cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparing administrative and clinical data for central line associated blood stream infections in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and Pediatric Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit

Central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are a frequent source of health complication for patients of all ages, including for patients in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and Pediatric Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (PCTU). Many hospitals, including the University of Michigan Health System, currently use the International Classification of Disease (ICD) coding system when coding for CLABSI. The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of coding for CLABSI infections with ICD-9CM codes in PICU and PCTU patients. A retrospective chart review was conducted for 75 PICU and PCTU patients with 90 events of hospital acquired central line infections at the University of Michigan Health System (from 2007-2011). The different variables examined in the chart review included the type of central line the patient had, the duration of the stay of the line, the type of organism infecting the patient, and the treatment the patient received. A review was conducted to assess if patients had received the proper ICD-9CM code for their hospital acquired infection. In addition, each patient chart was searched using Electronic Medical Record Search Engine to determine if any phrases that commonly referred to hospital acquired CLABSIs were present in their charts. Our review found that in most CLABSI cases the hospital’s administrative data diagnosis using ICD-9CM coding systems did not code for the CLABSI. Our results indicate a low sensitivity of 32% in the PICU and an even lower sensitivity of 12% in the PCTU. Using these results, we can conclude that the ICD-9CM coding system cannot be used for accurately defining hospital acquired CLABSIs in administrative data. With the new use of the ICD- 10CM coding system, further research is needed to assess the effects of the ICD-10CM coding system on the accuracy of administrative data.
Combined magnetic resonance elastography and collagen molecular magnetic resonance imaging accurately stage liver fibrosis in a rat model.

Hepatic fibrosis is associated with an overproduction of matrix proteins and a pathological increase of liver stiffness. Noninvasive magnetic resonance (MR) quantification of matrix can be assessed with a collagen-binding molecular MR probe and stiffness by MR elastography, complementary techniques. This study used both imaging techniques to more accurately stage hepatic fibrosis in a rat model. Thirty rats with varying levels of diethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis were imaged before and 45 minutes after injection of collagen-specific probe EP-3533. MR elastography was performed in the same imaging session. Changes in liver relaxation rate post–EP-3533 and liver stiffness were compared to the collagen proportional area determined by histology and to Ishak scoring using receiver operating characteristic analysis. Collagen imaging was most sensitive to early fibrosis, while elastography was more sensitive to advanced fibrosis. This complementary feature enabled the formulation of a composite model using multivariate analysis of variance. This model incorporated the discriminating advantages of both MR techniques, resulting in more accurate staging throughout fibrotic progression. Conclusion: Collagen molecular MR imaging is complementary to MR elastography, and combining the two techniques in a single exam leads to increased diagnostic accuracy for all stages of fibrosis. (Hepatology 2017;65:1015-1025)
Choroidal neovascularization secondary to tuberculosis: Presentation and management

Abstract Purpose While there are many known etiologies of choroidal neovascularization (CNV), tuberculosis is not a well-known causative agent. In this case series, we highlight CNV occurring secondary to tuberculous chorioretinitis, its presentation, and its management. Observations We retrospectively reviewed the charts and imaging of four patients who presented with presumed tuberculous chorioretinitis and CNV. Three of these patients had signs of intraocular inflammation and were also found to have active macular CNV. The one remaining patient had chorioretinal scars from prior posterior uveitis and previously treated macular CNV membranes. The three patients with active disease were started on anti-tuberculosis medications and oral corticosteroids, and they also received intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections as needed for the CNV. There was a significant improvement in the clinical course of all three patients with active disease—the intraocular inflammation subsided, and CNV recurrences were mitigated. Upon completion of systemic treatment, all patients have remained quiescent. Conclusions and importance Our findings demonstrate that CNV may occur in the course of tuberculous chorioretinitis with marked loss of vision, and management with anti-tuberculosis medications, oral corticosteroids, and intravitreal anti-VEGF injections results in notable improvement in their clinical course.
Reducing Iodine Contrast Volume in CT Angiography of the Abdominal Aorta Using Integrated Tube Potential Selection and Weight-Based Method Without Compromising Image Quality.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to determine whether image quality was maintained when a weight-based protocol incorporating tube potential selection was used to select lower iodine contrast volumes for aortic CT angiography (CTA). MATERIALS AND METHODS. Patients with potentially decreased renal function underwent CTA performed with the iodinated contrast volume determined using a table incorporating different tube potentials and patient weights. The image quality of CTA examinations performed with a reduced iodine volume (hereafter known as “low-iodine CTA examinations”), internal control CTA examinations (i.e., prior examinations), and size-matched control CTA examinations was evaluated in separate reading sessions conducted by three vascular radiologists who were blinded as to the contrast volume and tube potential used. Side-by-side unblinded comparison of the examinations was also performed. Aortic attenuation and the contrast-to-noise ratio were measured. Comparisons were performed using the...
RNA Sequencing Reveals Age and Species Differences of Constitutive Androstane Receptor–Targeted Drug-Processing Genes in the Liver

