cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Early Goal‐directed Therapy, Corticosteroid, and Recombinant Human Activated Protein C for the Treatment of Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock in the Emergency Department

Objectives: To describe our experience with early goal-directed therapy (EGDT), corticosteroid administration, and recombinant human activated protein C (rhAPC) administration in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock and an Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score ≥25 in the emergency department (ED). Methods: This was a retrospective case series of a prospectively maintained ED sepsis registry. Data are presented as median (25th, 75th percentile). The setting was an academic tertiary ED with approximately 60,000 annual patient visits. Patients with severe sepsis or septic shock and an APACHE II score ≥25 entered in an ED sepsis registry over a four-month period were included. Patients who received rhAPC in the intensive care unit were excluded. Central venous catheterization for central venous pressure and central venous oxygen saturation monitoring, antibiotics, fluid resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, vasopressors, inotropes, corticosteroids, and rhAPC were initiated by the emergency physicians and continued in the intensive care unit by intensivists. Results: Twenty-four patients were enrolled. Patient characteristics were as follows: age, 79.5 (68.0, 83.5) years; APACHE II score, 31.5 (29.8, 36.0); ED length of stay, 6.5 (4.0, 10.5) hours; predicted mortality, 76.7% (71.9, 86.4); and in-hospital mortality, 45.8%. All patients received broad-spectrum antibiotics, 54.2% completed EGDT, 33.3% received corticosteroids, and 33.3% received rhAPC. Time of antibiotic administration was 1.5 (1.0, 2.0) hours, time of central venous pressure/central venous oxygen saturation monitoring was 1.0 (0.5, 2.5) hour, and time of rhAPC administration was 9.5 (6.8, 10.5) hours after patients met criteria for severe sepsis or septic shock. In-hospital mortality of patients who received rhAPC in addition to other therapies was 25.0%. Conclusions: EGDT, corticosteroid administration, and rhAPC administration are feasible in the ED setting. While these evidence-based therapies individually have been shown to improve outcomes for patients with severe sepsis or septic shock, further studies are needed to examine their combined effectiveness during the early stages of this disease.
Single and multigland disease in primary hyperparathyroidism: clinical follow-up, histopathology, and flow cytometric DNA analysis.

Two-hundred seventy-four patients with primary hyperparathyroidism had selective removal of enlarged parathyroid glands. Biopsies were taken from all parathyroid glands. Normal-size glands were not resected irrespective of their histological appearance. After a mean follow-up of 13.5 years the rates of persistent and recurrent hyperparathyroidism were, respectively, 3.6% and 0.7%. Transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism occurred in 24% and 2.5% of the patients. The microscopic appearance of enlarged glands and of biopsies taken from normal-size glands were reviewed by two pathologists. Normal parathyroid glands were distinguished from abnormal glands fairly accurately (sensitivity 93%, specificity 80%). Microscopic classification of abnormal parathyroid glands as adenomas or hyperplastic glands correlated poorly with the gross classification as single or multigland disease. Flow cytometric DNA analysis of paraffin embedded parathyroid tissue showed significant differences for DNA index, % S-phase and % G2M (p<0.001). Differentiating single from multigland disease by means of DNA analysis was not possible. In conclusion, removal of only enlarged parathyroid glands results in acceptable rates of persistent and recurrent hyperparathyroidism. Biopsies should only be taken sparingly to prevent transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism. Microscopic examination and flow cytometric DNA analysis can differentiate normal from abnormal parathyroid glands but are unable to differentiate abnormal glands into single or multigland disease.
Student-Faculty Informal Contact and College Persistence: A Further Investigation

AbstractIn a validation of the Tin to and Spady models of college attrition, this study reanalyzed an expanded data base from an earlier investigation (6) to further probe the relationships between student-faculty informal contact and freshman year voluntary persistence/withdrawal decisions. After statistically controlling the influence of twelve student entering characteristics and six additional measures of freshman year social and academic integration, frequency of student-faculty informal contact of six different types accounted for significant R2 increases and had significant partial correlations with freshman year voluntary persistence/withdrawal decisions. The pattern of associations, however, differed somewhat by sex. For freshman men the categories of interactions having significant partial correlations with persistence were oriented toward instrumental outcomes, while those for freshman women had more intrinsic value.
Measurements of interface stress of silicon dioxide in contact with water-phenol mixtures by bending of microcantilevers.

We use the bending of silicon microcantilevers to measure changes in mechanical stress at interfaces between phenol−water mixtures and SiO2. The curvature of the microcantilever is measured by an o...
Frame memory: a storage architecture to support rapid design and implementation of efficient databases

Frame memory is a virtual view of secondary storage that can be implemented with reasonable overhead to support database record storage and accessing requirements. Frame memory is designed so that its operating characteristics can be easily manipulated by either designers or design algorithms, while performance effects of such changes can be accurately predicted. Automated design procedures exist to generate and evaluate alternative database designs built upon frame memory, and the existence of these procedures establishes frames as an attractive memory management architecture for future database management systems.
The initial experience of antithrombin III in the management of neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis.

