cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bridging the gap between clinical practice and public health: Using EHR data to assess trends in the seasonality of blood-pressure control ☆

Abstract Electronic health records (EHRs) provide timely access to millions of patient data records while limiting errors associated with manual data extraction. To demonstrate these advantages of EHRs to public health practice, we examine the ability of a EHR calculated blood-pressure (BP) measure to replicate seasonal variation as reported by prior studies that used manual data extraction. Our sample included 609 primary-care practices in New York City. BP control among hypertensives was defined as systolic blood pressure of 140 or less and diastolic blood pressure of 90 or less (BP BP control rates increased gradually from the spring months to peak summer months before declining in the fall months. In addition to seasonal variation, the adjusted model showed that a 1% increase in patients with a diabetic comorbidity is associated with an increase of 3% (OR 1.03; CI 1.028–1.032) on the BP measure. Our findings identified cyclic trends in BP control and highlighted greater association with increased proportion of diabetic patients, therefore confirming the ability of the EHR as a tool for measuring population health outcomes.
Studying contributions of variables to classification

Abstract A problem of finding variables responsible for classifying a particular observation as well as detecting those that interfered with the assignment made is considered. We address this problem by providing a formal argument supported by intuitive geometric interpretation.
A Millimeter-Wave Dual-Feed Square Loop Antenna for 5G Communications

A millimeter-wave (mm-Wave) dual-feed square loop antenna is presented in this paper for 5G communications. It synthesizes identical far-field radiation patterns as a conventional single-feed square loop antenna. The dual-feed antenna (DFA) also simplifies or even eliminates the lossy power-combining network between the transmitter and antenna, achieving direct on-antenna power combining. The proposed antenna concept significantly improves the total radiated power and power efficiency of a wireless transmitter, particularly useful for 5G transmitters that normally require large output power to compensate the high mm-Wave path loss. Compared with antenna-array-based spatial power combining, the DFA only requires a single-antenna footprint and maintains the single-element beamwidth, ideal for mobile 5G communications. The dual-feed square loop antenna is designed and characterized at two potential 5G bands, i.e., 38.5 and 73.5 GHz. Conventional single-feed square loop antennas are implemented as reference designs. Closely matched antenna characteristics are achieved in measurement between the proposed DFA and conventional single-feed antenna. The dual-feed square loop antenna has measured broadside gain of 2.9 and 3 dBi, and fractional bandwidth of 13% and 14%, at 38.5 and 73.5 GHz, respectively. High-speed modulation test is also performed. A 4.3% error vector magnitude (EVM) with a −33.2-dBc adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR) for 6-Gb/s 64QAM is achieved at 38.5 GHz, and a 5.6% EVM with a −33.4-dBc ACLR for 6-Gb/s 64QAM is measured at 73.5 GHz, which demonstrates the viability of the proposed DFA for high-speed and complex modulations required by 5G communications.
Transient thermal stress development in direct chill cast ingots with application of a wiper

ABSTRACTA full 3D transient model of direct chill casting is developed to predict the thermal stress during the startup phase for AA5182. Simulations show that tensile stress starts to develop at ingot surface and gradually migrates to ingot center. By varying the position of wiper below the mold, the maximum residual stress in the ingot center is reduced by up to 35% compared to that without the use of a wiper. The closer the wiper is inserted below the mold, the larger is the stress reduction effect, but at a greater risk of remelting surfaces below the wiper. In order to prevent this, forced-convection air cooling is recommended on ingot surface below the wiper. The current study recommends application of a moving wiper, from a lower to the bottom of the sump, to combine the benefit of reducing thermal stress and centerline segregation without surface bleeding-out.
Morganella as a cause of ophthalmia neonatorum

A 2 day-old-girl with a complicated birth history, including prolonged rupture of membranes and Caesarian section delivery, presented with a purulent bacterial conjunctivitis of the left eye despite standard prophylaxis. Bacterial cultures yielded 1+ Morganella morganii, a facultative anaerobe and a rare cause of ocular pathology. The patient was treated with topical tobramycin four times daily for 7 days, resulting in resolution of her conjunctivitis.
Bariatric Emergencies for the General Surgeon

Between 2011 and 2015, nearly one million bariatric surgeries were performed in the United States. With around 200,000 weight loss operations being performed annually in the United States, general surgeons face a growing number of bariatric surgical emergencies. This chapter deals with the most common surgical emergencies following the three most common bariatric surgeries being done currently and the best way in which to deal with them. The principles of rescue therapy and damage control are as applicable to the bariatric surgery patient as they are to trauma and general surgery patients. There are specific maneuvers for some of these emergencies, but in general, good surgical technique and judgment of the surgeon will prevail. In this chapter, we will discuss the algorithm of evaluating the emergent patient and approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Emergencies may be surgical in nature but may also be related to nutritional deficiencies. We will discuss how to assess for these nutritional deficiencies and best treatment options.
Exploration of Solid Forms of Crisaborole: Crystal Engineering Identifies Polymorphism in Commercial Sources and Facilitates Cocrystal Formation