The constitutive androstane receptor (CAR/Nr1i3) is an important xenobiotic-sensing nuclear receptor that is highly expressed in the liver and is well known to have species differences. During development, age-specific activation of CAR may lead to modified pharmacokinetics and toxicokinetics of drugs and environmental chemicals, leading to higher risks for adverse drug reactions in newborns and children. The goal of this study was to systematically investigate the age- and species-specific regulation of various drug-processing genes (DPGs) after neonatal or adult CAR activation in the livers of wild-type, CAR-null, and humanized CAR transgenic mice. At either 5 or 60 days of age, the three genotypes of mice were administered a species-appropriate CAR ligand or vehicle once daily for 4 days (i.p.). The majority of DPGs were differentially regulated by age and/or CAR activation. Thirty-six DPGs were commonly upregulated by CAR activation regardless of age or species of CAR. Although the cumulative mRNAs of uptake transporters were not readily altered by CAR, the cumulative phase I and phase II enzymes as well as efflux transporters were all increased after CAR activation in both species. In general, mouse CAR activation produced comparable or even greater fold increases of many DPGs in newborns than in adults; conversely, humanized CAR activation produced weaker induction in newborns than in adults. Western blotting and enzyme activity assays confirmed the age and species specificities of selected CAR-targeted DPGs. In conclusion, this study systematically compared the effect of age and species of CAR proteins on the regulation of DPGs in the liver and demonstrated that the regulation of xenobiotic biotransformation by CAR is profoundly modified by age and species.
The Impact of Shoulder Abduction Loading on Volitional Hand Opening and Grasping in Chronic Hemiparetic Stroke.

Background. Up to 60% of individuals with moderate to severe chronic hemiparetic stroke experience excessive involuntary wrist/finger flexion that constrains functional hand movements including hand opening. It’s not known how stroke-induced brain injury impacts volitional hand opening and grasping forces as a result of the expression of abnormal coupling between shoulder abduction and wrist/finger flexion or the flexion synergy. Objective. The goal of this study is to understand how shoulder abduction loading affects volitional hand opening and grasping forces in individuals with moderate to severe chronic hemiparetic stroke. Methods. Thirty-six individuals (stroke, 26; control, 10) were recruited for this study. Each participant was instructed to perform maximal hand opening and grasping forces while the arm was either fully supported or lifted with a weight equal to 25% or 50% of the participant’s maximal shoulder abduction torque. Hand pentagon area, defined as the area formed by the tips of thumb and...
Stiffness Tests of Trapezoidally Corrugated Shear Webs

Picture-frame shear tests of the in-plane shear stiffness of discretely attached corrugated plates with trapezoidal corrugations were conducted. The test specimens were commercially available corrugated panels 23-⅝-in. (600 mm) (six corrugations) wide, with lengths ranging from a maximum of 90 in. (2,290 mm) to a minimum of 18 in. (460 mm). Two kinds of discrete attachments were employed at the ends of the corrugations, i.e., wide attachments and small attachments. The wide attachments consisted of a bolt and a wide washer in each corrugation end, which effectively clamped the entire width of each trough to the edge member. The small attachments were obtained by removing the washers. The sides of the panel were attached to their edge members by bolts at 6-in. (150-mm) spacing. The experiments agreed with theory, despite the fact that the latter are based on a panel that is infinitely many corrugations wide. For best accuracy of shear stiffness prediction by tests it may be necessary to take the axial deformations of the edge members into account in the case of the longer panels.
The Role of Dimensional Personality Psychopathology in a Forensic Inpatient Psychiatric Setting.

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 Restructured Form is a widely used measure of psychopathology and includes the Personality Psychopathology Five (PSY-5) scales, which measure dimensional maladaptive personality traits similar to those in the DSM-5 alternative model for personality disorder (PD) diagnosis. The current study evaluated the role of these dimensional personality psychopathology characteristics in a sample of 1,110 inpatients in a forensic psychiatric setting, where personality psychopathology plays a significant but understudied role. The authors examined the extent to which dimensional personality psychopathology characteristics (as measured by the PSY-5) were associated with borderline and antisocial PD diagnoses and institutional aggression. Results support the usefulness of measuring dimensional personality traits for understanding PD diagnoses, as well as incidents of institutional aggression. More specifically, the PSY-5 scales appear to measure the core features of bord...
Use of Structural Properties of Underlying Graphs in Pathway Enrichment Analysis of Genomic Data

Common methods for the functional inference of genomic data, such as Gene Sent Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Over Representation Analysis (ORA), often discard the interactions between the biomolecular entities. Recent studies have explored this issue through a variety of techniques and show that using evidence from the interactions produces a more relevant and insightful inference. In this article, we introduce a method, referred to as Causal Disturbance (Cdist), for enrichment analysis. Cdist utilizes the underlying graph of pathways in combination with experimental data to detect the pathway dysregulations. To test our methodology, we utilized a public microarray data from colorectal cancer. We show that Cdist identifies the dysregulated pathways of colorectal cancer that are not detectable by other conventional methods. Some of the detected pathways by Cdist, such as apoptosis and Ras signaling, are critical for their roles in cancer. We conclude that our method facilitates a more informative inference of the disease data by incorporating the topological features of the pathway graphs. Using these features will help to detect the pathway dysregulations that are not observable through conventional models.
Does recent mania affect response to antidepressants in bipolar disorder? A re-analysis of STEP-BD data.

