cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Leveraging the electronic health record to eliminate hepatitis C: Screening in a large integrated healthcare system.

Highly efficacious and tolerable treatments that cure hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection exist today, increasing the feasibility of disease elimination. However, large healthcare systems may not be fully prepared for supporting recommended actions due to knowledge gaps, inadequate infrastructure and uninformed policy direction. Additionally, the HCV cascade of care is complex, with many embedded barriers, and a significant number of patients do not progress through the cascade and are thus not cured. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate a large healthcare system’s HCV screening rates, linkage to care efficiency, and provider testing preferences. Patients born during 1945–1965, not previously HCV positive or tested from within the Electronic Health Record (EHR), were identified given that three-quarters of HCV-infected persons in the United States are from this Birth Cohort (BC). In building this HCV testing EHR prompt, non-Birth Cohort patients were excluded as HCV-specific risk factors identifying this population were not usually captured in searchable, structured data fields. Once completed, the BC prompt was released to primary care locations. From July 2015 through December 2016, 11.5% of eligible patients (n = 9,304/80,556) were HCV antibody tested (anti-HCV), 3.8% (353/9,304) anti-HCV positive, 98.1% (n = 311/317) HCV RNA tested, 59.8% (n = 186/311) HCV RNA positive, 86.6% (161/186) referred and 76.4% (n = 123/161) seen by a specialist, and 34.1% (n = 42/123) cured of their HCV. Results from the middle stages of the cascade in this large healthcare system are encouraging; however, entry into the cascade–HCV testing–was performed for only 11% of the birth cohort, and the endpoint–HCV cure–accounted for only 22% of all infected. Action is needed to align current practice with recommendations for HCV testing and treatment given that these are significant barriers toward elimination.
1F. Retinoic acid-related orphans (version 2019.4) in the IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology Database

Retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptors (ROR, nomenclature as agreed by the NC-IUPHAR Subcommittee on Nuclear Hormone Receptors [10]) have yet to be assigned a deﬁnitive endogenous ligand, although RORα may be synthesized with a ‘captured’ agonist such as cholesterol [63, 62].
A Concept Analysis of Transitions of Care for Population Health.

Background Compelling evidence indicates that gaps in quality, safety, and experiences occur when patients encounter transitions across the care continuum. Differences in the organization of healthcare services as well as disparities in health across the globe, may have a unique impact on processes associated with transitions of care for client populations. Purpose Increased attention to the concept of transitions of care has resulted in disparate meanings and lack of clarity about its nature. Therefore, the purpose of this manuscript is to address this knowledge gap by analyzing the concept of transitions of care at the population level. Methodology To address the knowledge gap of what constitutes transitions of care at the population level, a concept analysis was done guided by the methodology of Walker and Avant. A comprehensive search of the literature yielded a small but relevant number of publications. Results This analysis identified four defining attributes, together with antecedents and consequences of transitions of care at the macro-system level of healthcare. A synthesized definition of transitions of care was developed. Implications for practice This analysis provides conceptual clarity for the concept of transitions of care at the macro-system level of care. It can be used to guide the development of a middle-range theory to inform clinical practice and health policy.
The Role of Proton Shuttles in the Reversible Activation of Hydrogen via Metal-Ligand Cooperation.

The reversible activation of H2 via a pathway involving metal–ligand cooperation (MLC) is proposed to be important in many transition metal catalyzed hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions. Ne...
Abstract WP403: Trends and Predictors of Intracranial Hemorrhage in Patients With Advanced Heart Failure on Left Ventricular Assist Device From 2005 to 2014 in the U.S.

Introduction: Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is known to extend survival in patients with advanced heart failure but it is associated with intracranial cranial hemorrhage (ICH). In the last ...
A Case Study of Nickel Dendritic Growth on Printed-Circuit Boards

Dendritic growth is a rare short-circuit electrochemical phenomenon that can occur on printed-circuit boards (PCBs) in the presence of ionic contamination, high humidity and voltage bias. The elevated temperatures at which most electronic hardware operate lowers the relative humidity enough to dry the surface contamination that under humid conditions approaching condensation would result in dendritic growth. Silver is most prone to dendritic growth followed by copper and tin. Nickel dendritic growth has rarely been reported. This paper is a case study of nickel dendritic growth under moisture condensation condition on freshly produced circuit boards contaminated with sulfuric acid etchant. The sulfuric acid contamination on the as-manufactured PCBs got trapped in the solder mask crevice and under high humidity condition spread out across the gap between gold-on-nickel edge connector contact pads. The paper describes the electrochemistry of nickel dendritic growth phenomenon in some detail and concludes that nickel dendrites will grow only when the relative humidity of the environment is near or higher than the deliquescent relative humidity of the contamination on the printed circuit board.
Development of alternative reality environments for spacecraft habitat design evaluation