We report the discovery of three polymorphs of the very recently FDA-approved boron-containing active pharmaceutical ingredient, Crisaborole. Crisaborole displays polymorphism based on the syn (Form I) and anti (Form II) conformations of the hydroxyl group of the oxaborole ring as shown by single-crystal X-ray analysis. Forms I and II were discovered based on the availability from two different commercial suppliers, while Form III was obtained upon heating of Form I or II. A cocrystal based on 4,4′-bipyridine was also obtained.
Examples of G-Closures

In this chapter we find the G m -closures and G-closures of various composites of conducting materials. We start with G m -closures of two isotropic materials.
Introduction to the Session on Biochemical Aspects of Copper Metabolism

Metallic copper and its compounds have been reported to be useful in treating inflammations throughout history. Such uses were recorded in China 1,000 years before similar recordings were made in Egyptian papyri (c.a. 2000 B.C.). These reported uses, although not understood, have persisted throughout history to modern times.
Randomized Trial Based on the Common-Sense Model of Self-regulation to Increase Child Dental Visits:

Introduction:School screening and the note home (pinned to a backpack) informing parents/caregivers that their child needs to see a dentist have not been effective.Objectives:The Family Access to a...
Abstract P392: Association Between Migration to the US, Cardiovascular Disease, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Mexican Migrants and Non-Migrants

Background: Mexico-US migration represents one of the largest migration flows across the globe. However, debates abound over whether health selection is a salient driver of migration, and furthermo...
(170) Diagnostic Criteria for Idiopathic Small Fiber Neuropathy – A Systematic Literature Review

Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is increasingly recognized as an important cause of distal symmetric pain and sensory symptoms, but its diagnosis remains elusive. We sought to systematically assess the published screening and diagnostic criteria for painful idiopathic small fiber neuropathy (SFN). A systematic literature review was performed using the PubMed database from inception to January 9, 2018, excluding studies where SFN was of known or well-established etiology. Study characteristics and diagnostic criteria for idiopathic SFN were extracted and analyzed. 67 clinical studies and 9 guideline/review publications met the inclusion criteria. Among the clinical studies, 13 studied patients with exclusively idiopathic SFN, and 54 studies enrolled subjects with SFN of mixed etiology. The results demonstrate that diagnostic criteria for idiopathic SFN substantially vary in regard to inclusion of pain, specific sensory and autonomic symptoms and signs, nerve conduction studies, quantification of cutaneous innervation, quantitative sensory testing, or special investigations. The most common sets of criteria included the combination of 1) SFN symptoms, 2) neurological signs or nerve conduction studies to rule out large fiber involvement, and 3) results of skin biopsy quantifying intraepidermal innervation. Given the wide variation in diagnostic approaches, there is urgent need for evidence-based guidelines for this often-underdiagnosed condition.
Formations of α-Iodoenones by Iodine and Catalytic Amounts of Amines

Iodine and catalytic amounts of amines in a variety of solvents react with cyclic and acyclic enones to afford the corresponding α-iodoenones.
Role of Carbonic Anhydrases and Inhibitors in Acid-Base Physiology: Insights from Mathematical Modeling.

Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) catalyze a reaction fundamental for life: the bidirectional conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) into bicarbonate (HCO3−) and protons (H+). These enzymes impact numerous physiological processes that occur within and across the many compartments in the body. Within compartments, CAs promote rapid H+ buffering and thus the stability of pH-sensitive processes. Between compartments, CAs promote movements of H+, CO2, HCO3−, and related species. This traffic is central to respiration, digestion, and whole-body/cellular pH regulation. Here, we focus on the role of mathematical modeling in understanding how CA enhances buffering as well as gradients that drive fluxes of CO2 and other solutes (facilitated diffusion). We also examine urinary acid secretion and the carriage of CO2 by the respiratory system. We propose that the broad physiological impact of CAs stem from three fundamental actions: promoting H+ buffering, enhancing H+ exchange between buffer systems, and facilitating diffusion. Mathematical modeling can be a powerful tool for: (1) clarifying the complex interdependencies among reaction, diffusion, and protein-mediated components of physiological processes; (2) formulating hypotheses and making predictions to be tested in wet-lab experiments; and (3) inferring data that are impossible to measure.
Evaluation of Reproducible and Transparent Research Practices in Sports Medicine Research: A Cross-sectional study

