cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Poor glycemic control is associated with increased mortality in critically ill trauma patients.

Glycemic control improves outcome in cardiac surgical patients and after myocardial infarction or stroke. Hyperglycemic predicts poor outcome in trauma, but currently no data exist on the effect of glycemic control in critically ill trauma patients. In our intensive care unit (ICU), we use a subcutaneous sliding scale insulin protocol to achieve glucose levels 48 hours during a 6-month period. Data were collected for mechanism of injury, age, diabetic history, Injury Severity Score (ISS), and APACHE II score. All blood glucose levels, by laboratory serum measurement or by point-of-care finger stick, were collected for the entire ICU stay. Outcome data (mortality, ICU and hospital length of stay, ventilator days, and complications) were collected and analyzed. Patients were stratified by their preinjury diabetic history and their level of glucose control (controlled or =141 mg/dL) and these groups were compared. During the study period, 103 trauma patients were admitted to the surgical ICU >48 hours. Ninety (87.4%) were nondiabetic. Most (83.5%) sustained blunt trauma. The average age was 50 +/- 21 years, the average ISS was 22 +/- 12, and the average APACHE II was 16 +/- 9. The average glucose for the population was 128 +/-25 mg/dL. Glycemic control was not attained in 27 (26.2%) patients; 19 (70.4%) of these were nondiabetic. There were no differences in ISS or APACHE II for controlled versus non-controlled patients. However, non-controlled patients were older. Mortality was 9.09 per cent for the controlled group and was 22.22 per cent for the non-controlled group. Diabetic patients were older and less severely injured than nondiabetics. For nondiabetic patients, mortality was 9.86 per cent in controlled patients and 31.58 per cent in non-controlled patients (P < 0.05). Also, urinary tract infections were more prevalent and complication rates overall were higher in nondiabetic patients with noncontrolled glucose levels. Nonsurvivors had higher average glucose than survivors (P < 0.03). Poor glycemic control is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in critically ill trauma patients; this is more pronounced in nondiabetic patients. Age may be a factor in these findings. Subcutaneous sliding scale insulin alone may be inadequate to maintain glycemic control in older critically ill injured patients and in patients with greater physiologic insult. Prospective assessment is needed to further clarify the benefits of aggressive glycemic control, to assess the optimal mode of insulin delivery, and to better define therapeutic goals in critically ill, injured patients.
Broadband transskull multi-focus wavefront synthesis

Multiple-focus pattern synthesis using ultrasound arrays has been previously demonstrated. Furthermore, an optimal synthesis method was shown to provide well-behaved solutions. This method creates predefined focus patterns at a single frequency for an ultrasonic array operating in continuous wave. In this paper, we extend the approach to the broadband case using orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM). A broadband multiple-focus pattern is formed by summing the results of the synthesis algorithm at a set of discrete frequencies within the transducer bandwidth. The OFDM approach allows for achieving a predictable focusing gain at the target point(s) due to the waveform orthogonality. Outside the target region, the different frequency components can be expected to provide a larger degree of destructive interference. Hydrophone scans of multiple-focus patterns in plain water as well as transskull were performed using a phased array with a multichannel arbitrary waveform generator. The array has a 3.5 MHz center frequency with a 6-dB bandwidth in the range 2.2 MHz–4.8 MHz. The skull samples were obtained from 300 to 350 g rats that were used in other in vivo experiments. The results show greater focus resolution than for any single frequency pattern while reducing the interference patterns outside the target region.Multiple-focus pattern synthesis using ultrasound arrays has been previously demonstrated. Furthermore, an optimal synthesis method was shown to provide well-behaved solutions. This method creates predefined focus patterns at a single frequency for an ultrasonic array operating in continuous wave. In this paper, we extend the approach to the broadband case using orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM). A broadband multiple-focus pattern is formed by summing the results of the synthesis algorithm at a set of discrete frequencies within the transducer bandwidth. The OFDM approach allows for achieving a predictable focusing gain at the target point(s) due to the waveform orthogonality. Outside the target region, the different frequency components can be expected to provide a larger degree of destructive interference. Hydrophone scans of multiple-focus patterns in plain water as well as transskull were performed using a phased array with a multichannel arbitrary waveform generator. The array has a 3...
Psychoanalysis and Behaviorism

When I first sat down to write this chapter, I found myself half consciously drawn to the lowest shelf of a nearby bookcase. On that shelf, I have some treasured textbooks from my early training in behavior modification. I can remember with great warmth the energy that seemed to pervade behavior therapy in the middle and late 1960s. Although I am sure that a significant portion of my memory must be colored by the associated personal phases in my life, I do not think that historians of behavior modification would disagree with the assertion that the 1960s were expansive and exciting times. We were onto the “laws of learning.” We were in search of the “principles of human behavior,” and it seemed only a matter of time before we would be relieving millions of people of their unnecessary sufferings and self-limitations.
Low-Speed Experiments: Requirements for Stability Measurements