Alternative reality (XR) tools are becoming more commonplace in the realm of architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC); however, these digitally immersive technologies vary greatly in their degree of virtuality and individual capabilities. While many studies detail the performance of one specific XR technology for a particular use case, little work exists comparing numerous modern XR technologies in a side-by-side manner for a single use case. In this work, we construct four equal-fidelity, alternative reality environments for the application of spacecraft habitat design evaluation, starting with a baseline habitat mockup constructed in physical reality (PR). Three digital environments—augmented reality, hybrid reality (HR), and virtual reality—were modeled after the PR environment and developed in parallel. The implementation of each environment was carefully documented, along with relative strengths and weaknesses associated with both development and use. Additionally, we have developed a novel HR implementation that includes realistic and intuitive haptics, hand tracking, a fully virtual audiovisual scene, and responsive habitat elements, all wirelessly synched with a game engine and spatially synched with the PR environment. In sum, this work serves as a resource for those considering XR technologies for any variety of applications, particularly in AEC disciplines.
Contemporary Logic Design

From the Publisher: The book provides comprehensive coverage of programmable logic, including ROMs, PALs, and PLAs. A Practical Matters section concludes most chapters, which ties theory to practice and explains design technologies in detail. To synthesize the text coverage of combinational and sequential design methods, the author uses a detailed case study of a simple processor design in the final two chapters. The text introduces readers to a wide range of software tools, including schematic capture, logic simulation and Boolean minimization, and demonstrates how they fit into the hardware design process. The author also encourages hands-on experimentation with software tools such as LogicWorks to bolster the reader's understanding of practical design methods.
Propulsion System Cycles

The most important cycles used for practical air vehicle propulsion systems are discussed and analyzed, including their relative thermal efficiencies and various other attributes that determine their suitability for specific propulsion applications. This includes the fundamental thermodynamic performance of the most widely used heat engine cycles, such as the Otto and Diesel cycles, which are widely used in reciprocating engines, the Brayton cycle, which is used in continuous-flow systems such as gas turbines and ramjet engines, and the Humphrey cycle, which is relevant to various wave-driven propulsion systems including pulse jets and pulse detonation engines. Classical ideal cycle results are obtained for each case, and discussion of real cycle effects shows where the performance of practical systems departs from the ideal cycles. Performance metrics for the various cycles are compared, and realistic values for modern systems are used to assess the relative merits of practical propulsion systems based on each these heat engine cycles. Keywords: thermodynamics; heat engines; propulsion systems; Carnot cycle; Otto cycle; Diesel cycle; Brayton cycle; Humphrey cycle; reciprocating engine; gas turbine; ramjet; pulse jet; pulsed detonation engine
Aging Evaluation of Dry-Type Transformer Insulating Systems [includes discussion]

The aging performance of dry-type transformer insulating systems is shown to be dependent not only on the materials used but to a large extent on the gas medium in which they are operated. This gas medium may retard or accelerate aging because of its chemical reaction with the base materials and their impregnants. Data are presented which show the effect of gas mediums such as air and nitrogen. The classification of insulations by chemical content with the designations A, B, and H are shown to be no longer significant; the assignment of a temperature limit to an insulating system is to be preferred. Also, the aging effect of periodically introducing specified quantities of dry air or high humidity air into insulating systems operated in a nitrogen atmosphere is shown to have a very minor influence on insulation aging. For the first time, extensive data are presented on silicone insulations subjected to thermal aging and periodically tested at high dielectric stresses. Previous data on thermal aging of silicones have been limited to tests on motors which for the most part operate at low dielectric stresses.
When efficient model averaging out-performs boosting and bagging

The Bayes optimal classifier (BOC) is an ensemble technique used extensively in the statistics literature. However, compared to other ensemble techniques such as bagging and boosting, BOC is less known and rarely used in data mining. This is partly due to BOC being perceived as being inefficient and because bagging and boosting consistently outperforms a single model, which raises the question: “Do we even need BOC in datamining?”. We show that the answer to this question is “yes” by illustrating several recent efficient model averaging approximations to BOC can significantly outperform bagging and boosting in realistic situations such as extensive class label noise, sample selection bias and many-class problems. That model averaging techniques outperform bagging and boosting in these situations has not been published in the machine learning, mining or statistical communities to our knowledge.
Gamma Ray Observations of Cygnus X-1 With OSSE

Abstract : We report on ~120 days of observations of Cygnus X-1 with OSSE onboard the Compton Observatory. Emission is detected in the range 50 keV to 1 MeV and we find evidence for a continuum of hard X-ray spectra over a broad range of fluxes rather than the existence of distinct flux states. Comparisons of the source spectra with various theoretical models show that an exponentially truncated power law best describes the average spectrum in the OSSE energy band. Although we have measured a new minimum in the hard X-ray flux from the source, no evidence was found for either a broad 1 MeV feature or a narrow 511 keV line previously reported in association with a low flux state. Upper limits on such emission features are an order of magnitude lower than earlier reported detections. The 5.6-day periodicity of the source measured at optical wavelengths was not detected with a sensitivity to the rms modulation fraction of 5% in the 60-140 keV energy band.
Nuclear ISM: Feeding the Galactic Nucleus