Abstract Background In recent years, urgency has been placed on the “reproducibility crisis” facing biomedical research. Despite efforts toward improvement, certain elements needed to reproduce a study are often lacking from publications. The current state of reproducibility within the sports medicine research community remains unknown. Purpose Our study sought to evaluate the presence of eight indicators of reproducibility and transparency to determine the current state of research reporting in sports medicine research. Study Design Cross-sectional review Methods Using the National Library of Medicine catalog, we identified 41 MEDLINE-indexed, English language sports medicine journals. From the 41 journals, we randomly sampled 300 publications that were recorded on PubMed as being published between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2018. Two investigators extracted data in duplicate and blinded fashion. Results Of the 300 publications sampled, 280 were accessible and were screened for empirical data. Studies that lack empirical data were excluded from our analysis. Of the remaining 195 with empirical data, 10 (5.13%) publications provided data availability statements, 1 (0.51%) provided a protocol, 0 (0.0%) provided an analysis script, and 9 (4.62%) were pre registered. Conclusion Reproducibility and transparency indicators are lacking in sports medicine publications. The majority of publications lack the necessary resources for reproducibility such as material, data, analysis scripts, or protocol availability. While the current state of reproducibility cannot be fixed overnight, we feel combined efforts of data sharing, open access, and verifying disclosure statements can help to improve overall reporting.
Same-Day Associations Between Substance Use and Medication Nonadherence Among Persons Living with HIV.

Objectives:To examine the same-day associations between substance use and objectively measured antiretroviral therapy (ART) nonadherence among persons living with HIV (PLWH).Methods:PLWH (N = 53) w...
Elucidating the Electronic Structure of High-Spin [MnIII(TPP)Cl] Using Magnetic Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy.

Manganese porphyrins are used as catalysts in the oxidation of olefins and nonactivated hydrocarbons. Key to these reactions are high-valent Mn–(di)oxo species, for which [Mn(Porph)(X)] serve as pr...
AEPR special focus issue: an international view of policy and music teacher professional development

The purpose of this Arts Education Policy Review special issue was to connect international music teacher professional development (PD) policies by theme and draw policy parallels and intersections...
Deep Learning for Joint Image Reconstruction and Segmentation for SAR

We present an approach for joint image reconstruction and foreground-background separation for synthetic aperture radar (SAR) using deep learning (DL). Network structure of the deep model is derived by unwrapping the stages of an iterative algorithm that solves an underlying optimization problem. This leads to physical model based deep network with learned network parameters having meaningful interpretation. Combined image reconstruction and segmentation approach allows joint optimization of both tasks that enhances performance and prevent inadvertent loss of useful information. Numerical results are included to show feasibility of the proposed approach.
Go-To-Market Strategies for Women Entrepreneurs: edited by Victoria L. Crittenden, Emerald Publishing, 2019.

The entrepreneurship literature contains a new contribution – a highly readable monograph comprised 24 short case studies on various topics regarding strategy of women-owned small businesses. Edite...
SAT0135 Association between hepatitis c virus antibody, hepatitis b virus antigen and fibromiyalgia

Background Although Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infections have been associated with several autoantibodies, the relationship between HCV, HBV infections and autoimmun response and autoimmune diseases remains unknown. In the literature there are suspectible results related to antibody positivity against HCV and antigen positivity HBV in cases with fibromiyalgia syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis. Objectives The objective was to determine whether there might be association between HBs-Ag, anti-HCV and fibromyalgia. Methods We determined the prevalence of Anti-HCV, in 51 fibromiyalgia patients, in comparison 35 rheumatoid arthritis patients from the Dicle University Hospital. Results Among 51 patients with fibromyalgia, we detected 10 patients (19.6%) with HBs-Ag and 1 (1.96%) anti-HCV antibody, whereas we found no HBs-Ag and anti-HCV antibody among in all of the rheumatoid arthritis cases. We found statistically significant difference when we compared the HBs-Ag positivity established in fibromiyalgia cases with those in healthy blood donors (which is found to be 4.87% in our region) and cases with rheumatoid arthritis (p 0.05). Conclusion In conclusion, our study suggest that there may exist an association between fibromiyalgia and HBs-Ag. In addition, our data do not support the hypothesis that HCV infection may play a role in the pathogenesis of fibromyalgia.
Using Life-Cycle Models to Identify Monitoring Gaps for Central Valley Spring-Run Chinook Salmon

Author(s): Cordoleani, Flora; Satterthwaite, William H.; Daniels, Miles E.; Johnson, Matthew R. | Abstract: Life cycle models (LCMs) provide a quantitative framework that allows evaluation of how management actions targeting specific life stages can have population-level impacts on a species. The LCM building process is also a powerful tool that can be used to identify data gaps existing in the knowledge of the target species, and that might strongly influence overall population dynamics. LCMs are particularly useful for species such as salmon that are highly migratory and use multiple aquatic ecosystems throughout their life. Furthermore, they are lacking for threatened Central Valley spring-run Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha; CVSC). Here, we developed a CVSC LCM to describe the dynamics of Mill, Deer and Butte Creek CVSC populations. We used model construction, calibration and a global sensitivity analysis to highlight important data gaps in the monitoring of those populations. In particular, we found strong model sensitivity and high uncertainty in various egg, juvenile and adult ocean life stages’ biological processes. We concluded that the current CVSC monitoring network is insufficient to support using a LCM to inform how future management actions (e.g., hydrology and habitat restoration) influence CVSC dynamics. We propose a series of monitoring recommendations, such as the development of an enhanced juvenile tracking monitoring program and the implementation of juvenile trapping efficiency methodology combined with genetic identification tools, to help fill highlighted data gaps. These additional data collection efforts will provide critical quantitative information about the status of this imperiled species at key life stages (e.g., CVSC juvenile abundance estimates), and create a more comprehensive monitoring framework fundamental for working on the recovery of the entire stock. Furthermore, additional data collection will strengthen the LCM parameterization and calibration process, and ultimately improve the model’s predictive performance.
In Utero Maternal Benzene Exposure Predisposes to the Metabolic Imbalance in the Offspring.

