cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Is the Current Era Better for Pediatric Heart-Lung Transplantation?

Purpose Pediatric heart-lung transplant (HLT) is known to have poor survival. We sought to define if there has been any improvement in pediatric HLT outcomes over time and if there is a cohort that portends better or worse survival. Methods Pediatric ( proportional hazard model was used to identify risk factors for post-transplant survival. Results There has been a 30% drop in pediatric HLT in Era 2. ECMO at transplant has increased from 4% in Era 1 to 12% in Era 2. Similarly, PRA>10% (11.6% to 25.9%, p=0.01), and congenital heart disease (CHD) without Eisenmenger Syndrome (ES) (14% to 25.9%, p=0.03) have increased, whereas, CHD with ES has significantly decreased in Era 2 (23.1% to 9.4%, p=0.01). Two-year post-transplant survival has not changed between eras (p=0.99); however, two-year conditional survival has significantly increased (p=0.01) as shown in Figure 1. Patients on ECMO at transplant have a 7.9 times increased risk of mortality post-transplant (CI: 2.2-29.3, p=0.002). Infant (HR: 2.9, CI: 1.5-5.9, p=0.002) and 2-11 year old (HR: 1.7, CI: 1.0-2.7, p=0.037) patients also have an elevated risk of mortality post-transplant compared to adolescents. Only 13% (2/15) of ECMO patients survived beyond two years post-transplant with a median survival of 64 days, but in the current era, a patient not on ECMO has a median survival of nearly 3 years. Conclusion Although the number of pediatric HLT has decreased significantly, the long-term outcomes continue to improve post-HLT. With a median post-transplant survival of 2 months for a patient on ECMO, we should be prudent about HLT since it adds little survival benefit. However, in a well selected cohort, HLT can add significant survival benefit.
Characterization of non-matrix type and flow potential using lost circulation information

Abstract Lost circulation zones (LCZs) provide valuable information about the properties of non-matrix features – i.e., fractures and karst – intersected by wells during conventional drilling, including information about the type, size, connectivity and flow potential. The magnitude of the loss rate and lost volume should reflect the nature of the non-matrix feature responsible for losses. For example, the total volume lost in each of these zones provides a minimum volume of connected pore space, whereas the instantaneous rate of loss suggests whether the LCZ is due to drilling into a cave (high rate of loss) versus a fracture (low rate of loss). We define and quantify each LCZ from information recorded in the drilling reports including top and base of the LCZ, maximum loss rate, and cumulative volume lost to the zone. Once each LCZ has been identified from the drilling reports, we evaluate wellbore images and caliper logs across each anomalous zone to determine the cause of the loss event – e.g., caves or fractures. Results suggest that caves are typically characterized by high lost rates (>50 m3/h or 315 bbl/h), while fractures and touching vugs are characterized by lower rates (
Ki67 Labelling Index of Neoplastic Epithelial Cells Differentiates Canine Acanthomatous Ameloblastoma from Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Summary Canine acanthomatous ameloblastoma (CAA) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are the most common oral tumours of epithelial origin in dogs. Overlapping clinical, radiographical and histological features can make distinction between CAA and OSCC difficult. The ability to distinguish tumour identity is critical due to their different biological behaviour and recommended treatment modalities, as well as respective comparative and translational applications as potential models of human disease. Based on marked differences in biological behaviour (i.e. benign versus malignant), it is reasonable to predict that the tumour cell proliferation activity is lower in CAA than in OSCC. However, to our knowledge, the epithelial cell proliferation activity of CAA has not been studied or compared with that of OSCC. Therefore, the aims of this study were to (1) compare the neoplastic epithelial cell proliferation activity of CAA and OSCC based on conventional mitotic index (MI) and Ki67 labelling index (LI), and (2) correlate these findings with clinical parameters including patient signalment, anatomical tumour location and degree of local invasion at the time of diagnosis as determined by computed tomography. We found that (1) the Ki67 LI of OSSC (n = 14) was significantly higher than that of CAA (n = 25), (2) the Ki67 LI correlated with a more aggressive locally invasive behaviour, and (3) the MI was not associated with tumour type. We conclude that the Ki67 LI, but not the MI, is a useful differential marker of CAA from OSCC, and that the epithelial cell proliferation activities of OSCC and CAA correlate with their known differences in biological behaviour.
Autonomous Demand Smoothing for Efficiency Improvements on Military Forward Operating Bases

This paper presents autonomous control algorithms for electrical loads like HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems. These algorithms permit a load to become “aware” of the operation of neighboring loads using nonintrusive measurements of the utility voltage. Analogous to the way a good driver is aware of neighboring cars while driving, loads can use this information to become “self-driving.” For HVAC systems, this permits maintaining occupant comfort while simultaneously reducing bulk peak electrical demand. Electric energy consumption for each load occurs on a schedule, interleaved with the operation of neighboring units. The algorithms are demonstrated here using simulation models developed from nonintrusive load monitoring (NILM) data collected from the microgrid of a US Army forward operating base (FOB). The general approach, however, can be applied in many other venues, e.g., to minimize peak load on distribution transformers in a section of the conventional utility.
Predictive Factors of Intubation in COVID-19 Patients: A Better Answer to the Ventilator Shortage Crisis?

