cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Can sulfasalazine prevent infection-mediated pre-term birth in a murine model?

Citation Nath CA, Ananth CV, Smulian JC, Peltier MR. Can sulfasalazine prevent infection-mediated pre-term birth in a murine model? Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 63: 144–149 Problem Sulfasalazine (SASP) blocks activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in gestational tissues in vitro– one of the earliest signals in the inflammatory response. We hypothesized that the administration of SASP would reduce the rate of infection-mediated pre-term birth in a murine model. Method of study CD-1 mice (n = 40) were assigned on gestational day (gd) 14.5 to 1 of 3 treatments: (1) Sham infection and vehicle; (2) 104 CFU Escherichia coli and vehicle; or (3) 104 CFU E. coli and SASP (150 mg/Kg daily). Mice were observed twice daily and deliveries prior to gd 18.5 were considered pre-term. Results Significantly more mice delivered prior to gd 18.5 when infected with 104 CFU E. coli than sham-infected mice (P < 0.001) and this effect was significantly reduced in mice also treated with SASP (P = 0.002). SASP also tended to increase litter size (P = 0.060) and significantly increased weight of pups born to dams with intrauterine infections (P = 0.001). Conclusion SASP reduced rates of pre-term delivery and improved pregnancy outcomes for mice infected with 104 CFU E. coli. This suggests that SASP has the potential to play a role in strategies to prevent pre-term birth in women.
CX3CR1 Deficiency Confers Protection From Intimal Hyperplasia After Arterial Injury

Objective— A functional polymorphism in the chemokine receptor CX 3 CR1 is associated with protection from vascular diseases including coronary artery disease and internal carotid artery occlusive disease. We investigated the mechanisms by which CX 3 CR1 may be involved by evaluating the inflammatory response to arterial injury in CX 3 CR1-deficient animals. Methods and Results— Femoral arteries of CX 3 CR1 −/− and wild-type (WT) mice were injured with an angioplasty guide wire. After 1, 5, 14, and 28 days, arteries were harvested and evaluated by histology, morphometry, and immunohistochemistry. Arterial injury upregulated the CX 3 CR1 ligand CX 3 CL1. In CX 3 CR1 −/− compared with WT animals, the incidence of neointima formation was 58% lower ( P =0.0017), accompanied by no difference in the area of platelet accumulation at day 1 ( P =0.48) but a significant decrease in intimal monocyte infiltration at day 5 ( P =0.006), vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation at days 5 and 14, and intimal area at day 28 ( P =0.009). Conclusions— In an endothelial denudation injury model, CX 3 CR1 deficiency protects animals from developing intimal hyperplasia as a result of decreased monocyte trafficking to the lesion. CX 3 CR1 deficiency decreases VSMC proliferation and intimal accumulation either directly or indirectly as a result of defective monocyte infiltration.
Dairy intake is associated with brain glutathione concentration in older adults

Background: A reduction in key antioxidants such as glutathione has been noted in brain tissue undergoing oxidative stress in aging and neurodegeneration. To date, no dietary factor has been linked to a higher glutathione concentration. However, in an earlier pilot study, we showed evidence of a positive association between cerebral glutathione and dairy intake. Objective: We tested the hypothesis that dairy food consumption is associated with cerebral glutathione concentrations in older adults. Design: In this observational study, we measured cerebral glutathione concentrations in 60 healthy subjects (mean 6 SD age: 68.7 6 6.2 y) whose routine dairy intakes varied. Glutathione concentrations were measured by using a unique, noninvasive magnetic resonance chemical shift imaging technique at 3 T and compared with dairy intakes reported in 7-d food records. Results: Glutathione concentrations in the frontal [Spearman’s rank-order correlation (rs) = 0.39, P = 0.013], parietal (rs = 0.50, P = 0.001), and frontoparietal regions (rs = 0.47, P = 0.003) were correlated with average daily dairy servings. In particular, glutathione concentrations in all 3 regions were positively correlated with milk servings (P # 0.013), and those in the parietal region were also correlated with cheese servings (P = 0.015) and calcium intake (P = 0.039). Dairy intake was related to sex, fat-free mass, and daily intakes of energy, protein, and carbohydrates. However, when these factors were controlled through a partial correlation, correlations between glutathione concentrations and dairy and milk servings remained significant. Conclusions: Higher cerebral glutathione concentrations were associated with greater dairy consumption in older adults. One possible explanation for this association is that dairy foods may serve as a good source of substrates for glutathione synthesis in the human brain. Am J Clin Nutr doi: 10.3945/ajcn.114.096701.
Vertical territorial restraints rules of legality and guidelines for channel design

Location clauses and other vertical territorial restraints are often used by manufacturers to exert control over their distributors. Yet, recent Supreme Court decisions have resulted in some uncertainty as to the legality of these restraints. According to the case of Continental T.V. versus GTE Sylvania, the court now appears to be applying the rule of reason when asked to examine vertical territorial restraints.
Trace analysis in EPMA

