cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Suicidal ideation in patients with cancer: A systematic review of prevalence, risk factors, intervention and assessment.

ObjectivesSuicidal ideation (SI) underlies risk of death by suicide. It is well established that patients with cancer are at increased risk of death by suicide. Therefore, understanding SI in patients with cancer is critically important. The goal of this systematic review was to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, intervention, and assessment of SI in patients with cancer.MethodsThis systematic review was registered with the PROSPERO database (CRD42018115405) and was guided by the PRISMA statement. We searched Medline, PsycInfo, Embase, CINAHL, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Cochrane Central. Two reviewers independently screened abstracts and assessed for quality assurance using a revised Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.ResultsWe identified 439 studies to screen for eligibility. Eligible studies included adults with cancer diagnoses and listed SI as an outcome. Ultimately, 44 studies were included in the analyses. Prevalence of SI ranged greatly from 0.7% to 46.3%. Single items drawn from validated measures were the most frequent method of assessing SI (n = 20, 45.5%); additional methods included validated measures and psychological interviews. Commonly identified risk factors for SI included age, sex, and disease/treatment-related characteristics, as well as psychological constructs including depression, anxiety, hopelessness, existential distress, and social support.Significance of ResultsAssessment of SI in patients with cancer is the concern of researchers worldwide. Prevalence of SI varied with study population and was likely influenced by the method of assessment. Psychological distress consistently predicted SI. Increasing awareness of demographic, clinical, and psychological associations is critical for risk assessment and intervention development.
Dynamic Homogenization of a Chain with Bistable Springs. Statistical Approach

We study the problem of dynamic homogenization, replacing a high-frequency vibrating mass-spring chain with a single nonlinear spring and determine its time-averaged elastic characteristics. A mass-spring chain of n equal non-monotonic bistable springs that join equal small masses is considered. The potential energy of each spring is a nonconvex two-well function V(U) with two local minima that correspond to equilibrium positions (a long and a short mode). The kinetic energy Q defines the intensity of the oscillations. Each spring may oscillate around either long or short equilibria; the total elongation U of the chain is not uniquely defined. The minimal potential energy of the homogenized static chain corresponds to the Maxwell line and is equal to the convex envelope \(\mathcal{C}V(U)\) of the two-well potential energy V(U) of a single spring. Here, we describe a family of homogenized energies \(\mathcal{D}V(U, Q)\) of a vibrating chain; they depend on the kinetic energy Q. We treat the phase of each spring as a random variable; using the Central Limit Theorem, we find the homogenized behavior of the chain. We derive formulas for average elongation versus force dependence, and we show it is strictly monotonic and tends to the Maxwell line when kinetic energy is low. Numerical simulations validate our model. The results generalize the Maxwell rule to the dynamic chain.
Cardiovascular disease risk and the time to insulin initiation for Medicaid enrollees with type 2 diabetes.

Abstract Aims We evaluated the relationship between the timing of insulin initiation and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) risk in Pennsylvania Medicaid enrollees with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods We included 17,873 enrollees (age 47.4 ± 10.3 years; range 18–64 years) initially treated with non-insulin glucose-lowering agents (GLAs) in 2008–2016. Based on clinical guidelines, we identified early (N = 1,158; 6%; insulin initiation ≤ 6 months after first-line GLAs), in-time (N = 569; 3%; 6–12 months), delayed (N = 2,761; 15%; >12 months), and non-insulin users (N = 13,385; 75%). The Prentice-Williams-Peterson (PWP) models with inverse probability weighting estimated CVD risk across the four groups and the change in risk after insulin initiation. Results Regardless of time to insulin initiation, insulin users had higher CVD risks after first-line GLAs than non-insulin users (aHR: early: 2.0 [1.5–2.5], in-time: 1.8 [1.2–2.6], delayed: 1.9 [1.6–2.3]). However, we found only a borderline increase in CVD risk after insulin initiation vs. before in early (aHR: 1.4 [1.1–1.8]) and delayed users (aHR: 1.3 [1.0–1.7]), and no increase in in-time users (aHR: 1.3 [0.9–2.0]). Conclusions We observed no gains in CVD benefits from insulin initiation in the early stages of pharmacotherapy possibly because CVD developed before insulin initiation. Additional management of hypertension and dyslipidemia may be important to reduce CVD risk in this young and middle-aged T2D cohort.
Solution-Processed Copper Telluride Nanowire Thin Film as a Back-Buffer Layer to Cadmium Telluride Solar Cells

Here, we report the application of copper telluride (Cu 7 Te 4 ) nanowires (NWs) as an interfacial layer to cadmium telluride (CdTe) photovoltaics. The Cu 7 Te 4 NWs were synthesized utilizing a hot injection colloidal method and characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and elemental analysis. As the interfacial layer was introduced, the device efficiency was improved mainly due to the improvement in open-circuit voltage (V OC ) of the device. The highest V OC observed for CdS/CdTe solar cells is 857 mV with device efficiency of 14.2%.
A Hauntology for Everyday Life

