cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Non-diuretic-based antihypertensive therapy and potassium homeostasis in elderly patients

Aging and hypertension are associated with a progressive decline in renal blood flow and renal function. As a result, physicians planning therapeutic strategies to control blood pressure need to consider these changes and how they relate to potassium homeostasis, particularly in elderly patients. Commonly used antihypertensive drugs such as beta-blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and potassium-sparing diuretics need to be used with increasing caution in patients with declining renal function. This is especially important in patients with diabetes who may also have type IV renal tubular acidosis, and in patients given concomitant therapy with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Other therapies such as calcium channel blockers, particularly those that gate atrioventricular nodal conduction, also need to be used with care in people with significant renal insufficiency and hyperkalemia, as this clinical scenario may result in a greater risk of complete heart block.
Communication Support Before, During, and After Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer

Many individuals who receive treatment for head and neck cancer experience alterations in their communication. Whether they undergo surgery, radiation treatment, chemotherapy, or a combination of these three options, there are short-term side effects of treatment for some and profound long-term alterations for others. It is known that many individuals can benefit from communication support during this critical time, yet relatively little is known about the best approaches to address this need. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) encompasses many different types of communication supports, including “no-technology” tools, “low-technology” speech-generating devices, and “high-technology” devices that include many different operations and fulfill multiple needs. Speech-generating devices (SGDs) have been shown to be beneficial in the acute-care setting, such as during an inpatient hospitalization, as well as for patients who are unable to develop a functional long-term speech method, such as after total laryngectomy with total glossectomy. Research has shown that such technology can successfully support verbal communication in a variety of contexts. This chapter provides information on the use of communication supports and their appropriateness across the cancer treatment period. Criteria for device and software selection will be outlined. Finally, this chapter addresses the changing role of the speech-language pathologist and incorporation of technology into the medical continuum for those treated for head and neck cancers.
Public Engagement on Climate and Health in Museums and Participatory Dialogues may Foster Behavior Change

As scientific knowledge grows and the planet’s human population makes unprecedented changes, decision-making places more and more demands on the everyday democratic participant. Yet efforts to help the public acquire and make use of evidence-based information fall short. We present preliminary comparisons of three participatory design models of public engagement with science designed to encourage community action rather than just raise awareness in participants on local public health issues impacted by climate change. We collected survey data at two in-person community-based participatory dialogues and a museum exhibit and presented but received no surveys from and televised versions of the participatory dialogues. Results indicated that behavior change was indeed salient to participants. Actions participants plan to take included sharing what they learned, contacting legislators, and direct conservation efforts. Future research should study whether participants undertake planned actions and do so in groups rather than as individuals.
Resident Physicians and Cancer Health Disparities: a Survey of Attitudes, Knowledge, and Practice.

Workforce development initiatives designed to mitigate cancer health disparities focus primarily on oncologists rather than on primary care providers (PCPs) who could be better positioned to address the issue at the preventive and community levels. The purpose of this project was to assess primary care resident physicians’ self-perceived attitudes and comfort level in addressing cancer health disparities. Resident physicians in their first- through third-year of training in family, internal, preventive/occupational medicine, and obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) at three academic centers responded to a 13-question survey in the spring of 2013. Descriptive and chi-square statistics were performed to analyze responses to (1) attitudes about cross-cultural communication and understanding, (2) knowledge about sources of cancer health disparities, (3) self-reported preparedness to provide cross-cultural cancer care and skills to manage specific situations, and (4) relevance of cancer-disparity education to clinical practice. A total of 78 (70.9 %) residents responded to the survey. Twenty three (29.5 %) of the respondents felt they did not understand the socio-demographic characteristics of their patients’ communities, and 20 (25.6 %) did not feel capable of discussing current cancer-related care guidelines when the patients’ personal beliefs conflict with their own. Few of the relationships between residency program and location with outcome measures met the criteria for statistical significance. Family medicine residents were the most likely to report in that it was hard to interact with persons from other cultures. As PCPs will play a key role in addressing cancer health disparities, effective educational opportunities in cancer care by primary care residents are warranted.
Xerostomia-related quality of life for patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma treated with proton therapy.

Abstract Purpose We report longitudinal patient-reported quality-of-life (QoL) outcomes related to xerostomia in patients with oropharyngeal cancer treated with intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT). Materials and methods Patients treated from May 2012 through December 2016 at a single institution for AJCC7 stage III-IV, M0 oropharyngeal cancer were given the 15-item Xerostomia-Related QoL Scale (XeQoLS) before, during, and for up to 2 years after treatment. We evaluated the evolution of xerostomia-related QoL over that time, and examined potential associations between those measures with clinical characteristics. Results Sixty-nine patients had XeQoLS scores at baseline and at least once either during or after treatment. The mean (±SD) XeQoLS score (0–4) was 0.24 ± 0.57 at baseline. Subsequent scores were 2.00 ± 1.01 at 6 weeks on treatment, and 1.03 ± 0.76, 0.97 ± 0.78, 0.82 ± 0.69, and 0.70 ± 0.75 at 10 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after treatment, respectively. All were statistically different from baseline (p Conclusions Patients receiving IMPT reported the greatest xerostomia-related QoL impairment at 6 weeks on treatment, with a 49% improvement by 10 weeks after treatment; however, XeQoLS scores remained above baseline after 2 years. As we aim to establish the value of IMPT in oropharyngeal tumors to de-intensify treatment over conventional therapy, these data help inform discussions about xerostomia-related quality of life for patients with oropharyngeal cancer treated with IMPT.
Impact of Urgent Care Openings on Emergency Department Visits to Two Academic Medical Centers Within an Integrated Health Care System

