cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical Pharmacokinetics of the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors

The angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors are an important therapeutic advance in the treatment of patients with hypertension and congestive heart failure. In addition, they are useful pharmacological probes to assess the contribution of the renin-angiotensin system to circulatory homeostasis. Captopril was the first angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor approved for use in patients with hypertension and congestive heart failure. It is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with detectable plasma concentrations apparent as early as 15 minutes. The extent of absorption is between 60 and 75% of an oral dose and peak plasma concentrations occur after approximately one hour. Captopril is primarily excreted by the kidneys via renal tubular secretion. Renal excretion is rapid, with 90% completed in the first 4 hours. The elimination half-life for unchanged captopril is about 1.7 hours and is markedly increased in the presence of renal insufficiency. Once absorbed, captopril is extensively metabolised to several forms, including a disulphide dimer of captopril, a captopril-cysteine disulphide, and other mixed disulphides with endogenous thiol compounds. It is probable that captopril and its pool of metabolites undergo reversible interconversions. Pharmacokinetic properties of captopril in patients with uncomplicated hypertension appear to be the same as in healthy subjects. However, long term administration of captopril leads to increased concentrations of total captopril, probably from the accumulation of captopril metabolites. Despite the number of potential influences on pharmacokinetic properties in patients with congestive heart failure, due to the many abnormalities in gastrointestinal tract oedema and reductions in splanchnic and renal blood flow, the available data suggest that its pharmacokinetic properties in patients with congestive heart failure resemble those in healthy subjects. However, additional data are necessary to confirm this. Enalapril is the second angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor to become available. Enalapril is a prodrug that is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with 60 to 70% of an oral dose being absorbed. However, enalapril must be converted by hepatic esterases to the active form, enalaprilat. After the oral administration of enalapril, the tmax for enalapril is one hour, but for enalaprilat it is 4 hours. There is a prolonged terminal elimination phase with enalaprilat being detectable as late as 96 hours after dosing. Thus, enalapril has a much longer duration of action than captopril. Like captopril, enalapril is primarily excreted by the kidneys.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Trauma and the Clinician: Therapeutic Implications in Clinical Work with Clients

This article explores clinical issues related to self-disclosure to clients following a traumatic event in clinicians' lives. In particular, special attention is paid to the role of self-disclosure in clinical work when clinicians are conflicted about whether or not to share personal information or how to communicate it to clients due to the nature of the trauma. Therapeutic implications, both short and long term, associated with such self-disclosure are discussed.
Jugendamt trotz Verwaltungsmodernisierung

Als das Jugendamt (JA) mit Inkrafttreten des Reichs Jugendwohlfahrtsgesetzes/ RJWG zum 1. April 1924 endlich eine gesetzliche Basis „dem Grunde nach“ hatte (zu den vielfaltigen Schwierigkeiten um das neue RJWG vgl. Jordan/ Munder 1987), spielte die Verwaltungsmodernisierung noch keine Rolle. Das JA war fachlich gewollt, es sollte als eigenstandige Behorde den Erziehungsgedanken befordern, umfassend angelegt, zugleich zustandig fur die Aufgaben der Jugendpflege und der Jugendfursorge. Die „Einheit der Jugendhilfe“ stand im Zentrum des fachlich Gewollten. Fur die Kinder- und Jugendhilfe ist dieser Gedanke bis heute sowohl verfassungsrechtlich uber Art. 74 Abs. 1 Nr. 7 — offentliche Fursorge — als auch gesetzlich im SGB VIII zentral verankert (vgl. umfassend dazu Uhlendorff 2003).
Statistical Climatic Reconstructions from Tree-Ring Widths

Basic principles and procedures of dendroclimatology are described, including objective multivariate transfer functions used to statistically reconstruct spatial anomalies in climate from spatial anomalies in ring width. An array of ring-width chronologies is calibrated with an array of instrumented seasonal climatic data, both of which overlap for a period of time. A least squares multiple canonical regression is obtained for the overlap period and is then used with past ring-width variations to statistically estimate past variations in seasonal climate. Improved results can be obtained by averaging the reconstructions from several calibrations differing in number and kind of variables. These averaged seasonal reconstructions also can be averaged by year, by decade, or over several stations in a particular geographic region to obtain further improvements. Independent instrumented data for years outside those used for calibration are compared to the reconstructions to assess reliability and verify that the calibration results were not due to chance. The spatial and temporal continuity of the reconstructions, their seasonal resolution, and the objectivity of the method provide unique and reliable information on the nature of climatic variations for the last several hundred to several thousand years.
Severe outcomes of pediatric perioperative adverse events occurring in operating rooms compared to off-site anesthetizing locations in the Wake Up Safe Database.

