cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association of Model for End-Stage Liver Disease Score and Mortality in Trauma Patients With Chronic Liver Disease

Importance The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score is predictive of trauma outcomes. Objective To determine whether a decrease in MELD score is associated with improved mortality in critically ill trauma patients. Design, Setting, and Participants We performed a retrospective registry study of critically ill trauma patients 18 years or older with chronic liver disease treated between August 3, 1998, and January 5, 2012, at 2 level I trauma centers in Boston, Massachusetts. The consecutive sample included 525 patients (male, 373 [71.0%]; white, 399 [76.0%]; mean [SD] age, 55.0 [12.4] years). Exposures Change in MELD score from intensive care unit (ICU) admission to 48 to 72 hours later. Main Outcomes and Measures Thirty-day all-cause mortality. Results The mean (SD) MELD score at ICU admission was 19.3 (9.7). The 30-day mortality was 21.9%. The odds of 30-day mortality with a change in MELD score of less than −2, −2 to −1, +1 to +4, and greater than +4 were 0.23 (95% CI, 0.10-0.51), 0.30 (95% CI, 0.10-0.85), 0.57 (95% CI, 0.27-1.20), and 1.31 (95% CI, 0.58-2.96), respectively, relative to a change in MELD score of 0 and adjusted for age, sex, race, Charlson/Deyo Index, sepsis, number of acute organ failures, International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision –based injury severity score, and ICU admission MELD score. Conclusions and Relevance A decrease in MELD score within 72 hours of ICU admission is associated with improved mortality.
Natural orbitals and Bose-Einstein condensates in traps: A diffusion Monte Carlo analysis

We investigate the properties of hard-core bosons in harmonic traps over a wide range of densities. Bose-Einstein condensation is formulated using the one-body density matrix (OBDM) which is equally valid at low and high densities. The OBDM is calculated using diffusion Monte Carlo methods and it is diagonalized to obtain the ``natural'' single-particle orbitals and their occupation, including the condensate fraction. At low boson density, ${\mathrm{na}}^{3}l{10}^{\ensuremath{-}5},$ where $n=N/V$ and a is the hard-core diameter, the condensate is localized at the center of the trap. As ${\mathrm{na}}^{3}$ increases, the condensate moves to the edges of the trap. At high density, it is localized at the edges of the trap. At ${\mathrm{na}}^{3}l~{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4},$ the Gross-Pitaevskii theory of the condensate describes the whole system within $1%.$ At ${\mathrm{na}}^{3}\ensuremath{\approx}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}3},$ corrections are $3%$ to the Grass-Pitaevskii energy but $30%$ to the Bogoliubov prediction of the condensate depletion. At ${\mathrm{na}}^{3}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}2},$ mean-field theory fails. At ${\mathrm{na}}^{3}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}0.1,$ the bosons behave more like a liquid ${}^{4}\mathrm{He}$ droplet than a trapped boson gas.
THE RELIABILITY OF SUBJECTIVE VEHICLE EVALUATION

Vehicle evaluation is an important tool for the development engineer, whether as a means of interpreting measured results or of analysing and understanding customer preferences and criticism. However, like any other measuring instrument, the evaluator has to calibrate this data output and analyse error sources. The student's t–test shows at a glance how accurately a group of evaluators can do the job. To cater for product quality variation the student's t–test formula is extended by a correction factor. Thus a relatively quick method of analysing evaluation data with respect to accuracy range and reliability is now available.
Perceptions of the Volunteer Role.

Problemes de recrutement des volontaires dans les services de l'Education Surveillee aux Etats-Unis: perceptions des fonctionnaires de ces services par rapport aux programmes de selection de ces volontaires. Conceptions de leur role
Low-temperature heat capacities of yttrium, lanthanum, and lutetium sesquisulfides

The heat capacities of $\ensuremath{\delta}\ensuremath{-}{\mathrm{YS}}_{1.491}$, $\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{-}{\mathrm{La}}_{2}{\mathrm{S}}_{3}$, $\ensuremath{\beta}\ensuremath{-}{\mathrm{La}}_{2}{\mathrm{S}}_{3}$, and $\ensuremath{\epsilon}\ensuremath{-}{\mathrm{Lu}}_{2}{\mathrm{S}}_{3}$ were measured from 1.2 to 20 K and that of $\ensuremath{\delta}\ensuremath{-}{\mathrm{YS}}_{1.497}$ from 0.3 to 20 K. The heat capacities of the two ${\mathrm{La}}_{2}$${\mathrm{S}}_{3}$ samples and the ${\mathrm{Lu}}_{2}$${\mathrm{S}}_{3}$ sample exhibited only a ${T}^{3}$ dependence, i.e., the electronic specific constant $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ was found to be zero within \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02 mJ/g-at.${\mathrm{K}}^{2}$. This indicates that these materials are insulators or semiconductors. The temperature dependence of the heat capacity of the two substoichiometric $\ensuremath{\delta}\ensuremath{-}{\mathrm{YS}}_{x}$ samples exhibited both $T$ and ${T}^{3}$ dependences. The small $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ values indicated that some conduction electrons were present, and that the stoichiometric $\ensuremath{\delta}\ensuremath{-}{\mathrm{Y}}_{2}{\mathrm{S}}_{3}$ would be a semiconductor or insulator.
Regulation of the MST1 kinase by autophosphorylation, by the growth inhibitory proteins, RASSF1 and NORE1, and by Ras.