Study objective The effect of urgent cares on local emergency department (ED) patient volumes is presently unknown. In this paper, we aimed to assess the change in low-acuity ED utilization at 2 academic medical centers in relation to patient proximity to an affiliated urgent care. Methods We created a geospatial database of ED visits occurring between April 2016 and March 2018 to 2 academic medical centers in an integrated health care system, geocoded by patient home address. We used logistic regression to characterize the relationship between the likelihood of patients visiting the ED for a low-acuity condition, based on ED discharge diagnosis, and urgent care center proximity, defined as living within 1 mile of an open urgent care center, for each of the academic medical centers in the system, adjusting for spatial, temporal, and patient factors. Results We identified a statistically significant reduction in the likelihood of ED visits for low-acuity conditions by patients living within 1 mile of an urgent care center at 1 of the 2 academic medical centers, with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.87 (95% confidence interval 0.78 to 0.98). There was, however, no statistically significant reduction at the other affiliated academic medical center. Further analysis showed a statistically significant temporal relationship between time since urgent care center opening and likelihood of a low-acuity ED visit, with approximately a 1% decrease in the odds of a low-acuity visit for every month that the proximal urgent care center was open (odds ratio 0.99; 95% confidence interval 0.985 to 0.997). Conclusion Although further research is needed to assess the factors driving urgent care centers' variable influence on low-acuity ED use, these findings suggest that in similar settings urgent care center development may be an effective strategy for health systems hoping to decrease ED utilization for low-acuity conditions at academic medical centers.
Evaluating the stability of individual variation in social and nonsocial behavioural types using prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster).

Abstract Prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) exhibit remarkable individual variation in social behaviour, suggesting differences in behavioural types. To date, however, there has been little assessment of whether these behavioural types are stable across test sessions, nor to what extent internal states and external contexts (domains) drive individual differences. Here we examined the individual consistency of social (huddling) and non-social (distance moved) behaviour across repeated, long-duration tests, in same-sex cagemate (SS-CM), same-sex stranger (SS-S), opposite-sex stranger (OS-S), and standard partner preference test (PPT) contexts. The SS-CM and SS-S tests were repeated multiple times (SS-CM 1–2; SS-S 1–5) to assess state-dependent variation. A second cohort was used to determine the replicability of findings. Overall, there was a general lack of stability in huddling behavior. It was inconsistent across repeated sessions of the same test type and between types of tests, suggesting a strong contribution of state-dependent variation. Non-social behaviour was more consistent and appeared more domain-dependent and less state-dependent than huddling. Translational and comparative studies of individual variation would likely benefit from testing across multiple contexts and employing repetitive testing paradigms to account for state-dependent variation.
Limbic Predominant Age-Related TDP-43 Encephalopathy (LATE): Clinical and Neuropathological Associations.

Recently, a consensus working group provided new terminology for a common disease entity, limbic predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE), and its neuropathological substrate (LATE-NC). LATE-NC not only often co-occurs with Alzheimer disease neuropathological change (ADNC), but also may present in isolation. The present study aimed to investigate potential risk factors and neuropathological characteristics associated with LATE-NC. A sample of 616 autopsied participants (>75 years at death), with TDP-43 immunohistochemical studies performed, was obtained from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center. Logistic regression analyses examined associations between demographic, clinical and neuropathological characteristics and LATE-NC (TDP-43 in amygdala, hippocampus, or entorhinal/inferior temporal cortex) (alpha = 0.05). Adjusted models indicated that ADNC, hippocampal sclerosis (HS), arteriolosclerosis, and limbic or amygdala-predominant Lewy body disease (LBD), but not other LBD subtypes, were associated with higher odds of LATE-NC, whereas congestive heart failure (CHF) and motor problems as first predominant symptom were associated with lower odds of LATE-NC. Our findings corroborate previous studies indicating associations between LATE-NC and ADNC, HS, and arteriolosclerosis. Novel findings suggest the association with LATE-NC is restricted to amygdala/limbic-predominant subtype of LBD, and a possible protective (or competing risk) association with CHF. This study may inform future hypothesis-driven research on LATE-NC, a common brain disease of aging.
Recent Variability in the Arctic Ocean and Subarctic Seas