Background Anesthesia services are frequently provided outside of the traditional operating room environment for children. It is unclear if adverse events which occur in off-site anesthetizing locations result in more severe outcomes compared to events in traditional operating rooms. Aim We used a multi-institutional registry of pediatric patients to compare outcomes of perioperative adverse events between location types. Methods De-identified data from 24 pediatric tertiary care hospitals participating in the Wake Up Safe registry during 2010-2015 were analyzed. Peri-procedural adverse events occurring in operating rooms or off-site locations were included. The primary outcome was whether the adverse event was severe, defined as requiring escalation of care or resulting in temporary or significant harm. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare location type (operating room vs. off-site) and the likelihood of a severe outcome among reported events. Results There were 1594 adverse events, of which 362 were associated with off-site anesthetizing locations. In multivariable logistic regression, off-site location was associated with greater odds of severe adverse event outcome (adjusted odds ratio, 1.31; 95% confidence interval: 1.01, 1.69; P = 0.044). Comparing adverse events in cardiac catheterization suites to events in operating rooms confirmed higher odds of severe outcome in the former group (adjusted odds ratio = 1.48; 95% confidence interval: 1.05, 2.08; P = 0.025), while this difference was not found for other off-site locations. Conclusion Multivariable analysis of a large registry revealed a greater likelihood of severe outcome for adverse events occurring in cardiac catheterization suites (but not other out of the OR sites), compared to adverse events occurring in the operating room. Additional prospective studies are needed which better control for patient and environmental characteristics and their effect on severe outcomes after anesthesia.
Periprosthetic Fractures Around a Total Knee Arthroplasty with a Stable and Loose Tibial Component

The frequency of periprosthetic fractures in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), while infrequent, is increasing. This is the result of multiple factors including the annual rise in primary and revision TKA, the longevity of current implants, increased demand of younger patients, and improved patient survival. Periprosthetic fractures of the tibia are significantly less common than those of the distal femur or the patella, leading to a paucity of literature regarding their treatment. This chapter will review the risk factors, classification, and treatment options for periprosthetic fractures of the tibia around stable and loose implants.
Nutrition and Endocrine Disorders in Kidney Disease

The term protein-energy wasting (PEW) describes the decrease in body protein mass and sources of energy reserves that occurs commonly in advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. PEW is generally reflected by muscle wasting and reduced fat mass. There are many non-nutritional causes for protein and fat depletion in CKD patients, including inflammation, concurrent illnesses, acidemia, losses of nutrients from dialysis or in urine, the accumulation of potentially catabolic metabolites, possibly impaired metabolic activity of the kidney, side effects of medications, and increased circulating levels or altered activity of catabolic or anabolic hormones. The high prevalence of protein-energy disorders in CKD patients has important implications for their medical management.
Impact of Centrifugal-Flow Ventricular Assist Devices on Right Ventricular Pacing Function

Background Transvenous Cardiac Defibrillators (ICDS) are frequently present at the time of Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) implantation. Many of these patients have underlying rhythms which depend on the pacing function of these devices or derive benefit from cardiac resynchronization therapy. Furthermore, adequate ventricular lead function is critical for the detection and treatment of tachyarrhythmias. Previous studies have shown decreased right ventricular sensing thresholds in patients undergoing earlier generation axial-flow VAD placement. Heartmate 3 (HM3) and Heartware (HVAD) are two of the newer-generation VADs whose unique use of a magnetically-levitated rotor and intrapericardial placement may result in increased interference with nearby right ventricular device leads. Methods A retrospective analysis of all patients with a PPM or ICD who underwent implantation of an HM3 or HVAD between 2015-2019 was performed. We examined the device interrogations of patients immediately before and after device implantation, as well as a third most recent interrogation if available. A significant change in ventricular pacing threshold was defined as an increase in 2V in either of the post VAD interrogations. Results 52 patients with HM3 and 16 patients with HVADs who had ICDs in place at the time of LVAD implant were identified, 46 of whom had both pre and post VAD interrogation reports available. 10 patients (21%) met the criteria for significant increase in RV pacing threshold (mean threshold = .98V pre-VAD vs 4.79V post-VAD, P Conclusion RV pacing and sensing thresholds significantly increased after implantation of a HVAD or HM3 in more than one-fifth of patients with existing transvenous ICDs. The magnitude and frequency of these changes appear to greater than previously described with earlier-generation axial VADs. The etiology of this change in pacing performance warrants further investigation as it may result in adverse clinical events in this highly susceptible patient population.
Histopathologic Features and Clinical Outcome of Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma with a Minor Anaplastic Component