Background: A pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) began in December 2019 in China leading to a global health crisis Amid growing fears that the Uni
Reducing distracted pedestrian behavior using Bluetooth beacon technology: A crossover trial

Abstract Background The number of fatal pedestrian injuries in the United States has steadily increased over the past decade. Multiple factors likely contribute to this trend, but the growth of pedestrians distracted by mobile devices is widely hypothesized to play a major role. Existing strategies to reduce distracted pedestrian behavior are few and mostly ineffective. The present study evaluated StreetBit, a mostly-passive primary prevention program to reduce distracted pedestrian behavior by alerting distracted pedestrians directly on their smartphone when they approach an intersection, reminding them to attend to traffic as they crossed. Methods 385 individuals who regularly crossed a target street corner at an urban university downloaded StreetBit on their phones and participated in a crossover design study whereby the app was inactive for 3 weeks (baseline behavior phase), actively provided alerts for 3 weeks (intervention phase), and then was inactive again for 4 weeks (post-intervention phase). User distraction while crossing the intersection was collected electronically for a total of 34,923 street-crossing events throughout the 10-week study. Results In crude (unadjusted) models, participant distraction was similar across all phases of the research; this result was maintained after adjusting for potential covariates as well as after conducting a sensitivity analysis limited to data from only week 3 of each study intervention phase. In a model stratified by phone/warning type and baseline distraction rates, Android phone users who received a warning that blocked the full screen and had a high baseline distraction rate (≥75% distracted crossings) had a 64% decreased odds of distraction during the alert phase (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.25–0.51) and a 52% decreased odds of distraction during the post-intervention phase (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.25–0.94). Users reported positive impressions about the StreetBit app in a post-intervention survey. Discussion StreetBit, an innovative app designed to prevent distracted pedestrian behavior through a mostly-passive primary prevention strategy relying on intrusive reminders, proved effective among smartphone users who received a warning blocking the full screen and who were frequently distracted at baseline, but not among other users. The results appear to reflect the confluence of two influencing factors. First, due to software development limitations, visually-distracted Android users received a highly intrusive app warning that blocked their smartphone screen whereas iOS users received a less intrusive banner notification blocking a small upper portion of the screen. Second, most users were curious to see if the app was functioning properly, creating artificially-inflated estimates of distraction as users purposefully watched their phones when crossing. Thus, our results indicate promise for StreetBit as an effective intervention and warrant continued software development and empirical testing.
Asian Indian mothers’ experiences raising bicultural children: a phenomenological study

Within the research addressing the realities and needs of bicultural families, there has been little inclusion of families where one parent is of Asian Indian heritage. The purpose of this research...
BASILAR INVAGINATION: IMPORTANCE OF CRANIOMETRIC MEASUREMENT

BACKGROUND Basilar invagination (BI) is a congenital or degenerative craniovertebral junction abnormality that results from the odontoid process prolapsing into the foramen magnum. Even though the acquired form is frequently seen with rheumatoid arthritis, BI commonly presents in many congenital conditions such as in people with Chiari malformation. In another type, it has been classified as those in which the odontoid process invaginates into the foramen magnum, resulting in cranio-cervical instability (Type 1) and those with flattened base of cranium that is not associated with instability (Type 2). Clinical presentations include chronic headaches, limited neck motion, and acute neurologic deterioration. CASE REPORT A 31-year-old male patient presented for treatment of a sleep-related breathing disorder. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was completed for airway evaluation. Standard radiographic parameters described by Chamberlain were used to assess the craniovertebral junction. Osseous fusion of the C1/C2 joint and extension of the odontoid process approximately 10.5 mm above the Chamberlain line were noted. BI is diagnosed once the tip of the odontoid is 5 mm or more above this line. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS The diagnosis of BI relies on radiographic evaluation and various radiographic reference lines such as the Chamberlain line, McGregor line, or McRae line. However, the radiographic interpretation of the cervical vertebrae is often challenging and results in missing important findings. This case report aimed to demonstrate the characteristic radiographic features of BI as seen on CBCT and the use of craniometric measurements to assist health care providers in diagnosing and managing this condition. It is important for oral and maxillofacial radiologists to pay attention to this anatomically critical junction on every study that captures it and perform an assessment so they do not miss BI-related anomalies in asymptomatic patients.
The Mind-Brain Dialectic: A Commentary

The time has come when the neglect of an exploration of our fundamental assumptions about the mind-brain relationship to behavior and, therefore, to society must be made explicit. An undercurrent of confusion about such issues impairs our clinical judgment and impedes our research efforts. We give lip service to certain kinds of eclecticism without coming to grips with the real issue, an ancient Cartesian dichotomy between mind and brain.
Improvement in Direct-Modulation Speed by Enhanced Differential Optical Gain and Quantum Confinement