This chapter outlines the basic objectives of the book and highlights the general theoretical grounds on which the book develops its central argument that all human experience is fundamentally haunted. The primary points of reference include psychoanalytic theory, specifically Jacques Lacan’s object relational theory of ego development and his reading and expansion of Freud’s theory of the psychic apparatus and its dynamics; along with the Hegelian ontology of the negative and its later modifications by twentieth-century philosophers such as Heidegger and Derrida; and the semiotics of difference introduced by Saussure and worked by Jakobson and others. Whereas ontology can be read as an attempt to exorcise “reality as such” from the ambiguities that irreducibly haunt human experience of reality, hauntology is described here as an evocation that seeks not to exorcise, but simply to recognize and address the endless ghosts that are created by the very act of human perception and cognition, and hence subjective experience. Finally, hauntology is outlined here as a mode of understanding power and its working in ways fundamentally different from historical, archaeological, or even a Foucauldian genealogical modality, in that instead of attempting to establish that which was, hauntological analysis seeks to recognize—to allow to come forward, to speak—that which had been to be but was not, that which could have been, the future that hailed the past but was forced to disappear from its horizon.
Signal Transduction through cAMP and cGMP

Cells respond to hormones, neurotransmitters and other agents in two opposing ways. These are referred to as amplification (enhancement) and adaptation (diminution) (1). Amplification enables an organism or cell to respond to a very faint signal such as a low blood hormone concentration. Adaptation prevents constant background stimulation, or excessive stimulation, of a pathway. The cAMP cascade system illustrates two different kinds of amplification: the first is magnitude amplification, which is an increase in output molecules in greater numbers than input molecules; and the second is sensitivity amplification, which is a greater percentage increase in ouput than the percentage increase in input. An example of magnitude amplification would be the production of 100 cAMP molecules from 1 active molecule of adenylate cyclase, and sensitivity amplification could be an increase in cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity of 200% by 100% increase in cAMP. Both kinds of amplification can occur at each step of a cascade, although the overall magnification in a cascade can also be calculated. For example, the overall magnitude amplification for glucagon stimulation of glycogen breakdown in the liver is represented by the number of glucose molecules produced divided by the number of glucagon molecules added, and can be greater than 10,000.
Bisphosphonate use in children with pediatric osteoporosis and other bone conditions

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are used most commonly in children with osteogenesis imperfecta, resulting in increased tra- beculae and cortical thickness, increased bone density as measured by DXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry), and improved vertebral morphology. Less well documented in controlled trials are decrease in long bone fractures, improved strength and motor function, and decreased pain (1). Outside of children with osteogenesis imperfecta, use of bisphosphonates in children is increasing, all of which is off-label. This is seen in children with other chronic conditions resulting in pediatric osteoporosis and insufficiency fractures. Additional indications include steroid dependency with progressive loss of bone density, avascular necrosis of bone, and chronic regional pain syndrome. This review highlights the potential benefits and risks of the use of bisphosphonates in these unique children at risk for fracture or bone collapse.
Cytochalasin B-induced multinucleation of murine sarcoma virus-transformed cells. Inhibition by sodium butyrate.

Abstract Normal rat kidney (NRK) cells underwent only one nuclear division in the presence of 1–3 μg/ml cytochalasin B (CB), an inhibitor of cytoplasmic cleavage. In contrast, NRK cells transformed by murine sarcoma virus (MSV-NRK cells) became multinucleated when treated with CB. Sodium butyrate (2 mM), which induces striking morphological changes in MSV-NRK cells, prevents CB-induced multinucleation in these cells. Dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate (db-cAMP) also restores limited nuclear division to CB-treated MSV-NRK cells, but 8-bromo-cAMP does not. CB was found to selectively inhibit DNA synthesis in MSV-NRK cells grown in medium supplemented with 2 mM butyrate, but not in control MSV-NRK cells. This inhibition of DNA synthesis could account for the limitation of nuclear division by sodium butyrate.
A General Design for Energy Test Procedures

Appliances are increasingly controlled by microprocessors. Unfortunately, energy test procedures have not been modified to capture the positive and negative contributions of the microprocessor to the appliance's energy use. A new test procedure is described which captures both the mechanical and logical features present in many new appliances. We developed an energy test procedure for refrigerators that incorporates most aspects of the proposed new approach. Some of the strengths and weaknesses of the new test are described.
Differential effect of dopamine catabolism and uptake inhibition on dopamine-induced calcium dysregulation and viability loss.