The difficulties of conducting low-speed stability and transition experiments are discussed. The sources of experimental error are introduced and certain remedies are proposed. The result is a list of requirements that must be satisfied in order to be able to successfully interpret a stability experiment.
Automated Plagiarism Detection for Computer Programming Exercises Based on Patterns of Resubmission

Plagiarism detection for computer programming exercises is a difficult problem. A traditional strategy has been to compare the submissions from all of the students in a class, searching for similarities between submissions suggestive of copying. Automated tools exist that compare submissions in order to help with this search. Increasingly, however, instructors have allowed students to submit multiple solutions, receiving formative feedback between submissions, with feedback often generated by automated assessment systems. Allowing multiple submissions allows for a fundamentally new way to detect plagiarism. Specifically, students may struggle with an exercise until frustration leads them to submit work that is not their own. We present a method for detecting plagiarism from the sequence of submissions made by an individual student. We have explored a variety of measures of program change over submissions, and we have found a set of features that can be transformed, using logistic regression, into a score capturing the likelihood of plagiarism. We have applied this method to data from four exercises from an undergraduate programming class. We show that our automatically generated scores are strongly correlated with the assessments of plagiarism made by an expert instructor. Thus, the scores can act as a powerful tool for searching for cases of academic dishonesty.
Career self-efficacy.

This chapter will place self-efficacy theory in the framework of selfconcept and self-esteem, which are fundamental variables in career behavior. This is particularly appropriate because Samuel H.Osipow, whose contributions to vocational psychology are recognized by the publication of this volume, has published research on the self-concept and self-efficacy in vocational behavior. Following an overview of selfconcept in the study of vocational behavior, research on domains of career self-efficacy are reviewed.
The Use of Preoperative Dynamic Ultrasound to Predict Ulnar Nerve Stability Following In Situ Decompression for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome.

Purpose To assess the use of preoperative, dynamic ultrasound to predict ulnar nerve instability following in situ decompression for cubital tunnel syndrome . Methods Prior to undergoing in situ decompression, 43 consecutive patients underwent dynamic ultrasound to assess the stability of the ulnar nerve during elbow flexion . The dynamic ultrasound findings were compared with the intraoperative assessment of nerve stability following in situ decompression. Results The preoperative dynamic ultrasound agreed with intraoperative findings in 38 of 43 patients (88%). Physical examination of ulnar nerve stability agreed with the intraoperative findings in 5 of 43 patients (12%). For the 5 of 43 cases in which the dynamic ultrasound did not correlate with the degree of ulnar nerve stability after in situ decompression, dynamic ultrasound overestimated the degree of ulnar nerve stability in 4 cases. Conclusions Preoperative dynamic ultrasound can be used to accurately predict the degree of ulnar nerve instability following in situ decompression. Type of study/level of evidence Diagnostic II.
Déjà vu: A Contextualized Temporal Attention Mechanism for Sequential Recommendation

Predicting users’ preferences based on their sequential behaviors in history is challenging and crucial for modern recommender systems. Most existing sequential recommendation algorithms focus on transitional structure among the sequential actions, but largely ignore the temporal and context information, when modeling the influence of a historical event to current prediction. In this paper, we argue that the influence from the past events on a user’s current action should vary over the course of time and under different context. Thus, we propose a Contextualized Temporal Attention Mechanism that learns to weigh historical actions’ influence on not only what action it is, but also when and how the action took place. More specifically, to dynamically calibrate the relative input dependence from the self-attention mechanism, we deploy multiple parameterized kernel functions to learn various temporal dynamics, and then use the context information to determine which of these reweighing kernels to follow for each input. In empirical evaluations on two large public recommendation datasets, our model consistently outperformed an extensive set of state-of-the-art sequential recommendation methods.
Depression as a Driving Force for Low Time in Therapeutic Range and Dementia in Patients With and Without Atrial Fibrillation.

Both time in therapeutic range (TTR) for anticoagulation and depression are associated with dementia risk. The purposes of this study were to examine the impact of depression on TTR and to describe the partitioned contribution of depression and TTR on long-term dementia risk. We studied 14,953 patients anticoagulated with warfarin (target INR 2-3) for atrial fibrillation (AF), venous thromboembolism (VTE), or a mechanical heart valve from 2003 to 2015. We excluded patients with a diagnosis of dementia before or within 6 months of warfarin initiation. We examined the association of depression with TTR using finite mixture modeling and logistic regression and utilized multivariable Cox hazard regression to determine the association of TTR and depression with incident dementia at 3 and 13 years. Forty % (n = 6055) of patients were diagnosed with depression before or while on warfarin. Patients with depression had significantly lower TTR and were 1.37 times more likely to have TTR
Rethinking the need for overnight admission after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM): a pandemic-driven approach to the future.