Abstract Background One previous study suggested that the presence of a manic episode before bipolar depression is related to worse response to antidepressants. Method To examine this effect in a larger sample, we used data from the large, multi-site STEP-BD study. We hypothesized that among persons treated with antidepressants for bipolar depression, manic or mixed episodes before depression onset (as compared to euthymia) would predict lower rate of recovery, more sustained depressive symptoms and higher rate of switching into mania/hypomania after antidepressant treatment of bipolar depression. 320 participants were available for analyses (140 male) diagnosed with bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymia, bipolar disorder not otherwise specified, or schizoaffective disorder bipolar subtype. Patients were randomly assigned to 3 treatment randomization strata (placebo, bupropion, and paroxetine) as adjuncts to mood stabilizers. Results Analyses were conducted to examine the effect of episode status before the depressive episode on the degree of change in depressive symptoms at 3 and 6 months, the likelihood of depression recovery and the likelihood of anti-depressant induced switching. Presence of a manic episode before depression in patients with bipolar disorder did not significantly predict response to antidepressants. Limitations The study was limited by a high rate of attrition, and consideration of only two antidepressant medications. Conclusions Our findings are in agreement with other past studies suggesting that mania and depression may operate separately for those with bipolar disorder, with differential predictors of the onset and offset of mania versus depression. Future directions may consider vulnerability for these episodes separately.
Future Directions in the Mathematical Modeling of Social Relationships

New methods of computational modeling and new areas of their application will expand the importance of the mathematical modeling of social relationships. To take full advantage, these new methods may require interdisciplinary teams of scientists.
Simulation and tracking algorithm evaluation for scintillation signals on LEO satellites traveling inside the ionosphere

This paper first presents simulation results using a physics-based, data-driven simulator for the scintillation signals observed on a LEO platform under two different scenarios, where the scintillation signal is received on the zenith-looking precise orbit determination (POD) antenna or received on the limb-scanning radio occultation (RO) antenna. The simulation results showed different characteristics of scintillation between the two scenarios. The simulation data of these two scenarios were then used to evaluate an adaptive Kalman filter (AKF)-based algorithm against a conventional PLL of different integration times and bandwidths. The AKF algorithm applies the receiver oscillator noise modeling approach to model the phase scintillation effects. The evaluation results from both simulation scenarios showed the outperformance of the AKF algorithm over the conventional PLL in robustness and tracking accuracy in terms of cycle slips and RMSE phase error.
Phononic Effects at Surfaces

Phonons along and near surfaces give important information on bonding and atomic configurations of actual surfaces. Surface phonons are the main source of inelastic carrier scattering here and in their resonances are used for a variety of electronic devices.
Factors affecting compliance with screening sigmoidoscopy.

BACKGROUND A retrospective, qualitative study in a university setting was undertaken to better understand factors influencing patient compliance with screening sigmoidoscopy. METHODS Individuals who completed screening sigmoidoscopy were interviewed to learn about the physician-patient relationship, general knowledge of cancer, family experience with cancer, exposure to the media, and specific reasons why sigmoidoscopy was completed. RESULTS Respondents reported that their physician's recommendation had a strong positive influence on their decision to have sigmoidoscopic screening, as did their family and personal experiences with cancer. In all cases, the patients stated that they would not have had a sigmoidoscopy without the recommendation of their physician. Respondents were little influenced by exposure to the media or by famous personalities. CONCLUSIONS The importance of the physician's recommendation for the patient to have sigmoidoscopy and demonstration of concern with early cancer detection may represent the primary motivating factors in completion of screening sigmoidoscopy.
New Approaches to the Study of Selenium’s Chemopreventive Properties

Selenium (Se) compounds, both inorganic and organic, are potent inhibitors of mammary cancer in rodent model systems (1). The new organic compounds, such as selenobetaine and selenomethylseleno-cysteine are more effective than Na2SeO3 on a ppm basis (1,2). The salient features of selenium-mediated inhibition of mammary carcinogenesis appear to be the reversibility of the inhibition and the effectiveness of the compounds during either initiation or promotion stages (3). The reversibility of selenium’s inhibitory effect is also observed during Se-mediated inhibition of mammary cell growth in vitro (3). The basis of the inhibition of mammary carcinogenesis in situ and cell growth in vitro is not understood. Although several mechanisms of Se-mediated inhibition have been proposed, i.e., the modulation of DNA synthesis (4), RNA synthesis (5) and glutathione metabolism (6), the evidence of any of these having a central role is not extensive.
Glomiform and fibrillar cytoplasmic inclusions.