Abstract The present study was aimed at evaluating of the effects of dopamine (DA) toxicity on PC12 cells’ calcium homeostasis, cellular viability, and free radical levels. Moreover, the effect of receptor inhibition, and DA metabolism and reuptake antagonism on all parameters was also evaluated. Acute treatment with DA impaired the ability of PC12 cells to buffer excess calcium after K+-depolarization, decreased cellular viability by approximately 35%, and increased free radical levels by about 10% in a dose dependent manner. Pretreatment with both active and inactive pargyl monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOi) protected PC12 cells from DA toxicity on cellular viability and free radical levels, regardless of the presence or absence of their target enzymes in PC12 cells. These results suggest a lack of specific involvement of DA metabolism by MAO in dopamine’s effects on cellular viability and production of free radicals. However, DA-induced dysregulation of calcium homeostasis seems to be more specifically mediated by DA metabolism by MAO. Results indicate that, in order for toxicity to occur the DA must be taken up into the cells. DA receptors do not mediate dopamine cytoxicity, and the D2 receptor plays a modest role in DA-induced calcium dysregulation and generation of free radicals. Moreover, DA-induced cell viability loss is not mediated by calcium, nor by caspase-3 enzyme, but is prevented by inhibition of mitochondrial permeability transition pores.
Average outage duration of interference-limited wireless communication systems

This paper relies on a characteristic function based approach to compute the level crossing rate and average outage duration of interference-limited wireless communication systems. The analytical results are quite general and are applicable to systems in which users are subject to nonidentically distributed Rician fading. These results are confirmed by Monte Carlo simulations and some numerical examples are discussed and interpreted.
Identification and characterization of plasmids from the western aster yellows mycoplasmalike organism.

Abstract Supercoiled double-stranded DNA molecules (plasmids) were isolated from plants infected with three laboratory strains of western aster yellows mycoplasma-like organism (AY-MLO) by using cesium chloride-ethidium bromide density gradients. Southern blot analysis, using plasmids from the severe strain of AY-MLO (SAY-MLO) as the probe, identified at least four plasmids in celery, aster, and periwinkle plants and in Macrosteles severini leafhopper vectors infected with either the dwarf AY-MLO, Tulelake AY-MLO, or SAY-MLO strain. Plasmids were also detected in two California field isolates of AY-MLO but not in plants infected with the beet leafhopper-transmitted virescence agent, western X, or elm yellows MLOs. SAY-MLO plasmids were 5.2, 4.9, 3.4, and 1.7 kilobase pairs in size. Plasmids isolated from dwarf AY- and Tulelake AY-MLOs were 7.4, 5.1, 3.5, and 1.7 kilobase pairs in size. No evidence was obtained for integration of SAY-MLO plasmids into the MLO chromosome.
Processes, Relations, and Relational‐Developmental‐Systems

Any science, including developmental science, functions within a broad set of concepts that generally go unnoticed during day to day research activities. These background ideas constitute the conceptual framework or context within which day-to-day research activities operate. A conceptual framework that has until recently dominated virtually all of science has been termed the Cartesian-Split-Mechanistic scientific research paradigm. In a number of scientific fields, including developmental science the inadequacies of this paradigm have become crystal clear, and new data has increasingly been highlighting these inadequacies. In this chapter this research paradigm is compared and contrasted with a newly emerged alternative scientific research paradigm termed the Process-Relational and Relational-Developmental-Systems paradigm. It has been said that science is taking a relational turn. This chapter explores the nature of this turn, and its implications for theory and methods, especially in developmental science. Keywords: action; contextualism; developmental change; embodiment; emergence; epigenesis; epistemology; holistic; intraindividual change; metatheory; ontology; organicism; paradigm; Process; Process-Relational; Relational-Developmental-Systems relation; scientific research paradigm; self-creating; self-organizing; transformational change; variational change
Characterization of Fiber-Matrix Interface Degradation in a Metal Matrix Composite

The fracture and failure of fiber-reinforced composites are known to be strongly influenced by the properties of the fiber-matrix interface zone. Since these properties may be altered during processing, or may suffer degradation during service, the quality control of interface zones through nondestructive evaluation techniques is highly desirable. The overall properties of fiber-reinforced composites are related to their microstructure. In particular, the velocity of the average waves that can be transmitted in these materials depends on the elastic moduli and the densities of the constituents as well as the properties of the fiber-matrix interface. Thus, the interface conditions can, in principle, be determined from the measurement and analysis of wavespeeds in these materials. However, in practice, this is not a straightforward exercise due to the fact that the relationship between the overall and microstructural properties of a composite are in general nonlinear and thus may lead to an amplification of measurement errors. It is nevertheless extremely important to develop the capability to monitor the integrity of the fiber-matrix interface, especially in high temperature applications where the composites must operate in harsh environments.
Fiscal Policy and Long-run Growth in R&D-based Models with Endogenous Market Structure

This paper shows that in a model of endogenous growth that does not exhibit the scale effect, taxes on consumption and labor income and the level and composition of public expenditure have no effect on steady-state growth. The only fiscal instruments that affect steady-state growth are taxes on asset and corporate income. In line with standard intuition, tax rates and public expenditure have level effects on income per capita. These results emphasize that although growth is endogenous, in the sense that it is determined by the model and it is subject to policy action, instruments that work by changing market size do not affect it. Effective growth-enhancing policies operate through the interest rate.
NUTRIENT RECYCLING AND HERBIVORY AS MECHANISMS IN THE “TOP–DOWN” EFFECT OF FISH ON ALGAE IN LAKES