Abstract Background Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), the devastating enteric process of premature neonates, is marked by severe intravascular abnormalities and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Treatment to date remains historical and continues to be merely supportive without attempts to ameliorate progress within the inflammatory or coagulation cascades. Antithrombin III (ATIII) supplementation has been shown to favorably alter the process of disseminated intravascular coagulation and sepsis in adults. However, no reported use of this treatment exists in neonates. Therefore, we analyze the efficacy of our recent experience with ATIII replacement therapy in neonates with NEC. Methods Age and diseased-matched controls with NEC were identified before the introduction of ATIII in our institution and compared against neonates with NEC undergoing ATIII replacement for diminished ATIII levels. Data collected included demographics, course of treatment parameters, and outcomes. Course of treatment parameters included hemoglobin, platelet count, prothrombin time, and partial thromboplastin time over the first 10 consecutive days of treatment. Outcome variables included packed red blood cell, platelet, fresh frozen plasma, and cryoprecipitate transfusions, as well as transfusion cost, length of stay, and survival. Results Over a 5-year period, 19 neonates with NEC received ATIII and were compared to 17 historical controls. Treatment hematologic profiles were not worsened in the ATIII-treated patients. The control patients received less overall transfusions and had a shorter length of stay. Conclusion Antithrombin III appears to be safe in neonates with NEC, and its impact on reversing intravascular pathology in these patients warrants more thorough investigation.
An algorithm for detection of moving optical targets

An algorithm is described for detecting moving optical targets against spatially nonstationary Poisson background and noise. The algorithm has applications in optical detection of objects such as meteors, asteroids, and satellites against a stellar background. A maximum-likelihood approach is used which results in reducing interference from stars. It is shown that by choosing a detection threshold to provide a constant false alarm rate, the resulting algorithm is independent of the signal strength of the target. An analysis of this algorithm is presented, showing the probability of detection for several false-alarm rates. >
Force Field Validation for Molecular Dynamics Simulations of IRMOF-1 and Other Isoreticular Zinc Carboxylate Coordination Polymers

Molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to validate a hybrid force field for metal−organic framework-5 (IRMOF-1). In this force field, only nonbonded parameters are used to describe Zn−O interactions. The CVFF force field was used with slight modifications to describe the benzene dicarboxylate linker. The force field correctly predicts a wide range of structural properties of this MOF, including a negative thermal expansion of approximately 1% at 30 and 293 K, in agreement with both theory and experiment. Compressibility results and the associated elastic moduli are in also good agreement with published density functional theory calculations and nanoindentation experiments. The force field predicts a decrease in elastic moduli as temperature increases, which would greatly affect the mechanical properties of MOFs. Calculated vibrational frequencies for Zn−O modes agree with experiment, and a low-frequency mode representing a 180° rotation of the phenyl groups is seen. This rotation becomes more preva...
The Combination of Calmodulin Antagonists and Interferon-γ Induces Apoptosis through Caspase-Dependent and -Independent Pathways in Cholangiocarcinoma Cells

Calmodulin (CaM) antagonists have been shown to inhibit tumor cell invasion and metastasis and to induce apoptosis in various tumor models, but the molecular mechanism of CaM antagonist-mediated apoptosis is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that interferon (IFN)-γ induces susceptibility to CaM antagonist-mediated apoptosis in human cholangiocarcinoma cells weakly expressing Fas (Fas-low cells). During CaM antagonist-mediated apoptosis in IFN-γ-pretreated Fas-low cells, cleavage of caspases-8, -9, and -3 and Bid, release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria and an increase in the free cytosolic calcium concentration were observed. CaM antagonists also caused depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane independent of caspase activation. Although a broad-range caspase inhibitor partially blocked CaM antagonist-mediated apoptosis, the neutralizing Fas antibody had no effect, suggesting that CaM antagonist-mediated apoptosis does not require interaction between CaM antagonists and surface Fas. CaM antagonists induce apoptosis via mechanisms other than inhibition of CaM-dependent protein kinase II and calcineurin, as their inhibitors, KN93 and cyclosporine A, had no effect on apoptosis. Taken together, these results indicate that CaM antagonists induce apoptosis in both caspase-dependent and -independent manners, and that susceptibility to CaM antagonists is modulated by IFN-γ. The combination of IFN-γ and CaM antagonists, including tamoxifen, may be a potential therapeutic modality for cholangiocarcinoma and possibly other malignancies.
Active molecular unit and NADP content of human glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase

Abstract The active enzymatic species of human D-glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase has been shown to be a dimer with S° 20,2 of 6.0 – 6.6 S at pH 8.0 and 7 S at pH 6.0. Dialysis equilibrium experiments indicate that the active dimeric enzyme contains one mole of NADP per mole of dieter.
Sex bias in the Self-Directed Search investigative subscale