The Galactic Center is the nearest example of a galactic nucleus. It presents therefore an excellent opportunity to study the details of the processes which might be important in nuclear activities. In this paper, we review first some of the more recent results of interferometric studies of extragalactic nuclei. A variety of phenomena can be seen at the 100 pc scale, including rings, spiral arms, bars, and jets. In the Galactic Center, however, we can begin to study phenomena at the 1 pc scale. Here, we present some of the latest evidences on how the material in the central parsec might be connected to the disk.
DECONSTRUCTING THE SECULAR MAGISTERIUM: VOICES PAST AND PRESENT FOR CONVERSATIONS OF THE FUTURE

In this paper I offer a possible approach to accomplishing Benedict's goal proposed in his Regensburg address.1 I take his goal to be twofold. First, we must expand our concept of reason beyond the privileged position of scientific empiricism and philosophical reasoning, both of which form what I have called the Secular Magisterium, put in place as the dominant intellectual force by the Enlightenment. Second, the motivation for expanding our concept of reason is for the purpose of greater dialogue across cultures, across religions and across academic disciplines. Since I take Benedict's goal to be twofold, my paper will address these issues in two parts, the second building from the first. In the first section, I will revisit the counter-Enlightenment thinking of some well known, yet significantly marginalized voices, with the goal of hearing them again and reviving their critique to inform our own. By the end of this section, I will offer what I take to be a counter-Enlightenment approach to knowing our world by means of an expanded concept of reason. In the second section, I will address what I take to be some of the more intellectual challenges to the possibilities for conversation across cultures, religions, and disciplines. It is my goal to show how an embodied version of the counter-Enlightenment approach I offer in the first section can allow for genuine conversation that not only provides opportunities to better know our conversation partners, but also offers the possibility of honest persuasion in which the other sees reality differently and considers this way better.
Interview: Data acquisition, tumor heterogeneity and precision medicine: Future challenges for oncologic comparative effectiveness research

Al B Benson 3rd, MD, FACP, is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago (IL, USA). He is also the Associate Director for Clinical Investigations for the Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center. Benson earned his medical degree at the State University of New York at Buffalo, following which he completed an Internal Medicine Residency at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals in Madison (WI, USA). He was an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Illinois and Co-Medical Director for the National Public Health Service in Champaign (IL, USA). He then served as a Clinical Oncology Fellow at the University of Wisconsin Clinical Cancer Center. Benson is a recipient of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Statesman Award (Fellow of ASCO). He has been a member of the ASCO Task Force on Quality of Cancer Care, the Co-Chair of ASCO’s Stage II Colon Cancer Guidelines Panel and the Guidelines Panel for u...
Athletic heart syndrome in dogs competing in a long-distance sled race.

The cardiac effects of endurance training were evaluated by cardiac auscultation and electrocardiographic examination of 48 heavily trained sled dogs (3,000–5,000 km of training), 18 lightly traine...
Design of proportional-integral observer for linear time-varying multivariable systems

A new method for the design of proportional-integral observer for linear time-varying multivariable systems is proposed. Necessary and sufficient conditions are provided to construct full-order and reduced-order PI observers for uniformly observable systems. The design procedure is illustrated by means of an example.
Blueberry treatment antagonizes C-2 ceramide-induced stress signaling in muscarinic receptor-transfected COS-7 cells

Previous research has shown that muscarinic receptors (MAChRs) show loss of sensitivity in aging and AD and are selectively sensitive to oxidative stress (OS). Thus, COS-7 cells transfected (tn) with MAChR subtype M1 show > OS sensitivity [as reflected in the ability of the cell to extrude or sequester Ca(2+) following depolarization (recovery) by oxotremorine (oxo) and exposure to dopamine (DA) or amyloid beta (Abeta)] than M3-transfected COS-7 cells. Blueberry (BB) extract pretreatment prevented these deficits. Research has also indicated that C2 ceramide (Cer) has several age-related negative cellular effects (e.g., OS). When these cells were treated with Cer, the significant decrements in the ability of both types of tn cells to initially respond to oxo were antagonized by BB treatment. Present experiments assessed signaling mechanisms involved in BB protection in the presence or absence of DA, Abeta, and/or Cer in this model. Thus, control or BB-treated M1 and M3 tn COS-7 cells were exposed to DA or Abeta(42) in the presence or absence of Cer. Primarily, results showed that the effects of DA or Abeta(42) were to increase stress (e.g., PKCgamma, p38MAPK) and protective signals (e.g., pMAPK). Cer also appeared to raise several of the stress and protective signals in the absence of the other stressors, including PKCgamma, pJNK, pNfkappaB, p53, and p38MAPK, while not significantly altering MAPK, or Akt. pArc was, however, increased by Cer in both types of transfected cells. The protective effects of BB when combined with Cer generally showed greater protection when BB extract was applied prior to Cer, except for one protective signal (pArc) where a greater effect was seen in the M3 cells exposed to Abeta(42.) In the absence of the Abeta(42) or DA, for several of the stress signals (e.g., pNfkappaB, p53), BB lowered their Cer-induced increases in M1- and M3-transfected cells. We are exploring these interactions further, but it is clear that increases in ceramide, to the same levels as are seen in aging, can have profound effects on calcium clearance and signaling during oxidative stress.
The Slant of the News: How Editorial Endorsements Influence Campaign Coverage and Citizens' Views of Candidates