In lakes, top predators (fish) often influence the abundance of primary producers (phytoplankton) through food web interactions: phytoplankton biomass is often greater when planktivorous fish are abundant than when they are rare, and phytoplankton community structure is often affected by fish. Three mechanisms can account for these “top–down” effects of fish: decreased herbivory by zooplankton when fish biomass is high; modification of nutrient recycling rates by the herbivorous zooplankton assemblage as fish biomass varies; and nutrient recycling by fish. These processes were experimentally separated and their relative importance quantified in Tuesday Lake, Michigan. This was accomplished by manipulating the abundance of planktivorous fish or zooplankton in enclosures containing natural phytoplankton communities, and by incubating phytoplankton in nutrient-permeable chambers (which excluded herbivores) placed inside these enclosures. In large enclosures with all trophic levels, several phytoplankton taxa and total phytoplankton biomass showed increased abundance in the presence of fish compared to enclosures without fish. Several taxa also showed significantly greater abundance in nutrient-permeable chambers incubated in enclosures with fish than in chambers incubated in enclosures without fish. The latter result indicates that some phytoplankton taxa respond to fish even when separated from direct herbivory but exposed to nutrients recycled by consumers. Thus, consumer-mediated nutrient recycling had strong effects on phytoplankton community dynamics and could partly explain the “top–down” effects of fish. Most phytoplankton taxa responded to consumer-mediated nutrient recycling, especially dinoflagellates and chrysophytes. In separate enclosures, phytoplankton were exposed to contrasting zooplankton assemblages shaped by fish predation but without fish being present. The response of phytoplankton was not as strong as in the case of fish manipulations. Furthermore, the community-level response of phytoplankton was weaker in nutrient-permeable chambers placed in these enclosures than in chambers incubated in enclosures with fish. Nutrient limitation assays showed that manipulation of fish decreased phosphorus limitation of phytoplankton, while direct manipulation of zooplankton had no effect on phosphorus limitation. These results provide experimental evidence that food web effects on nutrient recycling are important in controlling phytoplankton community dynamics. Results also suggest that some of these effects are expressed via direct recycling of nutrients by fish, as well as by fish-induced effects on nutrient recycling by herbivores. Nutrient-mediated effects of top predators on primary producers should be incorporated into future models of “top–down” control of food web dynamics.
Serotonin-induced depolarization of rat facial motoneurons in vivo: Comparison with amino acid transmitters

Summary Intracellular recordings were obtained from facial motoneurons in anesthetized rats. The effects of iontophoretically applied serotonin were compared to those of the excitatory amino acids glutamate and dl -homocytesis acid (DLH), and the inhibitory amino acids, glycine, GABA and muscimol, under various conditions of membrane polarization and intracellular chloride concentration. Iontophoretically applied serotonin caused a depolarization of facial motoneurons which was accompanied by increased input resistance and increased neuronal excitability. Experiments comparing the response to serotonin with those of glycine, GABA, and muscimol demonstrated that the serotonin effect does not involve changes in membrane conductance to chloride. Comparisons of serotonin with glutamate and DLH at varying levels of membrane hyperpolarization indicated that the serotonin-induced depolarization is not caused by increased conductance to sodium or calcium, and differs in its underlying ionic mechanism from depolarizations induced by glutamate and DLH. Results were consistent with the hypothesis that serotonin causes depolarizations, increased input resistance, and increased excitability in rat facial motoneurons by decreasing resting membrane conductance to potassium ions. Such changes in motoneurons in the brain stem and spinal cord probably account for some of the physiological and behavioral effects observed during pharmacological activation of serotonin receptors.
Ofdm Systems for Wireless Communications

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) systems are widely used in the standards for digital audio/video broadcasting, WiFi and WiMax. Being a frequency-domain approach to communications, OFDM has important advantages in dealing with the frequency-selective nature of high data rate wireless communication channels. As the needs for operating with higher data rates become more pressing, OFDM systems have emerged as an effective physical-layer solution. This short monograph is intended as a tutorial which highlights the deleterious aspects of the wireless channel and presents why OFDM is a good choice as a modulation that can transmit at high data rates. The system-level approach we shall pursue will also point out the disadvantages of OFDM systems especially in the context of peak to average ratio, and carrier frequency synchronization. Finally, simulation of OFDM systems will be given due prominence. Simple MATLAB programs are provided for bit error rate simulation using a discrete-time OFDM representation. Software is also provided to simulate the effects of inter-block-interference, inter-carrier-interference and signal clipping on the error rate performance. Different components of the OFDM system are described, and detailed implementation notes are provided for the programs. The program can be downloaded here. Table of Contents: Introduction / Modeling Wireless Channels / Baseband OFDM System / Carrier Frequency Offset / Peak to Average Power Ratio / Simulation of the Performance of OFDM Systems / Conclusions
In vitro evaluation of five commercially available perfusion systems

