cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The syringe shield rule: model for practitioner-initiated regulatory reform.

Objective To implement a performance-based method for maintaining radiation exposures to extremities as low as reasonably achievable while handling syringes containing radioactive materials. Setting University hospital nuclear medicine clinic. Practice Description Nuclear pharmacy and nuclear medicine. Practice Innovation The author petitioned the Iowa Department of Public Health to revise its prescriptive syringe shield rule to allow for the development of a performance-based method while handling syringes containing radioactive material. Main Outcome Measures Following enactment of the revised rule, a new performance-based policy and guidelines for the use of syringe shields were developed and implemented. Extremity exposures for nuclear medicine personnel were monitored in the nuclear medicine clinic and evaluated for 6-month periods immediately before and after implementation of the new policy and guidelines. Results The Iowa Department of Public Health responded favorably to the author’s petition and revised its rule to allow performance-based methods. Implementation of the performance-based method did not significantly affect extremity exposures. Conclusion Practitioner-initiated regulatory reform for revision of a prescriptive rule to a performance-based rule can be feasible and practicable.
Evaluation of Allele-Specific PCR and Immunohistochemistry for the Detection of BRAF V600E Mutations in Hairy Cell Leukemia

Objectives: Detection of BRAF V600E mutations in hairy cell leukemia (HCL) has important diagnostic utility. In this study, we sought to compare immunohistochemistry with an antibody specific for this mutation to a sensitive molecular assay. Methods: The performance of the BRAF V600E–specific VE1 antibody was compared with that of allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 22 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens with HCL involvement, along with nine splenic marginal zone lymphomas (SMZLs), 10 follicular lymphomas (FLs), 10 mantle cell lymphomas (MCLs), and 10 chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphomas (CLL/SLLs). An additional 11 SMZLs, 100 FLs, 20 MCLs, 83 CLL/SLL specimens, and 49 reactive tonsils within tissue microarrays were stained with VE1. Results: A BRAF V600E mutation was detected in 17 (77.3%) of 22 HCL cases by PCR. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated VE1 staining in 20 (90.9%) cases, identifying low-level (~1%) involvement in three HCL cases that were mutation negative by PCR. Evaluation of additional material from these patients confirmed the presence of BRAF V600E. Thirty-nine non-HCL cases were negative by both methods. Within tissue microarrays, weak false-positive staining was observed in two (0.8%) of 263 non-HCL cases. Conclusions: VE1 immunohistochemistry is more sensitive than allele-specific PCR in FFPE bone marrow specimens and can be applied to decalcified core biopsy specimens that are not appropriate for molecular techniques.
A Mathematical Programming Approach to Production Decisions in the Emerging Aquaculture Industry

The creation of new food sources is an important advancement in the search for solutions to food shortages in both developing and underdeveloped countries. Aquaculture, the production of aquatic animals under controlled conditions, offers exciting new possibilities for alternative protein sources in a wide variety of locales. This paper presents a mathematical programming model designed to aid the manager of an aquaculture facility in production scheduling and the evaluation of new technologies in this rapidly changing environment.
INFLAMMATORY PAIN-INDUCED SIGNALING EVENTS FOLLOWING A CONDITIONAL DELETION OF THE N-METHYL-D-ASPARTATE RECEPTOR IN SPINAL CORD DORSAL HORN

The N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor in the spinal cord dorsal horn (SCDH) is one of the mechanisms involved in central sensitization during chronic pain. Previously, this laboratory created a spatio-temporal knockout (KO) of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor I (NR1) subunit in the mouse SCDH. The NR1 KO completely blocks NR1 gene and subsequent NMDA receptor expression and function in SCDH neurons. In the NR1 KO mice, the mechanical and cold allodynia induced at 24 h after complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) was reduced. However, the protective effects of KO were transient and were not seen at 48 h after CFA. These observations suggest the presence of NMDA-independent pathways that contribute to CFA-induced pain. CFA induces the activation of several signaling cascades in the SCDH, including protein kinase C (PKC)gamma and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2). The phosphorylation of PKCgamma and ERK1/2 was inhibited in the SCDH of NR1 KO mice up to 48 h after CFA treatment, suggesting that these pathways are NMDA receptor-dependent. Interestingly, neuronal cyclooxygenase (COX) -2 expression and microglial p38 phosphorylation were induced in the SCDH of the NR1 KO at 48 h after CFA. Our findings provide evidence that inflammatory reactions are responsible for the recurrence of pain after NR1 KO in the SCDH.
Elevated serum and hepatic tyrosine aminotransferase in voles chronically infected with Trypanosoma brucei gambiense

Abstract Chronic infections of voles ( Microtus montanus ) with Trypanosoma brucei gambiense result in marked elevations in both serum and hepatic tyrosine aminotransferase. Serum enzyme levels correlate poorly with hepatic levels but well with parasitemia. Because the trypanosome itself contains high levels of this same enzyme, it is hypothesized that lysis of extravascular parasites, possibly due to agglutination by variant-specific antibody, releases parasite enzymes into host tissues, resulting in the observed increase in serum enzyme levels. The possible role of increased tyrosine transamination in the behavioral syndrome of trypanosome-infected voles is considered.
Acrotomophilia, sex and disability: New concepts and case report

