cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endplate volumetric bone mineral density measured by quantitative computed tomography as a novel predictive measure of severe cage subsidence after standalone lateral lumbar fusion

Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) is an alternate imaging method to dual X-ray absorptiometry to measure bone mineral density (BMD). One advantage of QCT is that it allows site-specific volumetric BMD (vBMD) measurements in a small region. In this study, we utilized site-specific, endplate vBMD (EP-vBMD) as a potential predictive marker of severe cage subsidence in standalone lateral lumbar interbody fusion (SA-LLIF) patients and conducted a retrospective comparative study between EP-vBMD and trabecular vBMDs (Tb-vBMD) in the vertebrae. Patients undergoing SA-LLIF from 2007 to 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. EP-vBMD was defined as the average of the upper and lower endplate volumetric BMDs measured in cortical and trabecular bone included in a 5-mm area of interest beneath the cage contact surfaces. We compared Tb-vBMDs and EP-vBMDs between disk levels that had severe cage subsidence and levels with no severe subsidence. Both EP-vBMD and Tb-vBMD could be measured in 210 levels of 96 patients. Severe cage subsidence was observed in 58 levels in 38 patients. Median (IQR) Tb-vBMD was 120.5 mg/cm3 (100.8–153.7) in the non-severe subsidence group and 117.9 mg/cm3 (90.6–149.5) in the severe subsidence group (p = 0.393), whereas EP-vBMD was significantly lower in the severe subsidence group than the non-severe subsidence group (non-severe subsidence 257.4 mg/cm3 (216.3–299.4), severe subsidence 233.5 mg/cm3 (193.4–273.3), p = 0.026). We introduced a novel site-specific vBMD measurement for cage subsidence risk assessment. Our results showed that EP-vBMD was a reproducible measurement and appeared more predictive for severe cage subsidence after SA-LLIF than Tb-vBMD. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
Asoprisnil, a Selective Progesterone Receptor Modulator (SPRM), Inhibits Melanosome Export in B16F10 Cells and HEMn-DP Melanocytes

Previous studies have reported that estrogen hormone promotes melanogenesis while progesterone inhibits it. A selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), tamoxifen, has been shown to promote melanogenesis; however, to date, there have been no reports on the effects of a selective progesterone receptor modulator (SPRM) on melanogenesis. In the present study, we hypothesized that asoprisnil (AP), a SPRM, inhibits melanogenesis. AP was tested for cytotoxicity to B16F10 mouse melanoma cells for screening the nontoxic concentrations using MTS cytotoxicity assay. Extracellular and intracellular melanin levels were estimated at nontoxic concentrations of AP. To evaluate the direct effect of AP on tyrosinase enzyme, tyrosinase activity and copper chelating activities were measured. Next, the effects of AP on melanogenesis were tested in normal human melanocytes, neonatal, darkly pigmented (HEMn-DP). Our results demonstrate that AP was nontoxic at a concentration range of 10-50 μM in B16F10 cells; AP at 50 μM significantly suppressed extracellular melanin levels comparable to kojic acid at 500 μM, with no significant effect on intracellular melanin levels. The mechanism of melanogenesis inhibition was studied to assess if AP downregulated tyrosinase activity in cell lysates or in a cell-free system. However, AP was found to increase intracellular tyrosinase activity without any effect on tyrosinase enzyme activity or copper chelating activity in a cell-free system, indicating that AP inhibits melanogenesis by mechanisms other than direct effects on tyrosinase enzyme activity. The capacity of AP to inhibit melanosome export was further validated in HEMn-DP cells; AP significantly suppressed dendricity at concentrations of 20 and 30 μM in the absence of effects on melanin synthesis or intracellular tyrosinase activity. In addition, AP was nontoxic to human keratinocytes (HaCaT) at these concentrations, validating its safety for topical use. Taken together, our preliminary results demonstrate that AP might be repurposed as a candidate therapeutic for treatment of hyperpigmentation disorders via a unique mechanism, which encompasses a selective inhibition of melanosome export.
Force reversal and energy dissipation in composite tubes through nonlinear viscoelasticity of component materials.

Fibre-reinforced, fluid-filled structures are commonly found in nature and emulated in devices. Researchers in the field of soft robotics have used such structures to build lightweight, impact-resi...
Character Strengths Involving an Orientation to Promote Good Can Help Your Health and Well-Being. Evidence From two Longitudinal Studies.

Purpose:We examined the impact of an orientation to promote good—one aspect of strengths of character, understood as having consistent thoughts and taking actions that contribute to the good of one...
Integration of automated predictive analytics into electronic health records: Can spine surgery applications lead the way using SMART on FHIR and CDS Hooks?