Glomiform inclusions, also called tubular arrays in endoplasmic reticulum, are found in the epithelial cells of glandular tissues of a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus, a patient with Reye’s syndrome, and a dog. Their three dimensional structure is interpreted as a skein of contorted tubules of endoplasmic reticulum. Fibrillar inclusions found in the pancreatic acinar cells of two patients are believed to represent altered zymogen granules.
Influence of Malnutrition on the Disposition of Metronidazole in Rats

The influence of dietary protein deficiency on the disposition of metronidazole and its two major metabolites was examined in male Sprague–Dawley rats fed for 4 weeks on a 23% (control-) or a 5% (low-) protein diet ad libitum. Following an intravenous bolus dose of 10 mg/kg metronidazole hydrochloride, blood samples were obtained serially for a period of 24 hr after drug administration. Serum concentration–time data were analyzed by nonlinear least-squares regression, as well as noncompartmental techniques. The average mean residence time (MRT) was significantly prolonged by 48%, while the systemic clearance (Cl) was decreased by 42% in the protein-deficient rats. Since there was no alteration in the apparent steady-state volume of distribution (Vss), the mean harmonic half-life was increased from 2.9 to 5.0 hr in the protein-deficient rats. Although the percentage of metronidazole recovered as total drug in the urine over 24 hr was not significantly different between the two groups of animals, rats on a low-protein diet excreted a significantly smaller percentage of the administered dose as unchanged metronidazole (mean ± SD, 24.6 ± 3.8 vs 36.5 ± 12%) and a larger percentage (16.7 ± 2.6 vs 8.3 ± 1.8%) as the hydroxylated metabolite. No significant difference in the partial metabolic clearance of the hydroxylated metabolite of metronidazole was seen between the two groups of animals; however, there was a significant decrease in the renal clearance of metronidazole (1.45 ± 0.68 vs 0.55 ± 0.06 ml/min/kg) in the rats fed a low-protein diet. We conclude that the decreased clearance of metronidazole in protein deficiency is a result primarily of the decreased glomerular filtration rate, decreased biliary excretion, and/or increased net tubular reabsorption of metronidazole.
A review of Bayesian belief network models as decision-support tools for wetland conservation: Are water birds potential umbrella taxa?

Abstract Creative approaches to identifying umbrella species hold promise for devising effective surrogates of ecological communities or ecosystems. However, mechanistic niche models that predict range or habitat overlap among species may yet lack development. We reviewed literature on taxon-centered Bayesian belief network (BBN) models to explore a novel approach to identify umbrella taxa identifying taxonomic groups that share the largest proportion of habitat requirements (i.e., states of important habitat variables) with other wetland-dependent taxa. We reviewed and compiled published literature to provide a comprehensive and reproducible account of the current understanding of habitat requirements for freshwater, wetland-dependent taxa using BBNs. We found that wetland birds had the highest degree of shared habitat requirements with other taxa, and consequently may be suitable umbrella taxa in freshwater wetlands. Comparing habitat requirements using a BBN approach to build species distribution models, this review also identified taxa that may not benefit from conservation actions targeted at umbrella taxa by identifying taxa with unique habitat requirements not shared with umbrellas. Using a standard node set that accurately and comprehensively represents the ecosystem in question, BBNs could be designed to improve identification of umbrella taxa. In wetlands, expert knowledge about hydrology, geomorphology and soils could add important information regarding physical landscape characteristics relevant to species. Thus, a systems-oriented framework may improve overarching inferences from BBNs and subsequent utility to conservation planning and management.
CIM City: the Game Continues for a Better Carbapenemase Test.

ABSTRACT The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute and European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing agree that carbapenemase testing is not necessary for clinical care, provided that the laboratory is up to date with current breakpoints. Nonetheless, publication on the development and modification of carbapenemase tests continues, as is the case in this issue of the Journal of Clinical Microbiology (R. W. Beresford and M. Maley, J Clin Microbiol 57:e01852-18, 2019, https://doi.org/10.1128/JCM.01852-18). This commentary explores modifications to the carbapenem inactivation method—but is this the right focus for clinical laboratories?
Pneumosinus Dilatans frontalis: a case of incidental autopsy diagnosis

Pneumosinus Dilatans Frontalis (PDF) is a rare pathologic condition characterized by expansion and hyper aeration of the frontal sinuses. This abnormality has been described in otolaryngology, ophthalmology, neurology, and radiology journals, while only a few autopsy studies are reported in the English literature. The etiology of this condition remains unclear, although multiple theories have been proposed. Clinically, PDF is often an asymptomatic condition, but it can lead to significant bone deformation with esthetic complaints, and even severe associated neurological deficits. In the following case report, a 20-year-old Caucasian male committed suicide by asphyxia due to plastic bag suffocation combined with a vitiated atmosphere as a consequence of helium inhalation. At postmortem an abnormal expansion of the frontal sinuses was detected, involving the frontal bone just above the orbits. The defect showed a multiloculated appearance in the sinus cavities. An incidental diagnosis of PDF was made. A description of the findings and a hypothesis of the clinical relevance of PDF in the reported case are presented.
Marital status and cognitive impairment in the United States: evidence from the National Health and Aging Trends Study.

