cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Tranexamic Acid on Blood Loss, D-Dimer, and Fibrinogen Kinetics in Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery.

BACKGROUND Antifibrinolytics such as tranexamic acid reduce operative blood loss and blood product transfusion requirements in patients undergoing surgical correction of scoliosis. The factors involved in the unrelenting coagulopathy seen in scoliosis surgery are not well understood. One potential contributor is activation of the fibrinolytic system during a surgical procedure, likely related to clot dissolution and consumption of fibrinogen. The addition of tranexamic acid during a surgical procedure may mitigate the coagulopathy by impeding the derangement in D-dimer and fibrinogen kinetics. METHODS We retrospectively studied consecutive patients who had undergone surgical correction of adult spinal deformity between January 2010 and July 2016 at our institution. Intraoperative hemostatic data, surgical time, estimated blood loss, and transfusion records were analyzed for patients before and after the addition of tranexamic acid to our protocol. Each patient who received tranexamic acid and met inclusion criteria was cohort-matched with a patient who underwent a surgical procedure without tranexamic acid administration. RESULTS There were 17 patients in the tranexamic acid cohort, with a mean age of 60.7 years, and 17 patients in the control cohort, with a mean age of 60.9 years. Estimated blood loss (932 ± 539 mL compared with 1,800 ± 1,029 mL; p = 0.005) and packed red blood-cell transfusions (1.5 ± 1.6 units compared with 4.0 ± 2.1 units; p = 0.001) were significantly lower in the tranexamic acid cohort. In all single-stage surgical procedures that met inclusion criteria, the rise of D-dimer was attenuated from 8.3 ± 5.0 μg/mL in the control cohort to 3.3 ± 3.2 μg/mL for the tranexamic acid cohort (p < 0.001). The consumption of fibrinogen was 98.4 ± 42.6 mg/dL in the control cohort but was reduced in the tranexamic acid cohort to 60.6 ± 35.1 mg/dL (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS In patients undergoing spinal surgery, intravenous administration of tranexamic acid is effective at reducing intraoperative blood loss. Monitoring of D-dimer and fibrinogen during spinal surgery suggests that tranexamic acid impedes the fibrinolytic pathway by decreasing consumption of fibrinogen and clot dissolution as evidenced by the reduced formation of D-dimer. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Selective binding of acetaminophen (APAP) to liver proteins in mice and men.

Acetaminophen (N-acetyl-p-aminophenol, APAP) toxicity is dependent upon APAP activation by cytochrome P450 to a metabolite which binds covalently to macromolecules as cellular glutathione becomes depleted (Potter, et al., 1973; Mitchell, et al., 1973; Jollow, et al., 1973; Dahlin, et al., 1984). Studies with an affinity purified anti-APAP antibody have demonstrated that, in mice, the covalent binding is not random, but is highly selective, and that binding to cytosolic protein(s) of approximately 58kD was most closely associated with APAP toxicity (Bartolone, et al., 1987; 1988; 1989a; Birge, et al., 1988; 1989; Beierschmitt, et al., 1989). While human liver has been demonstrated to activate APAP in vitro (Dybing, 1977), covalent binding has not been demonstrated during human APAP poisoning. The present study demonstrates for the first time that a similar, selective arylation of proteins also occurs in humans during APAP hepatotoxicity.
Palliative sedation in terminally ill patients.

Lamentably, the process of dying can be a time of considerable suffering and trepidation, engendering fear, loneliness, anxiety, and distress from intractable physical and existential anguish. Such concerns can be insufferable and abolish the hope of a tranquil and “dignified” death, and instead, foment a desire for physician-assisted death. Moreover, interminable suffering can portend a difficult and oftentimes irresolvable grief and bereavement process for surviving family members. To assuage the debilitating and callous symptoms of terminal illness, palliative sedation has emerged as a compassionate and empathic yet contentious intervention to manage refractory symptoms at the end of life. In the United States, palliative sedation was judicially sanctioned by the Supreme Court in its 1997 decision negating a constitutional right to physician-assisted suicide;1–4 in their decision, Justices O’Connor and Souter both wrote concurrences supporting the use of medication to alleviate suffering in terminal illness, acknowledging that such treatment may bring about unconsciousness or hasten death.
Planungsrechnungen in kommunalen Krankenhäusern

Durch ihre Einbindung in die Haushalte der Gebietskorperschaften sind kommunale Krankenhauser seit jeher zur Erstellung von Planungsrechnungen in Rahmen der haushaltsrechtlichen Bestimmungen verpflichtet gewesen. Im Zuge der Verpflichtung der Krankenhauser zur Einfuhrung des kaufmannischen Rechnungswesens (§16 KHG i.V.m. § 20 BPflV sowie der KHBV) wurden auf Landerebene verschiedene Verordnungen fur kommunale Krankenhauser erlassen, die detaillierte Vorschriften zur Ausgestaltung von Planungsrechnungen enthalten. Diese Planungsrechnungen orientieren sich in Aufbau und Begriffen starker an betriebswirtschaftlichen Prinzipien25 als die im kommunalen Haushaltsrecht enthaltenen Regelungen fur Eigen- und insbesondere fur Regiebetriebe.
Abstract 2823: DNA methyltransferase inhibitors sensitize NSCLC cells to PARP inhibitors by induction of a double strand break repair defect