An in vitro experiment was designed to examine and compare pump durability and stability, and hematologic derangements induced by four centrifugal pumps and one roller pump on fresh, unpooled citrated bovine blood. Pumps tested included St. Jude Medical Lifestream (n=7), Medtronic Bio-Pump® (n=7) and Carmeda Bio-Pump® (n=7), Sarns (n=7) centrifugal pump, and Sarns roller pump (n=7). Identical circuits consisted of equal inflow and outflow lengths of 3/8″ tubing connecting a 1 liter (L) reservoir to a pump head or roller region. Pump flow was controlled at 4.5 ± 0.3 L/min. All circuits (0.1 L lactated Ringer's solution prime + 1 L blood) were tested for 24 h. Blood samples were drawn hourly for hours 1–6, every other hour for hours 8–12, and then at hour 24. Parameters monitored included pH, fibrinogen, plasma free hemoglobin (free Hb), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and platelet counts. Over the 24-h period, platelet counts decreased similarly among the perfusion systems. Free Hb and LDH rose significantly with the Sarns roller and centrifugal pumps after five hours of pumping. No significant changes in fibrinogen or pH were detected. Pump speed required to maintain flow with the Bio-pumps was significantly faster than with the Sarns and St. Jude Medical pumps. The authors conclude that these perfusion systems function reliably and satisfactorily during the first 4 h in an in vitro circuit. All centrifugal pumps were less hostile to red blood cells than the roller pump. Under these experimental conditions, the Sarns centrifugal pump caused more hemolysis than the other three centrifugal systems tested. There was no apparent advantage to the Carmeda Bio-Pump (heparin bonded) circuit in this trial.
On the influence of coarsening on microsegregation

An analytical treatment of the influence of coarsening by ripening on microsegregation is presented. Comparison of results from the model with data on Al-4.5 wt pct Cu and Sn-Bi alloys indicates that an overestimation of the reduction in microsegregation results if it is assumed that ripening proceeds throughout the solidification range. This is attributed to the changing nature of coarsening processes, in which coalescence processes predominate over ripening at higher volume fractions solid.
Potentiation of d-tubocurarine (d-Tc) neuromuscular blockade in cats by lithium chloride.

Abstract I.v. infusion of LiCl at 1.0 mEq/0.25 ml/min produced significant decrease in plasma Na + from 158 ± 4.5 mEq/l ( p 2+ from 7.8 ± 0.34 to 6.8 ±0.24 mg % ( p + . No significant changes in plasma electrolytes were observed on infusion of NaCl. The d-Tc induced neuromuscular blockade in LiCl infused animals was significantly greater than that in NaCl infused ones.
Expectancy factors in behavioral observation

One hundred and twenty-five undergraduate students, selected on the basis of their competency in making behavioral observations, were given differential expectations concerning the trait-state of a child observee. Then they viewed video tape recordings of that child, making time sample behavior recordings of six categories simultaneously. In addition, subjects completed post-experimental questionnaires with regard to their subjective impressions of the child observee. The subjective impressions differed significantly across expectation groups while the behavioral records did not. It was suggested that differential expectations for aggression and hyperactivity were internalized as a single pathology dimension. Although subjects apparently held differential expectations concerning the trait-state of the observee, their objective recordings of that observee's behavior were not influenced in any noticeable manner.
Effects of KrF laser radiation on fused-silica glass: a comparison of samples exposed in air vs vacuum

High-purity synthetic fused silica glass is known to undergo changes in optical properties during high repetition rate KrF laser exposures. (Results of studies on six glass types irradiated in air are summarized elsewhere at this symposium.) We have also irradiated several samples in vacuum (248 nm, 300 Hz, (Phi) equals 400 mJ/cm2). Transmission at 248 nm, transmission at 210 nm, fluorescence at 650 nm, and vacuum cell pressure were monitored in real time. Although bulk outgassing is expected to be very slow at room temperature, our results indicate that the vacuum environment does affect the interior of the sample. Furthermore, a curious irradiation effect on the transmission of the CaF2 windows used on the vacuum cell is discussed.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
From Single Molecules to Living Cells: Nanomechanical Measurements of Cell Adhesion

This review highlights complementary force probe techniques and illustrates how these approaches provide different, but complementary insight into molecular mechanisms of cell adhesion. As a model system, we focus on classical cadherins, which mediate cell–cell adhesion in all solid tissues. The experimental approaches described probe cadherin binding from single molecules to cells, and quantify the kinetics, energetics, and mechanical strengths of cadherin-mediated adhesive contacts. The cumulative findings of these complementary studies reveal complexities of the cadherin binding mechanism, and quantify relevant bond parameters. Importantly these different approaches demonstrate how the strengths and kinetics of cadherin bonds at the single molecule level govern the initial dynamics of adhesion between living cells. The findings also exemplify the capacity of these different force probe techniques to identify novel properties of molecular interactions governing biological adhesion.
Use of a quadruple sulfonamide mixture in acutebacterial infections of infancy and childhood