Background and study aims COVID-19 has significantly impacted endoscopic assessment and management of multiple conditions. Our group recommenced treatment of highly symptomatic achalasia patients (Eckardt score ≥ 6) adopting a same-day discharge (SDD) algorithm and present early outcomes of its utilization. Patients and methods We enrolled all outpatients undergoing POEM at a single tertiary referral center. Patients qualified for SDD if all of the following a priori criteria were met: 1) ASA grade I-III; 2) No intraprocedural adverse events (AEs); 3) Secure mucosal closure; 4) Post-procedure pain/nausea responsive to oral medications; and 5) Patients tolerating clear fluids. Results In 17 potential SDD candidates (female 82.4 %, median age 51 years [IQR 48–64]) undergoing POEM, SDD was achieved in 14 (82.4 %). The remaining were admitted due to post-procedure pain/nausea (n = 2) and intraprocedural concerns (capnoperitoneum requiring needle decompression, n = 1). There were no post-procedure AEs or unexpected readmissions. Conclusions This study demonstrates the safety and feasibility of a SDD algorithm for POEM patients and challenges the necessity of routine post-POEM hospital admission. Critically important during the COVID-19 pandemic, this may in fact constitute a changing standard for POEM post-procedure care.
Spatial Analysis of the 2018 Logistics Performance Index Using Multivariate Kernel Function to Improve Geographically Weighted Regression Models

This paper analyzes the 2018 Logistics Performance Index (LPI) from the World Bank to determine the spatial effects of countries’ logistics performance. Although the standardized ordinary least squ...
Effects of gas saturation and reservoir heterogeneity on thermochemical sulfate reduction reaction in a dolomite reservoir, Puguang gas field, China

Abstract Varying concentrations of H2S have been found in the carbonate reservoir, Puguang gas field, China. Thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR) is considered the most important process to generate a high level of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the reservoir. Although TSR has been intensively studied in this field, it is still not clear on (1) the controls of H2S concentration variations in the reservoir, (2) effects of variable gas and water saturations and reservoir heterogeneity on the TSR reactions, (3) reservoir quality changes during the TSR reactions, (4) potential sources and sinks of sulfur and carbon and their quantification. In this study, we conducted reactive transport modeling to quantitatively simulate the TSR and H2S generation processes in the Upper Permian Changxing Formation and Lower Triassic Feixianguan Formation in Puguang gas field, using log-based depth and thickness, paleo mineralogy assemblages and paleo temperature in late Jurassic, and hydrostatic pressure. The modeling results are relatively reliable as the predicted H2S and CO2 concentrations are comparable with the observed ones in the wells after calibration. The results indicated that both mineralogical composition and gas saturation in the reservoir affect the local efficiency and extent of TSR reactions, of which the abundance of effective anhydrite is an important control on the extent of the TSR reactions. The modeling durations of TSR reactions were ∼6 m.y. and TSR had a small impact on the reservoir porosity (porosity changes generally less than 0.1 porosity unit). The sources and sinks of carbon and sulfur were locally balanced with each other, respectively, and the minor imbalances were likely due to the molecular diffusion. The calibrated models have predictive potential on the H2S and CO2 concentrations changes and porosity modifications during the TSR processes in the subintervals with limited samples. The validated TSR models will facilitate the investigation of organic-inorganic interactions and their impacts on both non-hydrocarbon (H2S and CO2) generation and reservoir qualities.
Impact of polygenic risk for coronary artery disease and cardiovascular medication burden on cognitive impairment in psychotic disorders.

Background Cognitive impairment is a core deficit across psychotic disorders, the causes and therapeutics of which remain unclear. Epidemiological observations have suggested associations between cognitive dysfunction in psychotic disorders and cardiovascular risk factors, but an underlying etiology has not been established. Methods Neuropsychological performance using the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) was assessed in 616 individuals of European ancestry (403 psychosis, 213 controls). Polygenic risk scores for coronary artery disease (PRSCAD) were quantified for each participant across 13 p-value thresholds (PT 0.5-5e-8). Cardiovascular and psychotropic medications were categorized for association analyses. Each PRSCAD was examined in relation to the BACS and the optimized PT was confirmed with five-fold cross-validation and independent validation. Functional enrichment analyses were used to identify biological mechanisms linked to PRSCAD-cognition associations. Multiple regression analyses examined PRSCAD under the optimal PT and medication burden in relation to the BACS composite and subtest scores. Results Higher PRSCAD was associated with lower BACS composite scores (p = 0.001) in the psychosis group, primarily driven by the Verbal Memory subtest (p Conclusions Higher PRSCAD and taking more cardiovascular medications were both significantly associated with cognitive impairment in psychosis. These findings indicate that cardiovascular factors may increase the risk for cognitive dysfunction and related functional outcomes among individuals with psychotic disorders.
Legal Issues in a Psychiatric Emergency Setting

One might ask why there should be special legal rules applicable to the provision of psychiatric emergency services and not other emergency medical services. Aren’t the legal principles the same, regardless of the type of services rendered? Although the same basic legal doctrines apply to both situations, certain important aspects of those doctrines are so pronounced in the case of a mentally disturbed patient that special discussion is warranted. For example, a psychiatric patient may be unable to give a legally valid competent consent to treatment or may pose a greater than average threat of losing control and causing serious physical harm. These characteristics have caused courts and legislatures to accord special treatment to the psychiatric emergency patient. Therefore, in this chapter, we will first describe the law relevant to all medical emergencies and then discuss in detail specific features applicable to psychiatric emergencies.
Metabolism of the sugar alcohols and their derivatives.

