cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimizing Influenza Vaccine Distribution

The criteria to assess public health policies are fundamental to policy optimization. Using a model parametrized with survey-based contact data and mortality data from influenza pandemics, we determined optimal vaccine allocation for five outcome measures: deaths, infections, years of life lost, contingent valuation, and economic costs. We find that optimal vaccination is achieved by prioritization of schoolchildren and adults aged 30 to 39 years. Schoolchildren are most responsible for transmission, and their parents serve as bridges to the rest of the population. Our results indicate that consideration of age-specific transmission dynamics is paramount to the optimal allocation of influenza vaccines. We also found that previous and new recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention both for the novel swine-origin influenza and, particularly, for seasonal influenza, are suboptimal for all outcome measures.
Efficient molecular marker design using the MaizeGDB Mo17 SNPs and Indels track.

Positional cloning in maize (Zea mays) requires development of markers in the region of interest. We found that primers designed to amplify annotated insertion–deletion polymorphisms of seven base pairs or greater between B73 and Mo17 produce polymorphic markers at a 97% frequency with 49% of the products showing co-dominant fragment length polymorphisms. When the same polymorphisms are used to develop markers for B73 and W22 or Mo17 and W22 mapping populations, 22% and 31% of markers are co-dominant, respectively. There are 38,223 Indel polymorphisms that can be converted to markers providing high-density coverage throughout the maize genome. This strategy significantly increases the efficiency of marker development for fine-mapping in maize.
A transportable assessment protocol for prescribing youth psychosocial treatments in real-world settings: reducing assessment burden via self-report scales.

Current evidence-based assessment methods, such as structured interviews and lengthy assessment batteries, often require hours to administer, score, and interpret and thus are infrequently used in real-world practice. As evidence-based assessment tools are developed for implementation in real-world youth mental health settings, the transportability properties of assessment procedures (including administration and interpretation burden) need to be considered and improved. In the present study, we thus conducted an initial feasibility study using a clinical sample of community-based youths (N 306) to develop an assessment protocol based on 2 child and 2 parent self-report questionnaires (thus low on administration burden). Using decision-tree analysis, we identified a series of cutoff scores across these scales that may be used to inform treatment need related to anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and disruptive behavior problems. This algorithm-based approach to interpreting assessment information provided clear and simple guidelines (thus low on interpretation burden) that matched the best estimate treatment determinations derived by trained assessors, supervisors, and expert consultants who integrated information provided by child and parent structured interviews and self-report scales. The present study demonstrated the feasibility of developing an assessment protocol to inform various treatment allocation decisions in a way that imposes little assessment administration and interpretation burden yet maintains adequate classification accuracy. These characteristics make the proposed protocol promising with regard to its transportability and suitability for adoption and implementation in real-world mental health settings.
Macular hole in cat scratch disease.

Purpose To report the development of a macular hole as a complication of cat scratch disease. Design Case report. Methods A 10-year-old girl was seen with unilateral neuroretinitis from serologically confirmed cat scratch disease. Twelve days later, she developed a macular hole in the involved eye. Fundus photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were obtained at presentation and after the development of a macular hole. Results Fundus photography and OCT on presentation revealed a nasal neurosensory detachment and multiple inflammatory foci throughout the macula, including a subfoveal lesion. Fundus photography and OCT 12 days later revealed the development of a partial posterior vitreous detachment and a full thickness macular hole. Conclusions Macular hole should be included among posterior segment complications of cat scratch disease. In this case, the macular hole was associated with partial vitreous detachment and a preexisting subfoveal lesion, likely representing an inflammatory focus.
The Value of Human Capital Wealth

The value of human capital wealth and its return process are important to quantify in order to study consumption behavior and portfolio allocation. This paper introduces a new approach to measure the value of an economy’s total human capital wealth. By assuming that the consumption to wealth ratio is constant, we exploit aggregate consumption data to recover total wealth, and then use household non-human capital wealth data to recover the value of human capital wealth as a residual. Using U.S. data over the period 1952{2007, we nd that human capital is approximately three-quarters of total wealth in the aggregate economy, and that this ratio is remarkably stable over time. Applying our methodology to a group of OECD countries yields similar results. We estimate the cointegrating relationship between our estimated measure of human wealth and labor compensation (income) to show that our consumption-based approach estimate of human capital is linked to one based on a labor-income approach. We next calculate the returns to human capital and nd them to be as high as equity returns on average but much less volatile; positively correlated with returns on real estate and consumption growth, but negatively correlated to equity returns. Finally, we show that both human capital and equity returns are predictable by human capital’s dividend to price ratio.
The role of neural networks in the study of the posterior parietal cortex