Environmental chemicals play a significant role in the development of metabolic disorders, especially when exposure occurs early in life. We have recently demonstrated that benzene exposure, at concentrations relevant to cigarette smoke, induces a severe metabolic imbalance in a sex-specific manner affecting male but not female mice. However, the roles of benzene in the development of aberrant metabolic outcomes following gestational exposure, remain largely unexplored. In this study, we exposed pregnant C57BL/6JB dams to benzene at 50 ppm or filtered air for 6 h/day from gestational day 0.5 (GD0.5) through GD21 and studied male and female offspring metabolic phenotypes in their adult life. While no changes in body weight or body composition were observed between groups, 4-month-old male and female offspring exhibited reduced parameters of energy homeostasis (VO2, VCO2, and heat production). However, only male offspring from benzene-exposed dams were glucose intolerant and insulin resistant at this age. By 6 months of age, both male and female offspring exhibited marked glucose intolerance however, only male offspring developed severe insulin resistance. This effect was accompanied by elevated insulin secretion and increased beta-cell mass only in male offspring. In support, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance, the index of insulin resistance was elevated only in male but not in female offspring. Regardless, both male and female offspring exhibited a considerable increase in hepatic gene expression associated with inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Thus, gestational benzene exposure can predispose offspring to increased susceptibility to the metabolic imbalance in adulthood with differential sensitivity between sexes.
Shoulder Joint Position Sense Can Be Reduced by Sensory Reference Frame Transformations.

Joint position sense (JPS) is commonly evaluated using an angle replication protocol with vision occluded. However, multiple sources of sensory information are integrated when moving limbs accurate...
Influence of Tungsten Nanopowders on Enhancing the Aging Behavior of a Copper–Chromium Alloy

Copper–chromium alloys are a class of high-strength high-conductivity copper alloys. However, limited by the copper–chromium (Cu–Cr) phase diagram, the strength of copper–chromium (Cu–Cr) alloys by precipitation-hardening has reached a certain limit. Suitable nanoparticles incorporating into copper–chromium (Cu–Cr) alloys, i.e., nano-treating, are expected to modify the aging behavior and further improve their properties. In this study, copper–chromium (Cu–Cr) alloy containing tungsten (W) nanoparticles was cast. The aging behavior of the nano-treated Cu-Cr and Cu–Cr counterparts is assessed. Tungsten (W) nanoparticles accelerate the precipitation, leading to a significant reduction in the peak aging time. Besides, the microhardness of the nano-treated copper–chromium (Cu–Cr) is increased over Cu–Cr after 45-min aging. Cold rolling can further enhance the microhardness of the nano-treated copper–chromium (Cu–Cr). Moreover, the nano-treated sample exhibits a much improved thermal stability. Thus, nano-treating the copper–chromium (Cu–Cr) alloy by tungsten (W) nanoparticles is promising to break the limits of current copper–chromium (Cu–Cr) alloys.
Handbook on Gender in Asia: edited by Shirlena Huang and Kanchana N. Ruwanpura, Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar, 2020, 456 pp., £155.00 (hbk), £48.00 (ebook), ISBN: 9781788112901

In Handbook on Gender in Asia, Shirlena Huang and Kanchana N. Ruwanpura bring together a collection of articles that discuss various gender issues in Asia. Their stated aim is to draw academic atte...
Obsolescence: The Intractable Production Problem in Contract Law

Contract law has long suffered from an institutional problem: Which legal institution can best create an efficient law for commercial contracts that can overcome "obsolescence”—the persistence of rules that only solve yesterday’s contracting problems? Until the early 20th century, contract law was largely created by common law courts. The law's default rules were efficient when created and courts updated them as commerce changed. But there were few rules and the common law process is slow. In response, the 20th century saw public and private lawmaking bodies enact commercial statutes in discrete legal areas such as secured credit, commercial paper and bankruptcy. Cohesive interest groups rapidly updated these discrete rules, but the rules, both originally and as changed, served only the interests of the creating groups. Private lawmaking efforts also assumed a generalist portfolio. In the Uniform Commercial Code, they reached beyond specialized fields to the law of sales and then, in the Restatements, to all contracting behavior. But these generalist bodies lack the institutional capacity to update, so many of their rules have not changed with changing commercial practice. Obsolescence is not innocuous: it can induce inefficient contracting practices and encourage parties to behave strategically. The need for a modern general law of commercial contracts remains. Specialized lawmakers are subject to interest group capture and the generalist lawmaking bodies cannot update. Courts have responded better to the obsolescence concern, but they are slow and limited. Hence we suggest a public/private regulatory response to the vexing production problem in contract law.
Rendezvous Under Temporal Uncertainty