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the metabolism of the sugar alcohols that emphasis mainly on the isomeric hexitols. Substances such as methyl alcohol and ethylene glycol are studied under categories other than the sugar alcohols. The sugar alcohol refers to the hexahydric alcohols and their availability as food in the human diet warrants special study of their metabolic patterns. Biological metabolic processes attack most of the sugar alcohols. Glycerol, sorbitol, and mannitol are nontoxic precursors of glycogen and hence are metabolizable in the animal body. The respective anhydrides of the sugar alcohols studied in the chapter are not metabolized in the animal body.
Pupils and Sources in Late Medieval Lyon

The medieval elementary and grammar-school pupil is a partially-hidden figure in the documentary sources of the period. Their existence, and their existence in abundance, is clear from the fact that so many schools and teachers were operating in the later Middle Ages. Evidence specific to the schoolchild, however, is lacking and the researcher has to explore documents in lateral way in order to find information on their everyday experiences. Even identifying individual pupils by name can be difficult. This article will explore the archival sources available in French cities, in this case the city of Lyon, in an effort to identity possible sources of data on the medieval schoolchild. It will look at sources that name pupils, either as groups or as individuals, and it will discuss what evidence for their daily lives can be extrapolated from a selection of documents. The documents examined in the article include the proceedings of ecclesiastical chapters, school statutes, obituaries, wills, proceedings of the municipal council, and pedagogical literature. Some of these must be closely read in order to find the children and pupils within their pages but they are there, often in surprising circumstances, such as the illegitimate children who received legacies from the parents and other family members in order to pursue their education and the pupils who had early-printed works dedicated to them. This article will serve as a map for other scholars seeking to study pre-modern school children. How to reference this article Lynch, S. (2015). Pupils and Sources in Late Medieval Lyon. Espacio, Tiempo y Educacion , 2(2), 289-311. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14516/ete.2015.002.002.014
Agency and communion in people with rheumatoid arthritis

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the previously found relations among the gender-linked personality orientations of agency, communion, unmitigated agency, and unmitigated communion, and health outcomes existed within a sample of adults with rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic disease that is more prevalent among women than among men. We obtained self-report data from 158 participants on the gender-linked personality orientations, psychological distress, disability, pain, and life satisfaction. As hypothesized, regression analyses indicated that agency was significantly associated with better health outcomes, whereas unmitigated communion was associated with poorer health outcomes. Assessment of these personality variables in people with rheumatoid arthritis may help to identify those at high risk for adverse outcomes.
Strategy for Cross-Protection among Shigella flexneri Serotypes

Based upon the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) structure and antigenicity of Shigella group B, a strategy for broad cross-protection against 14 Shigella flexneri serotypes was designed. This strategy involves the use of two S. flexneri serotypes (2a and 3a), which together bear the all of the major antigenic group factors of this group. The novel attenuated strains used in these studies were S. flexneri 2a strain CVD 1207 (DeltaguaB-A DeltavirG Deltaset1 Deltasen) and S. flexneri 3a strain CVD 1211 (DeltaguaB-A DeltavirG Deltasen). Guinea pigs were immunized with an equal mixture of these strains and later challenged (Sereny test) with a wild-type S. flexneri serotype 1a, 1b, 2b, 4b, 5b, Y, or 6 strain of demonstrated virulence in the same model. Guinea pigs that were immunized with these two vaccine strains produced serum and mucosal antibodies that cross-reacted with all the S. flexneri serotypes tested (except of S. flexneri serotype 6) as assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunoblotting, and slide agglutination. Furthermore, the combination vaccine conferred significant protection against challenge with S. flexneri serotypes 1b, 2b, 5b, and Y but not with serotypes 1a, 4b, or (as predicted) 6.
Where Are the Shareholders’ Mansions? CEOs’ Home Purchases, Stock Sales, and Subsequent Company Performance

We study real estate purchases by major company CEOs, compiling a database of the principal residences of nearly every top executive in the Standard and Poor’s 500 index. When a CEO buys real estate, future company performance is inversely related to the CEO’s liquidation of company shares and options for financing the transaction. We also find that, regardless of the source of finance, future company performance deteriorates when CEOs acquire extremely large or costly mansions and estates. We therefore interpret large home acquisitions as signals of CEO entrenchment. Our research also provides useful insights for calibrating utility based models of executive compensation and for understanding patterns of Veblenian conspicuous consumption.
Reactions of 2,2',5,5'-tetrachlorobiphenyl 3,4-oxide with methionine, cysteine and glutathione in relation to the formation of methylthio-metabolites of 2,2',5,5'-tetrachlorobiphenyl in the rat and mouse