The use of a neural network model of a cerebral cortical area as an aid to understanding this area's function is reviewed. The basic model is a feedforward multilayer network that learns to transform the coordinates of a visual stimulus from a retinocentric to a craniocentric reference frame using backpropagation. An extension of the model to one that transforms retinal coordinates into body-centered ones predicts response properties that are confirmed by neurophysiological experiments. The simulation of electrical stimulation of the model predicts a pattern of effects similar to the one obtained by stimulation of a specific region of the parietal cortex. The study of the response properties of the model's units provides a simple explanation of how the parietal cortex might compute coordinate transformations and of why certain manipulations such as stimulation should produce the effects observed. >
Severe pulmonic valve regurgitation due to histoplasma endocarditis

A 67-year-old man with myelodysplastic syndrome, disseminated histoplasmosis, and mitral valve replacement presented with dyspnea and peripheral edema. Transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated abnormal pulmonic valve with possible vegetation. Color flow imaging showed laminar flow from main pulmonary artery into right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) in diastole. The continuous wave Doppler signal showed dense diastolic envelope with steep deceleration slope. These findings were consistent with severe pulmonic valve regurgitation, possibly due to endocarditis. Transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated an echodense mass attached to the pulmonic valve. The mitral valve bioprosthesis appeared intact. Bacterial and fungal blood cultures were negative; however, serum histoplasma antigen was positive. At surgery, the valve appeared destroyed by vegetations. Gomori methenamine silver-stains showed invasive fungal hyphae and yeast consistent with a dimorphic fungus. Valve cultures grew one colony of filamentous fungus. Itraconazole was continued based on expert infectious diseases diagnosis. After surgery, dyspnea and ankle edema resolved. To the best of our knowledge, histoplasma endocarditis of pulmonic valve has not been previously reported. Isolated pulmonic valve endocarditis is rare, accounting for about 2% of infectious endocarditis (IE) cases. Fungi account for about 3% of cases of native valve endocarditis. Characterization of pulmonary valve requires thorough interrogation with 2D and Doppler echocardiography techniques. Parasternal RVOT view allowed visualization of the pulmonary valve and assessment of regurgitation severity. As an anterior structure, it may be difficult to image with transesophageal echocardiography. Mid-esophageal right ventricular inflow–outflow view clearly showed the pulmonary valve and vegetation. Learning points Identification and characterization of pulmonary valve abnormalities require thorough interrogation with 2D and Doppler echocardiography techniques. Isolated pulmonary valve IE is rare and requires high index of suspicion. Histoplasma capsulatum IE is rare and requires high index of suspicion.
Photopigment basis for dichromatic color vision in the horse.

Abstract Horses, like other ungulates, are active in the day, at dusk, dawn, and night; and, they have eyes designed to have both high sensitivity for vision in dim light and good visual acuity under higher light levels (Walls, 1942). Typically, daytime activity is associated with the presence of multiple cone classes and color-vision capacity (Jacobs, 1993). Previous studies in other ungulates, such as pigs, goats, cows, sheep and deer, have shown that they have two spectrally different cone types, and hence, at least the photopigment basis for dichromatic color vision (Neitz & Jacobs, 1989; Jacobs, Deegan II, Neitz, Murphy, Miller, & Marchinton, 1994; Jacobs, Deegan II, & Neitz, 1998). Here, electroretinogram flicker photometry was used to measure the spectral sensitivities of the cones in the domestic horse (Equus caballus). Two distinct spectral mechanisms were identified and are consistent with the presence of a short-wavelength-sensitive (S) and a middle-to-long-wavelength-sensitive (M/L) cone. The spectral sensitivity of the S cone was estimated to have a peak of 428 nm, while the M/L cone had a peak of 539 nm. These two cone types would provide the basis for dichromatic color vision consistent with recent results from behavioral testing of horses (Macuda & Timney, 1999; Macuda & Timney, 2000; Timney & Macuda, 2001). The spectral peak of the M/L cone photopigment measured here, in vivo, is similar to that obtained when the gene was sequenced, cloned, and expressed in vitro (Yokoyama & Radlwimmer, 1999). Of the ungulates that have been studied to date, all have the photopigment basis for dichromatic color vision; however, they differ considerably from one another in the spectral tuning of their cone pigments. These differences may represent adaptations to the different visual requirements of different species.
The intertool profile interchange format: a technology CAD environment approach (semiconductor technology)

The binary profile interchange format (BPIF) defines a set of objects and a library of functions which describe an intertool version of the PIF, a representation for semiconductor wafer information. The BPIF toolkit function library enables technology computer-aided design (TCAD) tools, such as process and device simulators, to access PIF data through a common interface, thus facilitating tool integration and encouraging utility sharing. This approach defines a toolkit that is easy to use, and which meets the tool integration and performance needs within a TCAD environment. An experimental BPIF toolkit, based on the C language and the OCT data manager is described in detail. Examples are shown of how TCAD tools may use the toolkit to 'randomly' access wafer data, such as grids and geometries, within a graph of PIF objects. A BPIF package supporting the use of the intertool PIF within the PROSE TCAD environment, which includes a link to the PIF intersite file format, is then presented. >
Limited service token ring with local message priorities