The Arctic Ocean and subarctic seas have been undergoing significant changes, particularly evident throughout the past few decades. In this paper, we examine the declining sea ice extent in the Arctic (− 0.0639 million km2 year−1), the increasing sea surface temperature (approximately 0.014 °C year−1 in the Arctic Ocean to 0.03 °C year−1 in the subarctic Atlantic) and sea surface height (2.2 mm year−1 in the Arctic Ocean to 2.4 mm year−1 in the subarctic Atlantic), and changing patterns of sea surface salinity using a variety of reanalysis and observational data products from 1990 to 2017. The Amerasian Basin, particularly the Beaufort Gyre, has been freshening, concurrent with a salinification of the Laptev, Barents, and Greenland Seas, all of which are due to a shift towards a more anticyclonic circulation regime, shift in freshwater storage, and ice melt. Even as this regime began to weaken in the past decade, the freshening in the Beaufort Gyre continued. When comparing these variables to climate indices, we found an important connection between the Arctic Ocean Oscillation (AOO), sea surface height, sea surface temperatures, and ocean heat content in the subarctic Atlantic region, indicating more widespread impacts of atmospheric circulation changes in the Arctic region. These connections show that changes in the cyclonicity of the Arctic Ocean can impact output to the subarctic Atlantic region, which affects the heat and sea level of the region.
Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Intranasally Administered Heparin

Abstract Purpose Intranasally administered unfractionated heparin (UFH) and other sulfated polysaccharides are potential prophylactics for COVID-19. The purpose of this research was to measure the safety and pharmacokinetics of clearance of intranasally administered UFH solution from the nasal cavity. Methods Double-blinded daily intranasal dosing in C57Bl6 mice with four doses (60 ng to 60 µg) of UFH was carried out for fourteen consecutive days, with both blood coagulation measurements and subject adverse event monitoring. The pharmacokinetics of fluorescent-labeled UFH clearance from the nasal cavity were measured in mice by in vivo imaging. Intranasal UFH at 2000 U/day solution with nasal spray device was tested for safety in a small number of healthy human subjects. Results UFH showed no evidence of toxicity in mice at any dose measured. No significant changes were observed in activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), platelet count, or frequency of minor irritant events over vehicle-only control. Human subjects showed no significant changes in aPTT time, international normalized ratio (INR), or platelet count over baseline measurements. No serious adverse events were observed. In vivo imaging in a mouse model showed a two-phase clearance of UFH from the nasal cavity. After 12 hours, 2.1% of the initial administered UFH remained in the nasal cavity, decaying to background levels after 24 hours. Conclusions UFH showed no toxic effects for extended daily intranasal dosing in mice as well as humans. The clearance kinetics of intranasal heparin solution from the nasal cavity indicates potentially protective levels for up to 12 hours after dosing.
Influence of climate on the environmental and economic life cycle assessments of window options in the United States

Abstract Life cycle assessments (LCA) of building materials often exclude the use phase due to variability in buildings and difficulties in isolating energy use for specific components of a building. For this study, a basic single-pane window was selected as a baseline to compare to two basic double-pane windows and four energy-efficient windows in a single-family home. Seventeen United States cities were investigated to represent 17 climate regions. Using energy simulations, along with life cycle inventory and economic data for windows, a cradle-to-grave LCA and life cycle cost (LCC) analysis were conducted. Environmental and economic impacts are normalized and weighted to identify the best overall performing windows. Environmentally, the low-solar gain windows always performed best due to the reduction in electricity needs, whereas economically they performed best in warmer climates but high-solar gain windows performed best in cooler climates. Thirteen of the seventeen cities had window options with a payback period less than five years when all retrofitting option were compared. When projecting the impacts of retrofitting a large number of homes, it was found that metro Atlanta could reduce CO2 emissions by about a half a million metric tons of CO2 annually with any of the energy efficient window choices.
Human and automated coding of rehabilitation discharge summaries according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health.

Abstract Objective The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) is designed to provide a common language and framework for describing health and health-related states. The goal of this research was to investigate human and automated coding of functional status information using the ICF framework. Design The authors extended an existing natural language processing (NLP) system to encode rehabilitation discharge summaries according to the ICF. Measurements The authors conducted a formal evaluation, comparing the coding performed by expert coders, non-expert coders, and the NLP system. Results Automated coding can be used to assign codes using the ICF, with results similar to those obtained by human coders, at least for the selection of ICF code and assignment of the performance qualifier. Coders achieved high agreement on ICF code assignment. Conclusion This research is a key next step in the development of the ICF as a sensitive and universal classification of functional status information. It is worthwhile to continue to investigate automated ICF coding.
Sarkovskii’s Theorem

Consider the function \(p\left( x \right) = \frac{{ - 3}}{2}{x^2} + \frac{5}{2}x + 1.\) It is easy to see that p(0) = 1, p(l) = 2, and p(2) = 0. So {, 1, 2} form an orbit with period three. It is reasonable to ask how many other periodic points p(x) has and what prime periods are represented.
Complex evolution of orthologous and paralogous decarboxylase genes.