Abstract We are increasingly moving towards precision and personalized medicine for spine surgery. Predictive models have been developed to assist clinicians in predicting a patient's survival, discharge disposition and infection following surgery. However, the developed algorithms generally require the use of stand-alone tools that can be time-consuming and cumbersome to use. Incorporating these algorithms into the electronic health record and clinical workflows will therefore be critical for unlocking these algorithms’ potential. This review summarizes the current state of predictive algorithms in spine surgery and proposes a way forward for optimally integrating them into clinical care. The proposed improvements could also be translated to other subspecialties in orthopedics and neurosurgery.
Emergency department associated lung cancer diagnosis: Case series demonstrating poor outcomes and opportunities to improve cancer care

Abstract The diagnosis of cancer through an emergency presentation of an undiagnosed malignancy constitutes around 20–50% of first-time cancer diagnoses. There is a paucity of evidence on the emergency presentations of undiagnosed malignancy with only a few epidemiological studies of large administrative databases. Limited administrative data has shown patients diagnosed with cancer after an emergency presentation suffer poorer clinical outcomes as compared to those diagnosed with cancer through elective routes. Further those diagnosed emergently are commonly among vulnerable populations, such as based on socioeconomic status and racial/ethnic groups. Lung cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed emergently, and while one of the most preventable and treatable, often presents to an emergency department in extremis. This case study of six patients seeks to augment administrative database research by adding detailed clinical information as to demonstrate the issues with diagnosing lung cancer through an emergency presentation. We found that patients diagnosed emergently have complex care pathways including delayed biopsies, delayed treatments, and poor outcomes. Research is needed to elucidate the optimal path on how to manage suspected lung cancer diagnoses from the emergency department.
Spectral response of multilayer optical structures to dynamic mechanical loading

A computational study of Distributed Bragg Reflectors (DBR) and Optical Microcavities (OMC) was conducted to ascertain their potential as time-resolved mesoscale sensors due to their unique structure-driven spectral characteristics. Shock wave propagation simulations of polymer-based DBRs and glass/ceramic-based OMCs were coupled with spectral response calculations to demonstrate the combined dynamic mechanical and spectral response of the structures. Clear spectral shifts in both structures are predicted as a function of dynamic loading magnitude. Potential applications of the structures include high spatial and temporal resolution surface maps of material states, and in-situ probing of material interfaces during dynamic loading.
Intelligent systems for reliability

The authors discuss the use of expert opinion in reliability assessment. They present an approach for the analysis of life-length data that can be described by a Weibull distribution. They address the problem of predicting the number of defects due to fatigue in a railroad track. In both cases, a Bayesian approach is taken and procedures are developed and implemented on a personal computer. >
Antiproliferative action of interferon-alpha requires components of T-cell-receptor signalling.

Signal transduction through both cytokine and lymphocyte antigen receptors shares some common pathways by which they initiate cellular responses, such as activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase(s)1,2. However, other signalling components appear to be uniquely coupled to each receptor. For example, the interferon receptors transduce regulatory signals through the JAK/STAT pathway, resulting in an inhibition of growth and of antiviral effects, whereas this pathway apparently plays no role in T-cell-receptor (TCR)-dependent gene expression3,4. Conversely, signal transduction through the TCR requires the tyrosine kinases Lck and ZAP-70 and the tyrosine phosphatase CD45 (ref. 5). Here we show that, unexpectedly, transmission of growth-inhibitory signals by interferon-α (IFN-α) in T cells requires the expression and association of CD45, Lck and ZAP-70 with the IFN-α-receptor signalling complex.
Computer Assisted Project Management - Integrated Software Development Environment Delivers Project Estimation Data

The key to doing better estimations of a software project is metrics. The metrics discussed are measures to estimate the duration of periods within the development phases of a software system.
Nonprofit Board Balance and Perceived Performance

Based on prior literature, this article offers a reconciliation of the core roles of nonprofit boards and aligns these role-sets with organizational theories. A survey instrument was developed and validated to measure each of four role-sets (monitoring, supporting, partnering, and representing) to assess whether emphasis on specific roles affects board members’ perception of performance. Our study of nonprofit boards in a midsized midwestern city found that balance across the role-sets was associated with effective organizational performance. Furthermore, when board members describe any of the four role-sets as deficient, they perceive the organization as less effective. The results of the study provide practitioners with a validated survey tool that provides nonprofit boards with a method to identify which roles their board emphasizes.
Mild Chronic Hyponatremia in the Ambulatory Setting: Significance and Management

Mild chronic hyponatremia, as defined by a persistent (>72 hours) plasma sodium concentration between 125 and 135 mEq/L without apparent symptoms, is common in ambulatory patients and generally perceived as being inconsequential. The association between increased mortality and hyponatremia in hospitalized patients in various settings and etiologies is widely recognized. This review analyzes the significance of mild chronic hyponatremia in ambulatory subjects and its effects on mortality and morbidity. It addresses whether this disorder should even be treated and if so, which patients are likely to benefit from treatment. The available approaches to correct hyponatremia in such patients in the context of recently published panel-generated recommendations and guidelines are described.
Pancreatic cystic neuroendocrine tumors: Preoperative diagnosis with endoscopic ultrasound and fine-needle immunocytology