A symmetric limited-service token-ring network is considered. Messages in a station are served with a priority structure. For all priority classes, the message arrivals are assumed to be identically distributed with no further restriction on the type of the distribution. First a nonpriority-limited-service network is studied. Using an auxiliary variable, virtual service time, the model is transformed into a simpler priority queueing problem. Priority queueing analysis methods are then used to verify the average-cycle-time expression from earlier studies. Using the same approach, a method is proposed to determine lower bounds on the moments of waiting time experienced by the messages. Then the approach is generalized to a token ring with local message priorities. >
Application of RF microcoils to the analysis of single cells via MR microscopy

Magnetic resonance technologies have been used extensively in biological and clinical disciplines because of the diversity of inherent contrast mechanisms and the nondestructive nature of the technique. Recent advancements in radio frequency microcoils have been utilized successfully in the examination of mass-limited chemical samples. These improvements also hold great potential in the study of volume limited biological samples, namely single cells and embryos. This presentation investigates the application of these microcoils to such samples. In particular, the sensitivity benefits afforded by these coils have permitted the acquisition of highly resolved microimages, localized spectroscopy and compartmental diffusion data on single frog oocytes and isolated single neurons.
Activation of Heat Shock Factor 1 DNA Binding Precedes Stress-induced Serine Phosphorylation EVIDENCE FOR A MULTISTEP PATHWAY OF REGULATION

Exposure of mammalian cells in culture to the anti-inflammatory drugs sodium salicylate or indomethacin results in activation of heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) DNA binding activity. We have previously shown that the drug-induced HSF1 becomes associated with the heat shock elements of the hsp70 promoter, yet transcription of the hsp70 gene is not induced (Jurivich, D. A., Sistonen, L., Kroes, R. A., and Morimoto, R. I. (1992) Science 255, 1243-1245). In this study, we have examined the basis for uncoupling the heat shock transcriptional response. Comparison of heat shock and drug-induced forms of HSF1 has revealed that the transcriptionally inert drug-induced HSF1 is constitutively but not inducibly serine-phosphorylated, whereas heat shock-induced HSF1 is both constitutively and inducibly serine-phosphorylated. The transcriptionally inert intermediate represented by drug-induced HSF1 can be converted to the transcriptionally active state by a subsequent exposure to heat shock. The only detectable change in HSF1 is the acquisition of inducible serine phosphorylation. These data reveal that acquisition of the trimeric DNA binding state of HSF1 is independent of and precedes inducible phosphorylation and furthermore that inducible phosphorylation correlates with transcriptional activation.
A connective stability result for interconnected passive systems

When a large scale system is formed from linear interconnections of a number of passive subsystems, a diagonal dominance condition on the interconnection matrix is known to ensure asymptotic stability. It is shown that the same condition ensures that stability is retained when a large class of nonlinearities, including nonlinearities with memory, is allowed in the interconnections. In particular, arbitrary distributed delays may be inserted without loss of stability.
Effect of hypophysectomy on lipid metabolism in pancreatectomized rats.

The effect of hypophysectomy on fatty acid synthesis in vivo was examined in liver, adipose tissue and carcass of “totally” pancreatectomized rats by measuring the incorporation of tritium from 3H2O into fatty acids. Hypophysectomy increased fatty acid synthesis in the liver of untreated pancreatecomized rats but the increment was only one fifth of that seen in rats treated with insulin. Hypophysectomy had no effect on fatty acid synthesis in the carcass or adipose tissue of untreated pancreatectomized rats. The plasma concentrations of FFA, triglycerides, glucose and ketone bodies and the rate of fatty acid release by adipose tissue (measured in vitro) were high in pancreatectomized rats given food without insulin. Hypophysectomy had no effect in such animals on plasma FFA, triglycerides and glucose, but it inhibited fatty acid release and prevented the development of ketosis.(Endocrinology 77: 547,1965)
Fluid management for trauma; where are we now?

Resuscitation from haemorrhagic shock remains one of the primary tasks of the traumatologist, whether practising in the emergency department (ED), the operating theatre or the intensive care unit (ICU). Diagnosis of haemorrhage, surgical strategy, choice of fluids to administer, monitoring and optimal endpoints for resuscitation are all controversial, and recommendations in each of these areas have evolved substantially in the past decade. Actions taken in the first minutes of care may profoundly affect the patient’s subsequent clinical course, putting a greater focus than ever on the dynamic process of early resuscitation. This article will review the pathophysiology of haemorrhagic shock and will briefly address emerging and controversial therapies.
Ethnicity as Practice? A Comment on Bentley