Sexual disability is commonly thought of as being secondary to another condition or disease. It may also be a primary disability of the peripheral genitalia, or of their mental governance in the brain/mind. Paraphilias are an example of the latter. Acrotomophilia is a paraphilia that pertains to amputation and amputees. Apotemnophilia pertains to self-amputation. Each of these little known syndromes offers a challenge to diagnosis and to sex therapy.
Tissue Factor and Its Inhibition at the Human Microvascular Anastomosis

The surgically created vascular anastomosis is a thrombogenic zone of uncertain etiology. This study was designed to investigate the importance of tissue factor as a cause of human microvascular thrombogenicity. The ability of tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) to block the effect of tissue factor was also tested in this whole-vessel model system. Tissue factor activity in the presence of absence of TFPI was assayed on the luminal surface of dissected human placental arteries, on the advential surface, and also at the site of a microvascular anastomosis. Vessel wall thrombin activity was measured in the presence and absence of TFPI. Platelet deposition onto a vessel surface using a perfusion system was measured with and without TFPI. Tissue factor activity was greater on the adventitia (4.6 +/- 2.8 x 10(-4) units factor Xa generated/min) than on the endothelium (1.8 +/- 1.6 x 10(-4), P < 0.03) or at a surgically created anastomosis (2.1 +/- 1.2 x 10(-4), P < 0.04). TFPI reduced Xa generation to undetectable levels in 21 of 23 endothelial, adventitial, and anastomotic segments (P < 0.002). TFPI significantly reduced vessel wall thrombin activity in comparison to control anastomoses (control, 3.2 +/- 1.7 ng fibrinopeptide A (FPA)/(ml x min); TFPI, 1.4 +/- 1.2 ng FPA/(ml x min); P < 0.0001). TFPI reduced the platelet deposition on vessel segments with intact endothelium (no TFPI, 0.88 +/- 0.69 x 10(6) platelets/cm2; TFPI, 0.49 +/- 0.29 x 10(6) platelets/cm2; P < 0.06) and on vessel segments with anastomoses (no TFPI, 1.3 +/- 0.70 x 10(6) platelets/cm2; TFPI, 0.76 +/- 0.35 x 10(6) platelets/cm2; P < 0.02). This study demonstrates the importance of tissue factor as a thrombogenic element in a human whole-vessel model system. TFPI is effective in reducing this thrombogenicity.
Retreatment of Recurrent Invasive Thymoma With Platinum, Doxorubicin, and Cyclophosphamide

Invasive thymoma recently has been shown to be sensitive to combination chemotherapy and in some cases to be relatively indolent. Two cases of extensive thymoma which responded to primary treatment with a combination of a platinum compound (carboplatin or cisplatin), doxorubicin (Adriamycin), and cyclophosphamide (or PAC) are described. Tumor progression occurred 14 (case 1) and 60 months (case 2) after completion of initial PAC therapy and was treated with the same regimen resulting in a second remission, which lasted 6 months in case 1 and is continuing at 8 months in case 2. Similar reports of secondary responses using the same chemotherapy have been described in breast, lung, and ovarian cancers, as well as in Hodgkin's lymphomas. Our observations suggest that retreatment with the same platinum-based regimen should be considered in patients who have progressive thymomas following a previous chemotherapeutic response and a disease-free interval of greater than 12 months.
Amplification of the translocated c-myc genes in three Burkitt lymphoma cell lines.

Abstract Translocations of the coding exons of the human c-myc gene are consistent features of human Burkitt lymphomas (BL). In the BL cell lines CA46, JD40, and ST486, the second and third c-myc exons have been translocated into the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus. In addition to this rearrangement, in all three cell lines, we have found that the translocated c-myc exons show low-level amplification relative to restriction fragments from the germ-line c-myc gene. The patterns of hybridization of an IgM switch region probe suggest that immunoglobulin heavy chain sequences have been co-amplified with the translocated c-myc sequences. Differential sedimentation was used to determine whether the amplified sequences reside in high-molecular-weight chromosomes or low-molecular-weight extrachromosomal DNA. In JD40 and ST486 cells, the amplified c-myc sequences were found on high-molecular-weight chromosomes; ST486 cells also contained translocated c-myc sequences in low-molecular-weight, extrachromosomal DNA, as did CA46 cells. These conclusions were corroborated by fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) of HeLa, CA46, ST486 and JD40 metaphase chromosomes. These results suggest that there is ongoing selection for cells containing amplified copies of the expressed c-myc sequences, and that there is continuous generation of extrachromosomal copies of the translocated c-myc sequences in ST486 and CA46 cells.
Some facets for an assignment problem with side constraints

This paper presents a class of facet-defining inequalities for an assignment problem with the additional constraints that specified variables are required to be equal to each other. In a special case, the complete polyhedral description is given.
Subdermal Fluid for Skin Protection during Superficial Palliative Thermal Ablation