Trace element micro-analysis has evolved steadily since the early days of EPMA, yet remains an extraordinarily challenging subject. The enhanced capabilities of modern instrumentation, including the use of spectrometers with high X-ray collection efficiencies, high brightness electron sources, and improved stability all contribute to our ability to improve detection limits and analytical spatial resolution. Along with much improved software for data acquisition and analysis, recent progress in EPMA has made the trace realm more accessible than ever. High count precision can be obtained in order to easily bring analytical sensitivity into the single ppm range, but accuracy remains the greatest struggle. With the exception of the calibration, all sources of error encountered in major element analysis are magnified in trace analysis, and other sources become apparent where high spatial resolution is needed. Beam damage and charge effects are difficult problems in high sensitivity, high spatial resolution analysis, particularly in the analysis of insulators. Software can minimize some of the resulting effects on count rates during acquisition in order to improve accuracy, and analysts can empirically evaluate the conditions of analysis (count time, voltage, current, etc.) to try to minimize these effects. Trace analysis is fundamentally an exercise in background characterisation, and the acquisition and evaluation of background is a subject of developing methodology. Background curvature and interferences can result in considerable inaccuracy, but can be dealt with via detailed quantitative wavelength scanning or multi-point spectral acquisitions which allow proper regression of the background shape. In the absence of excellent quality trace element secondary standards of similar matrix to unknowns, blank testing and consistency standards can be used to test at least some aspects of the methods employed. Ultimately, the analyst must rely on accuracy evolving from application of the most rigorous protocols.
Using a Sonographic Simulator to Assess Residents Before Overnight Call

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a sonographic simulator in evaluating residents before their taking overnight call.MATERIALS AND METHODS. A sonographic simulator was used to teach and evaluate two consecutive classes of first-year radiology residents. A test consisting of 10 cases was given to each resident. Tests were scored with respect to image quality, measurement accuracy, and interpretation of results. Constructive feedback for improvement and additional training before taking call were provided, as needed. Surveys were given before and after the study to evaluate perceived knowledge and skills.RESULTS. In the first year of the study, five of eight residents scanned appropriately, giving reasonable differential diagnoses, whereas three residents performed suboptimally and were given feedback, additional training, or both. The sonography curriculum was restructured based on initial resident performance. In the subsequent year, all eight residents performed sat...
Efficient Thermal Tuning for Second-order Silicon Nitride Microring Resonators

Thermal tuning for high-index-contrast silicon nitride second-order ring filter with low tuning power of 52 muW/GHz is analyzed. Efficient tuning of 4.5 GHz/K is demonstrated for these filters. Precise centre wavelength stability of approximately 100 MHz is obtained with temperature feedback controller. Their compact size, large free spectral range, low tuning power and low thermal crosstalk between the filters make these resonators attractive for photonic integration.
Ask the Experts: Ensuring accurate diagnosis of orofacial pain disorders.

Dr Fricton received his BS and DDS degree from the University of Iowa (IA, USA), and then undertook his postgraduate studies, completing an MS in Oral Biology at UCLA School of Dentistry (University of California, CA, USA) and an Anesthesiology and Pain Management Residency at UCLA Medical Center. After research and clinical training at UCLA, he joined the faculty at the University of Minnesota (MN, USA), where he is currently a Professor in the Department of Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He is also a Senior Research Investigator at HealthPartners Research Foundation (MN, USA). He has over 30 years experience in clinical care, research and teaching in the field of chronic pain, orofacial pain, temporomandibular muscle and joint disorders, muscle pain, and, more recently, health informatics. His sponsored research has focused on epidemiological studies and clinical trials of therapeutic strategies for chronic pain conditions. He has developed a biobehavioral fra...
Combining feedback and image database categorization in CBIR

We propose a content-based image retrieval prototype that combines the advantages of relevance feedback and image database categorization. Our approach is based on an algorithm that performs clustering and feature weighting simultaneously and can incorporate partial supervision information. This information, extracted from the userpsilas feedback through visual exploration and interaction, is used to refine the clusterspsila distributions and their feature relevance weights in the vicinity of the query image. The cluster dependent feature weights are used in the retrieval phase to adapt the similarity to the different categories. The feedback information is encoded as a set of constraints on which instances should or should not reside in the same cluster. Thus, it does not depend on the query image explicitly. Consequently, partial supervision information from different query sessions could be saved, accumulated, and used to continuously refine the image categories and their feature weights.
Taking stock of the literature on HRD education

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed literature on university-based human resource development (HRD) courses and programs. Design/methodology/approach – The methods used in this paper are integrative literature review and content analysis. Findings – Only 71 peer-reviewed articles that address university-based HRD courses and programs in any way were found. Forty-six were empirical studies and 25 were either conceptual or editorial in nature. The majority of articles focused on HRD courses and programs in the USA and the UK. Perspectives from other countries were nearly absent. Many of the claims about the content and quality of HRD courses and programs were not supported by empirical evidence. Research limitations/implications – HRD courses and programs are offered in universities around the world. Almost nothing is known of their content, quality or methods. Future research on these courses and programs should focus on the relevance of curriculum to t...
Population Genetics of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) Invading Populations, Using Mitochondrial nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Dehydrogenase Subunit 5 Sequences

Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae), the Asian tiger mosquito indigenous to Asia, now an invasive species worldwide, is an important vector for several arboviruses. Genetic analysis using the mitochondrial nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase subunit 5 (ND5) gene was carried out in populations from Cameroon (n = 50), Hawaii (n = 38), Italy (n = 20), the continental United States, Brazil, and its native range. Data for Brazil, the continental United States, and the native range was obtained from Birungi and Munstermann (2002). Direct sequencing was used to identity unique haplotypes. The limited phylogeographic partitioning of haplotypes with low levels of sequence divergence in both Cameroon and Hawaii was consistent with the population structure of Ae. albopictus in the United States and Brazil. Four new haplotypes were identified from the samples from Cameroon and Hawaii, adding to previously described haplotypes. Hawaii shared a haplotype with Cameroon that was unique to these two regions. Hawaii also had higher overall haplotype diversity than seen in previous continental United States, Brazil, or native range populations. Hawaiian, Cameroon, and Italian populations did not share haplotypes with Brazil, which validates the earlier mitochondrial DNA studies indicating a separate introduction of this species into Brazil.
Antipsychotic medications and cardiac conduction risks.

Edited byMarian Roman, PhDUniversity of Tennessee—Knoxville, School of Nursing, Knoxville, Tennessee, USAMany non-cardiac medications as well as non-medicinal substances (caffeine to cocaine) can a...
A Formal Approach to Pre-Market Review for Medical Device Software

Formal methods have long been proposed as an effective technique for developing safety-critical software. However, few medical device manufacturers employ such methods. One way to encourage the use of formal methods is to leverage these techniques in such a way as to enhance the review process for regulatory bodies, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In this paper we explore a method for carrying out pre-market analysis of software designs and implementations, based on formal-methods techniques, to aid the process of reviewing software in medical devices. We discuss a methodology to validate medical device software with the help of formal methods based usage models, and test cases derived from such models. We present a case study involving the design and verification of a generic infusion pump usage model, detailing how the various stages of our approach can be carried out. Finally, we present experimental results and effort estimates to show that the proposed methodology is effective and feasible.
Vector Gaussian hypothesis testing and lossy one-helper problem

We study the vector Gaussian versions of two problems: hypothesis testing under a communication constraint and the lossy one-helper problem. In the hypothesis testing problem, a test against independence is considered when a vector Gaussian source is available at the detector which receives a message about another vector Gaussian source at a specified rate. Two equivalent characterizations of the optimal type 2 error exponent are given when the type 1 error is at most a fixed constant. The first characterization is based on enhancement technique introduced by Weingarten et. al. and the other is transform-based. The transform-based characterization directly yields a water pouring interpretation, and establishes successive refinability. For the lossy one-helper problem, we determine a portion of the boundary of the rate region.
The Interaction Between Propagule Pressure, Habitat Suitability and Density‐Dependent Reproduction in Species Invasion

Seedling recruitment limitations create a demographic bottleneck that largely determines the viability and structure of plant populations and communities, and pose a core restriction on the colonization of novel habitat. We use a shadetolerant, invasive grass, Microstegium vimineum, to examine the interplay between seed and establishment limitations – phenomena that together determine recruitment success but usually are investigated individually. We add increasing amounts of seed to microhabitats containing variable levels of leaf litter thickness – with reduced leaf litter simulating disturbance – to investigate whether reduced seed limitation overcomes the establishment limitation posed by litter cover. We do this across gradients in understory light, moisture and temperature, and quantify germination, survival, and then per capita adult biomass and reproduction in order to understand the implications for invasion across the landscape. We find that the combined effects of seed and establishment limitation influence recruitment; however, propagule pressure overwhelms the inhibitory effects of leaf litter thickness. Leaf litter reduces germination by 22–57% and seedling survival by 13–15% from that observed on bare soil. However, density-dependent reproduction compensates as 1–3 plants can produce far more seeds (approx. 525) than are required for persistence. As such, just a few plants may establish in understory forest habitat and subsequently overwhelm establishment barriers with copious propagule production. These results, for a widespread, invasive plant, are consistent with the emerging perspective for native plants that seed and establishment limitation jointly influence recruitment. The ability for an exotic plant species to compensate for low population densities with high per capita seed production, that then overrides establishment limitations, makes its invasive potential daunting. Further work is required to test if this is a common mechanism underlying plant invasions.
On primal and dual sparsity of Markov networks