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the US. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) show efficacy as radiosensitizers in NSCLC, but arguably have gained greater importance in cancer therapeutics by exhibiting synthetic lethality (SL) in tumors with defects in the homologous recombination (HR) pathway of double strand break repair (DSBR). Mechanistically, PARPi cytotoxicity is partially mediated through trapping of PARP1 at sites of DNA damage, with next generation PARPis such as talazoparib (Tal) being potent PARP trappers. Our group has previously demonstrated that combining Tal with a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor (DNMTi) enhances PARPi cytotoxicity in acute myeloid leukaemia and breast cancer models. DNMTis are cytosine analogs that become incorporated into replicating DNA, where they covalently bind their target enzyme DNMT1. When combined with PARPi, DNMTis enhance PARP trapping at damage sites, which collapse into cytotoxic double strand breaks (DSB) when encountered by a replication fork. In the current study, we demonstrate synergistic cytotoxicity of Tal in combination with the DNMTi 5-azacytidine (Aza) in NSCLC cell lines by combination index analyses and colony forming assays. Further potentiation of Tal+Aza cytotoxicity is observed following induction of DNA damage via IR. These results were substantiated in an A549 xenograft model (n=8 per group) where Tal+Aza+IR significantly reduced tumor volume and increased survival compared to vehicle (p Citation Format: Rachel Abbotts, Michael Topper, Daniel Fontaine, Christopher Biondi, Eun Yong Choi, Rena Lapidus, Stephen Baylin, Feyruz Rassool. DNA methyltransferase inhibitors sensitize NSCLC cells to PARP inhibitors by induction of a double strand break repair defect [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2823.
Creating User Interface

Every chapter in this book includes a demo program to explain the material, the theory behind digital image topics, and provides code that the reader can run and manipulate. Instead of writing command line demo programs with little user interaction, we opted to write programs with a User Interface (UI) that includes essential UI elements such as buttons, sliders, and ability to display images on the screen. Thus, in this chapter, we present the UI library we have chosen to use and how to use it in the context of the digital image programming.
Food Insecurity, Health, and Healthcare Utilization among the Working Poor in the U.S

BackgroundFood insecurity has detrimental effects on individuals’ health and well-being. The prevalence of food insecurity is substantially higher among individuals with incomes near or below the F...
Methods for Activity Monitor Validation Studies: An Example With the Fitbit Charge

Purpose: To advance research practices with consumer monitors, standard validation methods are needed. This study provides an example of best practices through systematically evaluating the validit...
Facile synthesis of size-tunable tin arsenide nanocrystals

SnAs nanocrystals (NCs) were synthesized for the first time using a colloidal synthetic strategy. The size of the narrow dispersity NCs is tuned in the range of 3.2–8.0 nm. The structural characterization suggests that the NCs are NaCl type cubic crystal structures and devoid of impurities.
Affordable Rapid Olfaction Measurement Array: A Novel, Essential Oil-Based Test Strongly Correlated with UPSIT and Subjective Outcome Measures.

Background:Olfactory dysfunction is an important facet of numerous disease states ranging from sinonasal disease to neurocognitive disorders. Due to expense and/or logistical barriers, objective ol...
Novel Influenza A (2009/H1N1) Infection In Patients with Hematological Malignancies During the 2009 Pandemic Outbreak: Early Antiviral Treatment Improves Survival

Abstract Abstract 1731 Novel influenza A (2009/H1N1) is a new influenza virus of swine origin. The epidemiology, morbidity, and mortality are different from those of seasonal influenza viruses, with this new strain affecting younger patients. We describe the risk factors and outcome associated with 2009/H1N1 Influenza A (herein H1N1) infection in patients with hematological malignancies. Among the first 69 cases of H1N1 infections in cancer patients occurring between April 17 to October 21, 2009, 54 (78%) had hematological malignancies (leukemia or lymphoma) and 22 (41%) had undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. H1N1 strain was the only influenza A virus reported in Texas during the study period. Most of the patients with H1N1 and hematological malignancy were old (50% were 50 years of age or older), moderately to severely immunosuppressed (67%) and obese (39%), High rates of hospitalization (48%), pneumonia (24%), and death (11%) were encountered in our patients. The majority of patients who developed pneumonia due to H1N1 were on immunosuppressive therapy at the time of diagnosis (11 (85%) of 13 cases with pneumonia vs. 20 (49%) of 41 with upper respiratory infection [URI], p=0.02). Delay in initiation of oseltamivir from onset of symptoms was the only significant predictor of progression to pneumonia (7 days in patients with pneumonia vs. 1 day in patients with URI, p=0.002) and of mortality (9 days in patients who died vs. 1 day in those who survived, p=0.003). The development of H1N1 pneumonia was significantly associated with higher mortality (p Novel influenza A (2009/H1N1) infection affected older, obese, and moderately to severely immunosuppressed patients with hematologic malignancies. Early initiation of antiviral therapy may impact outcome with less progression to pneumonia and may improve survival in this immunosuppressed patient population. Download : Download high-res image (173KB) Download : Download full-size image Figure: . Kaplan-Meier Estimates of Survival of Hematological Malignancy Patients Infected with Influenza A (2009/H1N1) Virus who Received Antiviral Therapy ≤ 72 Hours after Onset of Symptoms Compared to those who Received it > 72 Hours Later (p=0.05 from a Log-Rank Test) ———— Patients who received antiviral therapy ≤ 72 hours after onset of symptoms ——–—- Patients who received antiviral therapy >72 hours after onset of symptoms ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Censored observations Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
IoT, cloud, big data and AI in interdisciplinary domains