Abstract Purpose We provide population-based longitudinal evidence of marital status differences in the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia in the United States. Methods Data were from the longitudinal National Health and Aging Trends Study, 2011–2018. The sample included 7508 respondents aged 65 years and older who contributed 25,897 person-year records. We estimated discrete-time hazard models to predict the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment, not dementia (CIND), as well as impairment in three major cognitive domains: memory, orientation, and executive function. Results Relative to their married counterparts, divorced and widowed elders had higher odds of dementia and CIND, as well as higher odds of impairment in each of the cognitive domains. Never-married elders had higher odds of impairment in memory and orientation than their married counterparts but did not differ significantly in the odds of impaired executive function, dementia, or CIND. Cohabiting elders did not differ significantly from married respondents on any measure of cognitive impairment. We found no gender differences in the associations between marital status and the measures of cognitive impairment. Conclusions Marital status is a potentially important but overlooked social risk/protective factor for cognitive impairment. Divorced and widowed older adults are particularly vulnerable to cognitive impairment.
Nicotine Absorption Profile Among Regular Users of a Pod-Based Electronic Nicotine Delivery System.

JUUL is a popular electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS)1 that contains a liquid with a high nicotine concentration (59 mg/mL). While there are concerns about the rapid increase in use of this potentially addictive product,2 there are no independent published data, to our knowledge, on its blood nicotine absorption profile. This case series aimed to characterize nicotine absorption among regular adult users of this product and to evaluate subjective effects associated with use.
A Brief History of Mitochondrial Pathologies.

The history of “mitochondrial pathologies”, namely genetic pathologies affecting mitochondrial metabolism because of mutations in nuclear DNA-encoded genes for proteins active inside mitochondria or mutations in mitochondrial DNA-encoded genes, began in 1988. In that year, two different groups of researchers discovered, respectively, large-scale single deletions of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in muscle biopsies from patients with “mitochondrial myopathies” and a point mutation in the mtDNA gene for subunit 4 of NADH dehydrogenase (MTND4), associated with maternally inherited Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON). Henceforth, a novel conceptual “mitochondrial genetics”, separate from mendelian genetics, arose, based on three features of mtDNA: (1) polyplasmy; (2) maternal inheritance; and (3) mitotic segregation. Diagnosis of mtDNA-related diseases became possible through genetic analysis and experimental approaches involving histochemical staining of muscle or brain sections, single-fiber polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of mtDNA, and the creation of patient-derived “cybrid” (cytoplasmic hybrid) immortal fibroblast cell lines. The availability of the above-mentioned techniques along with the novel sensitivity of clinicians to such disorders led to the characterization of a constantly growing number of pathologies. Here is traced a brief historical perspective on the discovery of autonomous pathogenic mtDNA mutations and on the related mendelian pathology altering mtDNA integrity.
Limitations of present models of blast-induced sound power conduction through the external and middle ear

The use of models to predict the effect of blast-like impulses on hearing function is an ongoing topic of investigation relevant to hearing protection and hearing-loss prevention in the modern military. The first steps in the hearing process are the collection of sound power from the environment and its conduction through the external and middle ear into the inner ear. Present efforts to quantify the conduction of high-intensity sound power through the auditory periphery depend heavily on modeling. This paper reviews and elaborates on several existing models of the conduction of high-level sound from the environment into the inner ear and discusses the shortcomings of these models. A case is made that any attempt to more accurately define the workings of the middle ear during high-level sound stimulation needs to be based on additional data, some of which has been recently gathered.
Solving \(\mathrm {LIA} ^\star \) Using Approximations

Linear arithmetic with stars, \(\mathrm {LIA} ^\star \), is an extension of Presburger arithmetic that allows forming indefinite summations over values that satisfy a formula. It has found uses in decision procedures for multi-sets and for vector addition systems. \(\mathrm {LIA} ^\star \) formulas can be translated back into Presburger arithmetic, but with non-trivial space overhead. In this paper we develop a decision procedure for \(\mathrm {LIA} ^\star \) that checks satisfiability of \(\mathrm {LIA} ^\star \) formulas. By refining on-demand under and over-approximations of \(\mathrm {LIA} ^\star \) formulas, it can avoid the space overhead that is integral to previous approaches. We have implemented our procedure in a prototype and report on encouraging results that suggest that \(\mathrm {LIA} ^\star \) formulas can be checked for satisfiability without computing a prohibitively large equivalent Presburger formula.
Antimicrobial forcing solution improves recovery of cryopreserved temperate fruit tree dormant buds.