ObjectiveThree experiments sought to understand performance limitations in controlling a ship attempting to meet another moving ship that approached from various trajectories. The influence of unce...
Utility maximization with ratchet and drawdown constraints on consumption in incomplete semimartingale markets

This paper studies expected utility maximization under ratchet and drawdown constraints on consumption in a general incomplete semimartingale market using duality methods. The optimization is considered with respect to two parameters: the initial wealth and the essential lower bound on consumption process. In order to state the problem and define the primal domains, we introduce a natural extension of the notion of running maximum to arbitrary non-negative optional processes and study its properties. The dual domains for optimization are characterized in terms of solidity with respect to an ordering that is introduced on the set of non-negative optional processes. The abstract duality result we obtain for the optimization problem is used in order to derive a more specific characterization of solution in case of ratchet constraint in a complete market. The method described in the paper might be useful for other control problems involving running maxima or increasing controls.
Dosimetric Uncertainties in Dominant Intraprostatic Lesion Simultaneous Boost Using Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy

Abstract Purpose While intensity modulated proton therapy can deliver simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) to the dominant intraprostatic lesion (DIL) with high precision, it is sensitive to anatomic changes. We investigated the dosimetric effects from these changes based on pretreatment cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) images and identified the most important factors using a multilayer perceptron neural network (MLPNN). Methods and Materials DILs were contoured based on coregistered multiparametric magnetic resonance images for 25 previously treated prostate cancer patients. SIB plans were created with (1) prostate clinical target volume − V70 Gy = 98%; (2) DIL − V98 Gy > 95%; and (3) all organs at risk (OARs)"?> within clinical constraints. SIB plans were applied to daily CBCT-based deformed planning computed tomography (CT)"?>. DIL − V98 Gy, bladder/rectum maximum dose (Dmax) and volume changes, femur shifts, and the distance from DIL to organs at riskOARs"?> in both planning computed tomogramsCT"?> and CBCT were calculated. Wilcoxon signed-ranks tests were used to compare the changes. MLPNNs were used to model the change in ΔDIL − V98 Gy > 10% and bladder/rectum Dmax > 80 Gy, and the relative importance factors for the model were provided. The performances of the models were evaluated with receiver operating characteristic curves. Results Comparing initial plan to the average from evaluation plans, respectively, DIL − V98 Gy was 89.3% ± 19.9% versus 86.2% ± 21.3% (P = .151); bladder Dmax 71.9 ± 0.6 Gy versus 74.5 ± 2.9 Gy (P 10%, DIL to rectum distance changes, DIL to bladder distance changes, and rectum volume changes ratio are the 3 most important factors. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were 0.89, 1.00, and 0.99 for the modeling of ΔDIL − V98 Gy > 10%, and bladder and rectum Dmax > 80 Gy, respectively. Conclusions Dosimetric changes in DIL SIB with intensity modulated proton therapy can be modeled and classified based on anatomic changes on pretreatment images by an MLPNN.
Biomarkers of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection: specific neutrophil and cytokine levels provide increased accuracy in predicting disease severity

Despite fundamental advances in the research on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) since its initial identification almost 60 years ago, recurring failures in developing vaccines and pharmacologic strategies effective in controlling the infection have allowed RSV to become a leading cause of global infant morbidity and mortality. Indeed, the burden of this infection on families and health care organizations worldwide continues to escalate and its financial costs are growing. Furthermore, strong epidemiologic evidence indicates that early-life lower respiratory tract infections caused by RSV lead to the development of recurrent wheezing and childhood asthma. While some progress has been made in the identification of reliable biomarkers for RSV bronchiolitis, a “one size fits all” biomarker capable of accurately and consistently predicting disease severity and post-acute outcomes has yet to be discovered. Therefore, it is of great importance on a global scale to identify useful biomarkers for this infection that will allow pediatricians to cost-effectively predict the clinical course of the disease, as well as monitor the efficacy of new therapeutic strategies.
A Simplified Method for Analyzing Factors Contributing to Motorcyclists’ Fatal Injuries in Ohio