Although prior studies have reported that patients with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) with a focal anaplastic component may have a prolonged survival compared to other ATC patients, the outcome data are limited. We evaluated a cohort of ATC resected between 2003 and 2018. Tumor slides were reviewed to confirm the diagnosis and to identify cases with a minor ATC component (defined as comprising < 10% of the tumor). We evaluated the clinical outcome of these patients compared to that of all other cohort patients (characterized as having conventional ATC). Our cohort was composed of 24 cases of ATC that underwent resection, including 8 (33%) with a minor ATC component. Tumors with a minor ATC component were predominantly associated with papillary thyroid carcinoma. For patients with tumors with a minor ATC component, the 1-year and 2-year survival rates and median survival for patients who died of disease were 88%, 43%, and 17 months (range 6-73 months), respectively. In comparison, for patients with conventional ATC, the 1-year and 2-year survival rates and median survival for patients who died of disease were 56%, 44%, and 7 months (range 2-26 months), respectively. There was no difference in 1- and 2-year survival or overall survival by Kaplan-Meier analysis for patients with tumors with a minor ATC component and those with conventional ATC. In conclusion, the difference in overall survival between ATC groups in our cohort was not significant; however, this could be due to the small cohort size or due to characteristics of our group with a minor ATC component; that is, no tumors in this group were limited to the thyroid (stage IVA), resectability with negative margins was infrequent, and 38% of this group had distant metastases at diagnosis (stage IVC).
Social relationships and patient-reported outcomes in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors

ABSTRACT Importance Nearly 89,000 adolescents and young adults (AYAs) aged 15 to 39 years old are diagnosed with cancer in U.S. annually. Cancer diagnosis in AYAs often alters achievement of age-specific milestones, interferes with interpersonal relations, and disrupts social life. However, social relations in AYA survivors and associations with patient-reported outcomes (PROs) have been understudied. Objective To investigate the impact of cancer on PROs in AYA survivors and identify social integration mechanisms through which cancer experiences influence PROs. Design A cross-sectional study. Setting A national Internet survey panel maintained by Opinions 4 Good (Portsmouth, New Hampshire). Participants 102 AYA survivors and 102 age/sex/race-matched noncancer controls. Exposure Survivors were exposed to chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy during AYA. Main outcomes and measures Participants identified 25 closest friends/relatives they have contacted in past two years. Their interpersonal connections with each of 25 friends/relatives were used to create a social network index. The Duke-UNC Functional Social Support Questionnaire, UCLA Loneliness Scale, and PROMIS-29 Profile was used to measure social support, loneliness, and PROs (physical functioning, pain interference, fatigue, anxiety, and depression), respectively. Results AYA survivors of lymphoma, leukemia, and solid tumor had significantly better social networks than controls (all p-values Conclusions and relevance AYA survivors were more socially connected, but experienced greater loneliness than controls. The perceived loneliness greatly influenced PROs. Future research should focus on the functional aspects of social relations rather than considering the structural aspects of social integration, which would provide an opportunity for appropriate interventions to improve health outcomes through social integration. KEY POINTS Question How do social relationships associate with self-reported health outcomes between adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors and noncancer controls? Findings This cross-sectional study revealed that AYA survivors were more socially connected, but perceived greater loneliness compared to noncancer controls. AYA survivors with high loneliness had lower physical functioning, higher pain interference, fatigue, anxiety, and depression compared to noncancer controls. Meaning The findings of this study suggest that appropriate interventions, focused on improving functional social networks to further meet the needs of AYA cancer survivors, may function as a mean to prevent perceived loneliness and help achieve optimal health outcomes.
Pathways Through Juvenile Justice: A System-Level Assessment of Cumulative Disadvantage in the Processing of Juvenile Offenders

To test the cumulative disadvantage hypothesis—that system-level racial and ethnic disparities accumulate from intake to final disposition—by investigating relative and absolute disparities across different pathways through the juvenile justice system. Using a sample of 95,670 juvenile court referrals across 140 counties in four states, the present study employed multinomial logistic regression to examine racial and ethnic disparities across 14 possible combinations of juvenile justice outcomes (i.e., pathways), ranked from least to most punitive. We then estimated predicted probabilities and marginal effects of race and ethnicity for each pathway. We found limited support for the cumulative disadvantage hypothesis. Racial and ethnic disparities were greatest for the most punitive pathways, but the findings do not point to extensive evidence of cumulative disadvantage. Specifically, neither relative nor absolute disparities accumulated from least to most punitive pathways, and some of the least punitive pathways were actually more likely for minority defendants. The results underscore the need for more careful measurement and analysis of disadvantage and disparities in the criminal and juvenile justice systems. In particular, more attention should be paid to early outcomes such as detention, where large differences between racial and ethnic groups were observed, as well as to relative and absolute differences in processing outcomes.
Ontological (In)visibility and Cyber Conflict: The Problem of Sight and Vision in Establishing Threat:

This paper builds on the work of scholars working on ontological security, cyber security, and computer science to understand the problem of threat assessment and vision before, during, and after c...
Causes, Predictors, and Timing of Early Neurological Deterioration and Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage After Administration of IV tPA