Abstract Dormant bud cryogenic preservation is a cost- and labor-efficient method of genetic resource backup compared to in vitro derived meristem shoots cryopreservation. While protocols have been developed for cryopreserving apple dormant buds, effective and reproducible protocols are yet to be developed for several temperate fruit and nut species. Dormant bud cryopreservation typically requires material to be grafted to evaluate viability and recover a plant. Forced bud development has been used on a very limited scale for cryostored dormant budwood recovery, however, it provides a labor-efficient alternative viability assessment. To increase the utility of this approach, regrowth must be optimized to allow complete plant recovery. We hypothesized that bacterial attacks are limiting regrowth, thus, an antimicrobial forcing solution can maximize regrowth potential. This study examined the effects of an antimicrobial forcing solution (8-hydroxyquinoline citrate and sucrose, 8-HQC) on the cryosurvival and recovery of dormant buds of fruit (Malus x domestica, Prunus armeniaca, Prunus avium, Prunus persica, Pyrus communis), and nut species (Juglans regia, Juglans nigra, Juglans microcarpa). Recovery and shoot development were significantly improved for all the fruit and one nut species (J. microcarpa) treated with the 8-HQC, compared to standard recovery under high humidity alone (P
Teaching systems science to public health professionals.

Abstract Objectives Systems thinking aims to understand the overall behavior of a system by examining the interdependencies of parts of the system. The objective of this study is to increase awareness of systems thinking and systems modeling in public health research and practice. Study design A short course was offered to public health professionals using a combination of teaching modalities: didactic lectures, group discussions, hands-on programming, and experiential learning. Methods Course participants completed surveys and provided feedback on the effectiveness of the course. A description of participant backgrounds, survey responses, and feedback were summarized. Results Overall, participants offered quantitative and qualitative feedback suggesting that course content was useful and effective for incorporating systems thinking/modeling in their public health practice. Conclusions Systems thinking can be taught through formal modes of instruction to public health workers, but more research and case studies are needed to identify who should be taught and when and how such instruction should take place given competing priorities of public health workers.
Study on EBV detection and diagnosis of EBV infection

Objective To investigate the clinical significance of Epstein-Barr virus(EBV) detection and the diagnosis of EBV infection.Methods Thirty eight children with suspected EBV infection hospitalized frow May 2005 to December 2007 served as study objects.The VCR-IgM in plasma,EBV DNA in peripheral whole blood,in plasma and in PBMC were detected synchronously by using ELISA and fluorescence quantitative PCR at the time of admission and one,three,six,nine months from onset.The changes of positive rate of the four detection methods in the course of EBV infection were compared.Results In the early days of EBV infection,the positive rates of EBV DNA in whole blood and in PBMC were higher than that of EBV VCR-IgM and EBV DNA in plasma (P<0.05).At the time of one,three,six and nine months from onset,the positive rates of four detection methods decreased gradually,but the sensitivity of EBV DNA in PBMCs was higher than the other methods.Conclusion In the early days of EBV infection,it is an early,rapid and sensitive diagnosis method to detect EBV DNA in whole blood and PBMC.EBV may exist in PBMC for a long time,by using fluorescence quantitative PCR to detect EBV DNA in PBMC is of high value in the diagnosis of EBV infection.It can be used as a marker to evaluate the patient's condition of EBV infection.
Aquifer vulnerability using geophysical and physiochemical methods in parts of Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

Supply of potable water in Oghara communities in particular and parts of Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State in general is inadequate as a result of increasing population and development activities in the area. This can be resolved and sustained if groundwater resources are effectively managed. This study was carried out to determine the aquifer vulnerability and groundwater quality using geophysical and physiochemical methods in parts of Ethiope West Local Government Area, Delta State. Thirty vertical electrical soundings and four dipole–dipole profiling were administered using Abem Terrameter SAS 1000 AB. The field data were curve matched and iterated using WinResist and Dipro software. The aquiferous zone was found in the fourth layer with resistivity ranging from 159 Ωm to 100234 Ωm, thickness ranging from 12 m to 156 m, and depth ranging from 32 m to 162 m except VES 25, whose aquifer is in the third layer. The dipole–dipole resistivity structure shows low resistivity values along areas where waste dump was sited with resistivity ranging from 300 Ωm to 630 Ωm. This finding suggests that the leachate from the dumpsite is affecting the characteristics possessed by the subsurface close to it. The first order geoelectric and Dar-Zarrouk parameter study of aquifer protective capacity revealed a protection capacity value less than 0.1 for VESs 1–18 and 20–30, while VES 19 revealed a value of 0.24. Thus, Oghara communities are extremely unprotected, and the aquifer is prone to contamination. The physiochemical analysis carried out indicates that groundwater is slightly acidic with a pH value ranging from 5.40 to 6.40 when compared with the WHO permissible limit. The groundwater flow direction is depicted from the east to the west; this will assist policy planners to decide where dumpsites and companies generating waste could be sited to preserve groundwater potential.
Propagation of a flexure crack: experiment and analysis