Pancreatic cystic neuroendocrine tumors (CNETs) are rare premalignant conditions. Computed tomography (CT) occasionally demonstrates the hypervascular border characteristic of NETs. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) with fine-needle aspiration and immunocytology may be a more consistent means to establish the diagnosis, but no data on the role of EUS are available. This report represents the largest series of CNETs treated to date, documents the role of EUS in preoperative diagnosis, and describes current management. Retrospective review of our experience with CNETs treated at an academic center between 1999 and 2006. Thirteen patients with CNETs were identified. One had symptoms consistent with a functional tumor; the others were nonfunctional. Twelve were detected by CT; only three had peripheral hypervascularity. Nine were studied with preoperative EUS/immunocytology; each of these demonstrated strong staining for chromogranin and synaptophysin. All were resected: four by pancreaticoduodenectomy, one by total pancreatectomy, and one by enucleation. Perioperative morbidity occurred in 39%. Perioperative mortality was 0%. Average follow-up was 3.3 + 0.5 years. One patient had late hepatic recurrence and ultimately died of disease. Two developed recurrent NET in the context of MEN I and required additional surgery. Twelve are alive with no evidence of disease. EUS-guided immunocytology with staining for neuroendocrine markers is an accurate method to establish the diagnosis of CNET preoperatively. Short- and long-term outcomes after resection are excellent.
Spatial-frequency selectivity in contrast detection.

Abstract Psychophysical experiments were performed to determine the spatial-frequency-response characteristics of contrast detection channels in the human visual system. The response characteristics, as a function of displacement from the channel center frequency, are shown to be independent of center frequency in the range 5–20 c/deg. The channel bandwidth is approximately 1 c/deg in this range. The results generally agree with the results of selective adaptation experiments, in that the existence of frequency-selective channels is supported, but these findings suggest that the channels have receptive fields occupying a fixed retinal area independent of the center frequency, rather than extending over a fixed number of cycles as suggested earlier by other experiments.
Identification of the effective radiative properties of a hot, thick, porous medium

Abstract An inversion method is used to determine the spectral radiative properties (scattering albedo, extinction coefficient, and Henyey–Greenstein asymmetry factor) of a packed bed of stainless steel spheres. Spectral and directional experimental data for the intensity exiting the bed were compared to Radiative Transfer Equation (RTE) discrete ordinates method solutions in a nonlinear least-squares algorithm (modified Levenberg–Marquardt) to identify the radiative properties. The properties resulting from the inversion method showed a higher scattering albedo, more forward scattering phase function, and higher extinction coefficient than those calculated using either independent scattering theory or the correlated scattering theory of Kamiuto.
Treatment of uterine leiomyosarcoma in a xenograft nude mouse model using high-intensity focused ultrasound: a potential treatment modality for recurrent pelvic disease.

Abstract Objective. The objective was to test the efficacy of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for treatment of uterine leiomyosarcoma in a Xenograft nude mouse model. Methods. A total of 65 athymic nude mice were inoculated subcutaneously with 5 to 7 × 10 6 ELT-5B cells, a uterine leiomyosarcoma cell line derived from the Eker rat. Thirty animals showed tumor growth. The tumor volume was measured transcutaneously once a week. Animals were randomly assigned to three groups: HIFU treatment ( n = 17), sham treatment ( n = 7), and control ( n = 6). A HIFU device, operating at a frequency of 2.0 MHz and an intensity of 2000 W/cm 2 , was used for treatment. Results. Within 3 weeks of a single HIFU treatment, 100% reduction in tumor volume was observed in all animals, except one. A second HIFU treatment was applied to that animal, resulting in 100% reduction in tumor volume. The tumors in the sham-treated animals continued to grow at a similar rate to that of the control group to approximately 500% of the tumor volume at the time of treatment. All animals were monitored for a maximum of 3 months. No metastasis was observed in the HIFU-treated animals. Histological examination confirmed a complete tumor disappearance after HIFU treatment. Conclusion. We have shown that HIFU can effectively treat uterine leiomyosarcoma tumors inoculated in Xenograft nude mice, demonstrating HIFU's potential use for treatment of recurrent uterine leiomyosarcoma.
TYRAMINE IN FERMENTED SAUSAGES: FACTORS AFFECTING FORMATION OF TYRAMINE AND TYROSINE DECARBOXYLASE

Factors influencing tyramine formation and the presence of tyrosine decarboxylase activity in natural microflora and starter (Pediococcus cerevisiae) fermented sausages were determined. Maximal levels of tyrosine decarboxylase were found during the period of rapid acid development in the natural microflora fermentations. Higher levels of decarboxylase were present in the natural fermented sausages compared to the starter fermented sausages. Tyrosine decarboxylase activity increased during the drying treatment in the natural microflora sausages but remained low in the starter fermented sausages. Greater tyramine contents were found in the natural microflora sausages which had free L-tyrosine added prior to fermentation. Tyramine contents of the natural microflora and starter fermented sausages without added L-tyrosine generally reached similar tyramine levels. In the starter fermented sausages, tyramine and tyrosine decarboxylase development comparable to the amounts found in natural microflora fermented sausages occurred only in a sausage which contained added L-tyrosine that was inoculated with a tyrosine decarboxylase positive Streptococcus faecalis. The study indicated that the natural meat microflora developed during the aging of salted meat can develop tyrosine decarboxylase activity necessary for rapid conversion of tyrosine to tyramine. The use of a starter culture such as P. cerevisiae appears to decrease the possibility of development of a microflora during fermentation that would possess both tyrosine decarboxylase activity and proteolytic activity necessary to produce fermented sausages with potentially hazardous tyramine concentration.
Intergenerational Mapping and the Cultural Politics of Memory

A key objective of the paper is to rejuvenate our understanding of time. The focus is on how the knowledge and memories of times past are transmitted collectively and intergenerationally, and why t...
Addressing the Needs of Latino Children: A National Survey of State Administrators of Early Childhood Programs.