Non-enzymatic reactions of the 3,4-oxide of 2,2′,5,5′-tetrachlorobiphenyl (TCB) with methionine or N-acetylmethionine in ethanol/neutral buffer at 37°C proceeded very slowly to yield an approx. 1 : 1 ratio of 3- and 4-methylthio-TCB. Under similar conditions reaction of TCB 3,4-oxide with cysteine proceeded about 100 times more rapidly to yield an approx. 1 : 1 ratio of 3- and 4-(cystein-S-yl)-TCB as the major products. Cystein-S-yl-3,4-dihydro-hydroxy-TCB(s) was also formed as a minor product from reaction of TCB 3,4-oxide with cysteine in dimethyl sulfoxide/neutral buffer. TCB 3,4-oxide did not react detectably with glutathione in ethanol/neutral buffer at 37°C or 70°C, but reaction in ethanol/pH 8.7 buffer at 37°C proceeded very rapidly to yield about a 1 : 1 ratio of 3- and 4-(glutathion-S-yl)-TCB and of two glutathion-S-yl-TCB precursors. Glutathion-S-yl-TCB(s) and its precursor(s) were also formed rapidly in a rat liver cytosol-catalyzed reaction of TCB 3,4-oxide with glutathione at neutral pH. The glutathion-S-yl-TCBs readily degraded upon concentration in aqueous alcohol solutions under mild conditions to yield compounds tentatively identified as [N-(5-carboxy-1-pyrrolin-2-yl)-1-glycinocystein-S-yl]-TCBs, (1-glycinocystein-S-yl)-TCBs and 2-oxopyrrolidine-5-carboxylic acid. Rats given a single dose of TCB excreted about 0.07% of the dose in the feces during the first 4 days as 3-methylthio-TCB, 4-methylthio-TCB, 4-methylsulfonyl-TCB, methylthio-hydroxy-TCBs (tentatively identified) and mercapto-TCB(s) (tentatively identified) in about a 1 : 5 : 0.1 : 0.1 : 0.05 ratio, respectively. Rats given an equimolar dose of TCB 3,4-oxide excreted similar ratios of these fecal metabolites in approx. 10-fold greater quantities. Mice given TCB excreted about 0.1% of the dose in the feces during the first 4 days as 3-methylthio-TCB, 4-methylthio-TCB and 3-methylsulfonyl-TCB in about a 1.5 : 1 : 0.05 ratio, respectively. Methylthio-TCBs were not detected (<0.0004% of the dose) in the bile of a cannulated rat given a single dose of TCB. About 1.5% of the TCB dose was excreted in the bile as glutathion-S-yl-TCB(s) and its precursor(s). Collectively, the data indicate that TCB 3,4-oxide is a primary metabolic intermediate in the formation of methylthio-metabolites of TCB.
The Comparative Cost of Privatized Public School Transportation in Tennessee

This paper provides evidence from an empirical test of service contracting versus bureaucratic production of school bus transportation. Actual contracted cost of school bus service is compared to the estimate of in-house cost for providing the same service in 19 Tennessee public school systems. In-house cost is estimated from a two-output, two-input translog cost function regressed on 91 school systems. Contracted cost is found to be lower than in-house cost in 15 of the 19 contract systems. The potential savings equals 27% of average contract cost for these 15 systems. In the other 4 contract systems, actual cost exceeds the estimated in-house cost by 21% of their average contract cost.
Depression and Apathy Among People Living with HIV: Implications for Treatment of HIV Associated Neurocognitive Disorders

Depression and apathy are common among people living with HIV (PLWH). However, in PLWH, it is unclear whether depression and apathy are distinct conditions, which contribute to different patterns of disruption to cognitive processing and brain systems. Understanding these conditions may enable the development of prognostic indicators for HIV associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). The present study examined substance use behavior and cognitive deficits, associated with depression and apathy, in 120 PLWH, using hierarchical regression analyses. Higher levels of depression were associated with a history of alcohol dependence and greater deficits in processing speed, motor and global cognitive functioning. Higher levels of apathy were associated with a history of cocaine dependence. It is recommended that PLWH get screened appropriately for apathy and depression, in order to receive the appropriate treatment, considering the comorbidities associated with each condition. Future research should examine the neurological correlates of apathy and depression in PLWH.
Blood transfusion-induced immunomodulation.