Abstract The Investigative (I) subscale of the Holland Self-Directed Search (SDS) vocational interest inventory was examined for sex-role stereotyping. A sample of 842 male and female psychologists, some of whom were researchers and some of whom were practitioners, completed the SDS and a revised set of investigative items (Re). As hypothesized, researchers' I and Re scores were higher than practitioners'; and the I, but not the Re, scale produced higher scores for males than females. This pattern indicates that the SDS investigative items contain sex bias, but the data suggest that item revisions or a simple correction factor for females' I scores may ameliorate the bias.
Enzymatically Active Intermediate in the Conversion between the Low and High Molecular Weight DNA Polymerases

MOST eukaryotic cells contain at least two types of DNA polymerase—a low molecular weight (3.5S) enzyme found predominantly in the nucleus and a heterogenous high molecular weight (6–8S) enzyme(s) isolated from the cytoplasmic fraction1–4. Although the physiological relationship between these activities is not yet understood, recent studies have shown that it is the cytoplasmic polymerase that responds to the stimulus for cellular proliferation5,6. The role this enzyme could play in DNA replication in vivo is not certain; most DNA is located in the nucleus and the nuclear (3.5S) enzyme can catalyse a single round of complementary synthesis in vitro1. One way to resolve this apparent paradox is to propose a precursor relationship between the cytoplasmic and nuclear DNA polymerases. Such a model is supported by evidence for the existence of a common component in the two enzymes. Chang and Bollum8, using rabbit antibody prepared against a high molecular weight DNA polymerase, have found common antigenic determinants existing in both activities. We have shown that an active 3.5S component can be dissociated from the high molecular weight activity by the addition of salt. This subunit appears identical to the nuclear 3.5S enzyme by several enzymatic and physical criteria9,10. Furthermore, this subunit can be reconverted reversibly to a high molecular weight DNA polymerase by the removal of the salt4,9. I present here evidence for the existence of an intermediate in the in vitro conversion between the low and high molecular weight DNA polymerases.
Matrix metalloproteinase-9 regulates TNF-α and FasL expression in neuronal, glial cells and its absence extends life in a transgenic mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Whether increased levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) correspond to a role in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) needs to be determined and it is actively being pursued. Here we present evidence suggesting that MMP-9 contributes to the motor neuron cell death in ALS. We examined the role of MMP-9 in a mouse model of familial ALS and found that lack of MMP-9 increased survival (31%) in G93A SOD1 mice. Also, MMP-9 deficiency in G93A mice significantly attenuated neuronal loss, and reduced neuronal TNF-alpha and FasL immunoreactivities in the lumbar spinal cord. These findings suggest that MMP-9 is an important player in the pathogenesis of ALS. Our data suggest that the mechanism for MMP-9 neurotoxicity in ALS may be by upregulating neuronal TNF-alpha and FasL expression and activation. This study provides new mechanism and suggests that MMP inhibitors may offer a new therapeutic strategy for ALS.
Determination of oligonucleotide composition from mass spectrometrically measured molecular weight

Extensive calculations for molecular mass versus subunit composition have been made for oligonucleotides from RNA and DNA to determine the extent to which base compositions might be derived from mass spectrometrically determined molecular weights. In the absence of compositional constraints (e.g., any numbers of A, U, G, C), measurement of molecular weight leads to only modest restrictions in allowable number of base compositions; however, if the compositional value for any one residue is known, such as from selective chemical modification or enzymatic cleavage, the number of allowable base compositions becomes unexpectedly low. For example, hydrolysis of RNA by ribonuclease T1 produces oligonucleotides for which G=1, for which all base compositions can be uniquely specified up to the 14-mer level, solely by measurement of mass to within ±0,01%. The effects of methylation, phosphorylation state of nucleotide termini, and knowledge of chain length on the determination of subunit composition are discussed.
Spatial distribution of antibodies to Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium O antigens in bulk milk from Texas dairy herds

Environmental factors that enhance either the survivability or dispersion of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) could result in a spatial pattern of disease risk. The objectives of this study were to: (1) describe herd status based on antibody response to Salmonella Typhimurium as estimated from bulk tank milk samples and (2) to describe the resulting geographical patterns found among Texas dairy herds. Eight hundred and fifty-two bulk milk samples were collected from georeferenced dairy farms and assayed by an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using S. Typhimurium lipopolysaccharide (LPS). ELISA signal-to-noise ratios for each bulk tank milk sample were calculated and used for geostatistical analyses. Best-fit parameters for the exponential theoretical variogram included a range of 438.8 km, partial sill of 0.060 and nugget of 0.106. The partial sill is the classical geostatistical term for the variance that can be explained by the herd's location and the nugget is the spatially random component of the variance. We have identified a spatial process in bulk milk tank titers for S. Typhimurium in Texas dairy herds and present a map of the expected smoothed surface. Areas with higher expected titers should be targeted in further studies on controlling Salmonella infection with environmental modifications.
“Family Violence”: The Language of Legitimacy:

Examinations of social movements have typically overlooked the organizational context of social-movement agencies as well as the role of agency employees in shaping the larger movement. This study explored meso-and micro-level forces that affect the battered women’s movement, as found in one particular women’s shelter. The findings suggest that although the larger social movement may encourage the examination of battering from a systemic perspective, shelter workers adopt a more narrow, psychological interpretation. Shelter workers adopt this perspective because of the socialization that occurs within the shelter context itself, which employees then replicate to be seen as competent.
Transfer of Experimental Autoimmune Thyroiditis by in Situ Perfusion of Thyroids with Immune Sera

The role of autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroiditis (AT) still remains poorly understood. Serum transfer experiments in experimental AT (EAT) and spontaneous AT (SAT) animal models frequently did not succeed or only resulted in minor thyroid lesions. The inconsistent results may have arisen because of technical problems inherent in serum transfer, the major of which is to obtain high enough concentrations of autoantibodies over long enough periods at the potential site of tissue injury. An attempt was made to circumvent this hurdle by repeated in situ perfusions of the rabbit thyroid via the superior thyroid artery. In situ perfusion of rabbit thyroids with high-titered homologous sera reactive with saline thyroid extract indeed led to thyroiditis characterized by granular deposits of rabbit IgG and C3 in the thyroid follicular basal laminae, cellular infiltrates consisting of mononuclear cells and granulocytes, destruction of the thyroid follicular architecture, and focal fibrosis. Perfusion with control sera lacking thyroid-reactive antibodies did not lead to thyroid lesions. These results demonstrate that humoral antibodies can induce severe AT comparable to actively induced thyroiditis.
TRAVEL OUTCOME AND PERFORMANCE: THE EFFECT OF UNCERTAINTY ON ACCESSIBILITY

Abstract An accessibility model is a conceptual tool which explains the interdependencies between the transportation infrastructure and human activities. Traditionally, theorists have based their accessibility models upon deterministic approximations. However, uncertainty in itself can affect whether an activity is accessible, and affect how one measures accessibility. In the first section of this paper, it is shown that travel time randomness interacts with the scheduling of human activities to define the region which is accessible to a traveler. In the second section, a problem is considered where a traveler must search among opportunities to locate a certain activity he desires. It is found that there exists an optimal cluster size which minimizes travel cost, the size being a decreasing function of the probability of locating the activity at any single opportunity.
Sensing of toxic metals through pH changes using a hybrid sorbent material: Concept and experimental validation

This article reports a new hybrid sorbent material that is capable of detecting trace concentration of toxic metals, such as zinc, lead, copper, nickel, etc., through pH changes only. The material is essentially a composite granular material synthesized through rapid fusion of a mixture of amorphous hydrated ferric oxide (HFO) and akermanite or calcium magnesium silicate (Ca2MgSi2O7). When a water sample is rapidly passed through a mini-column containing this hybrid material, effluent pH at the exit always remains alkaline (≈9.0) because of slow hydrolysis of akermanite and steady release of hydroxyl (OH−) ions. This exit solution turns pink through the addition of a phenolphthalein indicator. Commonly encountered electrolytes containing sodium, calcium, chloride, and sulfate have no impact on the exit pH from the mini-column. However, when trace concentration of a heavy metal (say lead) is present in the sample water, a considerable drop in pH (>2 units) is observed for the exiting solution. At this point, the solution turns colorless through the addition of a phenolphthalein indicator. Moreover, the change in the slope of pH, i.e., −dpH/dBV, provides a sharp, noticeable peak for each toxic metal where BV is the bed volumes of solution fed. The technique allowed detection of zinc and lead through pH swings in synthesized samples, spiked Bethlehem City water, and also in Lehigh River water in the presence of phosphate and natural organic matter (NOM). Using a simple preconcentration technique, lower than 10 μg/l of lead was detected with a significant peak. From a mechanistic viewpoint, high sorption affinity of HFO surface sites toward toxic metal cations, ability of akermanite to maintain near-constant alkaline pH for a prolonged period through slow hydrolysis and labile metal-hydroxy complex formation causing dissipation of OH− ions from the aqueous phase provide a synergy that allows detection of toxic metals at concentrations well below 100 μg/l through pH changes. Nearly all previous investigations pertaining to toxic metals sensing use metal-selective enzymes or organic chromophores. This simple-to-operate technique using an inexpensive hybrid material may find widespread applications in the developing world for rapid detection of toxic metals through pH changes. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Medical history and epidemiology: their contribution to the development of public health nursing.