Abstract This study consisted of a national survey of 117 state administrators of early childhood programs to examine specific challenges, strategies, and beliefs around serving Latino children and families. Four types of early childhood programs were represented: child care, Head Start, Part B-Section 619 preschool special education programs, and Part C infant-toddler programs for children with developmental disabilities. The survey consisted of 48 Likert scale items across six subscales to gather information about challenges and strategies for serving young Latino children and their families, as well as administrators’ beliefs about issues related to language development and early literacy learning, child assessment, approaches to support equity and diversity, and parental involvement. Administrators generally agreed on the importance of preserving a child's home language and the need to assess young children in either their home language or their home language and English. All four groups held similar views about strategies. The study found less agreement among groups on issues related to challenges, approaches to promoting diversity, and strategies for promoting parental involvement.
Preparation of primary vicinal diamines from amino acid esters and crystal structure of a chiral nickel salen complex

Abstract Highly pure (S)-1.1-di(p-anisyl)-3-methyl-1,2-butane diamine (valinyl diamine), 4a and 1,1-di(p-anisyl)-2-propane diamine (alaninyl dia
Comparison of HIV DNA and RNA in gut-associated lymphoid tissue of HIV-infected controllers and noncontrollers.

Objectives HIV-infected controllers have provided novel insights into mechanisms of viral control. We investigated the degree to which HIV DNA and RNA are present in gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) of controllers. Design Cross-sectional cohort study. Methods Colorectal biopsy pieces were obtained from five untreated noncontrollers, five ART-suppressed patients, and nine untreated controllers. Results Rectal HIV DNA was lower in controllers (median 496 copies/10(6) CD4 T cells) than in untreated noncontrollers (117483 copies/10(6) CD4+ T cells, P = 0.001) and ART-suppressed patients (6116 copies/10(6) CD4 T cells, P = 0.004). Similarly, rectal HIV RNA was lower in controllers (19 copies/10(6) CD4 T cells) than in noncontrollers (15210 copies/10(6) CD4+ T cells, P = 0.001) and ART-suppressed patients (1625 copies/10(6) CD4+ T cells, P = 0.0599). Rectal HIV RNA/DNA ratios were not statistically different between the three groups. Conclusion Despite being able to maintain very low plasma HIV RNA levels in the absence of antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV-infected controllers have readily measurable levels of HIV DNA and RNA in GALT. As expected, controllers had lower rectal HIV DNA and RNA compared with untreated noncontrollers and ART-suppressed individuals. Compared with the mechanisms of 'natural' viral control of controllers, long-term ART does not reduce the total HIV reservoir to the level of controllers.
Prognostic significance of prior preterm twin delivery on subsequent singleton pregnancy

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine whether preterm birth of twins is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth in a subsequent singleton pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: The Medical University of South Carolina perinatal database was accessed to identify a cohort of patients who were delivered of twins followed by a singleton gestation (1981 to 1993). Maternal transports were excluded to minimize referral bias. Preterm birth was defined as RESULTS: One hundred forty-four patients were identified who were delivered of twins followed by a singleton gestation. Preterm delivery occurred in 86 (59.7%) of the twins and 21 (14.6%) of the subsequent singletons. Preterm birth of twins was associated with a significantly increased risk of preterm delivery in a subsequent singleton pregnancy (relative risk 2.87, 95% confidence interval 1.02 to 8.09). In the subset of women who were delivered of twins at CONCLUSIONS: Preterm birth of twins before 34 weeks' gestation is associated with a significant risk for preterm delivery in a subsequent singleton pregnancy. The magnitude of risk increases with decreasing gestational age of the preceding twin delivery. (AM J OBSTET GYNECOL 1996;174:1429-32.)
In Search of “White Gold”: Environmental and Agrarian Changes in Rural Bangladesh

Commercial shrimp in Bangladesh is locally known as “white gold” because of its high transnational value. Historically, farmers have confined shrimp culture to ocean coastlines because shrimp require large volumes of saltwater to reproduce and mature. Recent developments in Bangladesh suggest, however, that the once purely coastal nature of this activity could soon be a thing of the past. Many Bangladeshi rice farmers are adopting low-salinity culture systems that rely upon sea water or salt farm effluent that is trucked inland. This innovation, combined with a low farm gate price for rice and a high price for shrimp in the world market, has led increasing numbers of rice farmers to convert paddy fields to shrimp ponds. Because the rural economy is increasingly linked to the global shrimp commodity chain, it has generated significant changes in the environmental and agrarian landscapes of rural Bangladesh.
Anomalous metal-support interactions in Cu/TiO2 catalysts