Blood transfusion therapy is associated with many risks, including major or minor blood transfusion reaction, non-A non-B hepatitis, hepatitis B, and HIV infection. Blood transfusion may result in immunologic changes (immunomodulation) that are beneficial in some patients but harmful in others. After reports of increased renal allograft survival in patients receiving pretransplant transfusion (1), Gantt (2) questioned whether transfusion might diminish or retard the immune response. Clinical studies have shown a beneficial effect of blood transfusion on graft survival (3,4), but an adverse effect on cancer recurrence (5-10) and postoperative infection (10-14). Approximately two thirds of 11,000 transfusions (15,16) given perioperatively are administered by anesthesiologists (17), and 26% are given inappropriately (18,19). This review will focus on the immunomodulatory effects of transfusion therapy. It will begin with a brief review of the immune system and then discuss 1) the effect of transfusion therapy on modulating the immune system, and 2) transfusion-induced immunomodulatory effects on vascularized graft survival, cancer recurrence, and postoperative infections.
Crossroads on cytoskeletal highways.

As we face the millenium, a new and more integrated view of the cytoskeleton has begun to emerge. While each cytoskeleton retains its identity, the three networks rely heavily upon one another, employing connections for cytoskeletal stability, intracellular transport and trafficking, cytokinesis, cell polarity, and tissue morphogenesis. Key genetic evidence underscores the importance of connector proteins to cytoarchitecture and structural integrity as well as many dynamic cellular processes including migration. The emergence of plakins as a vital group of linker proteins that bridge IFs, MTs, and/or MF networks has paved the entrance to a remarkable interstate of novel functional interactions among the structural elements within the cytoplasm. The discovery of actin–MT connections as well as plakins in lower eukaryotes that lack IFs, suggest that the foundations for these fascinating new cellular pathways have ancient origins.*To whom correspondence should be addressed (e-mail: lain@midway.uchicago.edu).
The roles of pah and acetylene in soot nucleation and growth

Soot nucleation and growth mechanisms involving PAH and C 2 H 2 in distinct roles were quantitatively tested against experimental data including profiles of soot, PAH, C 2 H 2 , and other species present in flat benzene/oxygen/argon flames at 20 and 40 torr and equivalence ratios of 2.0, 2.125, and 2.4. In all the flames, the concentration of high molecular weight PAH was found to exhibit a maximum value near the onset of soot nucleation and to decline in the nucleation zone. A nucleation mechanism involving growth by reactive coagulation of heavy PAH in competition with destruction through OH attack gave good agreement between measured and predicted features of the soot nucleation kinetics. Conversely, soot nucleation through the growth of PAH by sequential addition of C 2 H 2 with no PAH-PAH coagulation was too slow to agree with data. PAH also contributed significantly to the postnucleation growth of soot particles. Most of the mass of the soot system appears to come from C 2 H 2 through (a) the formation of the heavy PAH precursors to soot nuclei and the PAH that add to the growing soot particles and (b) direct C 2 H 2 addition to the soot. Both the growth and oxidation reactions in these mechanisms are formulated as involving localized δ-radicals (i.e., aryl radicals in the case of PAH and active sites in the case of soot). The apparent collision efficiency of PAH with the soot surface is between 0.1 and 0.5 in the region where PAH appears to contribute significantly to the soot mass.
Cortical KCl reinstates forelimb placing following damage to the internal capsule.

Abstract Following unilateral damage to the internal capsule, rats failed to use the contralateral forelimb during tests of contact, chin, and visual placing reactions. Infusion of potassium chloride onto the sensorimotor cortex contralateral to the lesion reinstated placing in the impaired limb and abolished placing in the normal limb. As the drug dissipated, placing in the impaired limb gradually deteriorated, while placing in the normal limb returned. In contrast, potassium chloride applied to the ipsilateral cortex did not reinstate placing. These findings suggest that the loss of forelimb placing following lesions of the internal capsule is due, at least in part, to tonic inhibition from the cortex contralateral to the lesions.
Test-retest repeatability of the Strain Index

Abstract Fifteen raters individually, and in five teams of three, evaluated the test–retest repeatability of published data collection and rating methods of the Strain Index by analyzing 61 job video files twice over a 5-month period. Raters estimated average and peak hand forces, measured Duration of Exertion, cycle time, and exertions per job cycle, calculated percent Duration of Exertion and Efforts per Minute, and assigned ratings for five of the six Strain Index task variables. Twelve additional jobs were analyzed to determine Strain Index Score and hazard classification. Intraclass correlation (ICC) coefficients for task variable ratings and accompanying data ranged from 0.66 to 0.95 for both individuals and teams. The Strain Index Score ICC(2,1) for individuals and teams were 0.56 and 0.82, respectively. Intra-rater reliability for the hazard classification was 0.81 for individuals and 0.88 for teams. The results indicate that the Strain Index has good test–retest reliability.
Numerical study of parity-violating vacuum currents in lattice QED

We analyze the fermionic vacuum currents induced by external gauge fields in lattice QED in 2+1 dimensions. We work with Wilson fermions on a ${12}^{3}$ lattice using the conjugate gradient method to obtain the currents. In the presence of uniform or localized, static or time-dependent gauge configurations we verify the existence of an anomalous parity-violating vacuum current.
Pneumolysin expression by streptococcus pneumoniae protects colonized mice from influenza virus-induced disease.