Confronted with the reality of cargo cults, postcolonial politics, disunited working classes, and the United Nations seminars on racism, theorists of different persuasions have found themselves in the last twenty years having to explain—or explain away—ethnic phenomena. In his recent article in this journal (CSSH 29:1, 24–55), G. Carter Bentley1 points out the deficiencies in the two pervading schools of thought on ethnicity and fruitfully advocates applying Bourdieu's concepts of “practice” and “habitus” to the study of ethnicity. This appropriation of Bourdieu's concept of the habitus to the study of ethnicity is surely innovative, and Bentley argues effectively that we should look at practice for an objective “handle” on ethnicity. Nevertheless, Bentley's approach suffers for two reasons.
The Current Revolution in Newborn Screening: New Technology, Old Controversies

Newborn screening has provided a model of a successful public health screening program for the past 40 years. However, the history of newborn screening is not without controversy. Many of these controversies have been rekindled with the introduction of tandem mass spectrometry, a technology that has greatly increased our ability to detect potential disease in asymptomatic newborns. This review highlights the challenges raised by this and future technological advances as we strive to maintain the success of newborn screening in the 21st century.
Protein C deficiency resulting from possible double heterozygosity and its response to danazol

A unique family with protein C (PC) deficiency is described. The proband had a history of renal vein thrombosis as a newborn and iliofemoral thrombosis at the age of 6 years. After 6 months of heparin treatment, discontinuation of anticoagulation therapy was accompanied by persistent hypofibrinogenemia with increased fibrinogen consumption. With continuous infusion of heparin, fibrinogen turnover normalized, and the child has remained free of thrombosis. Both the immunologic level of PC and the functional activity measured by amidolytic assay were moderately reduced (47% and 34%, respectively). Functional activity of PC measured by its anticoagulant activity was disproportionately lower (14%). A 3-year-old asymptomatic sibling had a similar disproportionate reduction of PC anticoagulant activity compared with the amidolytic activity or immunologic level. The mother demonstrated type I PC deficiency with a proportionate reduction in immunologic protein levels (59%), anticoagulant activity (52%), and amidolytic activity (46%), whereas the father had type II PC deficiency with normal immunologic protein levels (102%), normal amidolytic function (98%), but a low anticoagulant function (50%). An abnormal PC molecule was detected by two-dimensional immunoelectrophoresis in the father and two children. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that the children are doubly heterozygous for two different types of PC deficiency inherited from each of the parents. A 14-day trial of danazol in the proband resulted in a rise in the PC antigen concentration from 66% to 98% but no change in PC anticoagulant function.
Evaluation of a sensitive immunoenzymetric assay for maternal-serum alpha-fetoprotein screening. Comparison with radioimmunoassay.

An automated immunoenzy metric assay (IEMA) using monoclonal antibodies (Tandem-E®, Hybritech) was evaluated for maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) testing, in comparison with a classical radioimmunoassay (RIA) (Clinical Assays). The IEMA was superior in terms of sensitivity, precision, and linearity. Systematic bias between the two methods resulted in a narrower spread of clinical results, expressed as multiple-ofmedian, with the IEMA. Consequently, the IEMA produced fewer results that by usual criteria would be considered high (suggesting increased risk of neural tube defect) or low (suggesting increased risk of Down'ss syndrome). Although both methods may be comparably suitable for neural tube defect screening, the IEMA is advantageous for Down's syndrome risk assessment.
Application and prospects of microencapsulation in solid propellants

The development,preparation methods and application of microencapsulation in solid propellants are introduced .The important effects of microencapsulated coating of the curing agent and oxidizer and preparation of composite particles to improve the properties of solid propellants are also showed.The development trends of microencapsulation technology applied in solid propellants is summarized.
THE DOMESTIC AND ABROAD SITUATION AND THE LATEST DEVELOPMENT OF HYDROCARBON - WATER PHASE EQUILIBRIA

With the development of gas reservoir and gas condensate reservoir, the conventional study method of hydrocarbon-water phase behavior neglected the existence of water. Actually, with the advance of exploration and development for nature gas resource , the number of peculiar gas reservoir is increasing, such as unconventional high temperature, high pressure and low permeability gas reservoir. So high water content becomes a problem. In abroad, the phase behavior study for hydrocarbon-water phase behavior is becoming more and more important. Some a-chievements have challenged the conventional theory and method of hydrocarbon phase behavior. This paper discusses the newest study directions and achievements of hydrocarbon -water phase behavior from experiment facilities to study mechanisms, and presents some results achieved on gas condensate reservoir phase analysis with gaseous stratigraphic water, so that the petroleum engineers can use them to guide the oil and gas fields development.
Back to the Future: Contextuality and the Construction of the Basic Writer's Identity in JBW 1999-2005