The nursing profession historically has been involved in data collection in research efforts notably from the time of the Framingham Tuberculosis Project (1914–1923). Over the past century, nurses have become more sophisticated in their abilities to design, conduct, and analyze data. This article discusses the contributions of medicine and epidemiology to the development of public health nursing and the use of statistical methods by nurses in the United States in the l9th and 20th centuries. Knowledge acquired from this article will inform educators and researchers about the importance of using quantitative analysis, evidenced-based knowledge, and statistical methods when teaching students in all health professions.
ACUTE AND DELAYED TOXICITIES OF TOTAL BODY IRRADIATION

Total body irradiation is being used with increasing frequency for the treatment of lymphopoietic malignancies and in preparation for marrow transplantation. Acute toxicities include reversible gastroenteritis, mucositis, myelosuppression and alopecia. As the success of treatment improves and more patients become long-term survivors, manifestations of delayed and chronic toxicity become evident. These include impairment of growth and development, gonadal failure and sterility, cataract formation and possibly secondary malignancies. The contribution of total body irradition to the development of pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis is still poorly understood. Some of these changes are reversible or correctable, whereas others are permanent. Nevertheless, until equally effective but less toxic regimens become available, total body irradiation appears to be the treatment of choice to prepare patients with leukemia for marrow transplantation.
MITIGATION OF RADAR INTERFERENCE IN L-BAND RADIO ASTRONOMY

The 1215-1400 MHz band is important for spectroscopy of H I at high redshift, pulsar work, and SETI. Observations at these frequencies are complicated by pulsed interference from ground-based aviation radars. In this paper, we characterize one such radar received at the Arecibo Observatory using coherently sampled data sets obtained during a recent observation. Using these data, we demonstrate some simple methods for detection and removal of the radar pulses. One of these uses a coherent subtraction technique that has not previously been applied to the radar problem. This new technique provides an alternative to blanking, which is undesirable in pulsar and SETI work. We demonstrate that the radar studied in this paper can be suppressed by at least 16 dB in integrated spectra using the coherent subtraction technique. The maximum single-pulse power observed at the output of the canceler is ~15 dB less. The primary limitation appears to be the detector performance; as a result, the performance using blanking is about the same. Also, we demonstrate that the matched detector for pulses from this radar is relatively insensitive to astronomical transients (e.g., giant pulses), and we quantify the risk of such transients being falsely identified as radar pulses. The techniques described in this paper can easily be adapted to radar waveforms other than the one examined here.
An Overview of Safety Engineering In Human Factors

This paper present a brief overview of safety consideration in human factors design and analysis. The emphasis is upon safety in the industrial setting. A brief review of legislation and litigation on industrial safety is presented. Developments in human factors pertaining to safety are reviewed. Various hazards and procedures for averting there hazards are also reviewed. Finally, methods for improving safety, and areas where research is needed, are discussed.
Effects of concurrent deficiencies of phosphorus and copper in growing lambs on the concentration of minerals in tissues

Abstract In a 2 × 2 factorial design 16 lambs (43 kg mean BW) were treated: (i) adequate P and Cu; (ii) low dietary P and Cu; (iii) adequate P and low Cu; and (iv) low P and low Cu. The diet contained 6 ppm Cu and either 0.20% or 0.29% P (DM basis). To deplete endogenous Cu, lambs were drenched three times/wk with 3 mg diammonium tetrathiomolybdate (TTM)/kg BW for 8 weeks. BW and feed intakes were not affected by treatments. Serum inorganic P was reduced (
Applications of knowledge-based programming to power engineering problems

Application of knowledge-based expert systems to typical power engineering problems involving diagnosis, control and design is described. A review of prototype projects completed at North Carolina State University serves to demonstrate what is involved in expert system development. The examples include a diagnostic tool for rotating-machine vibration problems, implementation of a distribution-feeder reconfiguration control scheme, and a design aid for distribution-feeder capacitor placement. >
Environmental performance analysis of solid freedom fabrication processes

This paper presents a method for analyzing the environmental performance of solid freeform fabrication (SFF) processes. In this method, each process is divided into life phases. Environmental effects of every process phase are then analyzed and evaluated based on the environmental and resource management data. These effects are combined to obtain the environmental performance of the process. The analysis of the environmental performance of SFF processes considers the characteristics of SFF technology, includes material, energy consumption, processes wastes, and disposal. Case studies for three typical SFF processes: stereolithography (SL); selective laser sintering (SLS); and fused deposition modeling (FDM) are presented to illustrate this method.
An in vitro evaluation of a chitosan-containing multiparticulate system for macromolecule delivery to the colon