The decarboxylases are involved in neurotransmitter synthesis in animals, and in pathways of secondary metabolism in plants. Different decarboxylase proteins are characterized for their different substrate specificities, but are encoded by homologous genes. We study, within a maximum-likelihood framework, the evolutionary relationships among dopa decarboxylase (Ddc), histidine decarboxylase (Hdc) and α-methyldopa hypersensitive (amd) in animals, and tryptophan decarboxylase (Wdc) and tyrosine decarboxylase (Ydc) in plants. The evolutionary rates are heterogeneous. There are differences between paralogous genes in the same lineages: 4.13 × 10−10 nucleotide substitutions per site per year in mammalian Ddc vs. 1.95 in Hdc; between orthologous genes in different lineages, 7.62 in dipteran Ddc vs. 4.13 in mammalian Ddc; and very large temporal variations in some lineages, from 3.7 up to 54.9 in the Drosophila Ddc lineage. Our results are inconsistent with the molecular clock hypothesis.
Abstract W P306: Identifying Stroke Researcher Challenges to Minority Inclusion in Clinical Research

Background: Race-ethnic disparities exist in stroke incidence, recurrence and mortality. Minority participation in stroke clinical trials is staggeringly low. A significant literature describes patient-reported barriers to recruitment, but researcher barriers are not well documented. Aim: To assess stroke researcher best practices and challenges to minority inclusion in stroke trials. Methods: The National Initiative for Minority Involvement in Neurological Clinical Trials (NIMICT) uses a mixed methods approach including surveys, focus groups and key informant interviews to expand on understanding of minority recruitment and retention in stroke clinical trials. We designed and tested a 40-item survey based on literature review and used the results to inform semi-structured focus groups and key informant interviews among stroke clinical trial investigators (N=110). Results: Key stroke investigators, identified through the Princeton Conference, were invited via email to participate in the survey. Over 70% (n=93) responded: 68% White. Less than half (N=43) reported actively setting recruitment goals for minority inclusion. Only 37% (N=29) required cultural sensitivity training for recruitment staff. Over 80% reported treating adults unable to consent and were concerned about acute stroke time constraints negatively impacting patient/family participation decisions. Key themes from focus groups (N=17) included: 1) Role of government in defining valid minority sub analyses and enforcing existing inclusion guidelines; 2) Challenges unique to acute setting including consent in conditions of prognostic uncertainty; 3) Lack of scientific/research literacy in the lay population; 4) Lack of community engagement including Primary Care Physicians; 5) Lack of cost data to adequately budget for inclusion efforts. Best practices included health literate consent forms, cultural competency, and motivational interview training for coordinators. Conclusion: NIMICT’s mixed methods approach contributes new perspectives on unique challenges in stroke clinical research. These findings will inform strategies to improve minority recruitment and retention among neurological clinical trials.
Magnetic Field Induced Alignment of Molecules

The sections in this article are 1 Introduction 2 Energetics of a Rigid Molecule in Isotropic Solution in a Magnetic Field 3 Effects of Alignment on High-Resolution NMR Spectra 4 Applications 5 Biographical Sketch Related Articles
Entry Vehicle Performance Analysis and Atmospheric Guidance Algorithm for Precision Landing on Mars

Future missions to Mars may require pin-point landing precision, possibly on the order of tens of meters. The ability to reach a target while meeting a dynamic pressure constraint to ensure safe parachute deployment is complicated at Mars by low atmospheric density, high atmospheric uncertainty, and the desire to employ only bank angle control. The vehicle aerodynamic performance requirements and guidance necessary for 0.5 to 1.5 lift drag ratio vehicle to maximize the achievable footprint while meeting the constraints are examined. A parametric study of the various factors related to entry vehicle performance in the Mars environment is undertaken to develop general vehicle aerodynamic design requirements. The combination of low lift drag ratio and low atmospheric density at Mars result in a large phugoid motion involving the dynamic pressure which complicates trajectory control. Vehicle ballistic coefficient is demonstrated to be the predominant characteristic affecting final dynamic pressure. Additionally, a speed brake is shown to be ineffective at reducing the final dynamic pressure. An adaptive precision entry atmospheric guidance scheme is presented. The guidance uses a numeric predictor-corrector algorithm to control downrange, an azimuth controller to govern crossrange, and analytic control law to reduce the final dynamic pressure. Guidance performance is tested against a variety of dispersions, and the results from selected tests are presented. Precision entry using bank angle control only is demonstrated to be feasible at Mars.
Activation of inwardly rectifying K+ channels by distinct PtdIns(4,5)P2 interactions.