Sparsity is a desirable property in high dimensional learning. The l1-norm regularization can lead to primal sparsity, while max-margin methods achieve dual sparsity. Combining these two methods, an l1-norm max-margin Markov network (l1-M3N) can achieve both types of sparsity. This paper analyzes its connections to the Laplace max-margin Markov network (LapM3N), which inherits the dual sparsity of max-margin models but is pseudo-primal sparse, and to a novel adaptive M3N (AdapM3N). We show that the l1-M3N is an extreme case of the LapM3N, and the l1-M3N is equivalent to an AdapM3N. Based on this equivalence we develop a robust EM-style algorithm for learning an l1-M3N. We demonstrate the advantages of the simultaneously (pseudo-) primal and dual sparse models over the ones which enjoy either primal or dual sparsity on both synthetic and real data sets.
Premature Neonate With Apnea and Trace Amounts of Hemoglobin S and A Detected by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

Prematurity may be associated with so-called F-only status that interferes with early diagnosis of hemoglo-binopathies and thalassemias. We present the case of a 4-week-old, prematurely born (at 31 weeks, 3 days) African American boy whose blood shows exclusively hemoglobin F on alkaline and acid electrophoresis. Meanwhile, high-performance liquid chromatography testing revealed the presence of trace amounts of hemoglobin A and S, which prompted the correct diagnosis and suggested further patient follow-up This demonstrates the superior analytical sensitivity of high-performance liquid chromatography in detecting trace amounts of hemoglobin A and S that is helpful in the early diagnostic process.
Intravenous nitroglycerin as a tocolytic agent for intrapartum external cephalic version

A minibo1us·dose of intravenous nitroglycerin pro­ vided excellent uterine relaxation without cardio­ vascular detriInent in 2 cases of successful intra­ partum external cephalic version. S AIr Med J 1993; 83: 656. n e appropriate use of intrapartum external cephalic version (ECY) may help reduce the need for caesarean section and has been shown to be safe and effective.' Intravenous nitroglycerin, which has a potent yet short-lived tocolytic effect, has been used to relax the uterus during manual extraction of retained placenta without clinically significant haemodynamic effects. 2
Lethal Effects of Iodine-125 Decay by Electron Capture in Escherichia Coli and in Bacteriophage T1

SummaryIodine-125 decays by electron capture, with resultant vacancy cascades and multiple ionization (Auger effect). This decay mode is known to cause extensive destruction of small organic molecules. 125I has been incorporated into the DNA of four strains of E. coli with differing repair capabilities as well as into coliphage T1, in the form of 5-iododeoxyuridine (IUDR), a thymidine analogue. Lethal effects of the decay of incorporated 125I have been studied in these micro-organisms stored at −196°c. The lethal efficiency per decay under these conditions is 0·49 for T1 phage, 0·45 for E. coli Bs−1, and 0·38 for E. coli K-12 AB2463, both repair-deficient strains; but it is 0·22 for E. coli B/r and 0·15 for E. coli 15THU, which are capable of normal DNA repair. These lethal efficiencies are roughly an order of magnitude greater than those observed for 32P decay in micro-organisms. According to approximate dose calculations, 5 per cent of this killing in bacteria and 33 per cent in T1 phage may be accounte...
A Framework for Studying Cost Growth on Complex Acquisition Programs

The government acquisition system is consistently plagued by cost growth and by attempts at acquisition reform. Despite these persistent challenges, the academic community lacks a methodology for studying complex acquisition programs both in-depth and longitudinally throughout their life cycles. In this paper, we present a framework for studying complex acquisition programs that provides researchers with a strategy for systematically studying cost growth mechanisms. The proposed framework provides a means to identify specific technical and organizational mechanisms for cost growth, to organize those mechanisms using design structure matrices, and to observe the evolution of those mechanisms throughout a program's life cycle. To illustrate the utility of our framework, we apply it to analyze a case study of the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System NPOESS program. Ultimately, we demonstrate that the framework enables us to generate unique insights into the mechanisms that induced cost growth on NPOESS and that were unacknowledged by previous studies. Specifically, we observed that complexity was injected into the technical system well before the program's cost estimates began to increase and that it was the complexity of the NPOESS organization that hindered the program's ability to effectively estimate and to manage its costs.
Effects of Hydrodynamic Convection and Interionic Electrostatic Forces on Protein Crystallization

The biological function of a protein is intimately related to its three-dimensional molecular structure. Although X-ray diffraction from single crystals can be employed to solve for the molecular structure, use of this method is often impeded by the slow rate of precipitation of crystals in the pH-buffered, water-based, electrolyte solutions which ordinarily serve as growth media. By taking into account the interionic electrostatic forces that affect protein solubility, nucleation, growth, and Ostwald ripening, we find that the following sequence of growth solution procedures should be effective in producing crystals of any water-soluble protein, which dissolves endothermically. The protein should be dissolved at room temperature in a growth solution, and then the temperature should be lowered to the cold room temperature at 4 °C to establish the supersaturation. To control nucleation, establish a measurable crystallization rate, and limit the number of crystals competing for the dissolved protein, the sa...
Diffusion in Minerals and Melts: Theoretical Background