election years and find that information on news pages is slanted in favor of the candidate endorsed on the newspaper's editorial page. We find that the coverage of incumbent Senators is most affected by the newspaper's endorsement decision. We explore the consequences of "slanted" news coverage by showing that voters evaluate endorsed candidates more favorably than candidates who fail to secure an editorial endorsement. The impact of the endorsement decision on voters' evaluations is most powerful in races receiving a great deal of press attention and among citizens who read their local newspaper on a daily basis. he First Amendment and scores of Supreme Court decisions accord newspapers broad leeway about what information to print concerning politics. Not surprisingly, with so few restrictions, the press has remade itself several times during the last 250
The effect of tricaine anesthesia upon induction of select P-450 dependent monooxygenase activities in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri)

Abstract The effect of surgical plane tricaine anesthesia upon the induction and constitutive activities of select hepatic monooxygenases, and cytochrome(s) P-450 of rainbow trout was investigated. In contrast to findings in studies with other species, tricaine produced no observable effect upon constitutive cytochrome(s) P-450 levels. Similarly, ethoxycoumarinM-O-deethylase (ECOD), benzphetamine-N-demethylation (BEND) and aminopyrine-N-demethylation (APD) activities in rainbow trout liver were not affected. Ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activities appeared to be marginally decreased, suggesting perhaps a limited inhibitory effect upon P-448-like cytochromes. The induction of the de novo synthesis of β-naphthoflavone (BNF)-inducible P-448 form(s) or associated monooxygenase activities was unaffected by a previous tricaine exposure in regards to the magnitude or time-course of the induction.
Father's age and infant mortality.

The role of the fathers age on infant mortality is examined through 1960 data gathered by the National Center for Health Statistics which linked 100000 death and birth certificates. The information on these matched certificates was used to obtain various distributions of infant deaths by mothers and fathers age. Causes were separated by race and by whether or not deaths were caused by congenital malformations. For each mothers age group among whites and nonwhites there was a distinct tendency for the death rate to fall and then rise again as the fathers age increased. The lowest rate generally occurred when the mothers and fathers age were about the same. For deaths from congenital malformations the sampe pattern is suggestively present among white death rates but not among nonwhite rates. Data from births registered in North Carolina in 1968 which included information on parents education were examined to see if variations in infant mortality rates with the fathers age result from irregular social circumstances such as the practice of less educated men to marry much younger women. The education level among both whites and nonwhites of older fathers and younger mothers were lower in every mothers age group than for couples roughly the same age. With these figures mortality associated with younger fathers tended to increase; with older fathers it tended to decrease. Deaths from congenital malformations showed no tendency toward this trend which contrasted sharpely with trends from the 1st study. The conclusion is reached that some support is found for the hypothesis that infant mortality increases as either the fathers age or the span between the mothers and fathers age increases and that except in the case of congenital malformations this results in part from socioeconomic factors.
Fibronectin Matrix Deposition and Cell Contractility*: Implications for Airway Remodeling in Asthma

The adhesion of cells to the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein, fibronectin, is important in the regulation and coordination of such complex processes as cell growth, migration, differentiation, and ECM organization. The deposition of fibronectin into the ECM is a cell-dependent process that is normally tightly regulated to ensure controlled matrix deposition. Increased deposition of fibronectin and collagen into the subepithelial space of the airways is observed in all forms of asthma and occurs early in the progression of the disease. Experimental evidence suggests a model in which fibronectin matrix accumulation contributes to the progression of asthma by altering both the structural properties of the airways and the functional properties of cells of the airway wall.
Tailored cognitive-behavioral therapy plus exercise training improved clinical and functional outcomes in fibromyalgia

Source Citation van Koulil S, van Lankveld W, Kraaimaat FW, et al. Tailored cognitive-behavioral therapy and exercise training for high-risk patients with fibromyalgia. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken)...
Advanced severe accident response models for BWR application

Abstract Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs) and their primary containments have unique features that must be modeled for best estimate severe accident analysis. The BWRSAT Program at ORNL has developed and incorporated into its calculational code suite several advanced response models for application in BWR severe accident analyses. Major features of these models include representation of (1) heat transfer to all in-core structures, (2) the effect of SRV actuations, (3) structural/steam chemistry effects (4) progressive core structural relocation (including “candling”), (5) failure of coreplate and formation of debris bed in reactor bottom head, (6) vessel penetration faiure, and (7) the time dependent egress of core debris from the vessel. This paper discusses these advanced models and presents the results of calculations utilizing the models for the Station Blackout Severe Accident Sequence at Browns Ferry.
IrisNet: Internet-scale resource-intensive sensor services