Editor: Radiofrequency (RF) ablation is increasingly being used to treat small tumors of the liver, breast, kidney, adrenal, and bone in addition to tumor debulking. RF ablation has been successful in the treatment of painful metastatic bone disease and has more recently been described for palliation of soft tissue cancer pain (1-3). Although a rare complication, skin burns from RF ablation have been reported during the tract-ablation portion of the procedure, along the edge of grounding pads, and from the insulating coating surrounding the needle being peeled off (4-6). A 23-year-old man with sarcoma presented for RF ablation for pain palliation of three rapidly enlarging soft tissue masses in the right subscapula, right chest wall, and left flank. The lesions were hypoechoic on ultrasound, and the needle had free motion within the lesion suggesting a cystic component or necrosis which can make the heating process during ablation difficult and longer (7). Due to the extremely superficial location of the lesions just under the skin and the potentially longer ablation time,the risk of skin burn was considered significant. As a result, 20 mL of 1% lidocaine was used as an anesthetic and more important, to insulate the skin and move the masses away from the skin by injecting in a subdermal location. The 3.8 cm × 3.5 cm right subscapular mass was ablated first. Before ablation, the distance between the skin surface and the superior margin of the tumor was 0.52 cm (Fig 1). After injection of 20 mL of 1% lidocaine, this distance increased to 1.14 cm (Figs ​(Figs22-​-3).3). The ablation was then performed without complication or evidence of skin burn. The same technique was also applied to the other two lesions on the chest wall and flank. We commonly use a similar technique to prevent diaphragmatic injury for those perihepatic tumors close to the diaphragm and adjacent organs (8). Figure (1) Soft tissue sarcoma mass 0.52 cm beneath the skin surface. Figure (2) Needle (arrow) during subdermal injection of 20 mL of 1% lidocaine. Figure (3) Increased distance between skin surface and tumor after injection of lidocaine. While we cannot recommend a minimum distance from the tumor to the skin that would prevent burn injury, in our own experience fluid protection is warranted when either two organs (ie, bowel and liver) or tumor and skin are less than 1.0 cm from each other. This simple maneuver may decrease the risk of ablating tumors that are very close to the skin surface and have the potential to result in significant burn injury during the heating process. The recommended minimum distance between skin and a vein being laser ablated is 10 mm (9), which supports the 10 mm threshold, but it may be an arbitrary number. However, further prospective study to determine the minimum distance to prevent skin burns and to confirm the safety of this approach is required.
X chromosome parental origin and aortic stiffness in turner syndrome.

SummaryIntroduction Aortic abnormalities contribute to increased morbidity and mortality of women with Turner syndrome (TS). Impaired aortic stiffness may prove to have clinical prognostic value in TS as is the case in other diseases such as Marfan syndrome, diabetes and hypertension. Additionally, the parental origin of the X chromosome in TS may influence aortic stiffness. Objective To assess the relation between X chromosome parental origin and aortic stiffness in TS patients. Methods Twenty-four subjects with TS participated in this cross-sectional study at a tertiary care centre. The parental origin of the X chromosome was determined. Cardiac-gated multidetector computerized tomography (MDCT) was performed and distensibility of the ascending aorta (AA), a measure of aortic stiffness, was calculated. Results Fourteen women were Xm (maternal origin) and 10 were Xp (paternal origin) for their inheritance of the single X chromosome. Age, body size, blood pressure and AA areas were similar in the two groups. However, the calculated AA distensibility was significantly lower in the Xm group (2·8 ± 1·1 mm/Hg) than in the Xp group (4·1 ± 1·5 mm/Hg); P < 0·05. Conclusion This study demonstrates that TS subjects that inherit their single X chromosome from their mother (Xm) have a significantly stiffer aorta compared with the TS with a paternally originating X chromosome (Xp), consistent with a potentially greater risk for cardiovascular complications. These findings suggest that parental chromosomal analysis and aortic stiffness measurements would be useful for the risk assessment and clinical management of TS patients.
Design and implementation of a real-time switch for segmented Ethernets

Providing network bandwidth guarantees over an Ethernet requires coordination of the network nodes for traffic prioritization such that real-time data can have deterministic access to the network. We have shown previously how RETHER, a software based token passing protocol can efficiently provide real-time support over a single shared Ethernet segment. This work extends the token passing mechanism into a switched, multi-segment Ethernet environment. This paper describes the detailed design issues, their solutions, and a fully operational switch implementation built into the FreeBSD kernel. By testing the protocol independently and as the underlying network protocol of the Stony Brook Video Server, we have verified that the bandwidth guarantees are successfully provided, with relatively low run-time overhead, for real-time connections crossing multiple Ethernet segments. This paper also provides a comprehensive performance evaluation of the prototype.
THE RELATIVE CONTRIBUTION OF PARTICULATE CHLOROPHYLL AND RIVER TRIPTON TO THE EXTINCTION OF LIGHT OFF THE COAST OF OREGON1