The response to influenza virus (IAV) infection and severity of disease is highly variable in humans. We hypothesized that one factor contributing to this variability is the presence of specific respiratory tract (RT) microbes. One such microbe is Streptococcus pneumoniae (Sp) that is carried asymptomatically in the RT of many humans. In a mouse co-infection model we found that in contrast to secondary bacterial infection that exacerbates disease, Sp colonization 10 days prior to IAV protects from virus-induced morbidity and lung pathology. Using mutant Sp strains, we identified a critical role for the bacterial virulence factor pneumolysin (PLY) in mediating this protection. Colonization with the PLY-sufficient Sp strain induces expression of the immune-suppressive enzyme arginase 1 in alveolar macrophages (aMo) and correlates with attenuated recruitment and function of pulmonary inflammatory cells. Our study demonstrates a novel role for PLY in Sp-mediated protection by maintaining aMo as "gatekeepers" against virus-induced immunopathology.
IMPLANTABLE INJECTION PORT FOR LONG-TERM VENOUS ACCESS

In recent times, totally implantable devices using a silastic right atrial catheter connected to a subcutaneous injection chamber have been introduced for long-term venous access. This study reports the experience of 39 patients in whom 41 such devices have been implanted. It totals 9697 patient days so far. There has been no incidence of major vein or catheter thrombosis and an infection rate of 0.41 per 1000 catheter days has been achieved. Catheter related complications have occurred in 20% of the cases after a mean duration of usage of 237 days. It is concluded that implantable injection ports provide a safe and reliable method of prolonged venous access.
Conjecture on Maximal Violation of T Invariance in Dilepton Production by Neutrinos

The conjecture is that $\mathrm{CP}$ and $T$ invariances are maximally violated by the weak currents associated with the new ("superstrange") class of hadrons suggested by dilepton production by neutrinos. This accounts for the phenomenon of $\mathrm{CP}$ nonconservation in ${K}^{0}$ and ${\overline{K}}^{0}$ decay, and the magnitude of ${\ensuremath{\eta}}_{+\ensuremath{-}}$ is consistent with a superstrange hadron mass within the energy range of the neutrino experiments. Tests of $T$ invariance in such neutrino experiments are suggested.
Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

BACKGROUND: Due to safety concerns and side effects of many antidepressant medications, herbal psychopharmacology research has increased, and herbal remedies are becoming increasingly popular as alternatives to prescribed medications for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Of these, accumulating trials reveal positive effects of the spice saffron (Crocus sativus L.) for the treatment of depression. A comprehensive and statistical review of the clinical trials examining the effects of saffron for treatment of MDD is warranted. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials examining the effects of saffron supplementation on symptoms of depression among participants with MDD. SEARCH STRATEGY: We conducted electronic and non-electronic searches to identify all relevant randomized, double-blind controlled trials. Reference lists of all retrieved articles were searched for relevant studies. INCLUSION CRITERIA: The criteria for study selection included the following: (1) adults (aged 18 and older) with symptoms of depression, (2) randomized controlled trial, (3) effects of saffron supplementation on depressive symptoms examined, and (4) study had either a placebo control or antidepressant comparison group. DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS: Using random effects modeling procedures, we calculated weighted mean effect sizes separately for the saffron supplementation vs placebo control groups, and for the saffron supplementation vs antidepressant groups. The methodological quality of all studies was assessed using the Jadad score. The computer software Comprehensive Metaanalysis 2 was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Based on our pre-specified criteria, five randomized controlled trials (n = 2 placebo controlled trials, n = 3 antidepressant controlled trials) were included in our review. A large effect size was found for saffron supplementation vs placebo control in treating depressive symptoms (M ES = 1.62, P < 0.001), revealing that saffron supplementation significantly reduced depression symptoms compared to the placebo control. A null effect size was evidenced between saffron supplementation and the antidepressant groups (M ES = -0.15) indicating that both treatments were similarly effective in reducing depression symptoms. The mean Jadad score was 5 indicating high quality of trials. CONCLUSION: Findings from clinical trials conducted to date indicate that saffron supplementation can improve symptoms of depression in adults with MDD. Larger clinical trials, conducted by research teams outside of Iran, with long-term follow-ups are needed before firm conclusions can be made regarding saffron’s efficacy and safety for treating depressive symptoms.
Drug Metabolism in the Newborn Rabbit

A number of drugs that are metabolized through the action of enzymes present in liver microsomes in the adult rabbit are not metabolized in livers of newborn rabbits. The development of metabolic pathways during a period of 4 weeks is presented. Evidence is given for the presence in livers of baby rabbits of inhibitors of some of these drug-enzyme systems.
Properties of blends of starch and synthetic polymers containing anhydride groups. II. Effect of amylopectin to amylose ratio in starch