The aim of this paper was to analyze traffic crash data by using a simplified method in determining significant factors that increase the risk of a motorcyclist being fatally injured once involved in a motorcycle crash in Ohio. The concept of overrepresentation, which is similar to relative risk, was used in identifying significant variables associated with the elevated risk of a motorcycle crash resulting into a fatality. The overrepresentation factor (ORF) was calculated for each variable of interest. The ORF offers a simple but powerful procedure of determining whether a certain factor significantly occurs more or less frequently in one subset than in its complementary subset. The procedure involved determining the magnitude of the overrepresentation by computing the ORF values and determining whether or not the overrepresentation is statistically significant by computing the confidence intervals over ORF values at a 5% alpha level. The results show that being age 65 and over, riding while speeding, riding while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, riding without a helmet, riding at nighttime, being male, and being the operator were statistically significant motorcyclist-related characteristics that elevated the risk of being fatally injured. The significant roadway characteristics included crashes occurring on major roads, on horizontal curves (bends), on graded road segments, and on open roadway segments (non-intersections). Environment conditions such as dark with light or dark with no light and when the weather condition was cloudy had significant effects of increasing the chances of motorcyclists' fatal injuries once they get involved in traffic crashes. Moreover, crashes occurring on Saturdays pose significantly higher risks of fatalities when compared with other days of the week. In terms of crash type characteristics, a motorcyclist had elevated risks of being fatally injured when involved in single-vehicle crashes especially running off-the-road, crossing the median/centerline, and hitting a curb. Head-on and angle collisions in multivehicle crashes were significant causes of fatal injuries. The overrepresentation method was able to correctly identify similar fatal risk factors that were identified in previous studies that used more advanced and rigorous methods. Language: en
Early prediction of antiepidermal growth factor receptor therapy with 18[F]FDG-PET: A preclinical and clinical correlation.

AACR Centennial Conference: Translational Cancer Medicine-- Nov 4-8, 2007; Singapore B35 Background. The ability to predict response to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapy is pivotal to individualized cancer treatment. We hypothesized that early changes in 18[F]FDG tumor uptake predicts response to anti-EGFR therapy. We investigated this question in a mice model and correlated these findings in human patients undergoing anti-EGFR therapy. Methods. Mice bearing erlotinib-resistant (Hep2) and -sensitive (Cal27) head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) xenografts were treated with vehicle or erlotinib for 3 weeks. Uptake of 18[F]FDG were imaged with small animal micro-PET at baseline and after 1 week of therapy, and reported in SUVmax. For clinical correlation, human patients with HNSCC receiving erlotinib were identified from an ongoing clinical trial. Clinical 18[F]FDG-PET images were obtained at baseline and after 2 weeks of erlotinib monotherapy. Both xenograft and human tumor specimens were obtained at baseline and when follow-up PET scans were performed. A panel of pharmacodynamic markers (including Ki-67 and pMAPK) were assessed. Results. The Hep2 xenografts were resistant to erlotinib (Tumor/Control ratio [T/C]: 0.8) and Cal27 was sensitive (T/C: 0.2). In the resistant Hep2 xenografts, the SUVmax increased significantly from baseline after treatment and was not significantly different from the control tumors (86% of control; +/- 70%). In the sensitive Cal27 xenografts, the SUVmax remained stable from baseline and was significantly lower than control (-2% of control; +/-7%). Ki-67 in the treated Hep2 was not significantly different from control while that in Cal27 was <50% of control. In the clinical cases, the ki-67 score was higher after 2 weeks from baseline in the patient resistant to erlotinib monotherapy by 18[F]FDG-PET (SUVmax increased by 14%; +/- 11%) while the proliferative index was lower than baseline in the patient who was 18[F]FDG-PET sensitive (SUVmax decreased by 56%; +/- 13%). pMAPK decreased after 2 weeks of erlotinib therapy in all cases and had a poor correlation with efficacy. Conclusions. Early dynamic changes in 18[F]FDG tumor uptake is predictive of response to anti-EGFR therapy and correlates with changes in ki-67 expression, both in a preclinical and a clinical scenario. This study demonstrated the feasibility and provides the rationale for the use of small animal FDG-PET imaging in the development of targeted agents and individualized therapy.
Model-Prototype Comparision of Free Surface Vortices

A Comparison between model and prototype observations of vortex intensity is used to investigate potential scale effects of modeling free surface vortices. Due to the inherent difficulty with field observations, a reasonably large number of such comparisons are needed prior to reaching conclusions. To this end, a survey of available model-prototype data is made and presented in summary form for a variety of intake types. Based on this comparison summary, and referring to previously published research on this subject, some scale effects may exist when modeling air core vortices, and some increase in model flow may compensate for such effects. Little or no scale effect is evident for weak vortices or dimples. Recommendations are made for conducting model tests.
Reliability considerations and radiation testing of memristor devices