Summary A mixture containing four derivativesof sulfanilamide, namely, sulfadiazine, Sulfapyrazine, sulfamerazine, and Sulfamethazine, was employed in the treatment of common acute bacterial infections in children. The drug was administered to twenty-one patients in dosage of 0.1 Gm. per kilogram of body weight as the initial dose, followed by 0.025 Gm. per kilogram of body weight every six hours. The clinical and laboratory response to the drug was satisfactory and there were no toxic manifestations or untoward reactions noted.
NMR and modeling studies of a synthetic extracellular loop II of the kappa opioid receptor in a DPC micelle.

This paper provides the first direct experimental evidence for the secondary structural features of the putative second extracellular loop (ECL II) of the K opioid receptor through a synthetic peptide mimic in a DPC micelle environment. These studies indicate that residues V 6 -A 1 5 of the ECL II peptide adopt a well-defined helical structure analogous to that formed by V 2 0 1 -C 2 1 0 of the native receptor. Moreover, a β-turn around the D 2 2 (D 2 1 7 ) and D 2 3 (D 2 1 8 ) residues represents another feature of the ECL II. The NMR and fluorescent data also suggest the location of the two helical turns of TM V and the approximate location of the C-terminal end of the TM IV of the K opioid receptor. We modeled the K opioid receptor including the extracellular region of the receptor. The model of the ECL II utilized the information obtained from the NMR structural analysis of the ECL II peptide in a DPC micelle solution and the molecular dynamic simulations in a biphasic membrane environment. Our discovery of this amphiphilic helical region in the ECL II peptide by NMR and molecular modeling studies provides direct evidence that the sequence of residues V 2 0 1 -C 2 1 0 is likely to be the helical region that interacts with Dynorphin (Dyn) A [Paterlini, G., Portoghese, P. S., and Ferguson, D. M. (1997) J. Med. Chem. 40, 3254-3262]. We believe that this work offers further insight into the structural characteristics of the extracellular portions of the seven-TM K opioid receptor.
TU-B-303A-01: Digital Mammography: A Radiologist's Perspective

Full Field Digital Mammography (FFDM) systems are rapidly gaining in popularity and are replacing conventional film‐screen mammography (FSM) systems in breast centers throughout the country. Radiolgists are faced with unique challenges brought about by this transition of technology. In this lecture, the utility of full field digital mammography in clinical practice will be presented. Some of the challenges faced by radiologists who have transitioned from film screen mammography to digital mammography will also be discussed, and case examples illustrating the utility of FFDM will be presented. The clinical utility of computer‐aided detection (CAD) software packages will also be addressed. Learning objectives: 1. Understand the clinical impact that full‐field digital mammography has had on the daily practice of breast imaging. 2. Recognize the advantages and disadvantages of FFDM systems. 3. Understand some of the challenges that breast imagers face when transitioning from FSM to FFDM systems. 4. Understand how computer‐aided detection (CAD) systems are used in clinical practice.
Dispersal distance and the pool of taxa, but not barriers, determine the colonisation of restored river reaches by benthic invertebrates

Summary Restoration is an increasingly central theme in river ecology. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of the species pool in the surrounding river network for determining colonisation of restored river reaches by both invertebrates and fish. Using a comprehensive data set of 21 river restoration sites and 292 sites in the immediate surroundings, we tested the influence of distance to nearest colonist source on invertebrate colonisation based on a comparison of river network distances and Euclidean distances, expecting river network distances would better align with colonisation rates. We then assessed the importance of dispersal distance in relation to several other parameters, such as the number and intensity of barriers along the river network, surrounding taxon pool occupancy rate, physical characteristics of the restored sites and restoration techniques used in determining colonisation of commonly occurring benthic invertebrates. We hypothesised that (i) distance would be critical, with colonisation of restored sites declining with increasing distance; (ii) barriers between these sites would be a minor, but taxon-specific, influence on the colonisation; and (iii) the higher the regional pool occupancy rate of a certain taxon, the higher its probability of presence at a restored site. Overall, taxon pool occupancy rate was the most important driver of colonisation likelihood, followed by distance to nearest source, with the first kilometre particularly important. The effect of barriers was minor but significant, and taxon identity had no effect on the predictive ability of the model. Factors associated with the restoration projects such as techniques used and physical characteristics had minor influences, being completely outweighed by taxon pool and dispersal-related factors. To gauge the likelihood of successful outcomes of habitat restoration projects, we suggest it is important to assess regional taxon pools and ensure distances between healthy populations are minimised. These results clearly emphasise the importance of spatial planning for restoration projects.
Vena cava filter retrieval in therapeutically anticoagulated patients.