Abstract Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, big data processing, and artificial intelligence are cutting-edge technologies that have been changing the world. These technologies support each other and create many cross disciplinary and interdisciplinary domains of studies and applications. IoT connects the devices in the physical world to the virtual world through Internet and various protocols. The devices generate big amount of data containing vital information about the physical world. Cloud computing environments facilitate the process of big data and make intelligent decisions based on big data analyses and machine learning. This special issue selects eleven papers covering the cross disciplinary and interdisciplinary domains of IoT, cloud computing, big data processing, and machine learning. It also covers data security, data consistency, and information assurance in these domains.
Combining Proration and Full Information Maximum Likelihood in Handling Missing Data in Likert Scale Items: A Hybrid Approach

Large-scale surveys are common in social and behavioral science research. Missing data often occur at item levels due to nonresponses or planned missing data designs. In practice, the item scores are typically aggregated into scale scores (i.e., sum or mean scores) for further analyses. Although several strategies to handle item-level missing data have been proposed, most of them are not easy to implement, especially for applied researchers. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we examined a practical hybrid approach to deal with item-level missing data in Likert scale items with a varying number of categories (i.e., four, five, and seven) and missing data mechanisms. Specifically, the examined approach first uses proration to calculate the scale scores for a participant if a certain proportion of item scores is available (a cutoff criterion of proration) and then use full information maximum likelihood to deal with missing data at the scale level when scale scores cannot be computed due to the selected proration cutoff criterion. Our simulation results showed that the hybrid approach was generally acceptable when the missing data were randomly spread over the items, even when they had different thresholds/means and loadings, with caution to be taken when the missingness is determined by one of the scale items. Based on the results, we recommend using the cutoff of 30% or 40% for proration when the sample size is small and the cutoff of 40% or 50% when the sample size is moderate or large.
Rebound of Large Jets from Superhydrophobic Surfaces in Low Gravity

The rebound of large water jets from a superhydrophobic substrate in the low-gravity environment of a drop tower is investigated. A regime map is constructed from drop tower test data. Scaling laws and simulations are used to identify boundaries between jet rebound regimes and to predict landing flow geometry.
Optimization of photoresist plating mold fabrication for metal mask patterning

In this paper, we present results on optimization of photoresist (PR) plating molds for patterning of a nickel masking layer. The process can be adopted in a number of processes, including deep reactive ion etching of strongly bonded materials with high chemical resistance, such as fused silica (FS), borosilicate glass, and silicon carbide. The desirable plating mold attributes, such as thick PR, controlled dimension, vertical sidewall angle, and low sidewall roughness were optimized by varying exposure dose, exposure contact mode, developer dilution ratio, and PR type. We demonstrated that the PR dimensions decrease proportionally to increase of the exposure dose, where the relationship was utilized to control fabricated dimensions. To improve the sidewall angle, lowering the exposure dose was shown to reduce sidewall tapering, with further improvements possible by applying the vacuum contact exposure mode. Furthermore, we showed that by using a chemically enhanced PR, such as AZ®12XT, smooth PR sidewalls can be attained. The benefits of optimizing PR features were verified through an FS etch experiment and demonstrated a vertical etch with controlled dimension, smooth sidewall, and reduced faceting.
Depression in Childhood and Adolescence

Depression, a clinical diagnosis of long standing in adult psychopathology, has recently emerged as a major diagnostic consideration in the treatment of children. However, disagreement is still widespread among researchers as to the existence of depression in children. As recently as 1978, Lefkowitz and Burton argued that there was no evidence of a syndrome of childhood depression because (a) “these same symptoms of depression prevail at a rate too high to be considered statistically deviant” (p. 724), (b) there is no reliable and valid psychometric assessment tool available for use with children, and (c) the symptoms themselves show marked variation with age and many of them dissipate over time without treatment. The authors warned against precipitous diagnosis of a condition which may not be pathological.
Open-source deep-learning software for bioimage segmentation

Microscopy images are rich in information about the dynamic relationships among biological structures. However, extracting this complex information can be challenging, especially when biological structures are closely packed, distinguished by texture rather than intensity, and/or low intensity relative to the background. By learning from large amounts of annotated data, deep learning can accomplish several previously intractable bioimage analysis tasks. Until the past few years, however, most deep-learning workflows required significant computational expertise to be applied. Here, we survey several new open-source software tools that aim to make deep-learning-based image segmentation accessible to biologists with limited computational experience. These tools take many different forms, such as web apps, plug-ins for existing imaging analysis software, and preconfigured interactive notebooks and pipelines. In addition to surveying these tools, we overview several challenges that remain in the field. We hope to expand awareness of the powerful deep-learning tools available to biologists for image analysis.
Characterizing Standardized Letters of Recommendation in Urology Residency Applications.