Gray-Rosendale continues a project begun with "Investigating Our Discursive History: JBW and the Construction of the 'Basic Writer's' Identity" (JBW 1999) in which she employed a Foucauldian archaeological perspective to trace the dominance of as well as the disruptions within the three major metaphoric allegiances of basic writing studies: developmental, academic discourse, and conflict. In this piece, Gray-Rosendale argues that three new constructions of basic writing student identity that have gained prominence in the journal from 1999-2005: the basic writer's identity constructed as in situ; the basic writer's identity constructed as a theory, academic discourse, and/or history reformer; and the basic writer's identity constructed as a set of practices in action. All are part of what she terms a "contextual" model. Identifying both beneficial and detrimental aspects of this contextual model, she calls upon basic writing teachers and scholars to work to combat some of the problematic elements within this latest metaphoric allegiance.
Faster drug approval: challenges for safety.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: More rapid drug premarketing procedures pose a challenge for regulatory agencies in terms of innovation and improving real-world safety and effectivenessAreas covered: This review considers the blockbuster drugs used over the previous fifteen years with adverse reactions after marketing, the elements and time span of risk identification and the measures implemented or considered, based on the existing literature and reports from the agenciesExpert opinion: Risk prediction is founded on several factors: randomization, sample size, a well-established endpoint for safety, use of a comparator rather than placebo and a longer Phase-III period, in which a serious illness may be identified by early signs of alteration in the primary parenchyma with the latest biochemical, instrumental and imaging techniques. In comparative non-inferiority evaluations, increased safety should be preferred, with the exception of drugs that may be useful in serious or life-threatening diseases for which there ...
Creating a scalable clinical pharmacogenomics service with automated interpretation and medical record result integration - experience from a pediatric tertiary care facility.

Objective This paper outlines the implementation of a comprehensive clinical pharmacogenomics (PGx) service within a pediatric teaching hospital and the integration of clinical decision support in the electronic health record (EHR). Materials and Methods An approach to clinical decision support for medication ordering and dispensing driven by documented PGx variant status in an EHR is described. A web-based platform was created to automatically generate a clinical report from either raw assay results or specified diplotypes, able to parse and combine haplotypes into an interpretation for each individual and compared to the reference lab call for accuracy. Results Clinical decision support rules built within an EHR provided guidance to providers for 31 patients (100%) who had actionable PGx variants and were written for interacting medications. A breakdown of the PGx alerts by practitioner service, and alert response for the initial cohort of patients tested is described. In 90% (355/394) of the cases, thiopurine methyltranferase genotyping was ordered pre-emptively. Discussion This paper outlines one approach to implementing a clinical PGx service in a pediatric teaching hospital that cares for a heterogeneous patient population. There is a focus on incorporation of PGx clinical decision support rules and a program to standardize report text within the electronic health record with subsequent exploration of clinician behavior in response to the alerts. Conclusion The incorporation of PGx data at the time of prescribing and dispensing, if done correctly, has the potential to impact the incidence of adverse drug events, a significant cause of morbidity and mortality.
A comparative study of Chinese and Iranian Science & Technology, and techno-industrial development policies

Abstract This paper argues that for rapid technological catch-up of latecomer economies industrial policy, active control, and guidance of the market by the state are required. In this framework, the paper compares science and technology, as well as industrial policymaking mechanisms of China and Iran. The similarity of recent histories of the countries, which may have led to similar institutional transformations, makes such a comparative analysis meaningful. The study describes S&T and industrial policy-making systems of the countries, uses a case study for each to assess the degree of effectiveness of the states in assisting the technological learning of the enterprises in their respective countries, and delineates differences and similarities between the two policy-making systems. The study concludes that Chinese government is actively involved in assisting the state-owned and other enterprises in gaining technological capabilities, and thus is acting as a developmental state. On the other hand, I find that the state's efforts in Iran in technological learning are mostly in the realm of S&T policy making. The role of the state in Iran in this regard can best be characterized as market-friendly since it has no centralized, active, and direct involvement in the techno-economic development of the enterprises.
Successful Use of Four Factor-Prothrombin Complex Concentrate for Congenital Factor X Deficiency in the Setting of Neurosurgery.