Chapter 2 describes the basic intensity modulation dynamics of semiconductor lasers in general and in a most fundamental way – by proper bookkeeping of electrons and photons flowing in and out of the laser active region; the basic result is encapsulated in the very simple formula 2.1. This result, first published in 1983 [15], is of fundamental importance in studies of direct-modulation properties of semiconductor lasers.
Influence of Job Accessibility on Housing Market Processes: Study of Spatial Stationarity in the Buffalo and Seattle Metropolitan Areas

The impact of job accessibility on housing prices is examined in the Buffalo and Seattle metropolitan areas using a hedonic regression modeling framework. Global hedonic regression results show that job accessibility is positively associated with housing prices in the two study areas. Local hedonic regression modeling is also conducted to test whether the response of the housing market to job accessibility is spatially stationary. The statistical analysis reveals that the role of job accessibility in the house price-setting process varies locally in each metropolitan area. Empirical challenges with unraveling relationship between transportation and land use, and the policy implications of our findings, are discussed.
On the Constitution of a Compound Republic

A compound republic presents the unique opportunity for each level of government to check abuses of the constitution by the other level. This article summarizes why judicial review has not proved to be sufficient to maintain a constitution and the necessary changes to the U.S. Constitution to make the structure of this compound republic more effective.
Precipitation and soil impacts on partitioning of subsurface moisture in Avena barbata: Observations from a greenhouse experiment

Precipitation and Soil Impacts on Partitioning of Subsurface Moisture in Avena barbata: Observations from a Greenhouse Experiment Rohit Salve and Margaret Torn Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, One Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720 Corresponding author, email: R_Salve@lbl.gov Phone: 510 486 6416
Induction of P-450IIB genes within the rat liver acinus is not dependent on the chemical inducer or on the acinar organization.

Abstract P-450IIB genes (P-450b and P-450e in rat) are induced following treatment with phenobarbital predominantly in hepatocytes located in zones 2 and 3 of the liver acinus. The previous finding of phenobarbital-mediated induction of P-450IIB mRNAs and apoproteins in the same zonal hepatocytes suggests that this differential induction is most likely due to zonal differences in the activation of gene transcription. To determine whether differential P-450IIB gene transcription was dependent on the type of inducer (i.e., inducer specificity) or on the capacity of hepatocytes located in different acinar zones to respond to inducers (i.e. zonal specificity), the pattern of acinar induction was evaluated following treatment with inducers that have diverse physiochemical properties and inductive capacities. The zonal distribution of P-450b and P-450e mRNAs in liver was determined by in situ hybridization after the administration of either phenobarbital, polychlorinated biphenyls, chlordane, or chlorpromazine. Liver sections were hybridized with 3H-labeled RNA transcripts of a P-450e cDNA that recognizes sequences of both P-450b and P-450e mRNAs and the pattern of zonal mRNA induction was measured by quantitative image analysis. Each inducer increased P-450b,e mRNA levels predominantly in hepatocytes of zones 2 and 3 of the hepatic acinus. The P-450b and P-450e apoproteins were induced in the same zonal hepatocytes as the P-450b,e mRNAs as shown by immunofluorescence studies using monoclonal antibodies. Therefore, differential transcriptional induction of the P-450IIB genes in the liver acinus does not seem to be dependent on a specific chemical inducer, but rather is a characteristic capacity of hepatocytes located in different acinar zones. To determine whether the induction of P-450b and P-450e was dependent on the liver tissue organization, hepatocytes were isolated by collagenase perfusion of the liver and transplanted into the spleens of syngeneic rats. Induction of P-450b and P-450e mRNAs and apoproteins, assessed 1 month after transplantation, was evident with each of the chemical inducers. These data suggest that, once hepatocytes have attained the capacity to respond to inducers, the organization of hepatocytes into acini and the sinusoidal microenvironment of the liver are not required for hepatocytes to maintain the ability to respond to inducers with an increase in transcription of P-450IIB genes. Moreover, the splenic hepatocytes demonstrated a heterogeneous pattern of P-450b,e apoprotein induction; this raises the possibility that the acinar organization is also not required for the heterogenous expression of P-450IIB genes.
Systems of nonlinear wave equations with damping and source terms

In this article we focus on the global well posedness of the system of nonlinear wave equations \begin{align*} u_{tt}- \Delta u + |u_{t}|^{m-1} u_{t}= f_{1}(u,v)\\ v_{tt}- \Delta v + |v_{t}|^{r-1} v_{t}= f_{2}(u,v) \end{align*} in a bounded domain $\Omega\subset\mathbb{R}^{n}$, $n = 1,2,3,$ with Dirichlet boundary conditions. Under some restriction on the parameters in the system we obtain several results on the existence of local and global solutions, uniqueness, and the blow up of solutions in finite time.
Using PhyloCon to identify conserved regulatory motifs.