Abstract Objective To identify the current formats of standardized letters of recommendation (SLORs) and evaluate their characteristics, the distribution of applicants’ ratings, correlation between SLOR domain ratings and conventional application metrics, and potential biases. Methods We evaluated all applications submitted to our residency program for the 2020–2021 urology match. Two main formats of SLOR were identified. We extracted application characteristics and SLOR domain ratings. Results Ninety SLORs from 82 applicants were reviewed. Applicants were highly rated among top tiers in both formats. Some correlations were observed between domain ratings and application metrics such as Step 1 and Step 2 CK scores, and percentage of Honors in core clinical clerkships. No statistically significant differences were found between female and male applicants in terms of domain ratings. Alpha Omega Alpha members received higher ratings in “urology resident potential”, “academic urologist potential”, and “performance as a sub-intern” domains. Applicants from top 40 US medical schools performed better as sub-interns, and were more likely to be ranked higher. Letters from home institutions were associated with higher ratings in several domains. In-person vs. virtual interactions received similar ratings except for “communication”. Conclusions While it is promising to observe such number of SLORs submitted for the first time in urology, the current formats could benefit from further refinement in their structures and domains to distinguish between highly qualified urology applicants more efficiently. Given the transition in Step 1 score reporting to pass/fail outcome, the need for a reliable urology-specific SLOR will be critical.
Reporting and Dictation

The radiology report is the radiologist’s primary work product. While radiology reports have traditionally been in prose format, there have been increasing efforts toward using structured reporting and lexicons to promote greater standardization with the overall goal of improving radiologists’ value through enhanced communications. Radiology was one of the early adopters of speech recognition technology in medicine. With technology advancements and AI, reporting solutions are becoming more intelligent to enhance the workflow of the radiologists and their work product.
Anti‐cosmopolitan liberalism: Isaiah Berlin, Jacob Talmon and the dilemma of national identity

. The debate between contemporary cosmopolitans and advocates of nationalism is hardly new. Nevertheless, much of it is based on the erroneous assumption that cosmopolitanism should be seen as an outgrowth of liberalism, and that both should be considered as the complete conceptual opposites of nationalism. In this article I focus on two of the post-war Jewish anglophile intellectuals who took part in this debate during the Cold War years: the Oxonian liberal philosopher Sir Isaiah Berlin (1909–97) and the Israeli historian Jacob L. Talmon (1916–80). I use their examples to argue that the dividing line between cosmopolitans and advocates of nationalism should not be regarded as signifying the distinction between liberals and anti-liberals; in fact, this debate also took place within the camp of the liberal thinkers themselves. I divide my discussion into three parts. Firstly, I examine Berlin's and Talmon's positions within the post-war anti-totalitarian discourse, which came to be known as ‘liberalism of fear’. Secondly, I show how a sense of Jewish identity, combined with deep Zionist convictions, induced both thinkers to divorce anti-nationalist cosmopolitanism – which they regarded as a hollow, illusionary ideal associated with impossible assimilationist yearnings – from the liberal idea. I conclude by suggesting that, although neither man had ever developed a systematic theoretical framework to deal with the complex interactions between ethno-nationalism, liberal individualism and multiculturalism, Berlin's vision of pluralism provides the foundations for building such a theory, in which liberalism and nationalism become complementary rather than conflicting notions.
A Transparent Foundation

The Glass Bathyscaphe . How Glass Changed the World. Alan Macfarlane and Gerry Martin. Profile, London, 2002. 267 pp. £15. ISBN 186-197-400-0. Glass . A World History. University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 2002. 267 pp. $27.50 ISBN 0-226-50028-4. In this account for a general audience, the authors argue that the scientific advances that transformed the world between the 13th and 17th centuries all occurred in western Europe because the glass technologies that developed there provided crucial new instruments such as microscopes, telescopes, barometers, thermometers, vacuum flasks, and retorts.
Use of mouse models to study the mechanisms and consequences of RBC clearance

Mice provide tractable animal models for studying the pathophysiology of various human disorders. This review discusses the use of mouse models for understanding red-blood-cell (RBC) clearance. These models provide important insights into the pathophysiology of various clinically relevant entities, such as autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, haemolytic transfusion reactions, other complications of RBC transfusions and immunomodulation by Rh immune globulin therapy. Mouse models of both antibody- and non-antibody-mediated RBC clearance are reviewed. Approaches for exploring unanswered questions in transfusion medicine using these models are also discussed.
Factors Influencing the Enhancement of the Infectivity of Poliovirus Ribonucleic Acid by Diethylaminoethyl-Dextran