Extinction coefficients and chlorophyll a concentrations were measured for three years along sampling lines off the mouth of a large river ( Cohmlbia ), a relatively small river (Yaquina), and a section of Oregon coastline with little river outflow. The relative contribution of particulate chlorophyll and nonliving suspended matter (tripton) to the extinction coefficient, k, was assessed using a three-component equation that allowed the separation of arcas and seasons in which k was a function of chlorophyll concentration from areas and seasons in which other factors besides chlorophyll concentration were involved. The effect of river discharge into the sea is twofold: to increase tripton turbidity, and thus k, and to change the oceanic relationship between chlorophyll n concentration and k in areas subject to, but not overwhehiled by, river discharge. The first effect is more pronounced with large volumes of discharge and becomes less significant with increasing distances from the river mouth. Beyond the areas of masking of this relationship by tripton turbidity, k apparently is a function of chlorophyll concentration only in winter and spring (through mid-May) when river discharge is low. In areas that never rcceivc significant river discharge, k is a function of chlorophyll concentration during all seasons cxccpt possibly summer, when upwelling may at times destroy the relationship.
Silicon alkoxide cross-linked silica nanoparticle gels for encapsulation of bacterial biocatalysts

A method is developed for encapsulation of bacterial biocatalysts in silica gels formed by silica nanoparticles (SNP) and a silicon alkoxide crosslinker. Formulation of the gel was optimized by changing the SNP size, SNP to crosslinker ratio and crosslinker functionality. Hydrolysis and condensation reactions of silicon alkoxide were controlled by water to alkoxide ratio (r) and pH of the solution. FTIR analysis verified that a reactive and temporally stable silicon alkoxide crosslinker was obtained. As a case study, recombinant Escherichia coli (E. coli) cells expressing the atrazine dechlorinating enzyme AtzA were encapsulated. Synthesized catalytic biomaterials (silica gel encapsulated bacterial biocatalysts) were evaluated based on their gelation time, biocatalytic activity and mechanical strength. Diffusivity assays and SEM were used for characterization of the gel structure. We found that SNP to crosslinker ratio affected all the features of the gel, whereas crosslinker functionality primarily affected the gelation time and SNP size affected the mechanical strength and diffusivity. Based on systematic evaluation, we selected three gel formulations and subjected them to long-term activity measurements in a continuous-flow bioreactor for removing trace levels of atrazine. The effluent atrazine concentration was sustained below 30% of the influent concentration, <3 ppb, for 2 months.
Income Inequality and Trade: How to Think, What to Conclude

Recent econometric work and growing analytical consensus suggest that exogenous international market pressures are a contributing factor to trends in U.S. wage/earnings inequality. Trade accounts for a share of these inequality trends close to or somewhat greater than its 10-15 percent share of economic activity, especially over medium-term horizons and dependent on precise definition. Trade is neither a trivial influence nor a dominant one. Evidence exists that its influence has declined slightly in the past decade, however. Rapid technological growth in exportable sectors seems more important.
Heat Shock Transcription Factor Hsf1 Is Involved in Tumor Progression via Regulation of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1 and RNA-Binding Protein HuR

Previously we demonstrated that the heat shock transcription factor Hsf1 is indispensable for transformation of mammary epithelial cells by the Her2 oncogene. Since Hsf1 affects oncogene-induced senescence (OIS), these findings suggest that Hsf1 affects tumor initiation when OIS plays a role. Indeed, here we report that Hsf1 knockout suppressed mammary hyperplasia in Her2-expressing mice and reduced tumor emergence. On the other hand, Hsf1 expression increases with advanced breast cancer, indicating that there is an additional role of Hsf1 in tumor progression. We studied rare tumors that developed in Hsf1-knockout mice and found that these tumors grew slower than tumors in control animals and showed suppressed angiogenesis. Similarly, in the xenograft model, knockdown of Hsf1 suppressed angiogenesis, which was associated with suppression of the HIF-1 pathway. Suppression of HIF-1 was at the level of translation due to downregulation of the RNA-binding protein HuR. Importantly, besides HIF-1, HuR controls translation of other major regulators of cancer progression, many of which were suppressed in Hsf1-knockdown cells. Therefore, in addition to OIS, Hsf1 regulates the HuR-HIF-1 pathway, thus affecting both cancer initiation and progression.
On the detection of delay faults

The class of faults known as gate delay faults are investigated. A taxonomy of the classes of gate delay fault detecting tests is provided. Methods to derive robust and nonrobust tests to detect gate delay faults are proposed. A physically meaningful measure to assess the efficacy of test sequences is introduced, and used to report fault coverages. A nine-valued logic system was proposed and used for deriving these tests. A physically meaningful measure, in the form of the average detection size of a test sequence. An algorithm was devised and implemented to automate the process of test generation, and results of experimentation with the ATPG, as well as with a random-pattern simulator, on four ISCAS-85 circuits were reported. >
Reciprocal cross-sensitization between amphetamine and salt appetite