Diffusion is due to thermally activated atomic-scale random motion of particles (atoms, ions and molecules) in minerals, glasses, melts, fluids, and gases (Fig. 1⇓). The random motion leads to a net flux when the concentration (more strictly speaking, the chemical potential) of a component is not uniform. Even though diffusion is a microscopic process, it can lead to macroscopic effects. For example, the initial phase of explosive volcanic eruptions (or more commonly encountered champagne eruptions) is powered by bubble growth, which in turn is controlled by diffusion that brings gas molecules into bubbles. This chapter provides a brief review of the theory of diffusion in minerals and melts (including glasses). More complete coverage of diffusion theory can be found in Crank (1975), Kirkaldy and Young (1987), Shewmon (1989), Cussler (1997), Lasaga (1998), Glicksman (2000), Balluffi et al. (2005), Mehrer (2007), and Zhang (2008). Figure 1. An example of random motion of particles. Initially (the left panel), all A particles (such as Fe2+ ions in garnet) represented by filled circles are in the lower side, and all B particles (such as Mg2+ ions in garnet) represented by open circles are in the upper side. Due to random motion, there is a net flux of A from the lower side to the upper side, and a net flux of B from the upper side to the lower side (the middle and right panels). As time increases, A and B will eventually become randomly and uniformly distributed in the whole system. This situation for diffusion is often encountered in diffusion experiments and is referred to as a diffusion couple. In minerals, diffusive transport is the only mechanism for particles to move from one location to another. For example, homogenization of a zoned crystal …
Some Thoughts on Reactors

(1959). Some Thoughts on Reactors. Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: Vol. 15, How Certain is Test Detection?, pp. 132-137.
Abstract 1213: Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-2 alpha (CTLA-2α) induces apoptosis in lymphoma cells and is regulated by the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway

The second messenger cAMP promotes apoptosis of lymphoma and leukemia cells but mechanisms that mediate this apoptosis are poorly understood. We thus used wild-type (WT) murine S49 T lymphoma cells and S49 variants that lack PKA and cAMP-promoted responses (kin-) or have normal PKA activity but lack cAMP-promoted-apoptosis (“Deathless”, D-) to examine such mechanisms. Results from DNA microarrays revealed that the largest increase in gene expression induced by 8-CPT-cAMP treatment of WT cells is that of cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen (CTLA-2α), an inhibitor of cathepsin L-like cysteine proteinases. By contrast, CTLA-2α expression was not increased in kin- S49 cells and only slightly increased in D- S49 cells treated with 8-CPT-cAMP. Real-time PCR and immunoblotting confirmed the prominent cAMP-promoted increase in CTLA-2α expression in WT cells. The β-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol and the adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin also induced CTLA-2α gene expression in WT cells, thus indicating that increased CTLA-2α expression can occur via activation of endogenous activators of the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway. Treatment with an adenoviral construct, Adv-CTLA-2α, induced apoptosis in both WT and D- S49 cells but enhanced cAMP-promoted apoptosis only in WT cells. WT, but not D-, S49 cells treated with 8-CPT-cAMP had increased cathepsin activity. Taken together, these results indicate that the cAMP/PKA pathway up-regulates CTLA-2α expression and based on the contrasting findings obtained with WT vs. D- S49 cells, CTLA-2α may be a key contributor to cAMP/PKA-promoted apoptosis. CTLA-2α and cysteine proteases thus appear to have previously unappreciated roles in apoptosis of lymphoid cells by agents that increase cellular cAMP levels. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1213.
In vivo inhibition of protein synthesis in specific hypothalamic nuclei by 17beta-estradiol.

SummaryThe influence of chronic administration of a pharmacologic dose of 17β-estradiol in adult ovariectomized rats on uptake and incorporation of 14C-lysine into protein was determined for the hypothalamus, cerebellum, and motor cortex, 10, 20, and 30 min after injection of the amino acid. Localization of 14C-lysine incorporated into protein was determined by radioautography for eight hypothalamic nuclei. The data indicate that estradiol inhibits entry of 14C-lysine into the free amino acid pool of the hypothalamus and cerebellum, and inhibits incorporation of 14C-lysine into protein of specfic hypothalamic nuclei, i.e., arcuate, paraventricular, and periventricular.
Coronal Sections of Larynges from Radiationtherapy Failures: A Clinical-Pathologic Study:

Serial coronal sections of 89 wide-field laryngectomies were examined. Twenty were specimens obtained from laryngectomies to treat patients for whom primary radiation therapy failed to cure early laryngeal cancer. These specimens were compared to 69 specimens from laryngectomies for T3, and T4, laryngeal cancers. The irradiation-failure group showed a significantly greater invasion of cartilage and extension into subglottic areas. The extension of tumors along blood vessels and mucous glands appeared to contribute to the spread of tumors in the irradiation-failure group. These findings have implications for the surgical management of irradiation failures in the treatment of laryngeal cancers.
Effect of thyroxine administration on enzymes associated with glucose metabolism in the liver.