Understanding gene regulation has been and remains one of the major challenges for the molecular biology community. Gene regulation is mediated by a variety of short DNA sequences called regulatory elements, which include transcription factor binding sites. A first step toward understanding gene regulation is the identification of regulatory elements present in the genome. This challenge has been defined as the “motif finding problem” in the field of computational biology. Over the past 20 years, many algorithms have been developed to tackle the motif finding problem computationally. The PhyloCon algorithm, developed in 2003, is one of the first motif finding algorithms that take advantage of two important data resources, i.e., phylogenetic conservation and gene co-regulation, to improve the efficiency of motif identification in biological datasets. This unit presents basic protocols to obtain, install, and apply the PhyloCon program and discusses the underlying algorithm and how to interpret the results. Curr. Protoc. Bioinform. 19:2.12.1-2.12.29. © 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Keywords: motif discovery; comparative genomics; algorithm
MicroRNA signature in massive macronodular adrenocortical disease and implications for adrenocortical tumourigenesis

Summary Purpose Massive macronodular adrenocortical disease (MMAD) may be caused by aberrant microRNA expression. To determine the microRNA profile in MMAD and identify putative microRNA–gene target pairs involved in adrenal tumourigenesis. Experimental design We performed microRNA microarray analysis in 10 patients with ACTH-independent Cushing syndrome caused by MMAD (ages 39–60 years) and four normal adrenal cortex samples were used as controls. Microarray data were validated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Identification of potential microRNA–gene target pairs implicated in MMAD pathogenesis has been performed by integrating our microRNA data with previously obtained cDNA microarray data. Experimental validation of specific microRNA gene targets was performed by transfection experiments and luciferase assay. Results A total of 37 microRNAs were differentially expressed between MMAD and normal tissues; 16 microRNAs were down-regulated, including miR-200b and miR-203, whereas 21 microRNAs were up-regulated, miR-210 and miR-484 among them. Comparison of microRNA data with different clinicopathological parameters revealed miR-130a and miR-382 as putative diagnostic MMAD markers. Interestingly, we detected miR-200b targeting directly Matrin 3 (MATR3) expression in an adrenocortical cancer cell line (H295R). Conclusions MicroRNAs appear to have distinct regulatory effects in MMAD, including an association with clinical presentation and severity of the disease, expressed by the degree of hypercortisolism. This is the first investigation of microRNAs in MMAD, a disease with complex pathogenesis; the data indicate that specific microRNAs such as miR-200b may play a significant role in MMAD formation and/or progression.
Making Crowdwork Work: Issues in Crowdsourcing for Organizations

Existing approaches to crowdwork center around the unique ways in which work is sourced from the crowd, often emphasizing the kind of work characterized by hyperspe­cialized, microtask labor, such as that found in Amazon’s Mechanical Turk. However, real work in organizations is complex and rich, and as crowdsourcing is increasingly used alongside mainstream organizational work, social, technological, human-factors and work practice-related challenges arise. This paper presents the preliminary results of a research study designed to investigate models and methods for effective organizational uses of the crowd. The results indicate that despite the growing trend in organiza­tional crowdsourcing, its implications on the organisational work performance and human requirements are yet to be fully understood.
Adult development and adult learning styles: The message for nontraditional graduate programs

Both the content and process of graduate education promote adult development. As developing people, adults usually enroll in graduate programs at times when they are building or changing the structure of their lives. Graduate programs, particularly nontraditional programs, can address both the growing adult as well as uphold relevant standards of intellectual excellence and professional expertise.
Genetic analysis of periplasmic binding protein dependent transport in Escherichia coli. Each lobe of maltose-binding protein interacts with a different subunit of the MalFGK2 membrane transport complex.

Abstract Escherichia coli is able to accumulate maltose and maltodextrins by an ATP-binding cassette transporter known as the maltose transport system. This transport system is comprised of five proteins: the LamB protein in the outer membrane; the periplasmic maltose-binding protein (MBP); two integral inner membrane proteins, MalF and MalG; and MalK, which is associated with the cytoplasmic face of the inner membrane. It has been previously suggested that MBP interacts with MalF and MalG during sugar transport across the inner membrane. In two independent genetic studies, reported here, residue 210 of MBP has been identified as an important site for its interaction with MalF. In one study, allele-specific suppressors of a malF mutation, malF 506, were isolated and yielded mutations which altered residue tyrosine 210 of MBP to aspartic acid. In the other study, dominant mutations in malE (the structural gene of MBP) were isolated; one of these altered the same tyrosine residue (210) to cysteine. It was shown that the Y210C MBP mutant is also an allele-specific suppressor malF 506, and that of the suppressor MBP alleles also exhibited dominant-negative phenotypes. Previously it was shown that alterations at residues glycine 13 and aspartate 14 of MBP can result in suppression of a mal G mutant. From these results and those described, it is possible to propose a simple model in which the amino-terminal lobe of MBP interacts with MalG and the carboxy-terminal lobe of MBP interacts with MalF. The locations of residues 13, 14 and 210 on the three-dimensional structure of MBP are in keeping with this model.
Localized Melting and Structural Changes in the SV40 Origin of Replication Induced by T-antigen