Abstract Previous work in our laboratory has demonstrated a potentiation of the psychomotor effects of amphetamine in animals with a history of sodium depletion, a process referred to as cross-sensitization. The present studies were done to further develop this finding by assessing multiple effects of amphetamine in rats with and without a history of sodium depletion. For Experiments 1–3, rats were depleted of sodium twice then subjected to one of three experimental procedures [open-field activity, conditioned place preference (CPP) and conditioned taste aversion (CTA)]. A history of depletion produced an elevation in the psychomotor effects of amphetamine. CPP, used to assess the rewarding properties of amphetamine, developed in rats with a history of depletion but not in controls. The aversive component of amphetamine as measured by CTA was unaffected by previous experience with sodium depletion. Finally, acute salt appetite after depletion was assessed in rats exposed to a sensitizing regimen of amphetamine. Animals with a drug history demonstrated a significant elevation in NaCl solution intake after depletion in comparison to controls. Together, the data provide strong evidence for the reciprocal cross-sensitization of salt appetite and response to amphetamine.
Electronic nicotine delivery systems: adult use and awareness of the ‘e-cigarette’ in the USA

Background Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), also referred to as electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes, were introduced into the US market in 2007. Despite concerns regarding the long-term health impact of this product, there is little known about awareness and use of ENDS among adults in the USA. Methods A consumer-based mail-in survey (ConsumerStyles) was completed by 10587 adults ($18 years) in 2009 and 10328 adults in 2010. Data from these surveys were used to monitor awareness, ever use and past month use of ENDS from 2009 to 2010 and to assess demographic characteristics and tobacco use of ENDS users. Results In this US sample, awareness of ENDS doubled from 16.4% in 2009 to 32.2% in 2010 and ever use more than quadrupled from 2009 (0.6%) to 2010 (2.7%). Ever use of ENDS was most common among women and those with lower education, although these were not the groups who had heard of ENDS most often. Current smokers and tobacco users were most likely to try ENDS. However, current smokers who had tried ENDS did not say they planned to quit smoking more often than smokers who had never tried them. Conclusions Given the large increase in awareness and ever use of ENDS during this 1-year period and the unknown impact of ENDS use on cigarette smoking behaviours and long-term health, continued monitoring of these products is needed.
Metalloorganic solution deposition of ferroelectric PZT films

The metallo-organic solution deposition (MOSD or sol-gel) technique can be used for preparing lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramics with a wide range of compositions and crystal structures for electrooptical applications. Film morphology is affected by the stoichiometry of the film, hydrolysis and polymerization of the sol-gel solution, and thermal treatment of the deposited material. The lattice parameter decreases with the amount of titanium in the PZT, in agreement with ceramic data. A slight initial excess of lead in the coating solution is found to improve film morphology. Unlike traditional powder ceramic processing techniques, MOSD permits the growth of small uniform grains that are conducive to achieving consistent electronic and optical properties. Results show that the properties of films prepared by the MOSD process can be tailored to meet the needs of device applications. >
Criteria For Evaluating Usability Evaluation Methods

The current variety of alternative approaches to usability evaluation methods (UEMs) designed to assess and improve usability in software systems is offset by a general lack of understanding of the capabilities and limitations of each. Practitioners need to know which methods are more effective and in what ways and for what purposes. However, UEMs cannot be evaluated and compared reliably because of the lack of standard criteria for comparison. In this article, we present a practical discussion of factors, comparison criteria, and UEM performance measures useful in studies comparing UEMs. In demonstrating the importance of developing appropriate UEM evaluation criteria, we offer operational definitions and possible measures of UEM performance. We highlight specific challenges that researchers and practitioners face in comparing UEMs and provide a point of departure for further discussion and refinement of the principles and techniques used to approach UEM evaluation and comparison.
Nephrotoxicity of p-aminophenol, a metabolite of acetaminophen, in the fischer 344 rat.

Abstract Acetaminophen (APAP) produces proximal tubular necrosis in the Fischer 344 rat. APAP is deacetylated to p -aminophenol (PAP) in the hamster, and PAP has been reported to be a potent specific cortical nephrotoxicant in the rat. However, the role of PAP in APAP nephrotoxicity has not been defined. Therefore, it was of interest to quantify PAP formation after APAP administration and to correlate PAP formation with renal injury produced by APAP in the Fischer 344 rat. Urinary PAP excretion, measured as an index of PAP formation, increased with increasing doses of APAP. In addition, APAP was metabolized to PAP in isolated perfused kidneys. PAP at doses as low as 100 mg/kg produced significant renal toxicity (elevation in blood urea nitrogen and reduction in accumulation of p -aminohippurate by thin renal cortical slices). Ortho - and meta -aminophenol were not nephrotoxic. Pretreatment with polybrominated biphenyls or β-naphthoflavone, inducers of mixed function oxidases, protected against nephrotoxicity of PAP, possibly as a result of enhanced hepatic biotransformation of the parent compound. These studies indicate that PAP is a potent, selective nephrotoxicant that can be generated from APAP by the kidney and may be responsible for the renal necrosis subsequent to APAP administration.
Parvovirus infection mimicking systemiclupus erythematosus

There are striking similarities between human parvovirus B19 (HPV-B19) infection and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): both may present with malar rash, fever, arthropathy, myalgia, cytopenia, hypocomplementemia, anti-DNA, and antinuclear antibodies (ANA). Therefore, it is difficult at times to differentiate HPV-B19 infection from SLE presentation or exacerbation. We report 4 cases of HPV-B19 infection mimicking SLE and review 10 other reported cases, all of whom were women. The similarity to a typical SLE presentation was indeed striking: most patients presented with rash, arthropathy, myalgia, fever, and positive ANA. In some cases, HPV-B19 infection seemed to exacerbate SLE rather then resemble it, and differentiation was difficult. Nearly all patients improved within several weeks. However, a few patients had symptoms and laboratory abnormalities lasting more than 6 months. The possibility of HPV-B19 infection should be entertained in patients presenting with SLE-like features.
G-protein-coupled receptor kinase interactor-1 (GIT1) is a new endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS) interactor with functional effects on vascular homeostasis.