SummaryThe activities of 3 liver enzymes : glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1,6-diphosphatase, and pyruvate kinase were studied in thyroidectomized and hyperthyroid rats. Thyroidectomy considerably decreased all 3 activities. Thyroxine treatment resulted in an increase of glucose- 6-phosphatase activity but caused decrease in fructose-l?6-diphosphatase activity of normal animals and no change in pyruvate kinase activity of thyroidectomized animals. This contradictory picture has been discussed as thyroxine causing no increase in gluconeogenesis. The specific increases in glucose-6-phosphatase activity may be explained by the increased synthesis of microsomal protein on thyroxine treatment.
Simulation of Pressure Losses in a Hemodialysis Graft Circuit with Computational Fluid Dynamics

Long-term hemodialysis is frequently provided with an arteriovenous (AV) graft implanted into an extremity. The useful life of AV grafts is limited by the development of stenosis at or downstream from the venous anastomosis. A better understanding of graft hemodynamics may allow improved assessment of the risk of thrombosis. Jones et al (J Biomech Eng 2005, 127: 60-66) developed a model of pressure losses for an experimental graft circuit using well-known hydrodynamic equations, and showed a reasonable prediction of pressure losses. Their model, however, had a number of assumptions based on the fixed geometry of a fabricated experimental model, whereas actual circuits have non-ideal geometries. The goal of this project was to create a 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model using finite element analysis (FEA) based on the experimental graft geometry, simulate flow and pressure drops under the same experimental conditions, and compare results with both the experimental data and the hydrodynamic equation model. The FEA geometry was created in SolidWorks® using identical dimensions to the experimental graft circuit, consisting of an inlet artery, graft conduit, venous outflow, anastomoses and stenosis. The geometry was imported into COMSOL Multiphysics® and meshed with approximately 500,000 elements. Fluid flow was modeled using large eddy simulation with fluid parameters corresponding to the experimental model. Inlet boundary conditions were flow from 100 to 1200 ml/min. The results showed good general agreement with the experimental and hydrodynamic models. These results suggest that CFD can be applied, and would allow the study of various AV graft configurations seen clinically.
Analysis of Incidence Characteristics of Pneumoconiosis in Baoshan District of Shanghai City from 1999 to 2008

[Objective] To provide scientific evidence for timely grasping and analyzing the new situation and new problem of pneumoconiosis incidence, for summarizing and analyzing of the new features and epidemiological characteristics of incidence and diagnosis of pneumoconiosis, and for strengthening pneumoconiosis prevention and developing control strategies.[Methods]Diagnosis certificate and report card of pneumoconiosis patients who had worked in Baoshan District before pneumoconiosis diagnosis and had been diagnosed in the hospital which had the qualification of pneumoconiosis diagnosis were collected by Baoshan District CDC during 1999-2008. The review and promoted cases were picked out. EpiData 3.1 was used to establish database, and the data were analyzed statistically by SPSS 12.0. [Results]A total of 101 cases of pneumoconiosis were diagnosed in Baoshan District during 1999-2008, among which, 99 (98.02%) were male, 2 (1.98%)were female. The onset age ranged from 31 to 87 years, with the average of (57.0±14.8)years. 85 cases (84.2%) were at stage I, 13 (12.9%) at stage II, and 3 (3.0%) at stage III. 15.9% of patients had not received early prevention. Types distribution of pneumoconiosis was relatively concentrated, 45 cases of silicosis (44.6%), 36 cases of welder pneumoconiosis (35.6%), 16 cases of foundry worker's pneumoconiosis(15.8%), 4 cases of other pneumoconiosis (4%). Most patients engaged in casting, cement, metal smelting, steel manufacturing and other industries. The patients in non-publicly owned enterprises were younger than patients in publicly owned enterprises. The incidence of pneumoconiosis was not related with the year and quarter. The patients with short service length, the stage of pneumoconiosis was high. There was not institution with pneumoconiosis diagnosis qualification in Baoshan District, all pneumoconiosis cases were diagnosed outside the district.[Conclusion]The prevalence of pneumoconiosis is still serious in Baoshan District. There are both traditional silicosis, foundry worker's pneumoconiosis and the welder pneumoconiosis which are developed rapidly in recent years. Government, enterprises, occupational health services and workers should assume their responsibilities and pay more attention to the control of pneumoconiosis.
Monitoring data of foodborne disease outbreaks in Dalian City in 2013

[Objective]To explore the epidemiological characteristics of foodborne disease outbreaks in Dalian City,provide the strategy and measures for disease prevention and control. [Methods]The study formulated the standard of foodborne disease outbreaks,and established a database by using the data of foodborne disease outbreaks,to analyze the epidemiological characteristics.[Results]A total of 108 foodborne disease outbreaks were reported in Dalian City in 2013,involving 1 043 patients and 7 death cases. The peak season was July to August,which the outbreaks accounted for 84. 3% of the total outbreaks. 83. 3% of outbreaks occurred in restaurants and households. The high-risk group was local inhabitants,accounting for 47. 2%. The major pathogenic factor was microorganism,accounting for 61. 1%. [Conclusion]In order to reduce the incidence of foodborne disease in Dalian City,it is necessary to strengthen the supervision in small and medium size restaurants,improve the publicity and education about prevention of food poisoning caused by microorganism and wild mushroom.
The case for the clinical doctorate in laboratory science.