The proliferation and affordability of smart sensors such as webcams, microphones, etc., has created opportunities for exciting new classes of distributed services. While such sensors are inexpensive and easy to deploy across a wide area, realizing useful services requires addressing a number of challenges, such as preventing transfer of large data feeds across the network, efficiently discovering relevant data among the distributed collection of sensors and delivering it to interested participants, and efficiently handling static meta-data information, live readings from sensor feeds, and historical data.
Structure of a rat α1‐macroglobulin receptor‐binding domain dimer

Alpha-macroglobulin inhibits a broad spectrum of proteinases by forming macromolecular cages inside which proteinases are cross-linked and trapped. Upon formation of a complex with proteinase, alpha-macroglobulin undergoes a large conformational change that results in the exposure of its receptor-binding domain (RBD). Engagement of this domain by alpha-macroglobulin receptor permits clearance of the alpha-macroglobulin: proteinase complex from circulation. The crystal structure of rat alpha1-macroglobulin RBD has been determined at 2.3 A resolution. The RBD is composed of a nine-stranded beta-sandwich and a single alpha-helix that has been implicated as part of the receptor binding site and that lies on the surface of the beta-sandwich. The crystallographic asymmetric unit contains a dimer of RBDs related by approximate twofold symmetry such that the putative receptor recognition sites of the two monomers are contiguous. By gel filtration and ultracentrifugation, it is shown that RBD dimers form in solution with a dissociation constant of approximately 50 microM. The structure of the RBD dimer might mimic a conformation of transformed alpha-macroglobulin in which the proposed receptor binding residues are exposed on one face of the dimer. A pair of phenylalanine residues replaces a cystine that is conserved in other members of the macroglobulin family. These residues participate in a network of aromatic side-chain interactions that appears to stabilize the dimer interface.
Measuring the Immeasurable: The Atlantic Slave Trade, West African Population and the Pyrrhonian Critic

No problem has exercised Africanists for so long and so heatedly as the slave trade. Now that any difference of opinion as to its morality has ended, debate tends to concentrate on its economic and political aspects, particularly on its magnitude and regional characteristics. In the past few scholarly generations, sophisticated statistical manipulations have supplied more evidence, but it has been concentrated on the number of slaves who arrived in the New World. Nonetheless, dearth of evidence (sometimes total) regarding the other components of the trade has not seemed to discourage efforts to arrive at global figures and, by extension, to determine its effects on African societies.The present paper asks why this should be so, and wonders how any defensible conclusions can ever be reached about almost any facet of the trade that can go beyond ideology or truism. It concludes that no global estimate of the slave trade, or of any ‘underdevelopment’ or ‘underpopulation’ it may have caused, are possible, though carefully constructed micro-studies might provide limited answers. Under the circumstances, to believe or advocate any particular set or range of figures becomes an act of faith rather than an epistemologically sound decision
The Liberal Conscience: an overview

As the author of The Liberal Conscience: Politics and Principle in a World of Religious Pluralism (2006), I outline the arguments and purposes of my book, delineating the political and philosophical problems of theocracy and describing elements of a new liberal theory able successfully to address them.
Regulation of RNA synthesis in Escherichia coli I. Characterization of cells subjected to simultaneous temperature and osmotic shock

Abstract Cells of Escherichia coli can be made permeable to low molecular weight compounds while retaining a sizeable portion of whole cell capacities for overall RNA and protein synthesis when appropriately supplemented. Inducibility and cyclic 3′,5′-adenosine monophosphate dependence of β-galactosidase synthesis in these cells is similar to that shown by whole cells. Therefore these shocked cellular preparations have capacities for coupled RNA and protein synthesis substantially higher than either cell-free extracts or previously described permeable cell systems in which the acidsoluble pools are washed out by the permeabilization procedure. Shocked cell preparations from strains showing stringent control of RNA synthesis synthesize guanosine 5′-diphosphate 2′ or 3′-diphosphate in response to amino acid deprivation. This property together with the high capacity for RNA synthesis allows an investigation of nucleotide participation in the regulation of RNA synthesis in this permeable cell system.
SOLUTION OF THE ONE-GROUP TIME-DEPENDENT NEUTRON TRANSPORT EQUATION IN AN INFINITE MEDIUM BY POLYNOMIAL RECONSTRUCTION.