Congenital factor X deficiency is an extremely rare coagulation disorder that can place patients at risk for spontaneous hemorrhage or excessive bleeding in the setting of trauma or invasive procedures. Given the rarity of this disorder, there is little published guidance on how best to prevent or treat bleeding. Herein, we report a case of a 56-year-old white man with congenital factor X deficiency who was scheduled for major neurosurgery and who was treated perioperatively with 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC). Doses of 4F-PCC at 15 U per kg, administered immediately preoperatively and once at 24 hours postoperatively, allowed for successful completion of an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion without excessive bleeding. Moreover, no thromboembolic complications were observed. As such, given the wide availability of 4F-PCC, it may be considered as a first-line therapy and an alternative to fresh frozen plasma for factor X deficiencies, particularly in high-risk operative cases. * Abbreviations : FX : congenital factor X FFP : fresh frozen plasma FDA : United States Food and Drug Administration 4F-PCC : 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate ACDF : anterior cervical discectomy and fusion PT : prothrombin time PTT : partial thromboplastin time 3F-PCC : 3-factor prothrombin complex concentrate
Quantitative analysis of 5-chloro-2-methoxy-n-[2-(4-sulfamoylphenyl)ethyl]benzamide (glyburide analogue, ga) in mouse plasma and whole blood using a micro-extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF 5-CHLORO-2-METHOXY-N-[2-(4SULFAMOYLPHENYL)ETHYL]BENZAMIDE (GLYBURIDE ANALOGUE, GA) IN MOUSE PLASMA AND WHOLE BLOOD USING A MICRO-EXTRACTION AND LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY-TANDEM MASS SPECTROMETRY By Ankit Zalavadia, B.S. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2016. Major Director: Dr. Matthew S. Halquist, Ph.D., Department of Pharmaceutics Pharmacokinetic evaluation of 5-chloro-2-methoxy-N-[2-(4sulfamoylphenyl)ethyl]benzamide in mouse plasma demanded for a suitable bioanalytical method. No reported bioanalytical method exists to-date that can quantify concentration of this compound in any biological matrix. The purpose of this study was 1) to develop and validate a new bioanalytical method using a micro-extraction and LC-MS/MS to quantify the target analyte in mouse plasma and 2) to partially validate the method in whole blood. A bioanalytical method was developed and validated in both matrices for a linear concentration range of 2-1000 ng/ml. For both matrices, the reverse predicted concentration of calibration standards (-8.95% to 12.16% and -9.54% to 12.90% respectively) and precision and accuracy (QCs) were within ±15% (%RSD and %BIAS). Four-hour bench top stability and post preparative stability results for plasma and whole blood matrices were within ±15% and ±20% respectively. Blood –plasma concentration correlation co-efficient was 0.9956 with a slope value of 1.018.
An in silico study of the effect of SOD1 electrostatic loop dynamics on amyloid‑like filament formation

Superoxide dismutase [Cu–Zn], or SOD1, is a homo-dimeric protein that functions as an antioxidant by scavenging for superoxides. A wide range of SOD1 variants are linked to inherited, or familial, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease. Aberrant SOD1 oligomerization has been strongly implicated in disease causation, even for sporadic ALS, or SALS, which accounts for ~90 % of ALS cases. Small heat shock proteins (sHSP) have been shown to protect against amyloid fibril formation in vitro, and the sHSP αB-crystallin suppresses in vitro aggregation of SOD1. We are seeking to elucidate the structural features of both SOD1 amyloid formation and αB-crystallin amyloid suppression. Specifically, we have used a flexible docking protocol to refine our model of a SOD1 non-obligate tetramer, postulated to function as a transient desolvating complex. Homology modeling and molecular dynamics (MD) are used to supply the missing structural elements of a previously characterized SOD1 amyloid filament, thereby providing a structural analysis for the observed gain of interaction. This completed filament is then further modified using MD to provide a structural model for protofibril capping of SOD1 filaments by αB-crystallin.
Association Between Treatment Facility Volume and Mortality of Patients With Multiple Myeloma.

PurposeTo determine the association between the number of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) treated annually at a treatment facility (volume) and all-cause mortality (outcome).MethodsUsing the Na...
Performance Improvement Precepts at the Core of a Transformational Change: A Look at Pronto International

The case study looks at how fundamentals of performance improvement were at the core of innovation. PRONTO International is a low-tech simulation for resource-starved environments. Precepts such as taking a systems view, starting with the end in mind, and understanding the intangibles of human behavior were leveraged to help PRONTO achieve and sustain its impact in complex environments.
Bowling alone, dying together: The role of social capital in mitigating the drug overdose epidemic in the United States

Abstract Background Drug overdose deaths have risen precipitously over the last fifteen years. Substantial geographic variation, beyond a simple rural-urban dichotomy, exists in the concentration of overdose deaths, suggesting the existence of as-yet unidentified environmental variables that predict resilience (or vulnerability) to drug overdoses. Motivated by reports highlighting the role of community fragility in the opioid epidemic, we explore whether social capital attenuates overdose death rates. Methods We conducted an ecologic temporal trends study from 1999 to 2014 to investigate the association between mortality due to drug overdose and social capital. Data from multiple sources were compiled at the county-level to produce an analytic dataset comprising overdose mortality, social capital, and a host of potentially confounding variables indicated by the literature (N = 49,664 county-years). Multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate the likelihood that a county falls in low ( 16 deaths per 100,000) categories of annual overdose morality. Results We observed a strong and statistically significant inverse association between county-level social capital and age-adjusted mortality due to drug overdose (p Conclusion This study finds large-sample evidence that social capital protects communities against drug overdose. This finding could help guide policymakers in identifying where overdose epidemics are likely to occur and how to ameliorate them.
MIND-BODY MEDICINE IN PRIMARY CARE: Implications and Applications

Since, for psychology, a mind is an object in a world of other objects, its relation to those other objects must next by surveyed… WILLIAM JAMES, The Principles of Psychology, 1891
Transport of crude oil and associated microbial populations by washover events on coastal headland beaches.

