observers in detecting simulated localized lesions are reviewed, and a model is developed from these data that predicts the values of lesion contrast, count density, and image lesion size required for a 50% probability of detection. These data are compared to the detection achieved by a statistical mathematical observer constrained to the same average false positive rate to determine how close an observer comes to taking full advantage of the statistical information in the image.
Tracking regional tissue volume and function change in lung using image registration

We have previously demonstrated the 24-hour redistribution and reabsorption of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid delivered to the lung during a bronchoscopic procedure in normal volunteers. In this work we utilize image-matching procedures to correlate fluid redistribution and reabsorption to changes in regional lung function. Lung CT datasets from six human subjects were used in this study. Each subject was scanned at four time points before and after BAL procedure. Image registration was performed to align images at different time points and different inflation levels. The resulting dense displacement fields were utilized to track tissue volume changes and reveal deformation patterns of local parenchymal tissue quantitatively. The registration accuracy was assessed by measuring landmark matching errors, which were on the order of 1 mm. The results show that quantitative-assessed fluid volume agreed well with bronchoscopist-reported unretrieved BAL volume in the whole lungs (squared linear correlation coefficient was 0.81). The average difference of lung tissue volume at baseline and after 24 hours was around 2%, which indicates that BAL fluid in the lungs was almost absorbed after 24 hours. Regional lung-function changes correlated with the presence of BAL fluid, and regional function returned to baseline as the fluid was reabsorbed.
An open-label study of CP-101,606 in subjects with a severe traumatic head injury or spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage.

: CP-101,606 is a postsynaptic antagonist of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors bearing the NR2B subunit. When administered intravenously (i.v.), it decreases the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and focal ischemia in animal models. Therapeutic plasma concentrations (200 ng/ml) in animals, have been well tolerated in healthy human volunteers. The purpose of the present dose escalation study was to assess the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of CP-101,606 in subjects who had suffered either an acute severe TBI (Glasgow Coma Scale 3–8) or spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. Thirty patients, 20 with a TBI and 10 with a stroke, were enrolled in the trial and began receiving an i.v. infusion of CP-101,606 for 2 hours, 24 hours, or 72 hours within 12 hours of brain injury. For the first two hours, the drug was given a rate of 0.75 mg/kg/hr and then stopped ( n= 17 ) or continued for 22 ( n= 2 ) or 70 hours ( n= 11 ) at 0.37 mg/kg/hr. Plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were collected at serial times during and after treatment. There were no consistent changes in blood pressure or pulse nor any clinically significant hematological or electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities attributable to CP-101,606. No adverse events or behavioral changes were considered to be related to the drug. Plasma concentrations of CP-101,606 over 200 ng/ml were rapidly achieved in the blood and CSF within two hours and were sustained there as long as the drug was infused. CSF concentrations were slightly higher than that in plasma by the end of infusion suggesting good penetration of CP-101,606 into the CSF. Outcome in the severe TBI patients, as measured by the Glasgow Outcome Score at six months, suggested that a two-hour infusion yielded a range of scores similar to contemporary patients with a severe TBI treated at our hospital while the outcomes of the patients treated with either a 24- or 72-hour infusion were better on average. Thus, these results indicate that CP-101,606 infused for up to 72 hours is well tolerated, penetrates the CSF and brain, and may improve outcome in the brain-injured patient.
Detachment-controlled triangle zones in extension and inversion tectonics

“Triangle zone” geometry is well established in thrust tectonics, where the leading edge of a frontal thrust branches backward onto a hinterland-directed roof thrust, and the triangle zone thus formed defines the thrust system’s leading edge. Similar geometries occur in extension and inversion settings, where a triangle zone can form between a deep-seated master fault and a roof fault or backthrust located in a hanging-wall detachment. In basement-controlled extension, triangle zone development can occur when the shear strength of the master fault plane in the zone above a hanging-wall detachment cutoff exceeds that of a new or reactivated antithetic fault detaching on the hanging-wall dip slope. This structural style is characterized by pronounced hanging-wall synclines linked to detached extensional faults higher up the hanging-wall dip slopes. The same principles apply during early phases of inversion tectonics. The part of the master fault that is above the hanging-wall detachment cutoff may constitute a buttress that causes displacement to backthrust along any available detachment into accommodation structures such as emergent ramps. This structural style is characterized by compressional structures within the graben while there is minor or even no sign of inversion on the graben margin faults. These geometries could be accounted for by other processes, for example, localized deep-seated fault-controlled structures within graben, or salt redistribution. However, fieldwork and analog models demonstrate the admissibility of triangle zone kinematics across a range of tectonic settings in the presence of detachment layers that are thin relative to the overall stratigraphy — typically tens to hundreds of meters in thickness. These models can guide seismic interpretation of unusual fold structures in extensional and inverted graben. Seismic interpretation examples were evaluated from the North Sea and Saudi Arabia.