Abstract Background Vena cava filters (VCFs) are indicated in patients with active venous thromboembolism and are a contraindication to therapeutic anticoagulation. When patients can be anticoagulated, VCFs can be removed; however, patients often have anticoagulation discontinued during the retrieval procedure, leaving them at risk for pulmonary embolism (PE). The authors evaluated their experience with retrieving VCFs in therapeutically anticoagulated patients. Methods Data from a prospectively collected database of patients with VCFs placed between January 2005 and September 2007 were reviewed. The retrievals in therapeutically anticoagulated patients (international normalized ratio, 2.0–3.4) were performed using a strict protocol, including preretrieval and postretrieval cavograms. All retrievals were performed in the operating room, and patients were discharged home the same day and examined within 7 to 14 days. Descriptive statistics including means and counts were calculated. Results One hundred thirteen VCF removals occurred during the study period; 62 were attempted on anticoagulated patients (42 male and 20 female patients; mean age, 36.5 years). Thirty-five patients (56%) had VCFs placed for prophylaxis, 22 (35%) had deep venous thromboses or PEs but had contraindications to anticoagulation, and 5 (8%) were on anticoagulation, which was discontinued perioperatively for major surgical operations. The mean time the filters were in place was 153.7 days (range, 22–684 days). No extravasation was seen on postretrieval cavography. Eight of 62 removal attempts in anticoagulated patients were unsuccessful. One patient had a postoperative pneumothorax that was successfully managed without intervention. There were no operative bleeding complications, and no hematomas or contusions were seen at follow-up. Conclusions The retrieval of VCFs in therapeutically anticoagulated patients can be performed without complication. Given the perioperative risk for PE, anticoagulation should not be discontinued for VCF retrieval.
Catching fish in the stream: real time analysis of audience behavior in social media

In this interactive poster, we describe a system we designed for identifying and tracking the behavior of distinct audiences in social media streams.
XLOS-Observed Mutations of MID1 Bbox1 Domain Cause Domain Unfolding

MID1 catalyzes the ubiquitination of the protein alpha4 and the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 2A. Mutations within the MID1 Bbox1 domain are associated with X-linked Opitz G syndrome (XLOS). Our functional assays have shown that mutations of Ala130 to Val or Thr, Cys142 to Ser and Cys145 to Thr completely disrupt the polyubiquitination of alpha4. Using NMR spectroscopy, we characterize the effect of these mutations on the tertiary structure of the Bbox1 domain by itself and in tandem with the Bbox2 domain. The mutation of either Cys142 or Cys145, each of which is involved in coordinating one of the two zinc ions, results in the collapse of signal dispersion in the HSQC spectrum of the Bbox1 domain indicating that the mutant protein structure is unfolded. Each mutation caused the coordination of both zinc ions, which are ∼ 13 A apart, to be lost. Although Ala130 is not involved in the coordination of a zinc ion, the Ala130Thr mutant Bbox1 domain yields a poorly dispersed HSQC spectrum similar to those of the Cys142Ser and Cys145Thr mutants. Interestingly, neither cysteine mutation affects the structure of the adjacent Bbox2 domain when the two Bbox domains are engineered in their native tandem Bbox1-Bbox2 protein construct. Dynamic light scattering measurements suggest that the mutant Bbox1 domain has an increased propensity to form aggregates compared to the wild type Bbox1 domain. These studies provide insight into the mechanism by which mutations observed in XLOS affect the structure and function of the MID1 Bbox1 domain.
Fluorometric Scanning of Fluorescamine-Labeled Peptides in Polyacrylamide Gels

Abstract A rapid and sensitive fluorescence technique has been described for detecting and quantitatively assaying peptides in poly-acrylamide gels. Peptides were labeled with fluorescamine, subjected to disk electrophoresis and scanned for fluorescence with a modified Gilford 2410-S linear transport. The fluorescence signal was linear with peptide concentration when electrophoresis was performed in a SDS system. Fluorescence gel scanning with fluorescamine is recommended as an important criteria of purity because of its great sensitivity and because it will reveal peptide contamination not detected with the conventional dye-staining method.
Weighted Median Filters for Multichannel Signals

Weighted medians over multichannel signals are not uniquely defined. Due to its simplicity, Astola 's Vector Median (VM) has received considerable attention particularly in image processing applications. In this paper, we show that the VM and its direct extension the Weighted VM are limited as they do not fully utilize the cross-channel correlation. In fact, VM treats all sub-channel components independent of each other. By revisiting the principles of Maximum Likelihood estimation of location in a multivariate signal space, we propose two new and conceptually simple multichannel weighted median filters which can capture cross-channel information effectively. Their optimal filter derivations are also presented, followed by a series of simulations from color image denoising to array signal processing where the advantages of the new filtering structures are illustrated
Trial, Error, Triumph: A College Rethinks Its Core Curriculum.