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a major contributor toward healthcare-associated costs and services. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and early neurologic decline (END), defined as a National Health Institute Stroke Scale score decline of ≥ 4 within 24 h (with or without sICH), remain major concerns when administering intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA) despite improved functional neurologic outcomes with its use. Given these risks, current guidelines recommend comprehensive stroke care (most often in an intensive care unit setting) for 24 h posttreatment. However, a number of patients may remain stable after IV tPA and thus not require such intensive resources. We sought to determine causes of END, along with timing and predictors of both sICH and END, to identify patients at lower risk of neurological deterioration and those suitable for earlier transition to a lower level of care. This present study analyzed patients with AIS that presented within 4.5 h of being last seen well and received IV tPA. Baseline demographic, clinical, and radiographic findings were collected. Outcomes included END from any cause, parenchymal hemorrhage (PH1 or PH2), sICH, and mortality at 90 days. A total of 1238 patients with AIS without acute treatment of large vessel occlusion received IV tPA. 9.4% (116) had presence of any degree of ICH on noncontrast computed tomography head and 7.4% (91) experienced associated END. 2.7% (33) of patients experienced sICH, while 6.7% (83) experienced asymptomatic ICH. Of the patients with END, 63.7% did not have ICH. Predictive factors at presentation for END included an older age (72.6 ± 16.1 vs. 69.1 ± 14.8, p = 0.03), history of tobacco use (odds ratio [OR] 2.1 [1.1–4.3], p = 0.04), and hyperlipidemia (OR 1.7 [1.1–2.8], p = 0.02), along with the presence of an untreated large vessel occlusion (OR 2.1 [1.4–3.1], p = 0.02). Most END occurred within a mean time of 242 ± 251 min (4 ± 4 h). Because of the small proportion of patients suffering from sICH (33), predictors could not be determined; however, for patients with any ICH, predictive factors included an older age (74.6 ± 12.4 vs. 68.8 ± 15.1, p = 0.001), higher baseline National Health Institute Stroke Scale score (14.6 ± 7.3 vs. 10.8 ± 7.9, p = 0.002), and higher baseline glucose levels (155.1 ± 87.5 vs. 140.4 ± 70.5, p = 0.04). In this study, only a small proportion suffered from either sICH and/or END, typically within 12 h of tPA administration. These findings may support earlier deescalation of higher acuity monitoring in clinically stable post-IV tPA patients without large vessel occlusion.
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder as a Pathway to Dementia: If, When, How, What, and Why Should Physicians Disclose the Diagnosis and Risk for Dementia.

People with isolated REM (rapid eye movement) sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) have a high lifetime risk of developing a neurodegenerative disease, including dementia, but disclosure of this risk remains controversial. Herein, we summarize this controversy and provide guidance on disclosure. Neurodegeneration risk disclosure in iRBD is controversial because of a long latency to disease onset and a lack of preventative strategies. Balancing the relevant ethical principles of beneficence, nonmaleficence, and autonomy is challenging. Although there are few data on disclosure in iRBD, evidence from discussing risk in other diseases with dementia provides some guidance. We provide an approach to risk disclosure for patients with iRBD. Patients should be asked if they want to know about future risks. If so, disclosure should be patient centered, focusing on what might happen. Discussion should occur early to give patients time to prepare for the future and consider participating in research.
The Great Good Bicycle Shop: Exploring the Community Roles of a Neighborhood Business

The local bicycle shop (LBS) has long served its neighborhood as a retail establishment and service center, but little has been done to analyze its influence on the greater community. After examining the categories of people who cycle and frequent bike shops, a rough typology of the different kinds of bike shops often found in a city was synthesized. This paper examines the different roles or assets that a given shop can be in a neighborhood. From a third place or anchoring institution to advocate for and even component of cycling infrastructure, the LBS fulfills one or several of these responsibilities to its community. The definitions of these four community assets will provide insight into how the average bicycle shop might act as such. Specific shops in the city of Portland are then carefully examined through observation and staff interviews to determine the extent to which these roles are actually performed. This paper suggests that a community that wishes to establish or maintain itself as friendly towards cycling should recognize the LBS as a crucial part of that image by providing a unique place for all people to gather, socialize, and exchange knowledge.
Determining modes for the surface quasi-geostrophic equation

Abstract We introduce a determining wavenumber for the surface quasi-geostrophic (SQG) equation defined for each individual trajectory and then study its dependence on the force. While in the subcritical and critical cases this wavenumber has a uniform upper bound, it may blow up when the equation is supercritical. A bound on the determining wavenumber provides determining modes, and measures the number of degrees of freedom of the flow, or resolution needed to describe a solution to the SQG equation.
Science Teacher Educator’s Partnership Experiences Teaching Urban Middle School Students in Multiple Informal Settings

Based upon the belief that children need relevant science experiences outside the formal classroom setting, Sherri collaborated with informal educators and public works personnel (e.g., utility engineers and plant managers) to offer a summer camp to underserved urban seventh graders. This summer program was offered during six consecutive summers. As a group, students and teachers observed and participated in science “in action” at the zoo, wastewater treatment facility, power plant, and forest. From these experiences, Dr. Brown learned new strategies to use when visiting novel sites with adolescents. She also refined her skills to authentically use science notebooks and technology with this age group. By experiencing these community visits alongside adolescents, Sherri was able to apply this knowledge in working with teachers to authentically assist them in planning and organizing effective field trips.
A collaborative healthcare application based on opportunistic resource utilization networks with OVM primitives