Experiments and analyses are carried out on the low decelerating and accelerating speed of a flexure crack running in a specimen of a glass plate. The specimen is subjected to a spherical indentation on its upper surface and rests on a knife-edge or ring foundation. The span of the foundation is comparable to the plate thickness so that a three-dimensional stress field is established. The stress distribution is determined analytically in terms of its stretching and bending components. It is shown that the variation of the crack speed depends not on the total surface tensile stress, but on the in-plane stretching stress. The experiment is shown to have produced only a small stretching stress so that the low varying speed of the crack, instead of its high limiting speed, was observed experimentally.
The Costs of Critical Habitat or Owl’s Well That Ends Well

When the Fish and Wildlife Service designated land in four counties of Arizona as “critical habitat” necessary for the protection of the endangered cactus ferruginous pygmy‐owl, property values dropped considerably. When the owl was later delisted, property values jumped back up. We use difference-in-difference and synthetic control designs to identify this effect with Zillow property value data. The results provide an estimate of the costs of this critical habitat designation, and they are considerable, contrary to the regulators’ position that critical habitat protection imposes no incremental costs beyond the original endangered species listing.
Community Health Informatics

This chapter details the evolution of research and practices, in community health informatics systems, with implementation for sustainable community health. Community health informatics utilizes internet applications, and associated health information delivery systems to improve community health information access. It also accomplishes the reduction of community health disparities, inequity, and social injustice. In this regard, this chapter provides a brief overview of the history around community health informatics. Followed by a detailed discussion of the current and potential implementation of health informatics systems for sustainable community health, grounded in community action theories. Community health informatics is an emerging interdisciplinary science. This chapter considers the role of disciplines related to community health informatics practices, for sustainable community health. In this regard, this chapter provides a brief overview of the history around community health informatics, followed by a detailed discussion of the current and potential implementation of health informatics systems for sustainable community health.
Closing the Deal: Principles of Closing Argument Grounded In Empirical Studies and Lessons of the Masters

Any advocate can deliver a closing argument, but it takes an advocate steeped in the art and science of closing argument to truly close the deal. Relying on empirical data from the social sciences and drawing on closing arguments by master advocates, this article identifies the key principles for a successful closing argument. Closing arguments must be grounded in the advocate’s credibility, and should reason alongside jurors to a conclusion, give jurors a compelling reason to side with the client, tap into the persuasive power of stories, organize evidence through a list, read and respond to juror body language, mitigate hurtful evidence boils, and avoid verbosity. These principles will help navigate around common pitfalls and elevate their closing argument to an art form.
3D Pose Identification of Micro- and Nanowires in Fluid Suspensions

This paper presents a passive autofocus-based 3D-pose estimation scheme for micro- and nanowires in fluid suspension under bright-field microscopes. The proposed method integrates classic passive auto-focusing (AF) algorithms, rule-based hill-climb methods, and an automatic and efficient scheme to estimate the positions and orientations of multiple micro-and nanowires in 3D. Experimental results validate the performance of the proposed strategy. This work provides the first foundational step toward the automated control of micro-and nanoagents in 3D microfluidic environments.
Examining person-centered maternity care in a peri-urban setting in Embakasi, Nairobi, Kenya.

Author(s): Oluoch-Aridi, Jackline; Afulani, Patience; Makanga, Cindy; Guzman, Danice; Miller-Graff, Laura | Abstract: IntroductionPeri-urban settings have high maternal mortality and the quality of care received in different types of health facilities is varied. Yet few studies have explored the construct of person-centered maternity care (PCMC) within peri-urban settings. Understanding women's experience of maternity care in peri-urban settings will allow health facility managers and policy makers to improve services in these settings. This study examines factors associated with PCMC in a peri-urban setting in Kenya.Methods and materialsWe analyzed data from a cross-sectional study with 307 women aged 18-49 years who had delivered a baby within the preceding six weeks. Women were recruited from public (n = 118), private (n = 76), and faith based (n = 113) health facilities. We measured PCMC using the 30-item validated PCMC scale which evaluates women's experiences of dignified and respectful care, supportive care, and communication and autonomy. Factors associated with PCMC were evaluated using multilevel models, with women nested within facilities.ResultsThe average PCMC score was 58.2 (SD = 13.66) out of 90. Controlling for other factors, literate women had, on average, about 6-point higher PCMC scores than women who were not literate (β = 5.758, p = 0.006). Women whose first antenatal care (ANC) visit was in the second (β = -5.030, p = 0.006) and third trimester (β = -7.288, p = 0.003) had lower PCMC scores than those whose first ANC were in the first trimester. Women who were assisted by an unskilled attendant or an auxiliary nurse/midwife at birth had lower PCMC than those assisted by a nurse, midwife or clinical officer (β = -8.962, p = 0.016). Women who were interviewed by phone (β = -7.535, p = 0.006) had lower PCMC scores than those interviewed in person.ConclusionsFactors associated with PCMC include literacy, ANC timing and duration, and delivery provider. There is a need to improve PCMC in these settings as part of broader quality improvement activities to improve maternal and neonatal health.
VIRAL STUDIES OF THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE TRACT.