Direct interactions of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P2) with inwardly rectifying potassium channels are stronger with channels rendered constitutively active by binding to PtdIns(4,5)P2, such as IRK1, than with G-protein-gated channels (GIRKs). As a result, PtdIns(4,5)P2 alone can activate IRK1 but not GIRKs, which require extra gating molecules such as the βγ subunits of G proteins or sodium ions. Here we identify two conserved residues near the inner-membrane interface of these channels that are critical in interactions with PtdIns(4,5)P2. Between these two arginines, a conservative change of isoleucine residue 229 in GIRK4 to the corresponding leucine found in IRK1 strengthens GIRK4–PtdIns(4,5)P2 interactions, eliminating the need for extra gating molecules. A negatively charged GIRK4 residue, two positions away from the most strongly interacting arginine, mediates stimulation of channel activity by sodium by strengthening channel–PtdIns(4,5)P2 interactions. Our results provide a mechanistic framework for understanding how distinct gating mechanisms of inwardly rectifying potassium channels allow these channels to subserve their physiological roles.
The Poetry of Ana Rossetti: A Retrospective View

Abstract : After 32 years of prominence on the Spanish literary scene, Ana Rossetti has continued to develop her original and arresting poetic voice. Her early poetry explores, with verbal artistry, daring, and playfulness, issues of gender and sexuality. A retrospective examination of her poetry over the last three decades, alongside her narrative works and books for children, reveals continued inventiveness and creativity. A picture emerges of two different phases in Rossetti’s work — the early stage when aesthetics and eroticism predominate, and the later stage when self-realization, introspection, and generativity assume a larger role. As Rossetti matures, she moves toward a poetry of increasing self-revelation and emotional depth, as In such works as Punto umbrio and Llenar tu nombre (2008). Although known primarily for daringly destabilizing gender and genre, she increasingly demonstrates as well her belief in self-realization, fidelity to oneself, and the courage to act. Her work as a whole rests on an ethos of questioning, openness, and action. Keywords: twentieth- and twenty-first century Spanish poetry, post-Franco era, Ana Rossetti, gender categories, generativity Resumo: Depois de 32 anos de proeminencia na cena literaria espanhola, Ana Rossetti continua a desenvolver sua diccao poetica original e surpreendente. Sua poesia primeira explora, com talento verbal, ousadia e jocosidade, questoes de genero e de sexualidade. Um exame retrospectivo de sua poesia nas ultimas tres decadas, levando em conta tambem as obras narrativas e livros infantis, revela criatividade e engenho. Um padrao emerge de duas diferentes fases no trabalho de Rossetti — um primeiro estagio quando predominam estetica e erotismo e um posterior quando a autorrealizacao, a introspeccao e a geratividade (nocao usada por Erik Erikson, psicoanalista americano, que denota a capacidade de influenciar geracoes mais jovens) assumem papel mais relevante. Ao amadurecer, Rossetti avanca para uma poesia de crescente autorrevelacao e profundidade emocional, como se ve em obras como Punto umbrio e Llenar tu nombre (2008). Embora reconhecida por desestabilizar com ousadia generos sexuais e literarios, ela demonstra cada vez mais sua crenca na autorrealizacao, na fidelidade a si mesma, e na coragem de agir. Sua obra se apoia num ethos de questionamento, abertura e acao. Palavras-chave: poesia espanhola dos seculos 20 e 21, era pos-franquista, Ana Rossetti, categorias de genero, geratividade.
Dislodged feeding tubes: Should bedside x-rays be abandoned for advanced imaging?

Background: Feeding tube dislodgement is common and timely detection is important to prevent peritoneal contamination. It is unknown which imaging modality is preferable when tube dislodgement is suspected. We hypothesized that a bedside abdominal radiograph with contrast via the feeding tube (TS) would be inferior to non-bedside imaging. Methods: Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes involving repair/replacement of feeding tubes were queried at a tertiary care hospital from 2005-12. Demographics, laboratory results and operative records were queried to obtain case details. Radiological studies (TS, computed tomography [CT], fluoroscopy [FL]) obtained prior to laparotomy and time to surgery was evaluated. Results: Of 1451 emergency surgical operative cases during the study period, 37 were identified to be operations for dislodged tubes where 18 had tube removals only, two repairs, and 17 tube removals and replacements at an alternate site. Ten patients had no imaging prior to laparotomy. The remainder underwent TS (6), CT (18) and FL (3) as first line imaging. First line imaging with TS was associated with less subsequent operative contamination and a greater ability to maintain feeding access (p<0.05). Imaging correctly identified need for surgery in 71%, 90% and 66% for TS, CT and FL respectively. Conclusion: When feeding tube dislodgement is suspected, a bedside contrast tube study may not cause undue delays to the operating room or lead to worsened peritoneal contamination. CT as a first line test is not more expeditious and may be associated with worsened outcomes. Bedside tube studies are useful and often sufficient to lead directly to laparotomy.
The Kato-type spectrum and local spectral theory

Let T ∈ ℒ(X) be a bounded operator on a complex Banach space X. If V is an open subset of the complex plane such that λ-T is of Kato-type for each λ ∈ V, then the induced mapping f(z) ↦ (z-T)f(z) has closed range in the Frechet space of analytic X-valued functions on V. Since semi-Fredholm operators are of Kato-type, this generalizes a result of Eschmeier on Fredholm operators and leads to a sharper estimate of Nagy’s spectral residuum of T. Our proof is elementary; in particular, we avoid the sheaf model of Eschmeier and Putinar and the theory of coherent analytic sheaves.
STUDIES ON NUCLEAR STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION IN TETRAHYMENA PYRIFORMIS : II. Isolation of Macro- and Micronuclei