A multiparticulate system of chitosan hydrogel beads has been investigated for colon-specific delivery of macromolecules using fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled bovine serum albumin as a model protein. The hydrogel bead was formed by polyelectrolyte complexation of chitosan with its counterion, tripolyphosphate (TPP). The protein release experiments were carried out in vitro under different conditions to simulate the pH and times likely to be encountered during intestinal transit to the colon. The results show that the hydrogel beads were degraded by rat cecal and colonic enzymes, resulting in a marked acceleration in the release of protein. The ability of rat cecal and colonic enzymes to degrade chitosan hydrogel beads was independent of pretreatment conditions. A commercial beta-glucosidase preparation containing a chitinase did not have a similar effect on the chitosan bead, even though it has been found to mimic the degradation function of rat cecal and colonic enzymes in vitro for chitosan in solution. Degradation of the chitosan-TPP hydrogel beads in the presence of rat cecal and colonic enzymes indicates the potential of this multiparticulate system to serve as a carrier to deliver macromolecules specifically to the colon.
Microfluidic routing of aqueous and organic flows at high pressures: fabrication and characterization of integrated polymer microvalve elements.

This paper presents the first systematic engineering study of the impact of chemical formulation and surface functionalization on the performace of free-standing microfluidic polymer elements used for high-pressure fluid control in glass microsystems. System design, chemical wet-etch processes, and laser-induced polymerization techniques are described, and parametric studies illustrate the effects of polymer formulation, glass surface modification, and geometric constraints on system performance parameters. In particular, this study shows that highly crosslinked and fluorinated polymers can overcome deficiencies in previously-reported microvalve architectures, particularly limited solvent compatibility. Substrate surface modification is shown effective in reducing the friction of the polymer–glass interface and thereby facilitating valve actuation. A microchip one-way valve constructed using this architecture shows a 2 × 108 ratio of forward and backward flow rates at 7 MPa. This valve architecture is integrated on chip with minimal dead volumes (70 pl), and should be applicable to systems (including chromatography and chemical synthesis devices) requiring high pressures and solvents of varying polarity.
A simplified theory of magnetohydrodynamic isotropic turbulence

Abstract : The simplest case of turbulent motion in a conductive fluid is studied. The turbulence is assumed incompressible, isotropic, homogeneous, charge invariant and free of fourth-order cumulants. The emphasis is placed on certain integrals of the correlation functions such as kinetic and magnetic energy, vorticity, and current. A system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations is derived which governs these integral quantities. Several cases are solved numerically, illustrating the decay of ordinary turbulence, the buildup of magnetic energy by a linear or a nonlinear process, the buildup of kinetic energy, as well as the destruction of vorticity by Lorentz forces. In order to handle certain dissipative effects, a special hypothesis is introduced which seems to promote mathematical simplicity. In particular, it leads to a simple decay law very similar to the decay law of ordinary turbulence. (Author)
Self-Organizing Neural Networks for Stable Control of Autonomous Behavior in A Changing World

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses how neural models function autonomously in a stable fashion despite unexpected changes in their environments. The content of these models consists of a small set of equations that describe processes such as activation of short term memory (STM) traces, associative learning by adaptive weights or long term memory (LTM) traces, and slow habituative gating or medium term memory (MTM) by chemical modulators and transmitters. Two of the core neural network models are often called the additive model and the shunting model. These models explain how STM and LTM traces interact during network processes of activation, associative learning, and recall. One of the most important contributions of neural network models has been to show how behavioral properties can arise as emergent properties because of network interactions. The chapter presents the adaptive resonance theory (ART) and ART systems learn prototypes. These prototypes can be used to encode individual exemplars.
Aspects of the theory of graphene.

Following a brief review of the device-friendly features of graphene, recent work on its Greens functions with and without a normal magnetic field are discussed, for an infinite graphene sheet and ...
A modified density balance for studying phase transitions in polymers

The design and operation of an automated density balance are outlined. Diverse uses for this equipment are discussed.
Interplay between DNA tumor viruses and the host DNA damage response.

Viruses encounter many challenges within host cells in order to replicate their nucleic acid. In the case of DNA viruses, one challenge that must be overcome is recognition of viral DNA structures by the host DNA damage response (DDR) machinery. This is accomplished in elegant and unique ways by different viruses as each has specific needs and sensitivities dependent on its life cycle. In this review, we focus on three DNA tumor viruses and their interactions with the DDR. The viruses Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), and human papillomavirus (HPV) account for nearly all of the virus-associated human cancers worldwide. These viruses have also been excellent models for the study of oncogenic virus-mediated cell transformation. In this review, we will discuss how each of these viruses engage and subvert aspects of the host DDR. The first level of DDR engagement is a result of the genetic linkage between the oncogenic potential of these viruses and their ability to replicate. Namely, the promotion of cells from quiescence into the cell cycle to facilitate virus replication can be sensed through aberrant cellular DNA replication structures which activate the DDR and hinder cell transformation. DNA tumor viruses subvert this growth-suppressive DDR through changes in viral oncoprotein expression which ultimately facilitate virus replication. An additional level of DDR engagement is through direct detection of replicating viral DNA. These interactions parallel those observed in other DNA virus systems in that the need to subvert these intrinsic sensors of aberrant DNA structure in order to replicate must be in place. DNA tumor viruses are no exception. This review will cover the molecular features of DNA tumor virus interactions with the host DDR and the consequences for virus replication.
Increasing Parent–Pediatrician Communication about Children's Psychosocial Problems