When students and faculty alike rejected the College of Mount St. Joseph's revised core curriculum, no one dug in their heels to wait out the dissatisfaction.The entire campus engaged in a second round of good, hard discussions about scrapping the new for the newer.
Distinct roles for paxillin and Hic-5 in regulating breast cancer cell morphology, invasion, and metastasis

Individual metastatic tumor cells exhibit two interconvertible modes of cell motility during tissue invasion that are classified as either mesenchymal or amoeboid. The molecular mechanisms by which invasive breast cancer cells regulate this migratory plasticity have yet to be fully elucidated. Herein we show that the focal adhesion adaptor protein, paxillin, and the closely related Hic-5 have distinct and unique roles in the regulation of breast cancer cell lung metastasis by modulating cell morphology and cell invasion through three-dimensional extracellular matrices (3D ECMs). Cells depleted of paxillin by RNA interference displayed a highly elongated mesenchymal morphology, whereas Hic-5 knockdown induced an amoeboid phenotype with both cell populations exhibiting reduced plasticity, migration persistence, and velocity through 3D ECM environments. In evaluating associated signaling pathways, we determined that Rac1 activity was increased in cells devoid of paxillin whereas Hic-5 silencing resulted in elevated RhoA activity and associated Rho kinase–induced nonmuscle myosin II activity. Hic-5 was essential for adhesion formation in 3D ECMs, and analysis of adhesion dynamics and lifetime identified paxillin as a key regulator of 3D adhesion assembly, stabilization, and disassembly.
Felbamate is a subunit selective modulator of recombinant γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes

Abstract Felbamate (2-phenyl-1,3-propanediol dicarbamate) is clinically available for the treatment of refractory epileptic seizures, and is known to modulate several ion channels including γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors. To determine felbamate subunit selectivity for GABAA receptors we expressed 15 different GABAA receptor combinations in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Felbamate positively modulated GABA-currents of α1β2γ2S, α1β3γ2S, α2β2γ2S and α2β3γ2S, whereas felbamate was either ineffective or negatively modulated the other 11 receptor combinations. Regional distributions of GABAA receptor subunits suggest that felbamate may differentially modulate distinct inhibitory circuits, a possibility that may have relevance to felbamate efficacy in refractory epilepsies.
Extent of tibiofemoral osteoarthritis prior to knee arthroplasty: multicenter data from the osteoarthritis initiative

Background Knee arthroplasty traditionally is recommended for persons with substantial disability and disabling pain attributable to moderate or severe osteoarthritis (OA). Pain and functional status after arthroplasty may be influenced by the extent of knee OA before surgery and recent evidence suggests persons with less severe knee OA before undergoing TKA have greater pain levels and worse function than persons with more severe knee OA.
The herbicide dichlobenil disrupts cell plate formation: immunogold characterization

We have utilized light and transmission electron microscopy and immunocytochemistry to examine onion roots treated with the herbicide dichlobenil (2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile; DCB), a purported disrupter of cellulose biosynthesis. The most salient effect of DCB is observed on cell plate formation, the process that gives rise to new cell walls. In the presence of DCB, cell plates develop normally up to the tubular network stage. They are the result of fusion of Golgi-derived vesicles and the accumulation of callose and the first strands of cellulose. The DCB-treated cell plates retain the reticulate and malleable nature of the tubular network/early fenestrated plate stage of cell plate formation, but fail to display signs of the stiffening and straightening associated with an accumulation of cellulose. Instead, the malleable cell plates in the DCB-treated cells retain a wavy architecture, accumulate pockets of electron opaque material, and produce plasmodesmata in abnormal orientations. Immunocytochemical investigations of the abnormal cell plates formed after DCB treatment show 20-fold increase in the level of callose labelling found in the control cell plates. Xyloglucans and rhamnogalacturonans can be detected in the partially-formed cell plates, with the labelling density of xyloglucan 4–5 times greater than in the control cell plates and that of the rhamnogalacturonans being similar to the controls. These data support the hypothesis that DCB inhibits cellulose biosynthesis as a primary mechanism of action, and that in the absence of cellulose synthesis the cell plates fail to mature and to give rise to new cross walls.
The barium enema: Technique, value, and limitations

The barium enema is the procedure of choice in diagnosing diseases of the colon, and it is the most effective overall method of detecting colonic cancer. An examination technique is described, and some of the pitfalls and problems in diagnosis are emphasized. It is suggested that the degree of accuracy and reliability inherent in this examination is often not achieved in clinical practice.
Clones and compartments in the vertebrate central nervous system

The frog's brain and spinal cord are formed of seven compartments separated by bound-aries which are not crossed by cells during development. The ancestry of all cells in each compartment can be traced back to a small group of founder cells in the 512-cell blastula. The seven groups of founder cells are the basic morphogenetic units of the CNS and their layout in the blastula forms the primordial pattern of organization of the brain and spinal cord.