This report describes a rapid, efficient method for isolating macronuclei from Tetrahymena. The macronuclear fraction contains only small amounts of micronuclear material and little detectable whole cell or cytoplasmic contamination. A method is also described for preparing a "micronuclear fraction" which contains 20–40 micronuclei for every macronucleus present. Electron microscope observations indicate that the ultrastructure of the nuclei in the macronuclear fraction closely resembles that of nuclei in situ. The presence of ribosomes on the outer membrane of micronuclei and of pores in the micronuclear envelope is also described.
Three-dimensional high-resolution imaging of gold nanorods uptake in sentinel lymph nodes

In this paper, we demonstrate an application of a noninvasive imaging modality, photothermal optical coherence tomography (PT-OCT), for imaging gold nanorods (GNRs) uptake in sentinel lymph node (SLN) of mice in situ. This application enables us to obtain higher quality images of SLN structures due to the photothermal contrast properties of the GNRs. It is also demonstrated that GNRs accumulate differently within several SLN structures, and this uptake is time dependent. Finally, we determine the average concentration of GNRs within the whole SLN which is used to demonstrate uptake kinetics of the nanoparticles.
Work or Welfare? Assessing the Impacts of Recent Employment and Policy Changes on Very Young Children.

Abstract We explore the implications of the rapid influx of low-income mothers into the workforce and PRWORA work requirements during the middle to late 1990s for the well-being of young children. Our premise is that some families with young children will be better off, while others will be worse off than low-income cohorts from a decade ago. We focus on six policy provisions from the 1990s that are likely to influence the well-being of young, low-income children in the coming decades: (a) work requirements for mothers of young children; (b) education requirements for teenage mothers of young children; (c) child care subsidies; (d) child care regulations; (e) family leave; and (f) the Earned Income Tax Credit. For each of these provisions, we discuss the actual policy as well as the implementation (i.e. practice) of the policy at the state level. We then consider what policy-relevant research has to say about the possible impact of early maternal employment, income, and child care on young children, highlighting research on low-income families where possible. Much of the research we review is based on data collected prior to the rapid changes in the proportion of low-income mothers in the workforce and in state and federal requirements and programs that occurred in the mid-1990s. Thus, we conclude with speculations on how the current trends in workforce participation and welfare and other policies may impact young children in the coming decades.
Drug use, HIV-related risk behaviors and dropout status of new admissions and re-admissions to methadone treatment

Abstract New entrants to methadone maintenance treatment programs (MMTP) have been reported to have different drug use patterns than re-admissions. This study assesses differences between 211 re-admissions and 128 new admissions to a NYC MMTP. Those new to MMTP were found to be less likely to have ever injected drugs, have used more types of drugs, and used heroin at higher frequencies in the 30 days prior to admission. Within the first three months of treatment, new admissions dropped out at a higher rate than the re-admissions (31% vs. 20%, p
Adult blood vessels restore host hematopoiesis following lethal irradiation.

Abstract Objective Accumulating evidence indicates a common stem cell may be responsible for both vasculogenesis and blood cell production during early embryologic development, yet little is known about the fate of these cells during ontogeny. We sought to determine whether hematopoietic potential is associated with normal blood vessels in the adult. Materials and Methods Segments of adult thoracic aorta or inferior vena cava were transplanted under the kidney capsule of lethally irradiated recipients (1100 cGy). Radioprotection, colony-forming units (CFUs), and the extent of donor-derived hematopoietic constitution were evaluated using both Ly5 congenic and ROSA26 donor mice. Results As little as 10 mg of transplanted vascular tissue radioprotected 80% of recipients, gave rise to similar numbers of CFUs as 10 5 bone marrow cells and prevented the development of severe anemia. Bromodeoxyuridine labeling studies revealed cell proliferation within the intima of donor vascular tissue within 48 hours of transplantation. ROSA26 donor-derived vascular cells migrated to the recipient spleen; however, CFUs were of host origin, a finding confirmed using sex-mismatched transplants. Although donor-derived cells were readily detected in the peripheral blood 2 to 3 weeks after transplant, they rapidly declined in frequency to ∼1.0% by 4 weeks and persisted at these levels for more than 1 year. Bone marrow from rescued primary recipients provided radioprotection after transplantation into secondary recipients; however, only CD3 + donor-derived cells were detected. Conclusion These findings demonstrate the presence of a population of cells within normal adult vascular tissue that has the capacity to protect host hematopoietic stem cells from radiation-induced death.
Are strict vegetarians at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency

Patients who avoid or limit animal products in their diets should be encouraged to take vitamin B12 supplements or eat fortified foods.
Pharmacists' awareness of clinical decision support in pharmacy information systems: An exploratory evaluation