Endothelial cell nitric-oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS), the enzyme responsible for synthesis of NO in the vasculature, undergoes extensive post-translational modifications that modulate its activity. Here we have identified a novel eNOS interactor, G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) kinase interactor-1 (GIT1), which plays an unexpected role in GPCR stimulated NO signaling. GIT1 interacted with eNOS in the endothelial cell cytoplasm, and this robust association was associated with stimulatory eNOS phosphorylation (Ser1177), enzyme activation, and NO synthesis. GIT1 knockdown had the opposite effect. Additionally, GIT1 expression was reduced in sinusoidal endothelial cells after liver injury, consistent with previously described endothelial dysfunction in this disease. Re-expression of GIT1 after liver injury rescued the endothelial phenotype. These data emphasize the role of GPCR signaling partners in eNOS function and have fundamental implications for vascular disorders involving dysregulated eNOS.
The relationship between intermittent limit cycles and postural instability associated with Parkinson's disease

Background: Many disease-specific factors such as muscular weakness, increased muscle stiffness, varying postural strategies, and changes in postural reflexes have been shown to lead to postural instability and fall risk in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Recently, analytical techniques, inspired by the dynamical systems perspective on movement control and coordination, have been used to examine the mechanisms underlying the dynamics of postural declines and the emergence of postural instabilities in people with PD. Methods: A wavelet-based technique was used to identify limit cycle oscillations (LCOs) in the anterior–posterior (AP) postural sway of people with mild PD (n=10) compared to age-matched controls (n=10). Participants stood on a foam and on a rigid surface while completing a dual task (speaking). Results: There was no significant difference in the root mean square of center of pressure between groups. Three out of 10 participants with PD demonstrated LCOs on the foam surface, while none in the control group demonstrated LCOs. An inverted pendulum model of bipedal stance was used to demonstrate that LCOs occur due to disease-specific changes associated with PD:time-delay and neuromuscular feedback gain. Conclusion: Overall, the LCO analysis and mathematical model appear to capture the subtle postural instabilities associated with mild PD. In addition, these findings provide insights into the mechanisms that lead to the emergence of unstable posture in patients with PD.
Comparative effects of biologics on cardiovascular risk among older patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Objectives To compare the coronary heart disease risk among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) initiating common biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs of different mechanisms. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with RA enrolled in Medicare, a public health plan covering >90% of US residents 65 years or older, from 2006 to 2012 who (1) initiated a biologic, (2) had complete medical and pharmacy coverage for at least 12 months before biologic initiation and (3) were free of coronary heart disease at the time of initiation. We compared the incidence rates (IRs) of (1) acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and (2) a composite outcome of AMI or coronary revascularisation and used multivariable adjusted Cox regression models to examine the associations between the type of biologic and the two outcomes. Results We identified 47 193 eligible patients with RA with mean age 64 (SD 13) years; 85% were women. Crude IRs for AMI ranged from 5.7 to 8.8 cases per 1000 person-years (PYs). AMI risk was significantly elevated among antitumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) initiators overall (adjusted HR (aHR) 1.3; 95% CI 1.0 to 1.6) and individually among etanercept (aHR 1.3; 95% CI 1.0 to 1.8) and infliximab (aHR 1.3; 95% CI 1.0 to 1.6) compared with abatacept initiators. Crude IRs for the composite outcome ranged from 7.6 to 14.5 per 1000 PYs. Tocilizumab initiators were at reduced risk of the composite outcome compared with abatacept initiators (aHR 0.64, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.99). Discussion Findings from this observational study of patients with RA suggested that anti-TNF biologics may be associated with higher AMI risk compared with abatacept.
A New Class of Analytical Solutions to Nonlinear Boundary Value Problems