Replication of simian virus 40 (SV40) DNA is dependent upon the binding of the viral T-antigen to the SV40 origin of replication. Structural changes in the origin of replication induced by binding of T-antigen were probed by chemical modifications of the DNA. In the presence of ATP, T-antigen rendered two of three domains in the SV40 core origin hypersensitive to attack by either dimethyl sulfate or potassium permanganate (KMnO4). One of these domains, the early palindrome, was shown to contain an 8-bp region of melted DNA as determined from methylation of cytosine residues and by nuclease S1 cleavage of methylated DNA. DNA melting was not dependent upon either the hydrolysis of ATP or the binding of T-antigen to an adjacent site (site I). A second domain, the A/T element, was extensively modified by KMnO4 but no significant melting was detected. Rather, the pattern of modification indicates that T-antigen caused a conformational change of the double-stranded DNA in this region. These results suggest that T-antigen, in the presence of ATP, destabilizes the SV40 origin by melting and structurally deforming two flanking regions within the core origin sequence. These DNA structural changes may provide access to other replication factors, allowing complete denaturation of the SV40 origin and the initiation of SV40 DNA replication.
Novel high Q-factor resonant microsensor platform for chemical and biological applications

A novel resonant microsensor platform for chemical and biological sensing applications in gaseous and liquid environment is reported. To achieve a high quality factor, the disk-shape microstructure is operated in a rotational in-plane mode with typical resonance frequencies between 300 and 700 kHz. The resonators feature electrothermal excitation elements and a piezoresistive Wheatstone bridge for detection, sensitive only to the inplane rotational vibration mode. Resonant microsensors with different dimensions have been fabricated and extensively characterized, achieving quality factors up to 5800 in air. Preliminary tests performed in water after parylene coating show a Q-factor of approx. 100.
Current Status of Prescribing Pharmacists in Florida: Implications from the 1989 Florida Prescriber Pharmacists Practice Survey (FPPPS)

Providers of primary health care services are seeking expansion of their post-World War I1 spheres of professional activities. For example, on 1 October 1986, the Florida State Board of Pharmacy extended prescribing authority to its pharmacists, effective May 1987. This study presents the findings from a survey of Florida pharmacists conducted in the spring of 1989. Both the current status of prescribing and motivations for choosing a, prescribing role are investigated. Perceptions of community needs, the pharmacist's inherent abilities, and attitudes about how prescribiig would dictate a change in pharmacy practice are all crucial factors in the pharmacist's decision.
Monte Carlo Calculations for the Solid-State Properties of Warfarin Sodium 2-Propanol Solvate

Monte Carlo simulations in the isotension−isothermal and Gibbs ensembles were carried out to investigate the structural properties of warfarin sodium 2-propanol and the ability of this compound to retain 2-propanol as a function of vapor pressure and in the presence of water. At full loading, the simulations yield a stable solvate structure that is in good agreement with the experimentally determined crystal structure. 2-Propanol is well-retained by the warfarin sodium host, and full loading is observed for partial pressures as low as 1% of its saturated vapor pressure, while water does not substantially replace 2-propanol from the crystalline interior even at 100% relative humidity. Radial distribution functions show strong binding of 2-propanol's hydroxyl hydrogen with the 2-keto oxygen and the oxygen atom of the coumarin ring of warfarin and strong binding of 2-propanol's oxygen to a single sodium ion. Thus, the spatial position of 2-propanol is highly confined, supporting the experimental observation ...
Repetitive Monomorphic Ventricular Tachycardia Associated with Exercise A Case Report

The case of a 45-year-old man suffering from a catecholamine-sensitive ventricular tachycardia originating from the right ventricular outflow tract is reported. The authors describe a novel noninvasive treatment strategy for the management of this patient.
Oxidative stress regulated expression of Ubiquitin Carboxyl-terminal Hydrolase-L1: Role in cell survival

The ubiquitin Carboxyl-terminal Hydrolase-L1 gene (UCHL1) is a key enzyme in the protein degradation pathway; however, its precise role in protecting cells under stress conditions is unclear. In the present study we investigated the activity of this gene in human NT2/D1 embryonal carcinoma cells subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) and reoxygenation. OGD/reoxygenation cause global metabolic changes due to energy withdrawal and the subsequent generation of reactive oxygen species which initiates either a stress-adaptation-survival response or cell death, depending on the severity of the insult. A bi-phasic change in UCHL1 expression was observed by Q-PCR, Western blotting and flow cytometry. Down regulation of UCHL1 was detected immediately after OGD treatment and its expression was subsequently restored and increased 6 h after OGD treatment as well as during reoxygenation. Furthermore, flow cytometry analysis detected a lower level of UCHL1 only in apoptotic cells that had severe loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Accordingly, down-regulation of endogenous UCHL1 by antisense cDNA in mouse N2a neuroblastoma cells increased the cell's sensitivity to OGD treatment. This down-regulation of endogenous UCHL1 led to the accumulation of p27, suggesting that UCHL1 is an essential gene to maintain cell homeostasis under normal growth and oxidative stress conditions.
Phoenix date palm injuries: a review of injuries from the Phoenix date palm treated at the Starship Children's Hospital.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to review patients treated for penetrating Phoenix date palm injuries. Documentation of the clinical behaviour of these injuries was sought as they have different clinical outcomes to other foreign body injuries. METHODS: Data was collected via a retrospective review of patient files and imaging studies of all patients with foreign body injury admitted to the Orthopaedic Service of Starship Children's Hospital between 1992 and 1997. RESULTS: Of 250 patients admitted with foreign body injuries, 21 cases were identified as caused by the Phoenix date palm. The age range was 5 to 12 years. There was a median delay of 43 days between the time of injury and presentation to hospital. An average of 1.3 operations were performed on each patient. Ultrasound was used in 12 cases, foreign body was identified in 10 patients--a sensitivity of 83%. Intraoperative ultrasound was also found to be beneficial in three of these cases. CONCLUSIONS: Phoenix date palm injuries often have a protracted course. The initial diagnosis and treatment of such injuries is often delayed. Fracturing and fragmentation of the barbs may occur and multiple surgical procedures may be required to remove all of the foreign material. The Phoenix date palm barbs may cause a severe tissue reaction with sterile granulomatous synovitis and bony pseudotumour formation. A high level of suspicion on history taking and surgical exploration is needed. Total synovectomy for delayed joint or tendon sheath involvement may be required when fragmentation has occurred. Ultrasound has higher sensitivity for detection of thorn foreign bodies than magnetic resonance imaging. Language: en
Induced innovation and technology trajectory: Evidence from smoking cessation products