Abstract Anomalous metal-support interactions have been discovered in titania-supported copper catalysts. Aldehyde hydrogenation studies and temperature-programmed reduction experiments show that reduction of Cu TiO 2 catalysts at 500 °C leads to catalyzed support reduction and depression of aldehyde hydrogenation activity compared to samples reduced at 300 °C. Silica-supported analogs exhibit no similar disparity between samples reduced at 300 and 500°C. The disparity in catalytic activity of the Cu TiO 2 materials when reduced at different temperatures is due to an electronic interaction between the copper and the reduced support. We believe that this is the first example of such an interaction involving a non-group VIII metal.
Isothermal melt processing of Bi2Sr2CaCu2Oy round wire

Abstract Isothermal melt processing (IMP) has been used to process oxide-powder-in-tube (OPIT) Bi2Sr2CaCu2Oy (Bi-2212) round wire with high critical current densities. Isothermal melt processing is a process in which the melting and solidification steps are carried out at the same temperature by melting in an inert atmosphere and solidifying in a high oxygen partial pressure. For each particular oxidizing atmosphere used during IMP, the highest critical currents were found in wires processed in the temperature range between 790°C to 820°C. The highest critical current densities obtained in 1.0, 0.75, and 0.5 mm diameter wires at 4 K and self-field were 4.3 × 104, 6.0 × 104, and 6.0 × 104 A/cm2, respectively. Transport measurements on a 0.75 mm wire revealed that critical current densities in excess of 3 × 104 A/cm2 could be achieved at 4 K in applied magnetic fields of 9 T. Anisotropy measurements and SEM analysis were used to examine the radial alignment of the Bi-2212 grain colonies within the wires.
Genomic Exclusion: A Rapid Means for Inducing Homozygous Diploid Lines in Tetrahymena pyriformis, Syngen 1

Genomic exclusion is an abnormal form of conjugation occurring between cells with defective micronuclei and normal cells with diploid micronuclei. The progeny are heterocaryons; each cell has an old macronucleus but a new diploid micronucleus derived from one meiotic product of the normal mate. Such cells express genes found in the old macronucleus, are sexually mature, and can be specifically selected. When inbred, they give rise to lines genetically homozygous at all known loci.
Effect of Cycloheximide, Gamma Irradiation, and Phosphorus Deficiency on Root Pressure Exudation in Tobacco

Cycloheximide drastically reduced the rate of root pressure exudation in detopped tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.), and the effect was more pronounced for nitrate salts in the external solution than for some other salts or when the roots were in water. Diurnal periodicity was greatly decreased, and its phase was changed. Effects began within an hour. Cation uptake was reduced by relatively low levels of cycloheximide. The effects of cycloheximide seemed to be reversible. Mild phosphorus deficiency resulted in decreased exudation rates from detopped tobacco and in no response to nitrate. Periodicity of exudation was not greatly affected by phosphorus deficiency, however. Gamma ray irradiation with a 60Co source at levels (up to 40-50 kiloroentgens) which are considered disruptive of moderately large molecules had relatively little effect on the exudation rate. Higher levels of irradiation, which disrupt most protein molecules, decreased exudation and obscured periodicity. The results indicate either that new protein (or peptide) synthesis is needed for the rapid nitrate transport or that the deficiency and inhibitor disrupt cellular membranes. Phosphorus deficiency increased the sensitivity of the plants to inhibition by irradiation of the exudation process.
Building the posterior lateral line system in zebrafish

The posterior lateral line in zebrafish has emerged as an excellent system to study how a sensory organ system develops. Here we review recent studies that illustrate how interactions between multiple signaling pathways coordinate cell fate, morphogenesis and collective migration of cells in the posterior lateral line primordium. These studies also illustrate how the posterior lateral line system is contributing much more broadly to our understanding of mechanisms operating during the growth, regeneration and self-organization of other organ systems during development and disease.
Analysis of cointegration vectors using the GMM approach

Abstract This paper generalizes Johansen's (1988) maximum likelihood approach of the analysis of cointegrating vectors to the generalized method of moments (GMM) approach. We derive the asymptotic distribution of the cointegration vectors estimated from the fully modified generalized method of moments (FM-GMM) estimation procedure. We also introduce the FM-GMM version of Johansen's (1988) likelihood ratio (LR) test for the rank of a cointegrating matrix. Unlike the LR test which has a nonstandard unit root distribution, the FM-GMM rank test has a standard χ 2 distribution when the set of instruments differs from the set of regressors and when a particular form of the weight matrix is used in estimation. The form of this weight matrix corresponds to that of the optimal weight matrix of Hansen (1982) for efficient GMM estimation.
Genetics, molecular mechanisms and management of long QT syndrome