Abstract The enhancement by diethylaminoethyl-dextran (DEAE-D) of the infectivity of poliovirus ribonucleic acid (RNA) for cell cultures was demonstrated by infective-center as well as by plaque assays, both in nonprimate (L) and primate cell systems (MK, HeLa, LLC-MK2). The sensitivity of plaque assays was greatly improved by using a tris (hydroxymethyl)aminomethane-buffered synthetic medium (basal medium Eagle) and freshly confluent cell monolayers. Enhancement of nucleic acid infectivity was directly dependent on the molecular weight of the DEAE-D. Two observations bearing on the action of DEAE-D appeared important: ribonuclease activity was reduced by DEAE-D, and cells pretreated with DEAE-D remained susceptible to infection with RNA in isotonic medium. Appreciable susceptibility of the treated cells persisted for at least 2 hr; the susceptible state could be reversed at will by an application of heparin. Enhancement of nucleic acid infectivity was independent of an effect of DEAE-D on intact virus and agar inhibitors.
A literary history of women's writing in Britain, 1660-1789

Introduction 1. Public women: the Restoration to the death of Aphra Behn, 1660-1689 2. Partisans of virtue and religion, 1689-1702 3. Politics, gallantry, and ladies in the reign of Queen Anne 1702-1714 4. Battle joined, 1715-1737 5. Women as members of the literary family, 1737-1756 6. Bluestockings and sentimental writers, 1756-1776 7. Romance and comedy, 1777-1789 Recommended modern editions Select bibliography.
Interpretation of Experiments in Laser-Driven Fusion

The number and energy distribution of superthermal electrons produced in a laser-heated plasma can be quantitatively obtained directly from the experimental x-ray spectrum using only the assumption that the fast electrons lose energy by bremsstrahlung and electron-electron collisions. The result is independent of the spatial and temporal distribution of electron density and temperature. This analysis is given in Sec. II.
Synaptic Function of Rab11Fip5: Selective Requirement for Hippocampal Long-Term Depression

Postsynaptic AMPA-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs) are among the major determinants of synaptic strength and can be trafficked into and out of synapses. Neuronal activity regulates AMPAR trafficking during synaptic plasticity to induce long-term changes in synaptic strength, including long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD). Rab family GTPases regulate most membrane trafficking in eukaryotic cells; particularly, Rab11 and its effectors are implicated in mediating postsynaptic AMPAR insertion during LTP. To explore the synaptic function of Rab11Fip5, a neuronal Rab11 effector and a candidate autism-spectrum disorder gene, we performed shRNA-mediated knock-down and genetic knock-out (KO) studies. Surprisingly, we observed robust shRNA-induced synaptic phenotypes that were rescued by a Rab11Fip5 cDNA but that were nevertheless not observed in conditional KO neurons. Both in cultured neurons and acute slices, KO of Rab11Fip5 had no significant effect on basic parameters of synaptic transmission, indicating that Rab11Fip5 is not required for fundamental synaptic operations, such as neurotransmitter release or postsynaptic AMPAR insertion. KO of Rab11Fip5 did, however, abolish hippocampal LTD as measured both in acute slices or using a chemical LTD protocol in cultured neurons but did not affect hippocampal LTP. The Rab11Fip5 KO mice performed normally in several behavioral tasks, including fear conditioning, but showed enhanced contextual fear extinction. These are the first findings to suggest a requirement for Rab11Fip5, and presumably Rab11, during LTD.
Computational redesign of the lipid-facing surface of the outer membrane protein OmpA

Advances in computational design methods have made possible extensive engineering of soluble proteins, but designed β-barrel membrane proteins await improvements in our understanding of the sequence determinants of folding and stability. A subset of the amino acid residues of membrane proteins interact with the cell membrane, and the design rules that govern this lipid-facing surface are poorly understood. We applied a residue-level depth potential for β-barrel membrane proteins to the complete redesign of the lipid-facing surface of Escherichia coli OmpA. Initial designs failed to fold correctly, but reversion of a small number of mutations indicated by backcross experiments yielded designs with substitutions to up to 60% of the surface that did support folding and membrane insertion.
Absence of bias in clinician ratings of everyday functioning among African American, Hispanic and Caucasian patients with schizophrenia

A substantial research literature implicates potential racial/ethnic bias in the diagnosis of schizophrenia and in clinical ratings of psychosis. There is no similar information regarding bias effects on ratings of everyday functioning. Our aims were to determine if Caucasian raters vary in their ratings of the everyday functioning of schizophrenia patients of different ethnicities, to find out which factors determine accurate self-report of everyday functioning in different ethnic groups, and to know if depression has similar effects on the way people of different ethnicities self-report their current functionality. We analyzed data on 295 patients with schizophrenia who provided their self-report of their everyday functioning and also had a Caucasian clinician rating their functionality. Three racial/ethnic groups (African American (AA), Hispanic and Caucasian) were studied and analyzed on the basis of neurocognition, functional capacity, depression and real-world functional outcomes. No differences based on racial/ethnic status in clinician assessments of patients' functionality were found. Differences between racial groups were found in personal and maternal levels of education. Severity of depression was significantly correlated with accuracy of self-assessment of functioning in Caucasians, but not in AAs. Higher scores on neurocognition and functional capacity scales correlated with reduced overestimation of functioning in AAs, but not in Hispanics. This data might indicate that measurement of everyday functionality is less subject to rater bias than measurement of symptoms of schizophrenia.
A tutela penal ambiental e a (in)evolução do meio ambiente como bem jurídico: um estudo de caso do tipo penal do artigo 38 da Lei nº 9605/98