Abstract Economic theory predicts that policies that discourage the consumption of a particular good will induce innovation in a socially desirable substitute. However, the literature on technology trajectories emphasizes the possibility of innovation waves associated with the identification of new dominant designs. We incorporate both of these possibilities in a model of the invention of new smoking cessation products, based on a new dataset of patents on such products from 1951 to 2004. We find that an increase in cigarette tax levels had no discernible impact on the industry-wide rate of invention in smoking cessation products. However, we do find evidence consistent with the emergence of dominant designs having substantial positive innovation effects. We estimate that the introduction of the nicotine gum and patch increased the overall rate of patenting activity in smoking cessation products by 60–75%, subject to a 10% rate of decay. Finally, we show that these products had greater effects on the patenting of corporations than individual inventors.
Medial-to-lateral laparoscopic colon resection: a view beyond the learning curve

Background Since the authors’ report on the lateral approach to laparoscopic colon resection (LCR), medial-to-lateral (M-L) segmental resection has continued to evolve. This report analyzes their learning curve experience with a standardized three-trocar M-L technique, which demonstrates the influence of operative volume on proficiency and outcome.
Lab-on-a-chip bio/chemical sensing system based on the liquid core optical ring resonator

The liquid core optical ring resonator (LCORR) sensor is a newly developed capillary-based ring resonator that integrates microfluidics with photonic sensing technology. The circular cross-section of the capillary forms a ring resonator that supports whispering gallery modes (WGM), which interact with the sample as it passes through the capillary. As in previous ring resonator sensor implementations, the interaction between the WGM evanescent field and the sample enables label-free detection. With a prototype of an LCORR sensor, we have achieved a refractive index detection limit of 10-6 RIU and a detection limit for protein of 2 pg/mm 2 . Several engineering developments have been accomplished as well, including a thermal noise characterization, a thermal stabilization implementation, integration of the LCORR with a planar waveguide array, and electro-kinetic sample delivery. In the near future, the LCORR will be integrated into a dense 2-dimensional sensing array by integrating multiple capillaries with a chip-based waveguide array. This lab-on-a-chip sensing system will have a number of applications, including environmental sensing for defense purposes, disease diagnostics for medical purposes, and as a lab tool for analytical chemistry and molecular analysis.
Structure and Development of Iridescent Lepidopteran Scales: the Papilionidae as a Showcase Family

Many types of structurally colored scales have been reported among the Lepidoptera. These include scales displaying diffraction colors, Tyndall blue, and at least three kinds with thin-film interference colors. Despite this variety within the group as a whole, however, most individual families appear to be fairly conservative, showing only one or two color types within their ranks. The Papilionidae are apparently more versatile than other families in this respect, for within this one group are found all the structurally colored scale types reported so far in all other families, as well as at least two additional varieties that are not. This paper reviews the architecture of structurally colored scales in 23 species from five genera of papilionid butterflies, describes the two previously unreported scale types, and discusses the developmental and phylogenetic implications of such a great variety of complex and specialized scale types within a single group.
Management of nephrotic syndrome in children.

Idiopathic childhood nephrotic syndrome generally has a favorable long-term prognosis. Prompt administration of and improved guidelines for monitoring therapy have decreased morbidity and mortality. The treatment goal is to induce prompt remission while minimizing complications and adverse events. Aggressive therapy induces remission and decreases the frequency of relapse in most patient populations; however, such treatment often results in unnecessary toxicity. We critically assessed the current clinical evidence that supports each pharmacologic therapy. For each drug regimen, the risks and monitoring parameters required to reduce complications and optimize therapy are discussed. Some of the treatments are the common corticosteroid approaches, cytotoxic therapies (chlorambucil, cyclophosphamide), cyclosporine, less frequently used drugs (e.g., levamisole), and experimental therapies. Further studies are needed to identify the most effective and least toxic therapeutic regimens for inducing and maintaining remission in children with nephrotic syndrome.
How Is Diffusion of Neutral and Charged Tracers Related to the Structure and Dynamics of a Room-Temperature Ionic Liquid? Large Deviations from Stokes–Einstein Behavior Explained