Abstract Storm-driven transport of MC252 oil, sand and shell aggregates was studied on a low-relief coastal headland beach in Louisiana, USA including measurement of alkylated PAHs and Illumina sequencing of intra-aggregate microbial populations. Weathering ratios, constructed from alkylated PAH data, were used to assess loss of 3-ring phenanthrenes and dibenzothiophenes relative to 4-ring chrysenes. Specific aggregate types showed relatively little weathering of 3-ring PAHs referenced to oil sampled near the Macondo wellhead with the exception of certain SRBs sampled from the supratidal environment and samples from deposition areas north of beach. Aggregates mobilized by these storm-driven washover events contains diverse microbial populations dominated by the class Gammaproteobacteria including PAH-degrading genera such as Halomonas, Marinobacter and Idiomarina. Geochemical assessment of porewater in deposition areas, weathering observations, and microbial data suggest that storm remobilization can contribute to susceptibility of PAHs to biodegradation by moving oil to beach microenvironments with more favorable characteristics. (149).
CDKN2A/B Loss Is Associated with Anaplastic Transformation in a Case of NTRK2 Fusion-positive Pilocytic Astrocytoma.

Pilocytic astrocytomas are typically grade I astrocytomas, only rarely progressing to anaplastic counterparts [1]. In the case of anaplastic pilocytic astrocytomas, some are associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) [2], others are associated with radiation treatment [2], and the remainder appear de novo. These de novo tumours can be particularly challenging to distinguish from glioblastomas, which are grade IV and carry a worse prognosis. Here we report an unusual case of malignant transformation of a pilocytic astrocytoma in the absence of NF1 alterations or radiation treatment.
Stability of bullying and internalizing problems among adolescents with ASD, ID, or typical development.

Abstract Background It is known that children with disabilities, especially adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), are at increased risk for victimization. However, little is known about the impact of victimization over time. Aims Primary aims included identifying to what extent risk factors (i.e., internalizing behavior problems and conflict in friendship) related to bullying victimization over time. Methods and procedures In-depth interviews conducted separately with 15-year-olds with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability (ID), or typical development (TD) and their mothers investigated the experiences of victimization in a two-year follow up to an earlier study at adolescent age 13. Outcomes and results Findings at age 15 demonstrated that the highest rates of bullying continued to be endorsed by youth with ASD. However, youth with ID were found to experience and report the most severe bullying. Longitudinal examination revealed that internalizing behaviors at age 13 predicted victimization experiences at age 15. Conclusions and implications During middle adolescence, youth with ASD continue to experience more frequent victimization. Thus, shifting the focus of interventions that not only target the salient social deficits of ASD, but also address comorbid conditions such as internalizing symptoms, may further contribute to reduction of social isolation and peer difficulties.
Die Garantie der Menschenrechte als politisches Argument. Eine Skizze des Arendtschen Rechtsverständnisses

Die Diskussion der Menschenrechte ist fur das Arendtsche Denken von fundamentaler Bedeutung. Im Zentrum ihrer Uberlegungen steht dabei das Problem der Staatenlosigkeit. Besonders die Zwischenkriegszeit hat ihr gezeigt, dass Staatenlosigkeit die Menschen rechtlos macht. In dieser Rechtlosigkeit erblickt Arendt den eigentlichen Verlust der Menschenrechte. Wie ist das zu verstehen?
Trade Restrictiveness in the Presence of 'New' Goods

The Trade Restrictiveness Index (TRI) by Anderson and Neary (1994) is an index number aggregating trade distortions in the context of a small open economy. A liberalization process which allows trade in goods not traded in previous periods, implies different sets of goods in the two successive periods over which the TRI is defined; this may introduce a bias, inherent in index numbers. This paper attempts a refinement of the standard TRI to allow for the presence of newly traded goods in the definition of the index. In addition, an implementable expression of the refined TRI is provided.
A Model Medical Student-Led Interprofessional QI Project on Lab Monitoring.

Introduction Teaching quality improvement (QI) in undergraduate medical education to meet entrustable professional activities (EPA) requirements is a challenge. We describe a model where first-year medical students learn QI methods using online modules and then apply their knowledge by leading an interprofessional project in a clinical setting. This model project, set in an outpatient family medicine clinic, sought to improve patient compliance with the preventive care metric of annual serum potassium and creatinine monitoring for patients taking a diuretic, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI), or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) medication. Methods A first-year medical student joined an interprofessional team of one primary care physician and three pharmacy residents. The student led the team in reviewing patient charts to identify root causes and implementing a multifaceted strategy to improve patient outreach and refill policies. The effects of these interventions were monitored weekly using an electronic health record population health tool (Epic's Healthy Planet) over the course of 10 months. Results At baseline, 76.7% (477/622) of patients taking a diuretic and 79.4% (752/947) taking an ACEI or ARB were compliant with monitoring, approximately 10% below the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) recommendations. Within 6 months, interventions resulted in both patient cohorts meeting the HEDIS metric with sustained success for the study duration of 10 months. Conclusion This report demonstrates that a first-year medical student can make meaningful contributions to preventive care while gaining clinically relevant QI experience. Further evaluation is needed to determine generalizability and scalability of this model.
Positive psychology and virtue: Values in action