Resistive random access memories (RRAM) can be made of a variety of materials, including metal oxides and metal-doped chalcogenides, that exhibit memristive behavior. RRAMs have been identified as a leading candidate to replace flash memory and may also be suitable as replacements for other types of memory, including DRAM and SRAM. When sandwiched between two electrodes, specially grown thin films can be switched with applied bias between a high (off ) and a low resistance (on) state. Since 2007, these devices have been considered as candidates for space applications due to their device properties. There is a high density of inherent defects in the as-fabricated devices, which is likely to contribute to their tolerance to displacement damage. In addition, the nanometer length scale of the active device layers allows the devices to dissipate the charge deposited from ionizing dose. However, the testing of devices over several different radiation studies has revealed potential reliability concerns, including device to device variation, device sensitivity to measurements and physical device changes that occur with cycling between states. In this paper, we will discuss these concerns and present initial results of biased radiation testing of TaO x and TiO 2 devices with ionizing radiation.
Reconstitution of β2-adrenoceptor−GTP-binding-protein interaction in Sf9 cells

In most studies, coupling of the beta2-adrenoceptor (beta2AR) to the stimulatory, heterotrimeric GTP-binding protein of adenylyl cyclase the (Gs) is studied indirectly by measuring adenylyl cyclase activation. The aim of this study was to establish a model system in which beta2AR-Gs interactions can be studied directly at the level of the G-protein. We expressed the beta2AR alone, in combination with the alpha-subunit of Gs (G(s alpha)), and as fusion protein with G(s alpha) (beta2AR-G(s alpha)) in Sf9 insect cells. The beta2AR expressed alone couples poorly to the endogenous G(s alpha)-like G-protein of Sf9 cells since no high-affinity agonist binding could be detected, and the effects of agonist and inverse agonist on adenylyl cyclase, high-affinity GTPase and guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP[S]) binding were small. Beta2AR-G(s alpha) reconstituted high-affinity agonist binding and regulated adenylyl cyclase more effectively than the beta2AR co-expressed with a large excess of G(s alpha). In membranes expressing beta2AR-G(s alpha), highly effective agonist- and inverse agonist regulation of high-affinity GTP hydrolysis and GTP[S] binding was observed. In contrast, agonist and inverse agonist regulation of GTP hydrolysis and GTP[S] binding in membranes expressing beta2AR and G(s alpha) as separate proteins was difficult to detect. Our data show that the beta2AR interacts with G(s alpha) more efficiently when expressed as a fusion protein than when expressed with an excess of non-fused G(s alpha). The beta2AR-G(s alpha) fusion protein provides a very sensitive model system to study the regulation of Gs function by beta2AR agonists and inverse agonists directly at the level of the G-protein.
Microbial Metabolites as Potentially useful Pharmacologically active Agents

Publisher Summary The continuing successes of microbiologists and chemists in finding—among microbial metabolites—clinically useful antibiotics have stimulated a renewed interest in screening the cultures for antibiotic production. These promising research programs, together with the complete chemical characterization of over 500 antibiotics, has convinced many chemists that microbial metabolites constitute an inexhaustable untapped reservoir of some new types of interesting chemical structures. The studies of microbial metabolites for pharmacological activity have often been found to be the by-products of programs meant for studying these compounds for other therapeutic effects, and because the interest has usually involved negative attributes—for example, toxicity—it is not surprising that most of the observations have not been encouraging with regard to discovering useful pharmacological agents. The techniques that are being used are intellectually of high stature, and there is no doubt that much interesting chemistry will emerge. From a biological point of view, it is perhaps permissible, to question the relevance of this chemical approach. However, the demonstrated advantages of semisynthetic penicillins, cephalosporins, tetracyclines, lincomycins, and rifamycins have encouraged many chemists to try to prepare, by chemical modifications of the natural product, improved chemotherapeutic agents. These studies have led to a better understanding of the chemical structure/biological activity relationships in certain antibiotics.
Retinol-binding protein in the baboon (Papio anubis) uterus: immunohistochemical characterization and gene expression.

Retinols and retinoic acid (vitamin A) are essential for embryonic development; they are transported in circulation bound to retinol-binding protein (RBP). RBP has been shown to be synthesized in extrahepatic sites, i.e., the progestational uterus and concepti of pig, sheep, and cows. This study was undertaken to determine whether RBP is also synthesized by the primate reproductive tract. Uterine tissues were obtained from mature female baboons during the follicular and luteal stages of the menstrual cycle, after steroid (estrogen +/- progesterone) treatment of ovariectomized baboons and between Days 18 and 32 of pregnancy. Portions of the uterine tissues were either fixed in Bouin's fixative and embedded in paraffin, subjected to explant culture, or immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen for RNA isolation. Our studies indicate that RBP is present in the uterine glandular epithelium of the baboon during the late luteal stages of the menstrual cycle. Steroid hormone treatment of ovariectomized female baboons confirmed that both transcription and translation of uterine RBP is under progestational control. When uterine and placental tissues from pregnant baboons were analyzed between Days 18 and 32 of pregnancy, it was apparent that immunoreactive RBP increased in the mid and basal glands initially, but by Day 32 all of the glands stained positively. In contrast, the mRNA levels peaked at Day 25, and RBP message was more highly expressed in the basalis region of the uterus compared to the functionalis. Immunoreactivity for RBP was higher at the implantation site compared to the nonimplantation site. Neither RBP protein nor message was detectable in the baboon conceptus/placenta.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Antagonism of detomidine with tolazoline in isoflurane-anaesthetised ponies