The numerical solution to the one-group time-dependent neutron transport equation in infinite plane, spherical, and cylindrical geometries is obtained via an expansion in Legendre polynomials. The ...
1920x1080 pixel color camera with progressive scan at 50 to 60 frames per second

For over a decade, the broadcast industry, the film industry and the computer industry have had a long-range objective to originate high definition images with progressive scan. This produces images with better vertical resolution and much fewer artifacts than interlaced scan. Computers almost universally use progressive scan. The broadcast industry has resisted switching from interlace to progressive because no cameras were available in that format with the 1920 X 1080 resolution that had obtained international acceptance for high definition program production. The camera described in this paper produces an output in that format derived from two 1920 X 1080 CCD sensors produced by Eastman Kodak.
Cytotoxic Oleanane-Type Saponins from Albizia inundata

Bioassay-guided fractionation of a CH2Cl2-MeOH extract of the aerial parts of Albizia inundata resulted in the isolation of two new natural oleanane-type triterpene saponins {3-O-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl( 1→6)]-2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranosyl oleanolic acid (1) and 3-O-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl(1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl(1→6)]-2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranosyl acacic acid lactone (2)} along with seven known saponins {3-O-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl(1→6)]-2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranosyl echinocystic acid (3), 3-O-[β-D-xylopyranosyl (1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl (1→6)]-2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β-Dglucopyranosyl acacic acid lactone (concinnoside D) (4), 3-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl (1→2)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl oleanolic acid (5), 3-O-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl (1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl (1→6)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl oleanolic acid (6), 3-O-[β-D-xylopyranosyl (1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl (1→6)]-β- D-glucopyranosyl oleanolic acid (7), 3-O-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl- (1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→6)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]-β-D-glucopyranoside echinocystic acid (8) and 3-O-[β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→6)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]-β-D-glucopyranoside echinocystic acid (9)}. The structures of 1 and 2 were established on the basis of extensive 2D NMR (1H-1H COSY or DQF-COSY, HSQC, HMBC, TOCSY, and HSQC-TOCSY) spectroscopic, ESIMS, and chemical methods. Saponins 1, 3, 6, and 7 showed cytotoxicity against human head and neck squamous cells (JMAR, MDA1986) and melanoma cells (B16F10, SKMEL28) with IC50 values in the range of 1.8–12.4 μM, using the MTS assay.
Coping dispositions and the stress appraisal process: the impact of defensiveness on emotional response to threat

Abstract The purposes of this study were threefold: (1) to examine how a coping disposition which by definition is stable across time and situation, can nevertheless contribute to an understanding of the stress appraisal and coping process; (2) to clarify what situational factors are threatening enough to invoke the operation of dispositional defenses; and (3) to increase understanding of defensiveness as a personality construct with particular emphasis on the physiological concomitants of subjective response to threat. Subjective and physiological responses of 61 defensive or nondefensive subjects were studied across two time periods: an anticipatory coping period (before the threat) and an aftermath period (after the threat). Performance data were also collected. Interactions between defensiveness and time period were found on both subjective and physiological measures demonstrating that coping dispositions exert a comprehensive and dynamic influence on the stress appraisal and coping process.
Chloride reabsorption by renal proximal tubules of Necturus.

Movement of Cl from the lumen ofNecturus proximal tubule into the cells is mediated and dependent on the presence of luminal Na. Intracellular Cl activity was monitored with ion selective microelectrodes. In Cl Ringer's perfused kidneys, cell Cl activity was 24.5±1.1mm, 2 to 3 times higher than that predicted for passive distribution. When luminal NaCl was partially replaced by mannitol (capillaries perfused with Cl Ringer's) cell Cl decreased showing a sigmoidal dependence on luminal NaCl. Peritubular membrane potential was unaltered. Sulfate Ringer's perfusion of the kidneys washed out all cell Cl but did not alter peritubular membrane potential. Chloride did not enter the cell when the tubule lumen was perfused with 100mm KCl, LiCl, or tetramethylammonium Cl. Luminal perfusion of NaCl caused cell Cl to rise rapidly to the same value as the controls in the Cl Ringer's experiments. Perfusion of the tubule lumen with mixtures of NaCl and Na2SO4, while the capillaries contained sulfate Ringer's yielded a sigmoidal dependence of cell Cl on luminal NaCl activity. Chloride movement from the lumen into the proximal tubule cells required approximately equal concentrations of Na and Cl. Current clamp experiments indicated that intracellular chloride activity was insensitive to alterations in liminal membrane potential, suggesting that chloride entry was electrically neutral. The transcellular chloride flux was calculated to constitute about one half of the normal chloride reabsorption rate. We conclude that the cell Cl activity is primarily determined by the NaCl concentration in the tubule lumen and that Cl entry across the luminal membrane is mediated.
Muckrakers — Then and Now

The muckrakers, who set out to create a general climate of reform, did not succeed, but the failure was as much a limitation of the media and the audience as it was the fault of the writers themselves.
The Multiplier for Federal Spending in the States During the Great Depression

To estimate the impact of federal spending on state incomes, we develop an annual panel data set between 1930 and 1940. Using panel methods we estimate that an added dollar of federal spending in the state increased state per capita income by between 40 and 96 cents. The point estimates for nonfarm grants are higher and for AAA farm grants are much smaller and negative in some cases. The spending led to increase in durable good spending on automobiles but had no positive effects on private employment.
MHC and non-MHC genetic influences on rous sarcoma metastasis in chickens