This paper establishes a new class of analytical solutions for nonlinear boundary value problems defined by systems of ordinary differential equations. This class uses Bezier functions derived from Bezier curves. Three engineering examples, (1) a fully developed laminar flow in a pipe with constant surface temperature; (2) a three dimensional flow over a rotating disk; (3) a three dimensional rotating flow over a stationary disk, are solved and the analytical solution is provided. These solutions are graphically indistinguishable from the exact or numerical solutions used for comparison. The solutions are obtained through standard design optimization techniques. The approach is simple. The set up is direct. No state space formulation is necessary for handling the set of differential equations. The procedure is independent of the type or the discipline the problem belongs to. The procedure is adaptive through the selection of the order of the Bezier functions.© 2005 ASME
Re-Os AGE OF THE PUEBLO VIEJO EPITHERMAL DEPOSIT, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Re-Os analyses of pyrite from the Pueblo Viejo high-sulfidation epithermal deposit (both Monte Negro and Moore ore zones) yield an isochron age of 111.9 ± 3.7 Ma and initial 187 Os/ 188 Os ratio of 0.22 ± 0.18 (mean square of weighted deviates = 84, n = 21). Isochrons grouped by pyrite setting (layered versus vein) or locations yield ages within uncertainty of the overall isochron and with each other and, as such, do not yield temporally distinguishable ages. Sphalerite vein samples as well as shale source rocks show evidence of open system behavior and loss of Re and therefore are not included in the above regression. These results confirm that the Pueblo Viejo deposit is Early Cretaceous in age and coeval with the volcanic Los Ranchos Formation, which hosts the deposit. Recent paleontological age assignments for the Hatillo Formation, which overlies the Los Ranchos Formation, show that it is only slightly younger, opening the possibility that mineralization in the Hatillo Formation could also be related to late stages of Los Ranchos magmatism. Whether these revised Los Ranchos-Hatillo relations provide sufficient cover to account for the paragenetically late formation of pyrophyllite at Pueblo Viejo remains unclear. Recognition that Pueblo Viejo is coeval with the Los Ranchos Formation shows that large-scale, high-sulfidation epithermal mineralization can form from basal island-arc tholeiitic magmatism. A review of available experimental data confirms that these magmas can generate hydrothermal solutions of the necessary composition; favorability of the Los Ranchos Formation might have been enhanced by its bimodal composition. These results suggest that exploration for epithermal precious metal deposits should include basal island-arc tholeiite terranes.
The Diagnostic and Treatment Patterns of Urologists in the United States for Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome

Abstract Introduction Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome is not completely understood, making it challenging to diagnose and treat. The current literature elucidating this disease process is inconsistent. Without a clear consensus regarding management it is important to evaluate how urologists are treating these patients. Methods Urologists across the United States completed a 19-item survey addressing diagnostic and treatment methods for interstitial cystitis. Participation was voluntary and no compensation was provided to complete the survey. Results A total of 95 surveys were completed and returned between December 2012 and January 2013. Of the respondents 92% considered themselves general urologists and most preferred to manage interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome themselves with only 33% referring these patients. Of the respondents 47% believed that the etiology of interstitial cystitis is still unknown. Cystoscopy with hydrodistention was the most common approach to diagnosis (70% of respondents) followed closely by validated symptoms scores (65%). Oral medication was the most commonly used treatment (92% of respondents), of which pentosan polysulfate was the most commonly used agent. Oral medication was followed by intravesical treatment and bladder hydrodistention at 77% and 74% of respondents, respectively. Most urologists ultimately used multimodal therapy. AUA (American Urological Association) guidelines were followed by only 15% of respondent urologists. Conclusions The treatment of patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome is variable and many urologists use multiple modalities for diagnosis and treatment. This variability in diagnosis and/or treatment reflects the deficiency of our current understanding of this disease process. Until the pathophysiology is better delineated diagnosis and treatment will remain without consensus.
AGE AND MOVEMENT OF A HYBRID ZONE: IMPLICATIONS FOR DISPERSAL DISTANCE IN POCKET GOPHERS AND THEIR CHEWING LICE.

Historical flood records for the Rio Grande Valley of New Mexico suggest that a pocket gopher (Thomomys bottae) hybrid zone previously thought to be 10,000 years old may actually be closer to 50 years old. Measured zone width (defined genetically) is consistent with the hypothesis of recent contact, if we assume a reasonable dispersal distance of approximately 400 m/year for pocket gophers. A five-year study of movement of the contact zone between the two species of chewing lice that parasitize these pocket gophers also is consistent with the hypothesis of recent origin of the zone.
Genome-Wide Identification and Analysis of Genes Encoding Proteolytic Enzymes in Pineapple

Pineapple, Ananas comosus, is an economically important fruit crop. Recently its genome was completely sequenced and a total of 27,024 protein coding genes were predicted. Using a set of well evaluated bioinformatics tools we have predicted the protein subcellular locations and comparatively analyzed the protein conserved domains of the predicted proteomes in pineapple, Oryza sativa (rice), Sorghum bicolor (sorghum), and Brachypodium distachyson. Our analysis revealed that ~24–26 % of proteins were located in nucleus, 17–21 % in cytosol, 9–11 % in chloroplast, and 8–11 % proteins were secreted in these monocot plants. The secretomes in the four species were analyzed comparatively and a large number of secreted glycosyl hydrolases were identified. As pineapple proteolytic enzymes, knowns as bromelains, have been used for medical treatments, we focused on genome-wide identification and analysis of pineapple genes encoding proteases. A total of 512 pineapple genes encoding putative proteolytic enzymes were identified, with 152 secreted, 74 localized in cytosol, 67 in nucleus, 60 in chloroplast, 18 in mitochondria, and the remaining in other subcellular locations. The top large protease families in pineapple were papain family cysteine protease (62 genes), peptidase S8 family (56 genes), aspartyl protease family (38 genes), and serine carboxypeptidase (33 genes). Gene expression analysis revealed that among 512 protease genes 432 were expressed in various tissues and 72 genes were differentially expressed. The highly expressed protease genes were identified including 7 papain family cysteine proteases. The protease genes with the predicted protein subcellular locations will facilitate the efforts for examining their biological roles in pineapple growth and development and for expressing the recombinant proteases for medical use. The information of protein subcellular location of all plant species can be accessed at the PlantSecKB website ( http://proteomics.ysu.edu/secretomes/plant.php ).
Intrapulmonary stromal mesothelioma.