Cardiac arrhythmias cause more than 300,000 sudden deaths each year in the USA alone. Long QT syndrome (LQT) is a cardiac disorder that causes sudden death from ventricular tachyarrhythmias, specifically torsade de pointes. Four LQT genes have been identified: KVLQT1 (LQT1) on chromosome 11p15.5, HERG (LQT2) on chromosome 7q35-36, SCN5A (LQT3) on chromosome 3p21-24, and MinK (LQT5) on chromosome 21q22. SCN5A encodes the cardiac sodium channel, and LQT-causing mutations in SCN5A lead to the generation of a late phase of inactivation-resistant whole-cell inward currents. Mexiletine, a sodium channel blocker, is effective in shortening the QT interval corrected for heart rate (QTc) of patients with SCN5A mutations. HERG encodes the cardiac I(Kr) potassium channel. Mutations in HERG act by a dominant-negative mechanism or by a loss-of-function mechanism. Raising the serum potassium concentration can increase outward HERG potassium current and is effective in shortening the QTc of patients with HERG mutations. KVLQT1 is a cardiac potassium channel protein that interacts with another small potassium channel MinK to form the cardiac I(Ks) potassium channel. Like HERG mutations, mutations in KVLQT1 and MinK can act by a dominant-negative mechanism or a loss-of-function mechanism. An effective treatment for LQT patients with KVLQT1 or MinK mutations is expected to be developed based on the functional characterization of the I(Ks) potassium channel. Genetic testing is now available for some patients with LQT.
Emily Dickinson's Henry James

Henry James published The Europeans in 1878. The next year, Emily Dickinson refers to the novel or its author twice in personal letters. Writing her close friend Elizabeth Holland and her “Preceptor,” the editor and social activist Thomas Wentworth Higginson, Dickinson uses James and his characters to supplement her own voice. Through James, she reflects on her relationships with Holland and Higginson—she also directs her reader’s attention to James’s engagements with questions of patriarchal authority and women’s artistic self-determination. Dickinson’s reading stands in contrast to contemporary reviews of The Europeans; rather than seeing the novel as simply a depiction of transatlantic cultural differences, she finds in James an interrogation of period-specific, New England ideations of gender and authorial voice.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Demonstrates Changes In Cerebral Blood Volume, Oxygenation, And Metabolism In Premature Neonates During Bolus Gavage Feeding† 974

Objective: To determine whether bolus gavage feeding (GF) causes changes in the cerebral vascular or metabolic status of premature neonates detectable by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS). Background: Although GF is a routine neonatal practice, its effect on the premature infant's brain is unknown. NIRS is a safe, portable, noninvasive technique which monitors cerebrovascular and metabolic status by determining changes in cerebral concentrations of oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO), deoxygenated hemoglobin (HbR), total hemoglobin (THb) and oxidized cytochrome aa3 (cytaa3). THb is an index of cerebral blood volume and cytaa3 is the terminal electron acceptor in the mitochondrial respiratory chain whose redox status reflects cerebral metabolism. Methods: Fourteen premature infants (24-32 wk GA) receiving intermittent GF were studied 20 min before and up to 1h following a GF. NIRS and systemic parameters (SaO2, HR, RR) were monitored and recorded throughout the study. Eight infants were fed by intermittently passed orogastric tube (OGT) and six were fed by indwelling OGT. Changes in NIRS parameters were determined during OGT insertion and after bolus feed relative to pre-GF values. Data were analyzed during OGT insertion and during defined 5 min intervals following feeding, and analyzed by ANOVA for repeated measures, p<0.05. Results: OGT insertion decreased cerebral HbO and cytaa3 in 6/8 infants. THb was also decreased in 4/6 of these infants. Within 20 min of the feed infusion, THb decreased from baseline in 11/14 infants. In 8/11 of these infants, HbO and HbR were also decreased. Conclusions: Cerebral HbO and cytaa3 decreased during OGT insertion. In infants in whom THb also decreased during OGT insertion, changes in HbO and cytaa3 may be related to diminished cerebral blood flow. Decreased THb, HbO, and HbR after bolus feeds suggest that cerebral blood flow may decrease due to spanchnic steal. These findings highlight the cerebrovascular and metabolic reactivity of premature infants during routine nursery procedures. These changes in cerebral circulation and metabolism are detectable by NIRS but are not clinically evident or detected by routine monitoring. The significance of these changes in the preterm infant's brain is unknown and warrants further study.
Temporal brightness enhancement: studies of individual differences.

We have previously identified categorical individual differences in the occurrence of temporal brightness enhancement (TBE) by using a simultaneous brightness discrimination paradigm (Bowen & Markell, 1980).TBE is a nonmonotonic relation between brightness and pulse duration, pulses of intermediate duration (75–125 msec) can appear brighter than longer or shorter pulses of the same luminance. Three classes of observers can be defined based on whether they perceive TBE under one of two conditions of temporal asynchrony between a short test pulse and a longer (500 msec) comparison pulse:simultaneous onset of the pulses orsimultaneous offset. Type A observers show TBE for both asynchrony conditions; Type B observers show the effect for simultaneous offset but not simultaneous onset; Type C observers do not show TBE for either asynchrony. In the present study, we show that Type A and Type C observers maintain a constant brightness-duration relation as the asynchrony between test and comparison pulses is varied from simultaneous onset to simultaneous offset. Type B observers show a gradual shift in the brightness-duration relation as asynchrony changes. In a separate experiment, we find that practice has little effect on Type A and Type B observers but that Type C observers may change in classification to Types A and B over as few as five experimental sessions. The hypothesis that individual differences are due to differential “weighting” of chromatic (sustained) and achromatic (transient) visual channels is discussed.
Feast to famine: Sediment supply control on Laramide basin fill