SUMMARY The effects of tolazoline (4.0 mg/kg iv) antagonism of detomidine (0.02 mg/kg iv) were evaluated in isoflurane-anaesthetised, ventilated ponies. Each of 6 ponies received both tolazoline and saline treatment during separate anaesthetic episodes only (no surgery was performed). Detomidine administration produced an increase in blood pressure, decrease in heart rate and decrease in P a O 2 Tolazoline treatment transiently increased heart rate while blood pressure returned to baseline after both treatments. Arterial oxygenation decreased further after tolazoline treatment while oxgenation recovered towards baseline with saline treatment. No other cardiopulmonary effects were detected. Recovery from anaesthesia tended to be more rapid when detomidine was antagonized. The potential benefit of antagonizing detomidine-induced bradycardia with tolazoline, during isoflurane anaesthesia should be weighed against the potential to produce a decrease in arterial oxygenation. The mechanism for this effect is not clear.
A comparison of negative practice and systematic desensitization in the treatment of acrophobia

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a symptom scheduling technique in reducing excessive fear. Acrophobic subjects were randomly assigned to one of three treatment conditions (negative practice, desensitization, and relaxation only) or to a waiting list control. Results from four self-report measures and a behavioral measure indicated that negative practice and desensitization were comparably effective. The relaxation only treatment was generally less effective, but did produce some improvement. It was concluded that symptom scheduling can be an effective treatment for acrophobia, and that these results are likely to generalize to clinical populations.
A class of semigroups having almost trivial multiplications

In this note we completely describe the structure of algebraic semigroups S with Sx=S or Sx degenerate and xS=S or xS degenerate for each x∈S. We then apply our results in characterizing the separately continuous multiplications on a topological space whose only self-maps are either surjective or have degenerate image. In particular, we find that any locally compact Hausdorff space with this property can admit only trivial separately continuous multiplications. Examples of spaces satisfying this property are certain continua discovered by H. Cook [1]. The authors are indebted to Karl H. Hofmann and James T. Rogers for conversations elucidating the topological implications of Theorem 1.
The Mutarotation of Fructose and the Invertase Hydrolysis of Sucrose

Abstract Studies by GLC and GLC/MS of the mutarotation of fructose in water have been made to determine equilibrium composition as a function of temperature. The major components are β-fructo-pyranose, β-fructofuranose and α-fructofuranose in agreement with studies in the literature. There are small amounts of the α-fructopyranose and the open-chain ketone form. The major change during mutarotation is the ring size change for β-fructopyranose → β-fructofuranose, but other changes contribute. For this reason, polarimetric rate studies of this system as a simple first-order equilibrium process are not valid. Hydrolysis of sucrose catalyzed by invertase has been accomplished to the extent of 99% in 1 min. The mutarotation of glucose and fructose were then studied without the complication of further production of the products from sucrose. The enzymatic cleavage is stereo-specific to provide retained configuration in α-glucopyranose and β-fructofuranose which each mutarotate to equilibrium. The mutarotation l...
A hybrid Authentication and authorization process for control system networks

This paper presents a new authentication protocol for control systems that draws from Extensible Authentication Protocol and Kerberos. Traditional authentication schemes do not meet control system requirements of very high availability, failsafe operation, noninterruption of devices and networks, and resilience to loss of connectivity. Our hybrid protocol meets the requirements and provides device-to-device authentication both within a remote station and between remote stations and control centers.
In response to "discharge against medical advice: how often do we intervene?".

We believe medications can safely be prescribed tomost patients who leave against medical advice(AMA), and that follow-up should be offered to mostif not all such patients. Why should we do this? Con-sider a wheezing asthma patient who leaves AMA.She or he is probably more likely to return to theemergency department (somewhere) or be readmitted(somewhere) and cost more money (to the system)than if given an inhaler and steroid taper.Dr. Querques et al. suggest that doctors shouldpotentially not prescribe and should not offer follow-upto certain patients who want to leave AMA, particu-larly those who show disinterest in heeding the doctor’sadvice and have already demonstrated a lack of adher-ence. How should doctors make those judgments?Patients leave AMA for a variety of reasons: for exam-ple to avoid cost, because they feel better, or poor com-munication. Certainly, not all patients who want toleave AMA are categorically nonadherent. Conversely,up to 50% of all continuity patients are not fully adher-ent to the lifestyle changes and medications their physi-cians prescribe,
Inelastic scattering of a pulsed electron beam from a molecular wave packet

Abstract We present a theory for the scattering of a short electron pulse from a molecular wave packet. We focus on the transition between two electronic states and show how transition probabilities as a function of internal nuclear positions can be obtained. Also, a pulsed electron beam can be used to control the transition probabilities to different electronic levels. We demonstrate the validity of the theory by comparing to a direct numerical solution of Schrodinger's equation in a model system.