Objective To examine the differential effects of two scoring procedures for a parent-completed measure, the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC), designed to assess children’s behavioral and emotional functioning, on parent–pediatrician communication concerning psychosocial issues. Methods Prior to their medical appointment, 174 parents of children aged 4–16 were assigned to one of three experimental conditions: (1) typical medical care control, (2) Staff-Scored PSC administration, or (3) Parent-Scored PSC administration. Following the appointment, parent perception of parent–pediatrician communication was assessed. Results For children with more emotional and behavioral problems, participants in the Parent-Scored group and the Staff-Scored group had better parent–pediatrician communication scores than those in the control group. Conclusions Both the Staff-Scored and Parent-Scored administrations of the PSC improved parent– pediatrician communication on psychosocial issues. The Parent-Scored PSC removed the scoring burden on the medical personnel.
On the Trail of Quark-Gluon Plasma: Strange Antibaryons in Nuclear Collisions

There may be no easy laboratory observable of quark-gluon plasma (QGP). But I hope to convince you that much can be learned about this new form of nuclear matter studying diligently the third (and still rather light) strange ‘s’ quark flavor. I will in particular address the predicted and observed abundant emission of strange antibaryons in relativistic nuclear collisions which in my opinion constitutes a rather clear indication of new physics1,2,3. As it is hard to be selfcontained or to give justice in such a short presentation to all the effort in this active field, it seems to me more prudent to stress the relation of this report to numerous other lectures presented in this volume, and in particular the preceding experimental survey of E. Quercigh. For further theoretical details and numerous references the reader should consult the more comprehensive presentations4,5,6.
Administration of recombinant human GHRH-1,44-amide for 3 months reduces abdominal visceral fat mass and increases physical performance measures in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE A recent study indicated that twice-daily s.c. administration of a high dose of recombinant human GHRH-1,44-amide (GHRH) for 90 days can alter body composition in healthy older men. No data establish whether this is also true in postmenopausal women. The present study tests the hypothesis that the same GHRH regimen applied in women will: (i) elevate both IGF-I and GH concentrations; and (ii) reduce abdominal visceral fat mass, augment total body water and enhance functional performance. DESIGN Ten postmenopausal volunteers underwent baseline study and then received 1 mg GHRH twice daily s.c. for 3 months. METHODS Statistical comparisons were made with pre-intervention baseline data. RESULTS GHRH administration stimulated: (i) a mean 98 +/- 14% elevation of overnight GH concentrations after administration of the peptide for 1 and 3 months (P < 0.005); (ii) a sustained 71 +/- 3.5% rise in IGF-I concentrations over the interval from 2 weeks to 3 months (P < 0.0012); (iii) a 16 +/- 7% reduction in abdominal visceral fat mass (P = 0.029) and a 14 +/- 5% increase in tri-tiated water space (P < 0.025); (iv) an abbreviation of the times required to walk 30 m (P = 0.015) and ascend two flights of stairs (P = 0.003). Most (70%) subjects experienced local skin reactivity. There were no systemic adverse events. CONCLUSIONS A 3-month regimen of GHRH supplementation in postmenopausal women can stimulate GH and IGF-I production, reduce abdominal visceral fat and improve selected measures of physical performance, while inducing significant local skin reactivity.
The surgical anatomy of extraperitoneal cesarean section.

Abstract 1. The surgical anatomy of extraperitoneal cesarean section, based on the study of forty-nine extraperitoneal operations of all major types, is presented from four interlocking points of view: (1) anatomic description, (2) planes of dissection, (3) anatomic approaches to the lower uterine segment, and (4) the technique developed from consideration of the foregoing. 2. Variations in configuration and levels of attachment of peritoneum to bladder, in the nature of the fibroareolar component of the peritoneum, in adherence of serous peritoneum to perivesical fascia, and in substance of the perivesical fascia are described. Anatomic variations of the supravesical area are emphasized. The paravesical space is described. 3. Proposed and actual planes of dissection are discussed. It is pointed out that extraperitoneal cesarean section is usually performed successfully only by employing several planes of dissection. 4. The anatomic approaches to the lower uterine segment are briefly discussed. 5. The operative technique developed as a result of the foregoing material is outlined. It consists essentially of a bilateral paravesical approach with retrovesical separation of the bladder from the lower uterine segment and subsequent dissection of the supravesical area. The easiest planes of dissection are utilized throughout.
The Structural Approach to Modeling Credit Risk