The B5/B5 genotype, in Leghorns, was associated with a high degree of metastasis of Rous sarcoma virus-induced tumors, but in combination with a Leghorn-New Hampshire background markedly less metastasis occurred. Initially, four mating types were used: B5/B5 × B5/B5 chickens from the F5 generation of the cross of Leghorn lines 61 and 151, B24/B24 × B24/B24 chickens from line UNH 105 (New Hampshires), and reciprocal crosses of B5/B5 × B24/B24 chickens. Subsequently, F2 generation progeny of the cross of B5/B5 and B24/B24 breeders, as well as B24/B24 line UNH 105 and B5/B5 (61 × 151)F2 chickens, were used. Six-week-old chickens were inoculated in the wingweb with Rous sarcoma virus. Chickens dying during a 10-week period after inoculation were necropsied and suspect metastatic lesions examined histologically. Among 234 terminal chickens from the initial four mating types the incidence of metastasis associated with B5/B5 Leghorns (66%) was substantially higher than for B24/B24 New Hampshires (12%) and B5/B24 progeny of reciprocal Leghorn-New Hampshire crosses (19 and 24%). Subsequently, among 524 terminal hosts in the Leghorn-New Hampshire F2 population, B genotype significantly influenced tumor dissemination. However, among 52 concurrently challenged B5/B5 hosts from the (61 × 151)F2 population the incidence of metastasis (60%) was significantly higher than among 122 B5/B5 hosts from the Leghorn-New Hampshire F2 population (31%), indicating a non-major histocompatibility complex genetic effect on metastasis.
Private Insurers’ Payments For Routine Physician Office Visits Vary Substantially Across The United States

Anecdotal reports suggest that substantial variation exists in private insurers’ payments for physician services, but systematic evidence is lacking. Using a retrospective analysis of insurance claims for routine office visits, consultations, and preventive visits from more than forty million physician claims in 2007, we examined variations in private payments to physicians and the extent to which variation is explained by patients’ and physicians’ characteristics and by geographic region. We found much variation in payments for these routine evaluation and management services. Physicians at the high end of the payment distribution were generally paid more than twice what physicians at the low end were paid for the same service. Little variation was explained by patients’ age or sex, physicians’ specialty, place of service, whether the physician was a “network provider,” or type of plan, although about one-third of the variation was associated with the geographic area of the practice. Interventions that p...
Nontranslated cellular mRNAs are associated with the cytoskeletal framework in influenza virus or adenovirus infected cells.

Abstract In an effort to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the selective shutoff of host protein synthesis in influenza virus and adenovirus infected cells, we analyzed the subcellular location of representative cellular and viral mRNAs. Earlier work has shown that the majority of cellular mRNAs remain polysome associated after infection by either virus and that both the initiation and elongation steps of host protein synthesis were blocked in infected cells (M. G. Katze, D. DeCorato, and R. M. Krug, J. Virol. , 60, 1027–1039, 1986). The present study was undertaken to test whether these cellular mRNAs were rendered nontranslatable during infection as a result of their dissociation from the cytoskeleton framework. HeLa cells were fractionated into subcellular components by first gently disrupting the cells with Triton X-100 yielding the soluble fraction (SOL); the cytoskeleton (CSK) fraction was obtained from the Triton insoluble material by the double detergent treatment of Tween-40 and sodium deoxycholate. In uninfected cells the majority of host mRNAs were associated with polysomes which were exclusively bound to the CSK as would be expected of actively translated mRNAs. The cellular mRNAs also remained almost totally associated with the cytoskeleton in adenovirus and influenza virus infected cells despite the fact these mRNAs are not translated during infection. Indeed, the host mRNAs and the efficiently translated viral mRNAs were CSK associated to the same extent. In contrast to the adenovirus and influenza systems, significant amounts of cellular mRNAs were dissociated from the CSK and found in the SOL fraction of poliovirus infected cells as others have reported. In accordance with the biochemical analysis, morphological studies utilizing electron microscopy revealed that the cytoskeleton remained relatively intact during adenovirus and influenza infection but was substantially reorganized in poliovirus infected cells. We conclude that translational regulatory events are likely different in the poliovirus system and that cytoskeletal association of mRNAs may be required but is not sufficient for efficient mRNA translation during adenovirus or influenza virus infection.
An acute care surgery model provides safe and timely care for both trauma and emergency general surgery patients.