Erosion of Laramide-style uplifts in the western United States exerted an important first-order influence on Paleogene sedimentation by controlling sediment supply rates to adjacent closed basins. During the latest Cretaceous through Paleocene, these uplifts exposed thick intervals of mud-rich Upper Cretaceous foreland basin fill, which was quickly eroded and redeposited. Cretaceous sedimentary lithologies dominate Paleocene conglomerate clast compositions, and the volume of eroded foreland basin strata is approximately twice the volume of preserved Paleocene basin fill. As a result of this sediment oversupply, clastic alluvial and paludal facies dominate Paleocene strata, and are associated with relatively shallow and ephemeral freshwater lake facies. In contrast, large, long-lived, carbonate-producing lakes occupied several of the basins during the Eocene. Basement-derived clasts (granite, quartzite, and other metamorphic rocks) simultaneously became abundant in lower Eocene conglomerate. We propose that Eocene lakes developed primarily due to exposure of erosion-resistant lithologies within cores of Laramide uplifts. The resultant decrease in erosion rate starved adjacent basins of sediment, allowing the widespread and prolonged deposition of organic-rich lacustrine mudstone. These observations suggest that geomorphic evolution of the surrounding landscape should be considered as a potentially important influence on sedimentation in many other interior basins, in addition to more conventionally interpreted tectonic and climatic controls.
Systematics of Coulomb-energy differences of excited mirror nuclei

Abstract The empirical Coulomb-energy differences of single-particle states are plotted for T z = ± 1 2 mirror nuclei having mass numbers A = 4n+ 1. At A = 29, they decrease systematically in theorder 1 d 3 2 , 2s 1 2 , 1 7 2 , 2p 3 2 and 2p 1 2 . With appropriate omissions, the same sequence is observed at the higher mass numbers A = 33, 37 and 41. Except for the inversion of the 2s 1 2 and 1d 3 2 states at A = 29, the pattern is very similar to the one in the neutron separation energies Sn of the same states. The latter represent the nuclear interaction of the odd nucleon with the core, which is compared with the Coulomb interaction of the odd proton with the core. At least for A = 13 and 17, the 2s 1 2 . states have a relatively low Coulomb-energy difference. Another exception occurs for the 1d 3 2 and 1f 7 2 single-particle levels at A = 17, which have a relatively large Coulomb-energy difference that is close to the one of the 1d 5 2 ground state.
Gating of sodium and potassium channels.

Voltage-dependent conductances play a fundamental role in the generation and propagation of the action potential. Hodgkin and Huxley (1952c) made a complete description of the membrane currents underlying the generation of the impulse. Their description introduced the concepts of separate pathways for sodium and potassium (today called Na and K channels) and the idea of conductances modulated by the membrane potential. Our present view of the sodium and potassium conductances are based on the idea that the membrane has discrete conducting units called channels. These units are macromolecules highly specialized for ion conduction and embedded in the lipid matrix where they can sense the electrical field across the membrane and respond to its changes. This article is concerned with the mechanisms by which ion conductances depend on membrane potential, a process called voltage gating. Our knowledge of voltage gating is based on measurements of macroscopic currents, analysis of current noise, single channel recordings and gating currents. We will first examine the relationship between macroscopic and microscopic determinations and their relation to gating currents and then results of the different measurements will be analyzed in terms of models. There are many recent reviews on voltage gating with varying emphasis on the different types of experimental results (Cahalan, 1980; Armstrong, 1981; French & Horn, 1983). This review will emphasize results on gating currents, which are a direct expression of the voltage-dependent process. These currents are small and their detection requires subtraction of large currents. Consequently,
Identification of mammary carcinogens in rodent bioassays

Results from chemical carcinogenesis studies in rodents are useful to identify substances in our environment that may contribute to cancer development. The National Toxicology Program (NTP) was established in 1978 to coordinate research and testing of potential human carcinogens and to publish the Report on Carcinogens, which lists human carcinogens. The results for over 500 chemicals tested in the NTP 2-year bioassays have been published in Technical Reports and include data for chemical, agent, or complex mixture exposures. The bioassays have identified 42 chemicals that induce tumors in the rodent mammary gland. The physical and chemical characteristics of the carcinogens vary, but epoxides (including chemicals metabolized to epoxides) and nitro-containing compounds are well represented. The 9th Report on Carcinogens, issued in 2000, lists 21 of the 42 chemicals as human carcinogens including benzene, ethylene oxide, 1,3-butadiene, isoprene, chloroprene, C.I. basic red 9, and C.I. acid red 114. Ethylene oxide was associated with increased breast cancer risk in an epidemiologic study, whereas other listed chemicals, for which human data are available, display different target organ specificity. Bioassays other than those conducted by the NTP also provide information about rodent mammary gland carcinogens. Several carcinogen exposures are associated with breast tumor induction in both humans and rodents including radiation, diethylstilbestrol, and estrogens. These studies demonstrate that route, timing and frequency of exposure, and genetic factors contribute to the overall susceptibility to breast cancer development. More information is needed on the effects of chemicals to which humans are exposed and the manner by which they influence breast cancer risks.
Phase formation in Ag-sheathed (Bi,Pb)/sub 2/Sr/sub 2/Ca/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 10/ tapes using a one- and two-powder process with and without Ag additions