1. Kathy Doig[⇑][1] 1. Address for correspondence: Kathy Doig PhD CLS(NCA) CLSp(H), Medical Technology Program, Michigan State University, 322 N Kedzie Hall, E Lansing MI 48824. (517) 353-7800 x 8, (517) 432-2006 (fax). doig{at}msu.edu One proposal to advance the clinical laboratory science (CLS) profession has been to mandate a master's degree (MS) as entry qualification for positions that currently require a bachelor's degree. Proponents have presented the following arguments: Opponents of the idea of mandating an MS at entry have presented the following arguments: ABBREVIATIONS: BS = bachelor of science; CLS = clinical laboratory scientist; CLT = clinical laboratory technician; DLS = clinical doctorate in laboratory science; DO = osteopathic doctorate; EdD = doctorate in education; MD = medical doctorate; MS = master's degree; OT = occupational therapy; PharmD = Doctor of Pharmacy; PT = physical therapy. [1]: #corresp-1
The United Nations II

Key facts Headquarters: New York Members: 192 countries Mandate: to end international war, and promote social and economic development. Key structure: the Security Council has fifteen members, five of which are listed in Article 23 as permanent members, and the remaining ten are elected for two-year terms; decisions are passed when nine members support a resolution including the five permanent members. Key obligations: member states must give up the use of force except for self-defense, must carry out Security Council decisions, and must provide military resources to the Council for its enforcement actions. Enforcement: the Security Council can take any action it deems necessary, including the use of force, to respond to threats to international peace and security. Key legal clauses of the UN Charter: Article 24(1) “… the United Nations … confer on the Security Council primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.” Article 25 “The Members of the United Nations agree to accept and carry out the decisions of the Security Council.” Article 39 “The Security Council shall determine the existence of any threat to the peace, breach of the peace, or act of aggression and shall … decide what measures shall be taken in accordance with Articles 41 and 42, to maintain or restore international peace and security.” Article 41 “The Security Council may decide what measures not involving the use of armed force are to be employed to give effect to its decisions.”
Transient Response of a Two-Level Atom to Bichromatic Excitation with Pump Detuning

In a recent article, Eberly and Popov1 studied the interaction of two-level atom with two distinct electromagnetic waves using a semiclassical formalism. They have shown that time averaged line shapes near the principal Rabi side band and its subharmonics axe critically dependent on the initial state of the two-level atom and the initial phase relationship between the pump and the probe fields. Furthermore, Mossberg and Lewenstein2 recently showed that bichromatic excitation sometimes leads to complete polarization of the atom-resonant- field dressed states. We extend their results by including pump detuning in the analysis.
Opioid Overdose Experience, Risk Behaviors, and Knowledge in Drug Users from a Rural Versus an Urban Setting

Abstract Background Opioid use is highly prevalent in the United States and there has been an increased incidence in the rate of opioid-related overdose. While evidence suggests that there are substantial differences in opioid use among rural versus urban settings, the rate of overdose and corresponding frequency of opioid overdose risk behaviors and overdose knowledge between rural and urban settings have not been examined. Methods Individuals with opioid use disorder from rural (N=98) and urban (N=247) settings completed a self-report survey regarding their lifetime history of overdose and overdose risk behaviors. Participants also completed the Brief Opioid Overdose Knowledge (BOOK) questionnaire, a 12-item self-report measure of opioid overdose knowledge. Results Overall, 35.6% of participants had experienced an overdose, and prevalence of overdose was significantly higher (p Conclusion Results demonstrate higher rates of overdose among rural opioid users, though rural participants were less likely to report recent risk behaviors. Results also suggest that knowledge regarding key factors related to opioid overdose is severely lacking, particularly among rural opioid users, which could be a potential target for future intervention efforts.
Copper trafficking to the secretory pathway

Copper (Cu) is indispensible for growth and development of human organisms. It is required for such fundamental and ubiquitous processes as respiration and protection against reactive oxygen species. Cu also enables catalytic activity of enzymes that critically contribute to the functional identity of many cells and tissues. Pigmentation, production of norepinephrine by the adrenal gland, the key steps in the formation of connective tissue, neuroendocrine signaling, wound healing - all these processes require Cu and depend on Cu entering the secretory pathway. To reach the Cu-dependent enzymes in a lumen of the trans-Golgi network and various vesicular compartments, Cu undertakes a complex journey crossing the extracellular and intracellular membranes and staying firmly on course while traveling in a cytosol. The proteins that assist Cu in this journey by mediating its entry, distribution, and export, have been identified. The accumulating data also indicate that the current model of cellular Cu homeostasis is still a "skeleton" that has to be fleshed out with many new details. This review summarizes recent data on the mechanisms responsible for Cu transfer to the secretory pathway. The emerging new concepts and gaps in our knowledge are discussed.
Handicaps Associated with Epilepsy