A Constituicao Federal brasileira estabelece que o ambiente e um direito fundamental e como tal deve ser protegido, para esta e futuras geracoes. Estabelece, ainda, que os crimes praticados contra o meio ambiente, que se tornam cada dia danosos e impactantes ao meio ambiente como um todo, devem ser coibidos. A legislacao infraconstitucional penal ambiental, em especial a Lei no 9.605/98, busca regulamentar o texto constitucional, e estabelece tipos penais com a finalidade de protecao destes bens juridicos. Neste artigo, investiga-se a aplicabilidade de um dispositivo especifico, art. 38 da Lei dos Crimes Ambientais, que busca a protecao da floresta enquanto area de preservacao permanente. A partir de um processo criminal que resultou de uma denuncia por crime ambiental, analisa-se o tipo penal previsto no referido art. 38.
Group M-based HIV-1 Gag peptides are frequently targeted by T cells in chronically infected US and Zambian patients.

BACKGROUND The enormous sequence diversity of HIV-1 has been a major obstacle in the development of a globally useful vaccine for AIDS. The consensus and ancestral sequence-based immunogens minimize the genetic distance between contemporary isolates and vaccine strains. Hence these sequences may be promising candidates for HIV vaccines or serve as a universal reagent set for evaluating Gag-specific responses. METHODS In this study, we measured the T-cell reactivity to consensus (subtype A, B, C and group M), ancestral (group M and subtype B) and HXB2 Gag peptides (15-mers overlapping by 11) in HIV-1-infected subjects from two reference populations. We evaluated the Gag-specific T-cell responses in 43 chronically infected US (subtype B) and 13 Zambian (subtype C) subjects using an interferon-gamma enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot assay. RESULTS Our findings demonstrate a broad cross-reactivity of nearly 70% among all the seven Gag immunogens evaluated. Consensus M sequences elicited similar levels of responses as did the consensus B, ancestral subtype B and HXB2 peptides in subtype B-infected US patients. In subtype C-infected Zambian subjects, responses of similar breadth and magnitude were elicited by consensus C, consensus M and ancestral M peptides. CONCLUSION Our data demonstrate that peptide pools based on consensus or ancestral M-based sequences can be used to evaluate Gag-specific responses elicited by subtype B or subtype C-based immunogens.
Highly photoresistant chemosensors using acridone as fluorescent label

Abstract Highly photoresistant and selective chemosensors have been prepared using acridone as fluorescent label in combination with monoclonal antibodies. Highly photoresistant and selective chemosensors have been prepared using acridone as fluorescent label in combination with monclonal antibodies. These monomers were coupled in solution using BOP activation of the carboxy terminus to form (1→5)-amide linked dimers of sialyl amino acid derivatives.
Impact of Pollution, Climate, and Sociodemographic Factors on Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Seasonal Respiratory Viruses

Seasonal viruses present a major cause of morbidity and mortality in temperate climates. Through major pandemics and smaller annual epidemics, viruses such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human rhinovirus (HRV) result in lost school and work days for most that are infected and more serious complications for the immunocompromised. The reasons for these viruses showing strict seasonality include but are not limited to the influence of cold weather and humidity on virus particles, human physiology, and human behavior. The relative importance of each is dependent on what geographic scale is being explored as well as the individual region and time period. Theoretical mathematics has also revealed that climatic changes are likely not the only reasons for strong seasonal cycles, but these are also based in periodic resonance with the natural cycles of immunity and antigenic variance, as well as nationwide synchrony through transportation networks. Investigations of seasonality will aid in understanding disease transmission, and thereby effective prevention strategies. The authors present a review of the literature on seasonal viruses, their annual diffusion through populations, and factors that reduce or enhance their seasonal spread. They also offer suggestions for targeted interventions to reduce the disease burden from seasonal viruses.
Finding a Place in the Southern States Communication Association: A Phenomenological Auto-Ethnography of “Where is Waldo?”

This article illustrates how one university, through its long-time mentor Waldo Braden, had a major impact on the SSCA. In addition, the article shows how the association has become more diverse over the past 30 years in terms of gender and ideology. Finally, the author discusses how to continue the growth and development of the association in the future.
Sex guilt, sexual arousal, and urinary acid phosphatase output

Abstract This study investigated the relationship between the personality variable sex guilt and a proposed physiological measure of sexual arousal (urinary acid phosphatase level). Urinary acid phosphatase levels of 43 male college students were assessed both basally and after exposure to 19 sexually themed slides. As predicted, sex guilt was inversely related to both basal acid phosphatase level and changes in acid phosphatase level upon exposure to the erotic stimuli. In addition, sex guilt scores were correlated with subjects' self-reported reactions to the erotic stimuli. The relationships obtained provided further construct validity evidence for the sex-guilt measure. Finally, the relationship between sexual arousal and urinary acid phosphatase level was explored. The data provided only partial validation for the proposed relationship between sexual arousal and urinary acid phosphatase output.
Autoxidation of trimethylamine in aqueous solutions