Opportunistic resource utilization networks or oppnets are a paradigm for specialized ad hoc networks. The Oppnet Virtual Machine (OVM) is a collection of primitives designed to create a universal platform for application-level resource acquisition by oppnets and oppnet-enabled systems and devices (where the latter are defined as the computational entities able to communicate with other oppnets or oppnet-enabled systems and devices). Acquisition of communication resources is the foundation for acquisition of other resources. The OVM primitives can be downloaded by any computational entity — making it oppnet-enabled. OVM ensures that oppnets and oppnet-enabled entities can communicate and acquire resources in an opportunistic and ad hoc manner. This application-level and OVM-based interaction between entities can support the following required oppnet characteristics, which together distinguish oppnets from other available collaborative distributed systems: (i) support for the helper paradigm — as the basis for resource acquisition; (ii) universality — regardless of the system or device make or function, and through any communication media, protocols, etc.; (iii) lack of third-party mediators — since interactions among oppnet-enabled entities take place without (trusted) third parties; and (iv) ad hoc operation — except predesigned formation of the oppnet seed. Our challenge in this work was developing and validating the improved second version of the OVM primitives, capable of supporting a very broad and diverse set of applications. We illustrate use of the primitives in developing a healthcare application for monitoring medical conditions and wellness.
Skeletal trauma in children: what is different? : injury to left shoulder in a 13-year-old boy

Shoulder injuries are very common in all pediatric age groups. Very often, the shoulder is hit directly, or one falls on the shoulder so that it absorbs forces directly. These forces also usually are transmitted to the clavicle. This is an important point to remember, especially in terms of what happened to our patient. Indeed, our patient was tender over the clavicle; but, it is interesting that, very often, clinicians fail to palpate the clavicle with shoulder injuries, and yet this is very important. Why is this important? It is important because the clavicle often is the bone to take the brunt of the traumatic force. In terms of clavicular injuries, one of the first considerations is the most common overt or greenstick fracture of the clavicle. Another common consideration is an acromioclavicular separation. In other cases, there may be dislocation of the clavicle medially; but probably more common than all of these manifestations, except for the overt fracture of the clavicle, is the so-called plastic or bending fracture of the clavicle. This fracture is very common throughout the pediatric age range, including the adolescent. What happens in these cases is that the axial load forces exerted on the shoulder are transmitted to the clavicle and the clavicle bends. In some cases, it bends enough to produce a greenstick fracture (cousin of the plastic bending fracture); if one sees the fracture, there is no problem with diagnosis; but if no fracture line is seen, it is interesting how often the fact that the clavicle is bent is overlooked. In terms of the clavicle in almost every normal individual, with well-positioned radiographs, the clavicles look exactly the same. In this regard, however, it is best that the clavicles both be included on the same imaging study and not imaged separately. It is much more difficult to detect subtle bending fractures under the latter circumstance. On the other hand, when both clavicles and shoulders are included on the same image, accomplishing a diagnosis of a bending fracture is much easier. In this regard, in our patient, one should note that there is a distinct bend of the lateral end of the left clavicle as compared to the normal right clavicle (Fig. 2). This represents a plastic bending fracture. Emerg Radiol (2009) 16:35–36 DOI 10.1007/s10140-008-0718-1
In situ measurement of residual stresses and elastic moduli in thermal sprayed coatings. Part 2: processing effects on properties of Mo coatings

Abstract Residual stresses and mechanical properties of plasma sprayed coatings play a critical role in their functionality and lifetime. These can be influenced by modification of spraying parameters. Among the most important parameters are the deposition temperature, particle temperature and velocity and deposition rate. Using the in situ thermo-elastic curvature method described in Part 1 of this paper, their effects on the stresses and moduli of plasma sprayed molybdenum were investigated. The results for quenching, thermal, and residual stresses as well as Young’s moduli are presented and discussed with respect to the spraying parameters and material properties. The most influential factors are determined and means for property modification using this technique are described. The development of the in situ approach along with the ability to measure elastic modulus and residual stresses enables capturing the quality and integrity of the deposit. This will allow for future downstream process control based on materials characteristics.
Clergy Burnout and Resilience: A Review of the Literature:

In this article, I review the literature on burnout and resilience among clergy. The existing research shows that the factors related to clergy burnout include the quality of interpersonal skills, relationships outside the congregation, establishment of peer/mentor relationships, the existence of high role expectations, personal spirituality and the ability to set healthy emotional boundaries. Recent studies using positive psychology as a framework identify a number of personal and situational qualities that promote resilience in clergy. Based on these findings, I suggest interventions that should be made by faith groups to better support clergy and make recommendations for further research.
Severe thrombocytopenia in young calves experimentally infected with noncytopathic bovine viral diarrhea virus.