Abstract Background Clinical decision support (CDS), such as drug-drug interaction (DDI) and drug-allergy checking, has been used in pharmacy information systems for several decades; however, there has been limited research on CDS use by practicing pharmacists. Objective The purpose of this study was to document pharmacists’ awareness of DDI and other medication-related CDS features available within pharmacy information systems. Methods Researchers conducted on-site interviews with pharmacists throughout the state of Arizona from December 2008 to November 2009 regarding their pharmacy information systems features. Pharmacists were asked to provide information about DDI and other medication-related decision support features of the pharmacy software at their practice site. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize interview responses. Results Sixty-one pharmacists from a variety of practice settings completed the interview. All respondents indicated that their pharmacy system provided drug-allergy and DDI alerts. Approximately 60% of the pharmacists reported that their DDI decision support systems included recommendations for managing drug interactions. Two-thirds of respondents reported that their pharmacy’s computer system permitted the addition of medications from other pharmacies and/or over-the-counter products to a patient’s profile. Approximately 40% of the pharmacists reported that some drugs entered into the pharmacy computer system were not included in (or linked to) the electronic DDI checking. Most pharmacists indicated the presence of other medication-related decision support features, such as drug-disease (78%), drug-age precautions (67%), and inappropriate dosage alerts (79%). However, fewer pharmacists reported more advanced functionality, such as laboratory recommendations (34%) and pediatric dosing (39%). Conclusion Overall, pharmacists’ awareness regarding the many decision support functionalities of their systems was limited. Based on the study findings, it appears that there are a number of limitations associated with currently available pharmacy decision support software. Further research is needed to formally evaluate pharmacist knowledge of pharmacy decision support software functionality. More formal training about software capabilities coupled with the addition of more advanced decision support features has the potential to improve pharmacists’ use of these systems to make better clinical decisions and avoid preventable errors.
Comments on the paper “Is the track of the Yellowstone hotspot driven by a deep mantle plume? — Review of volcanism, faulting, and uplift in light of new data” by Kenneth Pierce and Lisa Morgan [J. Volcanol. Geotherm. Res. 188 (2009), 1–25]

Article history: Received 6 October 2010 Accepted 13 January 2011 Available online 22 January 2011 Gustafson, 2001, Fig. 7) and both are highly divergent relative to other members of the genus. This information provides a strong basis for treating the Blaine Spring occurrence as native. Note, however, that even if P. blainica is removed from our analysis, the (mtCOI) DNA sequence divergence of the other MRB species (P. bedfordensis) relative to its close relative (P. anguina) in the Bonneville basin (5.167–5.319%) suggests a divergence time (3.28–3.19 Ma) that is
PLATELET INJURY BY LIGHT

Although phototherapy with blue or cool white fluorescent light is widely employed for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, its effect on substances other than bilirubin, is largely unknown. The function of human platelets (platelet rich plasma) exposed in vitro for up to 170 minutes to blue or cool white fluorescent light (8 20 wt lamps) was studied. Within 110 minutes, blue light (1,908 uwt/cm2) inhibited platelet aggregation by ADP and connective tissue suspension, and resulted in platelet loss of ADP, ATP, and glgcogen. Electron micrographs revealed these platelets to be less dense than normal, depleted of glycogen granules and organelles, and to have ill-defined membranes. Platelet injury could be enhanced by adding a photosensitizing agent, hematoporphyrin, to platelet samples before exposure. In contrast to blue light, cool white light (2,670 uwt/cm2) had no effect on platelet aggregation unless platelet samples contained hematoporphyrin. Platelets kept in the dark for 170 minutes maintained their integrity. These results indicate that platelets are damaged in vitro when exposed to amounts of blue light used in phototherapy. Results suggest that cool white light may be safer than blue for newborns.
Differential gene expression during terminal erythroid differentiation

Terminal erythroid differentiation in mammals is the process whereby nucleated precursor cells accumulate erythroid-specific proteins such as hemoglobin, undergo extensive cellular and nuclear remodeling, and ultimately shed their nuclei to form reticulocytes, which then become mature erythrocytes in the circulation. Little is known about the mechanisms that enable erythroblasts to undergo such a transformation. We hypothesized that genes involved in these mechanisms were likely expressed at restricted times during the differentiation process and used differential display reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction as a first step in identifying such genes. We identified three differentially expressed cDNAs that we termed late erythroblast (LEB) 1-3. None of these cDNAs were previously identified as being expressed in erythroblasts and their patterns of expression indicated they are likely to be involved in the differentiation process. LEB-1 cDNA was derived from the gene A330102K04Rik (approved gene symbol Apoll1), and shares homology with members of the apolipoprotein L family in humans. LEB-3 cDNA was derived from the novel gene D930015E06Rik, that has no known function. LEB-2 cDNA was derived from the gene ranBP16 (approved gene symbol Xpo7), a nuclear exportin. D930015E06Rik mRNA is also strongly expressed in the testis and was localized to a region of the seminiferous tubule where secondary spermatocytes and early spermatids are found, suggesting a role for D930015E06Rik in spermatogenesis as well as terminal erythroid differentiation. We have thus identified three genes not previously described as being expressed in erythroblasts that could be relevant in elucidating mechanisms involved in terminal erythroid differentiation.
Viewing the energy optimization of chemical models with computer animation