The autoxidation of trimethylamine in aqueous solutions has been studied at 100C and at O{sub 2} pressures up to 153 atm. Trimethylamine N-oxide is a major product. Its yield accounts for as much as, but never in excess of 50%, the balance being Me{sub 2}NH and HCONMe{sub 2}. The reaction follows second-order kinetics, -d(Me{sub 3}N)/dt = k(Me{sub 3}N)P{sub o{sub 2}}, where k = 8.7 {times} 10{sup {minus}7} atm{sup {minus}1} sm{sup {minus}1}. In solutions buffered with 0.1 N NaOH, the yield of Me{sub 3}NO is reduced. These results are interpreted in terms of a rate-limited electron-transfer reaction between Me{sub 3}N and dioxygen, followed by reactions dictated by the radical ions, Me{sub 3}N{sup {sm bullet}+} and O{sub 2}{sup {sm bullet}{minus}}, thus generated. It is noted that only one oxygen atom in the O{sub 2} molecule is incorporated into Me{sub 3}NO, the other being used in the sacrificial oxidations to give other products.
Thapsigargin induces a calmodulin/calcineurin-dependent apoptotic cascade responsible for the death of prostatic cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: New agents are required for the treatment of androgen-independent prostate cancer. Due to the low rate of proliferation of these malignant cells, agents which can activate the apoptotic death of these cells without requiring the cells being in the proliferative cell cycle are critically required. Thapsigargin (TG), via its ability to perturb intracellular free calcium [Ca(2+)](i), is such a cell proliferation-independent cytotoxic agent. The present study focuses on more completely describing the biochemical cascade during the apoptotic death of androgen-independent prostate cancer cells induced by TG and on the mechanistic requirements for this death. METHODS: A variety of cell and molecular biology techniques (e.g., time-lapse video, fluorescence image analysis, Northern and Western blotting) were used to examine the temporal relationship between changes in [Ca(2+)](i), GADD 153 transcription, translocation of the NFATc transcription factor to the nucleus, translocation of BAD from the cytosol to the mitochondria, caspase 9 activation, DNA fragmentation, and the loss of clonogenic survival induced by TG treatment of both human TSU-prl and rat AT3.1 prostate cancer cells in vitro. Additional studies using both microinjection of inhibitors of calmodulin and DNA transfections to induce expression of Ca(2+) binding proteins, e.g., calbindin, were performed to evaluate the causal relationship between [Ca(2+)](i) elevation, calmodulin/calcineurin activation, and apoptosis of prostate cancer cells. RESULTS: Using simultaneous fluorescence ratiometric and phase contrast image analysis in individual cells followed longitudinally for several days, it was documented that TG induced early (1-12 hr) moderate (i.e., 12 hr) secondary rise ( approximately 10 microM) in [Ca(2+)](i). During the secondary rise in [Ca(2+)](i), Ca(2+) binds to calcineurin and calmodulin, allowing these proteins to form a complex which activates calcineurin's latent phosphatase activity. Once activated, calcineurin dephosphorylates NFATc and BAD, allowing translocation of these proteins to the nucleus and mitochondria, respectively. BAD translocation induces the release of cytochrome C from the mitochondria into the cytoplasm, which results in activation of caspase 9 and DNA fragmentation. If the TG-induced rise in [Ca(2+)](i) is blocked by overexpressing calbindin, or if calmodulin function is inhibited, these apoptotic events are prevented. CONCLUSIONS: TG induces the apoptotic death of prostate cancer cells via the activation of a reversible signaling phase induced by a transient nanomolar rise in [Ca(2+)](i), which involves new gene transcription and translation. This reversible signaling phase is followed by an irreversible commitment to undergo the execution phase which is induced by a secondary micromolar rise in [Ca(2+)](i). This secondary [Ca(2+)](i) rise irreversibly commits the cell to a calmodulin/calcineurin-dependent cascade, which results in DNA and cellular fragmentation into apoptotic bodies.
Chromatic polynomials for J(∏H)I strip graphs and their asymptotic limits

Abstract We calculate the chromatic polynomials P for n -vertex strip graphs of the form J (∏ l =1 m H ) I , where J and I are various subgraphs on the left and right ends of the strip, whose bulk is comprised of m -fold repetitions of a subgraph H . The strips have free boundary conditions in the longitudinal direction and free or periodic boundary conditions in the transverse direction. This extends our earlier calculations for strip graphs of the form (∏ l =1 m H ) I . We use a generating function method. From these results we compute the asymptotic limiting function W =lim n →∞ P 1/ n ; for q∈ Z + this has physical significance as the ground-state degeneracy per site (exponent of the ground-state entropy) of the q -state Potts antiferromagnet on the given strip. In the complex q plane, W is an analytic function except on a certain continuous locus B . In contrast to the (∏ l =1 m H ) I strip graphs, where B (i) is independent of I , and (ii) consists of arcs and possible line segments that do not enclose any regions in the q plane, we find that for some J (∏ l =1 m H ) I strip graphs, B (i) does depend on I and J , and (ii) can enclose regions in the q plane. Our study elucidates the effects of different end subgraphs I and J and of boundary conditions on the infinite-length limit of the strip graphs.
Frequency Domain Electromagnetic Induction Sounding Surveys for Landfill Site Characterization Studies