Corn starch with different amylopectin to amylose ratios was blended with styrene maleic anhydride copolymer (SMA) and ethylene–propylene-g-maleic anhydride copolymer (EPMA). The starch had an amylose content of approximately 0, 50, and 70%. The concentration of starch in the blend was kept constant at 60% by weight. The samples were melt blended in a corotating twin screw extruder. Scanning electron micrographs showed that the amount of starch granules remaining in the samples varied with the torque. Optical micrograph showed that starch/EPMA blends formed a cocontinuous phase in all blends irrespective of starch variety. For starch/SMA blends, the starch granules remained dispersed in the SMA phase. The torque during blending, tensile strength, water absorption, storage and loss modulus, and data on biodegradability of the blends are presented. Tensile strength and water absorption correlated well with the torque generated during blending: the higher the torque, the lower the tensile strength and the higher the water absorption. The tensile strength of blends containing SMA decreased when the humidity increased. Fractured surfaces of starch/SMA blends exhibited brittle failure; for the ductile starch/EPMA blends, shear tearing appeared to be the major failure mechanism. For blends containing EPMA, the percentage elongation increased with increased humidity. Dynamic mechanical analysis of the blends showed two sharp peaks for tan δ vs. temperature plot for starch/EPMA plots, but showed a single peak for starch/SMA blends. Starch/EPMA blends had a higher percentage of water aborption that became constant after 20 days. Using the ASTM test method D5902, the starch content in the samples was found to degrade. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Conceptual Prerequisites for an Understanding of Stability-Change and Continuity-Discontinuity.

Divergent understandings of the nature of development result from incompatible philosophical assumptions or world views. One perspective maintains that reality is best represented as stable and fixed, and as a consequence development or change is understood as a function of antecedent causes. A second perspective maintains that reality is best represented as active and changing, and as a consequence the course of development does not permit antecedent causal explanation. Implications for the investigation and explanation of development are discussed. A major implication of the determining influence of the two world views involves the continuity-discontinuity issue, i.e., the issue of the appearance of novelty during the course of development and the explanation of novelty. The stability perspective asserts a strict continuity in that it allows for no gaps in antecedent-consequent causal sequences. The activity and change perspective permits discontinuity.
Kinetics determination of calcium carbonate precipitation behavior by inline techniques

Abstract Calcium carbonate, CaCO3, presents a big problem in oil and gas industry. Scaling in pipes leads to decreases in pressure drops and often to complete blockage. On heat exchanger, it reduces the heat transfer. It could lead to unstable operation which may result in unscheduled shutdown. Precipitation of calcium carbonate is a prerequisite for the deposition of calcium carbonate crystals on an external surface. Hence to understand the scaling process, it is necessary to understand the calcium carbonate precipitation kinetics. This could be achieved through fully controlling the precipitation and deposition processes. Calcium carbonate precipitation is widely studied using various methods. However, the techniques used were based on either solution side information to determine precipitation kinetics or offline size analysis to find growth rate constants. In the present work inline in situ technique based on FBRM (focused beam reflectance measurement, Mettler Toledo) gives direct measurement of number of crystals. The inline image technique by PVM (particle vision and measurement, Mettler Toledo) gives accurate induction period measurements and nucleation kinetics. The method of moments was utilized to determine the crystal size and hence the growth rate. Therefore, a number of experiments were conducted to obtain reliable and reproducible conditions for consecutive precipitation and deposition processes. The data from the FBRM and images from the PVM provided information about the particle count and size. The experiments were conducted in a closed system to reduce the effect of impurities. The effects of the solution composition on the spontaneous nucleation and the crystal growth rate have been examined. From the measurements of the crystal growth kinetic data, the crystal growth rates were estimated which is found to be logarithmic function of calcium ion concentration. Also, the results presented in this paper are for reference or blank conditions only, i.e. no external force or agent was applied during the process of CaCO3 precipitation. Consequently, these reference experiments were used for comparison with prevention methods in the future.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Attenuated Novobiocin-Resistant Streptococcus iniae Vaccine Strain ISNO

ABSTRACT Streptococcus iniae ISNO is an attenuated novobiocin-resistant vaccine strain. Its full genome is 2,070,182 bp in length. The availability of this genome will allow comparative genomics to identify potential virulence genes important for pathogenesis of S. iniae and potential mechanisms associated with novobiocin resistance in this strain.
Merging and Spacing of Heterogeneous Aircraft in Support of NextGen

The Federal Aviation Administration’s NextGen program aims to increase the capacity of the national airspace, while ensuring the safety of aircraft. This paper provides a distributed merging and spacing algorithm that maximizes the throughput at the terminal phase of flight, using information communicated between neighboring aircraft through the ADS-B framework. Aircraft belonging to a mixed fleet negotiate with each other and use dual decomposition to reach an agreement on optimal merging times, with respect to a pairwise cost, while ensuring proper interaircraft spacing for the respective aircraft types. A set of sufficient conditions on the geometry and operating conditions of merging forks is provided to identify when proper interaircraft spacing can always be achieved using the proposed algorithm for any combination of merging aircraft. Also, optimal decentralized controllers are derived for merging air traffic when operating under such conditions. The performance of the presented algorithm is verified through computer simulations.