Abstract Computer animation is applied to a chemical situation which involves the energy optimization of molecular models. This technique has been used in conjunction with a large interactive chemical modelling system (AIMS) which performs the energy optimizations. The goal of energy optimization is to find more stable molecular structures by methodically altering the geometry to conform to a lower internal energy. Three types of optimizations are studied with this technique, each method employing its own assumptions, geometry manipulations and energy calculations. In each case the process is viewed after the display frames were computed in advance as the model geometry changed. Model descriptions, empirical potential energy terms, software architecture and the way in which energy optimizations are performed by AIMS are described and discussed. It is determined that computer animation enhances the understanding of model behavior by providing a useful tool for visualizing and examining complicated sequential situations. The method conveys useful information about the intermediate states of the process; provides a history of the progression toward an optimized geometry which can be studied at will and which allows the reason for failure should it occur, to be easily determined.
ON THE ROLE OF THE INVARIANT GLUTAMINE AT POSITION 54 IN THE HUMAN CHORIOGONADOTROPIN BETA SUBUNIT

The twelve Cys and eight of the non-Cys residues are invariant in the glycoprotein hormone β subunits from a variety of mammalian species. β-Gin-54 of human lutropin (hLH) and choriogonadotropin (hCG) is one of these invariant amino acid residues. A single A→G mutation in the LHβ gene of a patient presenting with hypogonadism resulted in the replacement of Gin-54 with Arg [1]. The authors also reported that an expressed mutant of hLHβ, with Arg replacing Gin-54, associated with the α subunit, but there was no demonstrable binding of the mutant hormone to receptor. We have replaced Gin-54 in hCGβ with Glu and with Lys using site-directed mutagenesis. The expression plasmids pRSV-hCGβ (wild-type and mutants) were transiently transfected into CHO cells containing a stably integrated gene for bovine α, and the media were analyzed for holoproteins, which were characterizedin vitro using competitive binding and steroidogenic assays with MA-10 cells. hCGβ(Glu-54) bound to α almost as well as hCGβ wild-type, and the resulting heterodimer competed with [125l]hCG binding to the LH/CG receptor and stimulated progesterone production to the same extent as the wild-type control. However, the apparent potencies, as judged by ED50s, were less than those of the wild-type control, the effect being more pronounced in binding than in steroidogenesis. In contrast, hCGβ(Lys-54) associated very poorly with α. Our results suggest that while Gin-54 in hCGβ participates in receptor binding, its major function appears to involve α binding. Such dual functionality leads to interesting models for holoprotein formation and receptor binding.
The identification of the vitamin k-dependent bone protein osteocalcin as one of the γ-carboxyglutamic acid containing proteins present in calcified atherosclerotic plaque and mineralized heart valves

Abstract Calcium binding proteins containing gamma-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla) have previously been demonstrated to occur in calcified atherosclerotic plaque and calcified cardiac valves. Experiments were carried out to determine if one of the Gla-containing proteins in human cardiovascular calcifications is the vitamin K-dependent bone protein, osteocalcin. A radio-immunoassay for human osteocalcin was employed, and EDTA extractions of calcified atheromata, and aortic valves as well as relevant noncalcified material were analyzed. Tissue calcium levels were also determined, as were Gla levels as a measure of total vitamin K-dependent protein content. Osteocalcin was present at low levels in all calcified cardiovascular tissu (4.5–175.7 ng osteocalcin/mg protein) with trace levels or nondetectable amounts present in noncalcified tissue. Osteocalcin accounted for a small proportion of the total protein-bound Gla (0.01–0.05%. The relationship of osteocalcin to the other Gla-containing proteins of atherosclerotic plaque including atherocalcin, the principal extractable Gla-containing protein of calcified plaque, is discussed.
Granuloma formation and host defense in chronic Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection requires PYCARD/ASC but not NLRP3 or caspase-1.

The NLR gene family mediates host immunity to various acute pathogenic stimuli, but its role in chronic infection is not known. This paper addressed the role of NLRP3 (NALP3), its adaptor protein PYCARD (ASC), and caspase-1 during infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Mtb infection of macrophages in culture induced IL-1β secretion, and this requires the inflammasome components PYCARD, caspase-1, and NLRP3. However, in vivo Mtb aerosol infection of Nlrp3−/−, Casp-1−/−, and WT mice showed no differences in pulmonary IL-1β production, bacterial burden, or long-term survival. In contrast, a significant role was observed for Pycard in host protection during chronic Mtb infection, as shown by an abrupt decrease in survival of Pycard−/− mice. Decreased survival of Pycard−/− animals was associated with defective granuloma formation. These data demonstrate that PYCARD exerts a novel inflammasome-independent role during chronic Mtb infection by containing the bacteria in granulomas.