Abstract Seven calves between 1 week and 2 months of age were infected with a noncytopathic field isolate of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BDV) in order to evaluate the effect of BDV infection on the concentration of circulating platelets in the blood. All calves were determined to be free of BDV and neutralizing antibodies to BDV before infection. Platelet counts were performed on a daily basis over a 30-day period beginning at the time of infection. By 2 weeks postinfection, all calves showed a significant drop in the number of circulating platelets and a marked hyperplasia of megakaryocytes in the bone marrow. In three of the seven calves, thrombocytopenia was severe (less than or equal to 5,000/microliters) for 1 to 6 days. In two of these three animals, extensive petechial and ecchymotic hemorrhages were observed on all mucosal surfaces and on various internal organs during the period of severe thrombocytopenia. BDV was consistently isolated from the platelets during the early phases of the infection, and viral antigen was occasionally detected on platelets by a fluorescent-antibody assay. The results demonstrate that BDV infection is associated with decreases in platelet numbers and suggest that platelets may serve as carriers of circulating virus.
The comparison of glomerular filtration rate in spontaneously hypertensive and Wistar-Kyoto rats measured using creatinine clearance

The development of an educational procedure to compare the glomerular filtration rate in Spontaneously Hypertensive and Wistar-Kyoto rats using creatinine clearance is described. Blood and urine samples will be collected from the rats and the creatinine concentration will be measured in these samples. The GFR will be calculated and compared using a one-tailed t-test.
Gabriel, Abortion, and Anti-Annunciation in The Prophecy, Constantine, and Legion

Abstract: Although the angel Gabriel is viewed positively in three world religions, he has appeared as the villain in three Hollywood films over just a decade and a half: The Prophecy (1995), Constantine (2005), and Legion (2010). While these films draw on apocalyptic themes from the book of Daniel, they also play ironically on Gabriel's other biblical appearance, the Annunciation of the virginal conception in Luke. All three films feature a Gabriel who attacks rather than protects women “impregnated” by a being of apocalyptic importance. The three movies can be shown to reflect various dimensions (and sides) of the contemporary American abortion debate, each casting Gabriel polemically in the image of misguided Christians (as they see it).
Construction and characterization of a cyanobacterial bioreporter capable of assessing nitrate assimilatory capacity in freshwaters

The use of cyanobacterial whole-cell luminescent bioreporters has enhanced our ability to monitor nutrient availability in aquatic ecosystems. We have constructed a Synechocystis sp. strain PCC6803 bioluminescent reporter for the assessment of nitrate bioavailability. Specifically, a 380—base pair DNA fragment containing the NtcA/B-dependent nitrate/nitrite-activated nirA promoter (regulating expression of genes encoding nitrite reductase) was fused to the bacterial luciferase genes, luxAB, and introduced into Synechocystis by genetic transformation. Characterization of this strain, designated AND100, yielded dose-dependent increased bioluminescence coincident with increased nitrate added to the growth medium from 1 to 100 µM. Bioluminescence in response to nitrate addition was light dependent up to 50 µmol quanta m−2 s−1. Assessing environmental samples collected from oligotrophic Lake Superior, we demonstrated that the onset of luminescence coincided with the drawdown of nitrate by simultaneously monitoring nitrate depletion from reaction vessels. Nitrate in the Lake Superior samples was consistently underestimated by the bioreporter. Only by following amendment of these samples with phosphate and iron was total nitrate accurately reflected by the cyanobacterial bioreporter. Thus, strain AND100 can be used to elucidate factors that constrain use of nitrate in freshwaters. This is pertinent to a system such as Lake Superior where the concentration of nitrate has increased 6-fold in the last century. Indeed, pilot experiments with the bioreporter suggest that nutrient co-limitation (P and Fe), as well as low light, may reduce the capacity for nitrate assimilation in field samples from Lake Superior.
Isolation of Xanthomegnin from Penicillium viridicatum by Preparative High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography

A method was developed for the production and purification of xanthomegnin from Penicillium viridicatum (NRRL 6430) cultured on rice at 15 degrees C for 29 days. Liquid-liquid extraction followed by high-pressure liquid chromatography afforded 440 mg of crystalline xanthomegnin per kg of rice.
Differential staining with a mixture of safranin and fast green FCF.

Mounted deparaffinized sections were stained for 30–60 minutes at room temperature in a mixture of equal volumes of 0.1% aqueous solutions of safranin O and fast green FCF filtered before use. They...
Study had insufficient power to investigate safety.