The formation of (Bi,Pb)/sub 2/Sr/sub 2/Ca/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 10/ ((Bi,Pb)2223) in Ag-sheathed tapes was compared for two different powder processing techniques. In one technique, a phase assemblage of (Bi,Pb)/sub 2/Sr/sub 2/CaCu/sub 2/O/sub 8/ ((Bi,Pb)2212), (Ca,Sr)/sub 2/CuO/sub 3/, and CuO was produced in a single powder processed by Aerosol Spray Pyrolysis (ASP). This is called a 1-powder process. In the other technique, the same phase assemblage was produced by mixing a precursor powder composed of (Bi,Pb)2212 with a second precursor powder composed of Ca/sub 2/CuO/sub 3/ and CuO. (Both of the precursor powders were also processed by ASP.) This is called a 2-powder process. A set of tapes were made by the 1-powder process that contained 1, 5, and 10 wt.% Ag. The tape with 1 wt.% Ag yielded a microstructure of nearly phase pure (Bi,Pb)2223. >
Effects of electroconvulsive shock and brain stimulation on EEG cortical theta rhythms in rats.

Abstract Previous experiments have shown that in rats posttrial electroconvulsive shock treatments impair retention, whereas posttrial mesencephalic reticular stimulation facilitates retention. This experiment examined the effects of electroconvulsive shock (ECS) and low-intensity electrical stimulation of reticular formation on electrocorticographic (ECoG) patterns in rats for a period of 15 min following the ECS treatment. ECS decreased the amount of theta activity (4 to 9 Hz) rhythm recorded from cortical electrodes. Stimulation of the mesencephalic reticular formation following an ECS treatment enhanced ECoG theta rhythm activity. Thus the effects of these treatments on theta activity appear to parallel their effects on memory.
Smoking in pregnancy in West Virginia: does cessation/reduction improve perinatal outcomes?

To determine if pregnant women decreasing/quitting tobacco use will have improved fetal outcomes. Retrospective analysis of pregnant smokers from 6/1/2006–12/31/2007 who received prenatal care and delivered at a tertiary medical care center in West Virginia. Variables analyzed included birth certificate data linked to intervention program survey data. Patients were divided into four study groups: <8 cigarettes/day–no reduction, <8 cigarettes/day–reduction, ≥8 cigarettes/day–no reduction, and ≥8 cigarettes/day–reduction. Analysis performed using ANOVA one-way test for continuous variables and Chi-square for categorical variables. Inclusion criteria met by 250 patients. Twelve women (4.8%) quit smoking; 150 (60%) reduced; 27 (10.8%) increased; and 61 (24.4%) had no change. Comparing the four study groups for pre-term births (<37 weeks), 25% percent occurred in ≥8 no reduction group while 10% occurred in ≥8 with reduction group (P = 0.026). The high rate of preterm birth (25%) in the non-reducing group depended on 2 factors: (1) ≥8 cigarettes/day at beginning and (2) no reduction by the end of prenatal care. Finally, there was a statistically significant difference in birth weights between the two groups: ≥8 cigarettes/day with no reduction (2,872.6 g) versus <8 cigarettes/day with reduction (3,212.4 g) (P = 0.028). Smoking reduction/cessation lowered risk of pre-term delivery (<37 weeks) twofold. Encouraging patients who smoke ≥8 cigarettes/day during pregnancy to decrease/quit prior to delivery provides significant clinical benefit by decreasing the likelihood of preterm birth. These findings support tobacco cessation efforts as a means to improve birth outcome.
Spatial Context of Residential Moves by Elderly Persons

This is a descriptive analysis of the spatial context of residential moves by the over age forty-five population in the United States. It utilizes residential mobility and state of birth statistics calculated from a 15 per cent sample of the United States population drawn for the U. S. Census. It specifically focuses on the likelihood that the age sixty-five and over white and black mover will relocate within his same county or state of residence. The paper reveals that the preponderance of residential moves by the elderly (whether black or white) are within the same county. Only a relatively small percentage make interstate moves. The majority of elderly live in the state of their birth. However, there is no evidence that as a consequence of aging moves become more spatially restricted until after age seventy-five. It is argued that greater emphasis be placed on not why elderly persons move, but why when they do, their residential relocations occur within varying spatial contexts.
Multivariate Optimization of Production Systems

This paper reports that mathematically, optimization involves finding the extreme values of a function. Given a function of several variables, Z = {integral}({rvec x}{sub 1}, {rvec x}{sub 2},{rvec x}{sub 3},{yields}x{sub n}), an optimization scheme will find the combination of these variables that produces an extreme value in the function, whether it is a minimum or a maximum value. Many examples of optimization exist. For instance, if a function gives and investor's expected return on the basis of different investments, numerical optimization of the function will determine the mix of investments that will yield the maximum expected return. This is the basis of modern portfolio theory. If a function gives the difference between a set of data and a model of the data, numerical optimization of the function will produce the best fit of the model to the data. This is the basis for nonlinear parameter estimation. Similar examples can be given for network analysis, queuing theory, decision analysis, etc.