Background The impact by integration of emergency general surgery (EGS) with trauma in an acute care surgery model on the timeliness and quality of care in patients of each type at a high volume level I trauma center is still indeterminate. We hypothesized that trauma and EGS can be successfully integrated in an academic institution. Methods Retrospective review of prospectively collected trauma/EGS database was conducted at a high-volume, urban academic level I trauma center. Patients admitted to or requested consultation from trauma and EGS services were included. We explored the covariates affecting time to operating room (TOR), morbidity and in-hospital mortality rate. Results There were 1794 trauma patients and 1565 EGS patients identified over a 6-month period. Linear regression models failed to demonstrate a correlation between TOR and surgical team workload (WL), injury severity score (ISS), and caseload for the operating room staff and facility. While lower TOR, Glasgow coma scale, ISS and age were associated with an increased likelihood of complications, WL did not correlate with the occurrence of complications. TOR and surgical team WL had no association with death in trauma patients. The occurrence of complications was associated with a nearly 8-fold increase in the risk of death (odds ratio 7.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.49–39.32, P = 0.02). Conclusion Increased workload during combined trauma/EGS call in an acute care surgery model did not affect the TOR nor worsen patient outcome. Implementation of a trauma/EGS model is justified even in high-volume academic institutions, if appropriately staffed and resourced.
A biologic risk model for stage I lung cancer: Immunohistochemical analysis of 408 patients with the use of ten molecular markers

Abstract Objective: The standard treatment of patients with stage I non–small cell lung cancer is resection of the primary tumor; however, the recurrence rate is 28% to 45%. This study evaluates a panel of molecular markers in a large population of patients with stage I non–small cell lung cancer to determine the prognostic value of each marker and to create a biologic risk model. Methods : Pathologic specimens were collected from 408 consecutive patients after complete resection for stage I non–small cell lung cancer at a single institution, with follow-up of at least 5 years. A panel of 10 molecular markers was chosen for immunohistochemical analysis of the primary tumor on the basis of differing oncogenic mechanisms. Local tumor expansion requires growth regulating proteins (epidermal growth factor receptor, the protooncogene erb -b2); apoptosis proteins (p53, bcl-2); and cell cycle regulating proteins (retinoblastoma recessive oncogene, KI-67). Local tumor invasion requires angiogenesis (factor viii). The development of distant metastases involves the expression of adhesion proteins (CD-44, sialyl-Tn, blood group A). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to construct an independent risk model for cancer recurrence and death. Results: Multivariable analysis demonstrated significantly elevated risk for the following molecular markers: p53 (hazard ratio, 1.68; P = .004); factor viii (hazard ratio, 1.47 P = .033); erb -b2 (hazard ratio, 1.43; P = .044); CD-44 (hazard ratio, 1.40; P = .050); and retinoblastoma recessive oncogene (hazard ratio, 0.747; P = .084). Conclusions: Five molecular markers were associated with the risk of recurrence and death, representing independent metastatic pathways: apoptosis (p53), angiogenesis (factor viii), growth regulation ( erb -b2), adhesion (CD-44), and cell cycle regulation (retinoblastoma recessive oncogene). This study demonstrates the validity of this molecular biologic risk model in patients with stage I non– small cell lung cancer. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1999;117:736-43)
The Disaster Preparedness Program: a new model for sustainable capacity building through civil-military collaboration

Abstract Background The Disaster Preparedness Program (DPP) is a partnership between The Center for Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance Medicine (CDHAM)—a part of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences—and the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM). The DPP aims to assist African partner nations to enhance their disaster preparedness and response capabilities. The programme takes a whole-of-government approach to disaster preparedness and response, with an emphasis on plan development and, in some cases, creation of an autonomous national disaster management agency. Methods The DPP worked with the Embassy and other US government stakeholders to identify key ministries involved in disaster preparedness. With DPP assistance, a technical team from the partner nation undertook a comprehensive assessment of their current disaster response capabilities. This information was used to construct a disaster management strategic work plan that identified specific gaps in disaster preparedness. A disaster simulation exercise was conducted with representatives from agencies and ministries involved in disaster response. They applied their existing structure, plans and resources to a scenario designed for their country by CDHAM in order to identify any additional shortfalls in the plan. The finalised work plan could then be used by the partner nation to prioritise and address immediate needs. Findings Since 2009, CDHAM has worked with 16 partner nations. Ten countries have developed national pandemic influenza preparedness and response plans. By December, 2014, one country had used this plan to prevent the spread of Ebola, one country adapted this plan to a whole-of-government Ebola response, and six others are currently in the process of adopting this approach. Eight African armies have drafted "military support to civil authorities" disaster contingency plans, and one army has used this approach with Ebola. Ten countries have developed disaster management strategic work plans and are currently conducting activities in partnership with the US State Partnership Program, USAFRICOM, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and the World Bank to fill gaps in their national disaster preparedness. Interpretation Although the work with the DPP is expected to enhance partner nations' preparedness and response to disasters, measuring the outcomes of these projects may take several years. The next phase of the DPP will focus on sustained support to local programmes while working with them to assess improvements in their response capabilities. As a result of these successful partnerships, CDHAM is now also playing a major role in assisting west African partner nations with Ebola preparedness activities. Funding Initially provided through USAID, but funding is now provided through the Defense Security Cooperation Agency's Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster, and Civic Aid.