The deviations from Stokes–Einstein hydrodynamics of small solutes are more pronounced in ionic liquids than in conventional solvents (J. Phys. Chem. B 2013 117 (39), 11697). Small neutral solutes diffuse much faster than expected, whereas small charged solutes diffuse much slower. This article attempts to establish a link between the local friction experienced by tracer solutes and the polar/apolar structure of ionic liquids. We find that small neutral solutes probe locally “stiff” (mostly charged, high electrostriction) regions and locally “soft” (mostly apolar, low electrostriction) regions. These regions of high and low friction are associated with cage and jump regimes. Enhanced neutral tracer mobility in the low friction regions associated with the cationic apolar component has an important bearing on the large positive deviations from Stokes–Einstein behavior. In contrast, diminished charged tracer mobility involves long caging dynamics separated by jump events often triggered by the loss and recov...
The Play Attending, and Language of Young Handicapped Children in Integrated and Segregated Settings

The play, attending, and language of six handicapped preschoolers were compared in integrated and segregated settings. In the integrated settings the six children attended morning Head Start, kindergarten, or daycare/preschool programs for nonhandicapped children, In the segregated setting the six children attended a special education transition classroom consisting of only handicapped children. The analyses of play suggested more sophisticated levels of play in the segregated than in the integrated settings. There were no differences between the two settings in appropriateness of play or in type of interactions. There were also no significant differences in the percentage of attending to teacher-directed learning activities. In addition, the children did not differ in the quality or quantity of their language in the two settings. The implications of the failure to obtain better play attending, and language behaviors in mainstreamed environments are discussed.
Glass-forming liquid platinum acetylides

A series of platinum-containing chromophores having the molecular formula trans-Pt(P(n-C8H17)3)2(C⋮CC6H4R)2 are liquids at room temperature. Upon cooling they convert into glasses in the temperature range −60 to −100 °C. Their high chromophore density, ease of processing and glass-forming ability make them ideal for nonlinear optics investigations.
On the Representation and Generation of Loosely Packed Arrangements of Rectangles

The paper is a sequel to a previous one, but is self-contained. It reintroduces orthogonal structures for the representation of loosely packed arrangements of rectangles (with some minor modifications) and ties up loose ends in the earlier paper. It introduces marked structures as an equivalent representation that is easier to implement. It specifies a collection of rules to generate labelled marked structures under very rigid requirements that make this collection interesting in a wide variety of contexts. Finally, the LOOS system is briefly outlined, a pilot version of a generative expert system for the design of architectural (and other) layouts that is based on this representation and utilizes the generation rules.
Decay of 230Ra and 230Ac

Abstract 230Ra and its Ac daughter were produced by the 232Th(n, 2pn) reaction at the Brookhaven Medium Energy Intense Neutron facility. Thorough chemical separations were developed which facilitated the characterization of these nuclides. The half-lives are 93 ± 2 min and 122 ± 3 sec for 230Ra and 230Ac, respectively. Energies and relative intensities of 35 γ-rays from 230Ra decay, and 93 γ-rays from 230Ac decay, are tabulated. Preliminary Qβ results are ∼0.80 MeV for 230Ra and ∼2.70 MeV for 230 Ac. 229Ra was also identified and shown to decay with T 1 2 = 4.1 ± 0.3 min. Effective medium energy neutron cross sections are given for production of 223,224,225,227,230Ra isotopes from Th and U.
In vivo and in vitro expression of connexins in the human corneal epithelium

PURPOSE. This study is designed to provide a comprehensive expression profile of connexins in the human corneal epithelium (in vivo) and in cultured primary corneal epithelial cells (PCECs) (in vitro). It also evaluates the pathologic effects of a pathogenic missense mutation in Cx26, which causes keratitisichthyosis-deafness syndrome (KIDS), a rare genetic disorder with corneal involvement. METHODS. RT-PCR analysis, immunohistochemistry, and fluorescent dye transfer assays were used to determine the expression pattern and gap junction intercellular communication in PCECs and human cornea. Differentiation-dependent differences in connexin expression of PCECs after a calcium switch were verified by real-time RT-PCR. The common KIDS mutation Cx26(D50N) was studied by determining transient expression in PCECs. RESULTS. In vivo immunostaining revealed widespread and overlapping expression of Cx43 and -30 in the basal and suprabasal layers. Cx26 staining was limited to the lower suprabasal cells, whereas Cx31.1 localized to the apical surface of basal cells in the central cornea and to the lower and middle suprabasal cells in the limbal region. Immunostaining for nine other connexins, including Cx50, was negative. In PCEC, nine connexin genes were detectable by RT-PCR, however, only Cx26, -30, and -43 formed visible gap junction plaques. HighCa 2 culture conditions were accompanied by a 1.6- to 2.2-fold upregulation of expression of Cx26, -30, and -43 and a significant increase in gap-junction‐mediated dye transfer. Transient expression of mutant Cx26(D50N) in PCECs resulted in cytoplasmic accumulation and lack of gap junction plaque formation and was not altered by coexpression of wild-type (wt)Cx26 or -30. CONCLUSIONS. Gap junction communication in the human corneal epithelium is mediated by Cx26, -30, -31.1, and -43. Poorly differentiated PCECs are uncoupled, and Ca 2 induced differentiation is associated with an upregulation of connexin expression and intercellular communication. The transfection experiments suggest that KIDS Cx26(D50N) impairs intracellular formation and transport of connexons formed by Cx26 and -30, consistent with a dominant negative effect. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2005;46:1957‐1965) DOI:10.1167/iovs.04-1364
Operant and pavlovian contributions to the ontogeny of pecking in ring doves