The prevalence and severity of handicaps in 217 children and adolescents with epilepsy were assessed at the University of Goteborg, Ostra Hospital, Sweden, using the World Health Organization International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities and Handicaps (ICIDH).
Comments on Evaluating Algorithms and Codes for Mathematical Programming

In this paper we comment on comparative computational studies for mathematical programming, in particular the Papers by Miele and Gonzalez [3], Sandgren and Ragsdell [5], and Schittkowski [7], and give some of our views on this subject. We suggest the papers by Gill and Murray [2] and More [4], and the book they are contained in (Fosdick [1]), as other important reading on this subject.
UPPER CRETACEOUS DINOSAURS FROM THE BEARPAW SHALE (MARINE) OF SOUTH-CENTRAL MONTANA WITH A CHECKLIST OF UPPER CRETACEOUS DINOSAUR REMAINS FROM MARINE SEDIMENTS IN NORTH AMERICA

Four dinosaur specimens from the marine Bearpaw Shale Upper Cretaceous) of south- central Montana, reported by Earl Douglass in 1902 but hitherto undescribed, are assigned to the genera Hadrosaurus (Kritosaurus), Lambeosaurus and Panoplosaurus. These dinosaurs, the first to be reported from the Bearpaw, are included in a revised census of dinosaur specimens from marine Upper Cretaceous sediments in North America. The new checklist reveals a relative abundance (primarily in the western interior) of hadrosaurines (noncrested duckbills) and nodosaurs (armored dinosaurs), groups which may have inhabited marginal-marine environments. Approximately one-half of the hadrosaur specimens from marine sediments are from young or juvenile individuals the size of or smaller than the type of Claosaurus agilis and over three-quarters of the specimens are from individuals smaller than the type of Hadrosaurusfoulkii.
Use of three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography to evaluate mitral valve morphology for risk stratification prior to mitral valvuloplasty.

Mitral stenosis is often managed percutaneously with an interventional procedure such as balloon commissurotomy. Although this often results in an increased mitral valve area and improved clinical symptoms, this procedure is not benign and may have serious complications including the development of hemodynamically significant mitral valve regurgitation. Multiple scoring systems have been developed to attempt to risk stratify these patients prior to their procedure. Case: A 64-year-old patient underwent an emergent mitral valve replacement after having percutaneous mitral balloon commissurotomy complicated by development of severe mitral regurgitation. Prior to valvuloplasty, her mitral valve was evaluated by traditional methods including calculation of a Wilkins score. Her mitral valve was evaluated after valvuloplasty and preoperatively with three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography. This examination demonstrated heterogeneous distribution of calcification affecting the mitral valve commissures more than the leaflets, which is consistent with the noncommissural leaflet tearing that occurred during her procedure, causing severe mitral regurgitation. In the future, careful 3D evaluation of mitral valve morphology including leaflets, annular calcification, and subvalvular apparatus may help risk stratify patients prior to intervention.
The effect of desflurane versus propofol anesthesia on postoperative delirium in elderly obese patients undergoing total knee replacement: A randomized, controlled, double-blinded clinical trial

Abstract Study objective The goal of this study was to investigate the incidence of delirium, wake-up times and early post-operative cognitive decline in one hundred obese elderly patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Design Prospective randomized trial. Settings Operating room, postoperative recovery area, hospital wards. Patients 100 obese patients (ASA II and III) undergoing primary total knee replacement under general anesthesia with a femoral nerve block catheter. Intervention Patients were prospectively randomized to maintenance anesthesia with either propofol or desflurane. Measurements The primary endpoint assessed by a blinded investigator was delirium as measured by the Confusion Assessment Method. Secondary endpoints were wake-up times and a battery of six different tests of cognitive function. Main results Four of the 100 patients that gave informed consent withdrew from the study. Of the remaining 96 patients, 6 patients did not complete full CAM testing. Preoperative pain scores, durations of surgery and anesthesia, and amount of intraoperative fentanyl were not different between groups. One patient in the propofol group developed delirium compared to zero in desflurane. One patient in desflurane group developed a confused state not characterized as delirium. Fifty percent of the patients exhibited a 20% decrease in the results of at least one cognitive test on the first 2days after surgery, with no difference between groups. There were no differences in the time to emergence from anesthesia, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and length of postanesthesia care unit (PACU) stay between the two groups. Conclusions In conclusion we found a low incidence of delirium but significant cognitive decline in the first 48h after surgery. In this relatively small sample size of a hundred patients there was no difference in the incidence of postoperative delirium, early cognitive outcomes, or wake up times between the desflurane or propofol group.