In this article we present a survey of recent developments in the structural approach to modeling of credit risk. We first review some models for measuring credit risk based on the structural approach. We then discuss the empirical evidence in the literature on the performance of structural models of credit risk.
Laparoscopic hepatectomy in cirrhotics: safe if you adjust technique

Minimally invasive liver surgery is a growing field, and a small number of recent reports have suggested that laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) is feasible even in patients with cirrhosis. However, parenchymal transection of the cirrhotic liver is challenging due to fibrosis and portal hypertension. There is a paucity of data regarding the technical modifications necessary to safely transect the diseased parenchyma. Patients undergoing LLR by a single surgeon between 2008 and 2015 were reviewed. Patients with cirrhosis were compared to those without cirrhosis to examine differences in surgical technique, intraoperative characteristics, and outcomes (including liver-related morbidity and general postoperative complication rates). A total of 167 patients underwent LLR during the study period. Forty-eight (29 %) had cirrhosis, of which 43 (90 %) had hepatitis C. Most had Child–Pugh class A disease (85 %). Compared to noncirrhotics, patients with cirrhosis were older, had more comorbidities, and were more likely to have hepatocellular carcinoma. Precoagulation before parenchymal transection was used more frequently in cirrhotics (65 vs. 15 %, P < 0.001), and mean portal triad clamping time was longer (32 vs. 22 min, P = 0.002). There were few conversions to open surgery, though hand-assisted laparoscopy was used as an alternative to converting to open in three patients with cirrhosis. Blood loss was relatively low for both groups. Although there were more postoperative complications among cirrhotics (38 vs. 13 %, P = 0.001), this was almost entirely due to a higher rate of minor (Clavien–Dindo I or II) complications. Liver-related morbidity, major complications, and mortality rates were similar. LLR is safe for selected patients with cirrhosis. The added complexity associated with the division of diseased liver parenchyma may be overcome with some form of technique modification, including more liberal use of precoagulation, portal triad clamping, or a hand-assist port.
Abstract 50: A Novel Method for Quantification of Brain Edema in Ischemic Stroke

Background: Measurement of final infarct volumes are typically done on MRI or CT scans obtained at 30 or 90 days after symptom onset. At these delayed time points, true infarct volume is often underestimated because of atrophy. Moreover, late imaging leads to a high percentage of missing data due to early mortality and poor compliance with late imaging. Obtaining an early assessment of infarct volume avoids these limitations; however, it overestimates the true infarct volume because of vasogenic edema. The aim of this study was to develop a novel approach to quantify brain edema so that final infarct volumes can be approximated on day 5 scans. Method: We analyzed MRI scans from 15 acute stroke patients enrolled in the DEFUSE 2 study. The edema volume was determined by comparing spatially-coregistered ADC maps obtained at baseline and at day 5. Edema displaces CSF from the sulci and the ventricles. We therefore estimated the edema volume as the change in CSF volume between baseline and follow-up. CSF displacement was determined by analyzing ADC maps; a voxel by voxel comparison was performed and voxels with ADC values that shifted from the CSF range (2.0-4.4 x 10 -3 mm 2 /s) to the parenchymal range (0.60-1.05 x 10 -3 mm 2 /s) were considered to represent edema (yellow region in figure). The analysis was performed on 5 control patients with no or very small lesions (2.4±2.0 mL on FLAIR) and 10 patients with large lesions (240±115 mL on FLAIR). Results: The mean volume of CSF displacement in the control group was 1.6±2.4 mL. CSF displacement (edema volume) in the large infarct group ranged from 33 to 152 mL. The estimated edema volume, as a percentage of the overall day 5 FLAIR lesion volume, ranged from 15% to 52%. Linear regression analysis performed between day 5 FLAIR lesion volumes and the estimated edema volumes produced a correlation coefficient (r)of 0.78 (P Conclusion: Vasogenic edema can be measured based on assessment of CSF displacement. Using this novel technique we determined that the day 5 FLAIR lesion volume, on average, overestimates the final infarct volume by 31%. These findings suggest that the final infarct volume can be accurately estimated from an MRI scan obtained during the vasogenic edema phase. Validation of this technique, using data sets that have infarct volume determinations at multiple time points, is in progress and results will be presented.
Ritual and Conflict: The Social Relations of Childbirth in Early Modern England. By Adrian Wilson. (Farnham, England: Ashgate, 2013. Pp. 261. $124.95.)

Early modern women's history is an exciting field not only because of the remarkable new work that continues to appear but because its methodology is still developing. The author has contributed si...
The treatment of secondary and residual dentofacial deformities in the cleft patient surgical and orthodontic therapy

One long-term negative effect of primary cleft lip and palate repair is maxillary growth restriction in a significant percentage of patients. This article describes methods to manage secondary jaw deformities, resulting malocclusion, residual oronasal fistulas, and bony defects in adolescents born with a cleft. These methods are safe and reliable when performed by an experienced cleft surgeon and team. They enhance the patient’s quality of life and well-being.