A frequency domain electromagnetic induction sounding survey (FDEM) was conducted on a landfill in northern Illinois to determine the depth of fill, locate areas of drum disposal, and locate areas of heavy metal sludge disposal. Sketchy information obtained from interviews of the site personnel identified specific exploration targets and areas of concern. The results of the geophysical survey verified much of the reported disposal history and identified areas suspected to contain hazardous waste. Based on the results of the survey, the thickness of fill was estimated and two areas with highly conductive fill were located. These areas could represent leachate pockets or sludge disposal areas. An area in which the fill appears to be thicker than expected was identified. This area is thought to represent industrial sludge disposal in trenches excavated into the existing fill and underlying soils. An area with several linear in-phase, quadrature, and conductivity highs was detected. A subsequent magnetometer survey detected linear magnetic anomalies that are believed to be caused by parallel trenches filled with steel drums. This area is believed to be a previously unreported hazardous waste drum disposal cell excavated into the native soil. As of this writing, the results of this survey have not been verified by traditional intrusive methods. When these investigations begin, we expect that information provided by the FDEM survey will reduce project costs by directing subsequent investigations, thereby reducing the number of borings and test pits required to characterize the site. While there is an unavoidable margin of error and uncertainty in remote sensing methods, the subsurface coverage provided by this geophysical survey could not have been reproduced by traditional methods without substantial expense. This paper presents the results of the survey and discusses application of the FDEM method on landfills.
Preconditioning-induced attenuation of purine metabolite accumulation during ischemia: memory and multiple cycles.

Brief myocardial ischemia (ISC) is known to attenuate purine metabolite accumulation in the interstitial fluid (ISF) during subsequent ISC. We determined how this attenuated purine accululation was altered by 1) extended reperfusion (REP) and 2) multiple cycles of brief ISC. Microdialysis probes were used to assess ISF levels of the purine metabolites adenosine, inosine, and hypoxynthine in anesthetized rabbits. In one series of experiments, two 10 min periods of regional ISC were separated by 10 (n=6), 60 (n=6), or 180 (n=6) min of REP. In the 10, 60, and 180 min REP groups the increase in ISF purine metabolites during the second ISC was 47%, 55%, and 53% of that seen during the first ISC, respectively. In a second series of experiments, hearts were exposed to 120 min of ISC with (n=6) or without (n=6) five preceding cycles of transient ISC (10 min ISC; 10 min of REP). The increase in ISF purine metabolites during the multiple cycles of ISC was progressively attenuated, and there was a delay but eventual increase in ISF purine metabolites during the 120 min ISC. These data demonstrate that attenuated purine metabolite accumulation 1) is progressively greater with multiple cycles of brief ISC, 2) has a memory time of at least 180 min, and 3) is not due to high energy phosphate depletion.
Phytoplankton scales of variability in the California Current System: 1. Interannual and cross-shelf variability

[1] In the California Current System, strong mesoscale variability associated with eddies and meanders of the coastal jet play an important role in the biological productivity of the area. To assess the dominant timescales of variability, a wavelet analysis is applied to almost nine years (October 1997 to July 2006) of 1-km-resolution, 5-day-averaged, Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) chlorophyll a (chl a) concentration data. The dominant periods of chlorophyll variance, and how these change in time, are quantified as a function of distance offshore. The maximum variance in chlorophyll occurs with a period of ∼100–200 days. A seasonal cycle in the timing of peak variance is revealed, with maxima in spring/summer close to shore (20 km) and in autumn/winter 200 km offshore. Interannual variability in the magnitude of chlorophyll variance shows maxima in 1999, 2001, 2002, and 2005. There is a very strong out-of-phase correspondence between the time series of chlorophyll variance and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) index. We hypothesize that positive PDO conditions, which reflect weak winds and poor upwelling conditions, result in reduced mesoscale variability in the coastal region, and a subsequent decrease in chlorophyll variance. Although the chlorophyll variance responds to basin-scale forcing, chlorophyll biomass does not necessarily correspond to the phase of the PDO, suggesting that it is influenced more by local-scale processes. The mesoscale variability in the system may be as important as the chl a biomass in determining the potential productivity of higher trophic levels.
Quality of traffic flow on urban arterial streets and its relationship with safety

Abstract The two-fluid model for vehicular traffic flow explains the traffic on arterials as a mix of stopped and running vehicles. It describes the relationship between the vehicles’ running speed and the fraction of running vehicles. The two parameters of the model essentially represent ‘free flow’ travel time and level of interaction among vehicles, and may be used to evaluate urban roadway networks and urban corridors with partially limited access. These parameters are influenced by not only the roadway characteristics but also by behavioral aspects of driver population, e.g., aggressiveness. Two-fluid models are estimated for eight arterial corridors in Orlando, FL for this study. The parameters of the two-fluid model were used to evaluate corridor level operations and the correlations of these parameters’ with rates of crashes having different types/severity. Significant correlations were found between two-fluid parameters and rear-end and angle crash rates. Rate of severe crashes was also found to be significantly correlated with the model parameter signifying inter-vehicle interactions. While there is need for further analysis, the findings suggest that the two-fluid model parameters may have potential as surrogate measures for traffic safety on urban arterial streets.