There are several concerns about the robustness of Schierbeck and colleagues’ findings.1 The open label design means that the trial could not control for placebo effect, and knowledge of active treatment could have led to differential ascertainment of outcomes. The composite outcome of mortality, myocardial infarction, and heart failure was not prespecified in the design paper, …
Trends in Journal of Consumer Affairs Feature Articles: 1967–2007

Examining trends across time in feature articles published in the Journal of Consumer Affairs, descriptive statistics report on areas of change and stability in authorship, author affiliations, coauthorship, topical subject matters, data collection and analysis methodologies, and citations. While the first four decades of publication have been accompanied by significant changes in both the journal and consumer research in general, the journal continues to address the important purposes for which it was founded.
Synthesis and Characterization of Bowl-Shaped Liquid Crystals with a Core of Calix[6]arene

A new kind of bowl-shaped liquid crystals were designed and synthesized by esterification. They used a calix[6]arene as central unit and ω- cholesteric alkyl diacid monoester as mesogenic arms. Their chemical structures were confirmed by FTIR and 1HNMR spectra, their mesomorphic properties and phase behavior were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarizing optical microscopy (POM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) measurements. The results showed that the kind of calix[6]arene bowl-shaped liquid crystals N1-N3 exhibited broad range liquid crystalline phases at moderate temperature, and they displayed cholesteric phase focal-conic texture in liquid crystal states. With increasing the flexibility of monomers M1-M3, the melting point and the clearing temperature decreased in the macromolecules.
Effects of film roughness on surface plasmon resonance sensors: finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) modeling

Surface plasmon resonance forms the basis for several kinds of optical sensors, including immunoassays in which a local change in refractive index due to antigen binding causes a shift in the angle of minimum reflectivity from a thin metal film. Two factors will broaden the reflectivity curve: the finite size of the incident beam and any irregularities in the thickness of the metal film. In this paper, we estimate the extent of broadening due to finite beam width by using an angular spectrum approach, and we employ the numerical electromagnetic technique of finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) to analyze the effects of film roughness. It is seen that film irregularities lead to distinct changes in the reflectivity curve and to enhancement of the local electric fields at the surface of the film.
Does Stock Market Capitalization Influences Economic Growth in Africa? : Evidence from Panel Data

The question as to whether stock markets play a significantly positive role in influencing the rate at which economies grow has been seriously debated by economists as well as policymakers. The bone of contention, however, is the fact that the prevailing empirical evidences on the nexus between stock market capitalization and economic growth is still mixed. This study, therefore, aims at providing further evidence on the relationship between stock market capitalization and economic growth using recent data from a sample of African countries with well-functioning stock markets. A dynamic panel estimation approach is employed with a view to assessing the relative impact of stock market capitalization on economic growth in Africa. The results from the study reveal that raising stock market capitalization by a marginal average of 10% induces growth on average by 5.4% in countries studied. The positive and significant relationship between stock market capitalization and economic growth as found in this study provides encouraging signals for African countries to explore stock markets as a potential avenue for expediting economic growth. There is therefore a dire need for policymakers in Africa to direct attention towards the implementation of policy measures that will encourage the development of stock markets with a view to promoting economic growth
Ricardo's Theory of Profit and the Third Edition of the Principles

David Ricardo's “On Machinery” chapter continues to interest theorists and historians of economic thought (Blaug 1958, Hollander 1979, Kurz 1984, Samuelson, 1988, 1989, Morishima 1989, Negishi 1990). Yet the addition of the chapter to the third edition of Ricardo's Principles of Political Economy and Taxation arguably overturns much of the view for which Ricardo is so well known (Davis 1989). In the added chapter Ricardo allows, contrary to his original view in the first two editions, that the introduction of machinery is indeed injurious to the class of laborers. More interestingly, because machinery substitutes for labor, wages cannot rise and profits are no longer threatened by rising rents. Effectively the contest between capitalists and landlords of the first two editions of the Principles is replaced in the final edition by one between capitalists and laborers. However, not only does the “On Machinery“ chapter substantially change the distributional argument customarily attributed to the Principles, but it also permits an examination of Ricardo's thinking about distribution in two distinct, but related frameworks. The discussion here compares the distributional analysis in the first two editions with that of the third to explain the general nature of the Ricardo's theory of profit. It does so by providing a novel interpretation of Ricardo's characterization of profit as a residual, and by emphasizing the historical context in which distribution occurred in the beginning of the nineteenth century.
Studies directed toward the total synthesis of novel azasteroids. III. The formation of a hexahydroisoquinoline, octahydroisoquinoline and a decahydro-2h-benzo[a]quinolizine as precursors to 8-azasteroids†

A plan of approach to novel 8-azasteroids was tested with suitable model compounds to determine its feasibility. The results of these experiments are described.
Brain hemorrhage: clinical high-risk factors for subarachnoid hemorrhage.