This series of experiments analyzes the role of learning in the development of pecking in ring dove squab. Experiment 1 showed that there is a high probability that parents will feed squab after a period of separation (Experiment 1). Such feedings may have been essential for producing the previous observation (Graf, Balsam, & Silver, 1985) that pecking develops normally if squab which have been separated from their parents are given a daily 20-min interaction with seed followed by an immediate return to their parents. Experiment 2 showed that exposure to seed followed by experimenter-provided feedings were sufficient for inducing adult pecking levels. Experiment 3 showed that general experience with conspecifics was not necessary for the development of pecking and that maturation alone could not account for the pecking observed in previous experiments. Experiment 4 showed that Pavlovian contingencies consisting of visual exposure to seed followed by feeding was sufficient to induce high levels of pecking. There did not appear to be an additional contribution of an operant contingency present when squab were allowed to both see and peck at seed prior to feedings in Experiment 5. However, squab must actually be given experience in handling and ingesting seeds before adult levels of pecking can be obtained. These results are discussed in terms of the developmental pathways whereby experience leads to adult behavior. © 1992 Wiley & sons. Inc.
Bilateral bronchoalveolar lavage in the diagnosis of opportunistic pulmonary infections.

To further improve the diagnostic value of bronchoscopy in the immunosuppressed population presenting with diffuse pulmonary infiltrates, we prospectively investigated the utility of bilateral bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). We performed 62 bronchoscopies on 52 immunosuppressed patients. Of the 52 patients, 33 had pulmonary infections. The yield for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia on bilateral BAL was 94 percent (31/33), compared to the 84 percent (51/61) previously obtained with unilateral BAL in our institution. The recovery of P carinii was unilateral in four of five patients without AIDS and in four of 26 patients with AIDS. Transbronchial biopsy gave a yield of 85 percent (11/13). In ten patients with definitive cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonia, recovery of CMV by combined culture and cytology was 100 percent. Of nine bronchoscopies with positive cytology for CMV, five showed cytopathologic changes in the BAL from both sides and four in the BAL from one side only. No complications were seen in the 14 patients with thrombocytopenia or the five patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Our findings indicate that bilateral BAL significantly increases the yield for recovery of P carinii (p
Plasma levels of catecholamines and corticotrophin during acute glucopenia induced by 2-deoxy-D-glucose in normal man.

Acute cellular glucopenia after 2-deoxy-D-glucose administration profoundly stimulates hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical and adrenomedullary activity. Whether glucopenia stimulates sympathoneural release of noradrenaline is unclear. We studied 20 healthy subjects who received 2-deoxy-D-glucose (50 mg/kg in 100 ml isotonic saline) or isotonic saline (100 ml) i.v. for 30 min on each of 2 test days. Heart rate and blood pressure were measured with antecubital venous blood obtained via an indwelling catheter for assays of plasma catecholamines (noradrenaline; adrenaline; dihydroxyphenylalanine; dihydroxyphenylglycol; and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid), corticotrophin, cortisol, and glucose. 2-deoxy-D-glucose decreased diastolic blood pressure by 20% (from 69 ± 2 to 55 ± 2 mmHg) and increased adrenaline levels by 30-fold [21 ± 6 (SEM) to 634 ± 73 pg/ml], corticotrophin by seven-fold (5.1 ± 1.2 to 35.8 ± 4.9 pg/ml), glucose and cortisol by two-fold (82 ± 5 to 163 ± 9 mg/dl and 15 ± 2 to 31 ± 2 µg/dl), and noradrenaline by about 30% (224 ± 15 to 295 ± 24 pg/ml,p < 0.05), whereas plasma dihydroxy-phenylglycol levels decreased (765 ± 56 to 628 ± 42 pg/ml). Small decreases in dihydroxyphenylalanine and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid levels after 2-deoxy-D-glucose did not differ from those after saline. Responses of adrenaline levels were positively correlated with those of noradrenaline (r = 0.47,p < 0.05) and glucose (r = 0.45,p = 0.06), but not of corticotrophin. We conclude that acute glucopenia evoked by 2-deoxy-D-glucose markedly activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical and adrenomedullary systems concurrently in man, without evidence for increases in exocytotic release, turnover, or overall synthesis of noradrenaline in sympathetic nerves. Increments in noradrenaline levels in this setting seem to be due mainly to a marked increase in adrenomedullary secretion, which probably also determines the hyperglycaemic reponse.