Abstract Standard cell culture techniques were employed in an attempt to isolate viruses from gynecological material. Several different cell lines were used in the tissue culture system and many different culture conditions were employed. One hundred and eighty specimens were collected from normal individuals and those with a variety of gynecological conditions. The only viral agent isolated was identified as herpes simplex. The protozoan T. vaginalis was isolated and grown in association with cultured cells. Three continuous cell lines were isolated from cultures inoculated with clinical specimens. The hypothesis that the female reproductive tract harbors a number of viruses is discussed.
Regulation of neuronal excitability in Drosophila by constitutively active CaMKII

The ability of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) to become calcium independent after autophosphorylation makes this enzyme a temporal marker of neuronal activity. Here we show that the calcium-independent form of CaMKII has unique effects on larval viability, locomotion, and neuronal excitability in Drosophila. Expression of constitutively active T287D, but not calcium-dependent T287A, mutant CaMKII in Drosophila neurons resulted in decreased viability, behavioral defects, and failure of action potential propagation. The actions of T287D may be mediated, at least in part, by increased potassium conductances. Expression of T287D CaMKII also stimulated an increase in the number of boutons at the larval neuromuscular junction, but did not affect the mechanics of release. This study defines a role for autophosphorylation of CaMKII in the regulation of multiple neuronal functions including the intrinsic properties of neurons.
FIR Fourier Spectroscopic Studies of Organic Molecules—Torsional Vibrations in Alkyl Esters of Carboxylic Acids

The far infrared (FIR) spectra of various aliphatie esters of carboxylic acids were studied using a new FIR Fourier spectrophotometer. Raman spectroscopic measurements were also made and helped in the interpretation of the far infrared spectra. As a result an assignment of torsional modes observed between 340 and 40 cm−1 was obtained. Verschiedene aliphatische Ester der Monocarbonsauren wurden im fernen IR-Bereich (FIR) mit Hilfe eines neuen FIR-Fourier-Spektralphotometers untersucht. Daneben wurden Raman-spektroskopische Untersuchungen durchgefuhrt, die eine grose Hilfe bei der Interpretation der FIR-Spektren darstellten. Als Resultat kann eine Zuordnung einer Reihe von Torsionsschwingungen gegeben werden. die im Bereich zwischen 340 und 40 cm−1 zu beobachten sind.
Regulation of mitochondrial fission by MiD51 (757.1)

Regulation of mitochondrial fission by MiD51 Oliver C. Losόn1, Michael E. Rome1, Jens T. Kaiser2, Shu-ou Shan2 and David C. Chan1,3 1Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, 2Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and 3Howard Hughes Medical Institute, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena CA, 91125, USA Mitochondrial fission requires the recruitment of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) to mitochondria and activation of its GTP-dependent scission function. In mammals, the recruitment of Drp1 is primarily regulated by the outer membrane receptors Mff, MiD49 and MiD51, while Fis1 plays a minor role. We recently demonstrated that these receptors can function independently of one another to recruit Drp1 and mediate mitochondrial division. Intriguingly, exogenous expression of MiD49 and MiD51 causes constitutive recruitment of Drp1 but inhibits its scission activity. With mitochondrial stress, however, these receptors can rapidly activate pre-recruited Drp1 and cause rapid mitochondrial fra...
Two-photon photoemission can map femtosecond-lived unoccupied bulk states

We use a tunable 100-fs UV source to demonstrate angle-resolved two-photon photoemission band mapping of bound but unoccupied bulk bands, viz. Cu sp-band. The strong optical pumping overcomes the femtosecond lifetime of this bulk feature.
Scanning electron microscopy of impurity structures in snow

We examined well-sintered, mid-winter snow from Mammoth Mountain, California using an environmental scanning electron microscope equipped with a cold stage. Ring-like filaments were observed at all grain boundaries in a highly sublimated, sputter-coated sample 2 days after collection, though filaments were much harder to find in uncoated samples. Filaments appeared in uncoated specimens from the same snow sample five months later, though X-ray microanalysis failed to detect soluble impurities in the filaments, grain boundary grooves or on ice grain surfaces above background noise levels. After 8 months in storage and under forced sublimation in high vacuum, the same sample produced not only grain boundary filaments but complex, web-like structures, nodules and films that, in extreme cases, formed castings of completely sublimated snow grains. Energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry reveals that the filaments and webs are composed of the same set of light elements typical of the soluble impurities in Sierra snow. The spectra also reveal significant spatial variability in element ratios. Impurities probably concentrate in a quasi-liquid layer at the air/ice interface and in the disordered grain boundary region where crystal lattices are misoriented. If concentrated at grain boundaries these light elements could act as dopants, reducing grain boundary energy, reducing melting temperatures and promoting the sintering process.