The occurrence of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in patients with acute headache is strongly associated with the presence of several clinical variables. Nevertheless, the absence of such variables should not discourage physicians from investigating for SAH in individuals with headache peaking in intensity within a few minutes of onset.
Cordilleran-margin quartzites in Baja California - implications for tectonic transport

Abstract One of the current controversies in Cordilleran tectonics concerns the position of Baja California prior to ∼300 km of opening of the Gulf of California. Geologic arguments, together with paleomagnetic results from Lower Cretaceous volcanic rocks, suggest that the rocks of the Baja Peninsula formed and evolved along the coast of northwestern Mexico prior to opening of the Gulf. In contrast, paleomagnetic data from Cretaceous–early Tertiary plutonic rocks and clastic strata have been interpreted by some workers to suggest that Baja was located near southern Mexico at approximately 80 Ma. The presence of similar detrital zircon ages in lower Paleozoic quartzites of northeast Baja and in lower Paleozoic strata east of the Gulf, in northwestern Mexico and southwestern US, provides strong support for the northern paleoposition, suggesting that Baja has been transported northward by only ∼300 km.
Gait retraining: altering the fingerprint of gait

Running injuries are common and are often associated with overtraining. However, it is well-accepted that these injuries are related, in part, to abnormal running mechanics. While standard interventions often result in resolution of symptoms, if the underlying mechanics are not addressed, the risk for recurrence is high. This presentation will describe a method of retraining gait patterns that requires providing realtime feedback to the runner. This feedback is slowly removed such that the runner can learn to depend upon their own internal cues and the new pattern becomes reinforced. Different types of feedback will be reviewed as well as ways to translate these methods from the lab to the clinic. The presentation will end with a case study to highlight these concepts.
High-pressure liquid-monopropellant strand combustion

Examination of the influence of dissolved gases on the state of the liquid surface during high-pressure liquid-monopropellant combustion through the use of a strand burning experiment. Liquid surface temperatures were measured, using fine-wire thermocouples, during the strand combustion of ethyl nitrate, normal propyl nitrate, and propylene glycol dinitrate at pressures up to 81 atm. These measurements were compared with the predictions of a variable-property gas-phase analysis assuming an infinite activation energy for the decomposition reaction. The state of the liquid surface was estimated using a conventional low-pressure phase equilibrium model, as well as a high-pressure version that considered the presence of dissolved combustion-product gases in the liquid phase. The high-pressure model was found to give a superior prediction of measured liquid surface temperatures. Computed total pressures required for the surface to reach its critical mixing point during strand combustion were found to be in the range from 2.15 to 4.62 times the critical pressure of the pure propellant. Computed dissolved gas concentrations at the liquid surface were in the range from 35 to 50% near the critical combustion condition.
Immature Stages of Encyrtus saliens (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), an Imported Parasite of Ice Plant Scales (Homoptera: Coccidae) in California

Immature stages of Encyrtus saliens Prinsloo & Annecke are described and illustrated. There are five instars, each distinguishable by a unique set of characters. The immature parasite always maintains contact with the external air, in the larval stage by the caudal spiracles appressed to the base of the aeroscopic plate of the egg case, and in the pupal stage by the host tracheae attached to the pupal sheath. Immature stages of other Encyrtus species are discussed and it is concluded that there are five instars in members of the genus Encyrtus generally, rather than four, as often reported.
A descriptive study of statewide bibliographic databases

This dissertation has compiled information about statewide bibliographic databases, their format, their cost, the number of titles and records, how they are being used, what kinds of libraries are using such databases in each state, and the effectiveness of those databases. General information about twenty-eight states' bibliographic databases is included in this dissertation. The users of thirteen states responded to a questionnaire, surveying the effectiveness of the statewide database in their state. The costs to the individual states varies from zero, where all costs are covered by local funds or Library Services and Construction Act fund, up to 4.4 million dollars. Usage of interlibrary loan increase is detailed and explained. There has never been an evaluation of the effectiveness of a statewide bibliographic database. This is a descriptive study of statewide bibliographic databases. No other such study appears in library and information science indexes.
Particle Correlations from ALICE: Latest Results☆

Abstract The correlation between pairs or triplets of particles in relative angle and momentum provides a valuable means of accessing the physics of particle production in heavy ion collisions. A selection of recent results from two and three particle correlations measured by the ALICE experiment are presented, and some brief interpretations of their implications are offered.
Sensitivity of Streptococcus thermophilus to chemical permeabilization

Streptococcus thermophilus cultures were treated with conjugated and unconjugated bile salts and tested for β-galactosidase activity. Na-deoxycholate and chenodeoxycholate were more efficient permeabilizing agents than cholate, and all three bile salts were superior to their corresponding glyco- and tauro-conjugates. Treatment with sodium dodecyl sulfate resulted in the highest measurable β-galactosidase levels in permeabilized cells, whereas response to Triton X-100 was variable and strain dependent. Na-deoxycholate, chenodeoxycholate, and sodium dodecyl sulfate caused cell injury and arrested culture growth for 4 h or longer. The nongrowing permeabilized biomass of S. thermophilus was used to hydrolyze lactose in aqueous solutions and milk.