Summary There is an entity of solitary benign spindle cell mesothelioma which grows in relation to bronchi within the lung, but is unrelated to the pleura. Its similarity to growths reported as "fibrosarcoma of bronchus" is pointed out. There are morphogenetic sequences in embryonic pulmonary development which could account for a mesothelial tumor arising without pleural contact. A designation of paramesathelioma or stromal mesothelioma is suggested as more appropriate than "fibrous" mesothelioma for those mesothelial tumors which differentiate as spindle cell growths similar to ovarian fibrothecomas or are derived from submesothelial mesenchyme. Doctors Alfred Goldman, Edward Shapiro, Maurice Hyman, and Marvin Harris permitted use of the clinical material.
Chronic Inflammation is a Major Cause of Preventable Cancer

Chronic inflammation from chronic infections or smoking is a major risk factor for cancer. The toxic oxidants released by phagocytes damage DNA directly and, in order to promote wound healing, are also signals for mitogenesis. The inflammation-induced mutagenesis and mitogenesis produce a synergistic response that contributes to cancer. The inflammatory response can be mitigated by antioxidants and other dietary factors.
Advice to patients undergoing stem cell transplant: Content analysis of survivor peer support narratives:

Hematopoietic stem cell transplant survivors often share advice with patients undergoing this difficult treatment. We content analyzed narratives written by 59 transplant survivors given the opportunity to share advice with patients. Analyses described categories of advice they shared and evaluated their perceptions of the helpfulness of advice they had received. We found nine advice categories and evidence for variation in their perceived helpfulness, especially for advice to “be your own advocate,” “have someone you can rely on,” and “think positive.” Findings suggest the need to investigate how seemingly innocuous advice can be unhelpful and potentially distressing to some patients.
Clinical utility of insulin-like growth factor assays

Insulin-like growth I and II (IGF-I and II) mediate many of the peripheral mitogenic actions of growth hormone (GH). The marked dependence of IGF levels on GH adequacy has led to the development of commercial immunoassays for IGF-I (somatomedin-C), and the widespread use of IGF-I levels in the evaluation of short stature. Proper interpretation of IGF-I levels requires consideration of assay methodology, age-related norms, clinical findings, nutritional status, and concurrent hormonal and disease processes. IGF-I levels alone cannot be used to predict stimulated GH response, but may have value in directing the clinical evaluation of a child with short stature. Low IGF-I levels may also be characteristic of a subpopulation of short children with neurosecretory GH deficiency. The role of IGF-II levels in the evaluation of short stature is uncertain, although the combination of low IGF-I and IGF-II levels is more specific for GH deficiency than either value alone. Other clinical applications for IGF assays in pediatrics are also reviewed.
Association of Injury Factors, Not Body Mass Index, With Hospital Resource Usage in Trauma Patients

BACKGROUND: Allocating resources appropriately requires knowing whether obese patients use more resources during a hospital stay than nonobese patients. OBJECTIVES: To determine if trauma patients with different body mass indexes differed in use of resources measured as a multifaceted outcome variable. METHODS: A trauma registry was used for a retrospective study of adult patients admitted to a midwestern level I trauma center. Patients were stratified into 3 groups: nonobese (normal weight, overweight), obese, and morbidly obese. Three canonical correlation analyses were used to determine the relationship between patient/injury characteristics and hospital resource usage. RESULTS: In a sample of 9771 patients, 71.2% were non-obese, 23.8% obese, and 5.0% morbidly obese. For patient/injury characteristics, Injury Severity Score and physiological complications were significant variables for all 3 groups. Scores on the Glasgow Coma Scale were significant for nonobese patients only. For resource usage, intensive care unit length of stay and procedures were significant variables for all 3 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Associations between body mass index and outcomes have been noted when assessed as independent variables. However, when resource usage was assessed as a multifaceted outcome variable, injury factors (higher Injury Severity Score, lower scores on the Glasgow Coma Scale, more physiological complications) were associated with resource usage (increased length of stay in the intensive care unit and increased number of procedures). These findings provide clinicians a new perspective for evaluating the complex relationship between patient/injury characteristics and hospital resource usage.©2016 American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. Language: en
What Do We Mean by Culturally Adapting Psychotherapy

In this chapter, I define and highlight the importance of cultural competency, differentiate the more generic notion of cultural competency from the more specific skill set of culturally adapting therapy, and identify some of the extant models and frameworks for culturally adapting treatments. I also review the treatment outcome literature on culturally adapted therapies, discuss methodological biases and limitations associated with conducting this type of work, and provide recommendations for the future.