This paper provides an overview of the issues and themes that were discussed on an interdisciplinary panel which occurred at the American Philosophical Association’s pacific division meeting in Apr...
Interpretive Reservoir: A Preliminary Study on The Association Between Artificial Neural Network and Biological Neural Network

Inspired by the biological nervous system and leveraging the recent advances in neuroscience, artificial neural networks (ANNs) have been extensively investigated and achieved great success in various domains. Nevertheless, the link between the intricate cognitive activity of the biological brain and the learning scheme of ANNs is still unclear and under-explored. Therefore, in this study we aim to preliminarily examine the association between these two parts and provide some explanations and interpretations on the memory-related characteristics associated with neural network topologies and internal connections by modeling the EEG/ERP brain activities with echo state network (ESN)-like architecture. Vector autoregressive (VAR) is adopted for parameter training. The experimental results partially verify the role of network connection pattern and synaptic strength in the memory representation of ANNs.
TAMPONADE TO TAP OR NOT: PLEURAL EFFUSION CAUSING CARDIAC TAMPONADE

Cardiac tamponade is a common cardiac emergency requiring prompt diagnosis and intervention. However, extracardiac causes such as a massive pleural effusion can simulate the appearance of tamponade physiology on imaging. A 65-year-old male with hepatitis C cirrhosis presented with 1 month of
A Case of a Prolapsed Fibroid in a 12-Year-Old Girl.

Abstract Background Uterine fibroids are a common cause of abnormal uterine bleeding in adult women, but are extremely rare in the adolescent years. Case A 12-year-old nulliparous girl presented with abnormal uterine bleeding and was found to have a prolapsing submucosal fibroid. The fibroid and her symptoms were successfully removed using an Endosnare. Summary and Conclusion The most common cause of abnormal uterine bleeding in adolescent bleeding is due to anovulation. Though rare, fibroids should remain on the differential as the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding in the adolescent population, particularly if symptoms persist despite initial therapy. Fibroids can be managed successfully with minimally invasive techniques.
Intramuscular hemorrhage and fluid extravasation into the anterior compartment secondary to intraosseous resuscitation, the "Nicked-Cortex" sign.

Abstract Intraosseous needle access is a reliable method of vascular access used for rapid fluid resuscitation and delivery of medications in certain emergent settings. Fluid extravasation is a possible complication of intraosseous needle access that can lead to compartment syndrome. To our knowledge, imaging findings resulting from this complication have not been described. In this case report, we demonstrate conventional radiograph, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance image findings due to extravasation of resuscitation fluids following the aberrant insertion of an intraosseous needle in an unstable adult trauma patient. We also describe a new radiographic sign associated with this iatrogenic complication, the “Nicked-Cortex” sign.
Use of Amifostine for Cytoprotection during Radiation Therapy: A Review.

Background Radiation therapy is a cornerstone of the therapeutic modalities used in modern oncology. However, it is sometimes limited in its ability to achieve optimal tumor control by radiation-induced normal tissue toxicity. In delivering radiation therapy, a balance must be achieved between maximizing the dose to the tumor and minimizing any injury to the normal tissues. Amifostine was the first Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved clinical radiation protector intended to reduce the impact of radiation on normal tissue, lessening its toxicity and potentially allowing for increased tumor dose/control. Despite being FDA-approved almost 20 years ago, Amifostine has yet to achieve widespread clinical use. Summary A thorough review of Amifostine's development, mechanism of action, and current clinical status were conducted. A brief history of Amifostine is given, from its development at Walter Reid Institute of Research to its approval for clinical use. The mechanism of action of Amifostine is explored. The results of a complete literature review of all prospective randomized trials to date involving the use of Amifostine in radiation therapy are presented. The results are arranged by treatment site and salient findings discussed. Side effects and complications to consider in using Amifostine are reviewed. Key Messages: Amifostine has been explored as a radiation protectant in most radiation treatment sites. Studies have demonstrated efficacy of Amifostine in all treatment sites reviewed, but results are heterogeneous. The heterogeneity of studies looking at Amifostine as a clinical radiation protectant has precluded a definitive answer on its efficacy. Complicating its clinical use is its toxicity and delivery requirements. Amifostine has largely fallen out of use with the advent of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). However, side effects with IMRT remain a challenge and concern. The use of Amifostine in the IMRT era has been poorly explored and is worthy of future study.