MST1 (mammalian Sterile20-like 1) and MST2 are closely related Class II GC (protein Ser/Thr) kinases that initiate apoptosis when transiently overexpressed in mammalian cells. In the present study, we show that recombinant MST1/2 undergo a robust autoactivation in vitro, mediated by an intramolecular autophosphorylation of a single site [MST1(Thr183)/MST2(Thr180)] on the activation loop of an MST dimer. Endogenous full-length MST1 is activated by a variety of stressful stimuli, accompanied by the secondary appearance of a 36 kDa Thr183-phosphorylated, caspase-cleaved catalytic fragment. Recombinant MST1 exhibits only 2–5% activation during transient expression; endogenous MST1 in the cycling HeLa or KB cells has a similar low fractional activation, but 2 h incubation with okadaic acid (1 μM) results in 100% activation. Endogenous MST1 immunoprecipitated from KB cells is specifically associated with substoichiometric amounts of the growth inhibitory polypeptides RASSF1A and NORE1A (novel Ras effector 1A; a Ras-GTP-binding protein). Co-expression of RASSF1A, RASSF1C, NORE1A and NORE1B with MST1 markedly suppresses MST1(Thr183) phosphorylation in vivo and abolishes the ability of MST1 to undergo Mg-ATP-mediated autoactivation in vitro; direct addition of purified NORE1A in vitro also inhibits MST1 activation. In contrast, co-transfection of MST1 with NORE1A modified by the addition of a C-terminal CAAX motif results in a substantial increase in MST1(Thr183) phosphorylation, as does fusion of a myristoylation motif directly on to the MST1 N-terminus. Moreover, MST1 polypeptides, bound via wild-type NORE1A to Ras(G12V) (where G12V stands for Gly12→Val), exhibit higher Thr183 phosphorylation compared with MST1 bound to NORE1A alone. Nevertheless, serum stimulation of KB cells does not detectably increase the activation state of endogenous MST1 or MST2 despite promoting the recruitment of the endogenous NORE1–MST1 complex to endogenous Ras. We propose that the NORE1/RASSF1 polypeptides, in addition to their role in maintaining the low activity of MST1 in vivo, direct MST1 to sites of activation and perhaps co-localization with endogenous substrates.
Inorganic–organic hybrid framework materials: Synthesis and characterization of [{Co(H2O)(L)}2V4O12] (L = pyridine, 4-methlypyridine)

Abstract Inorganic–organic hybrid materials – [{Co(H2O)(py)}2V4O12] (1) and [{Co(H2O)(pic)}2V4O12] (pic = 4-methylpyridine) (2) have been synthesized and characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, elemental analysis, manganometric titration, temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility measurement, bond valence sum calculations, and single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Crystals of 1–2 have very similar structures. The two-dimensional framework structures consist of bimetallic oxide layers, composed of {VO4} tetrahedra and {CoO5N} octahedra bridged by oxygen atoms, with pyridine rings projecting outward on both sides of the layers. The 12 membered metallocycles – {Co2V4O6} – in the layers generate cavities. The hydrophobic pyridine rings engage in π-stacking with the aromatic rings from adjacent layers. Crystal data for 1; C10H14Co2N2O14V4, triclinic space group P 1 ¯ , a = 7.7952(8), b = 10.9620(11), c = 12.8778(13) Ǻ, α = 65.940(2), β = 89.318(2), γ = 88.762(2), Z = 2; crystal data for 2: C12H18N2Co2O14V4, monoclinic space group P21/m, a = 10.9361(15), b = 7.8201(11), c = 14.0224(19) Ǻ, α = 90.0, β = 112.314(2), γ = 90.0, Z = 2.
Role of the transmembrane domain of glycoprotein IX in assembly of the glycoprotein Ib-IX complex.

Summary. Background: The glycoprotein (GP) Ib–IX complex is critically involved in platelet adhesion to von Willebrand factor and in the initial step of platelet activation. How this complex is assembled is not clear. We previously showed that the transmembrane (TM) domains of the GPIbα and GPIbβ subunits interact and participate in complex assembly. Objectives and methods: Here, we have investigated the role of the TM and cytoplasmic domains of GPIX in assembly of the GPIb–IX complex, by analyzing the mutational effects on complex expression and assembly in transiently transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells. Results: Replacing the cytoplasmic domain of GPIX with a poly-alanine sequence had little effect on surface expression and structural integrity of the GPIb–IX complex. In contrast, replacing the GPIX TM domain (residues 132–153) with a poly-leucine-alanine sequence markedly disrupted complex formation of GPIX with GPIbα, interfered with GPIb formation, and decreased surface expression of the host complex. We further analyzed the contributions of a number of GPIX TM residues to complex formation by mutagenesis and found significant roles for Asp135 and several Leu residues. Conclusions: The TM domain, rather than the cytoplasmic domain, of GPIX plays an important role in expression and assembly of the GPIb–IX complex by interacting with its counterparts of GPIb. These TM domains may form a parallel four-helical bundle structure in the complex.
On the Failure and Fracture of Polymer Foam Containing Discontinuities

An experimental study is performed to investigate the tensile failure and fracture behavior of polymer foam containing discontinuities. PVC corecell foam, series A800 and A1200 is used for the investigation. Unnotched dog-bone specimen and specimens with center hole and edge cracks are tested under uniaxial tensile loading. Series of experiments are conducted at different defect size to width ratios, and the effect of the defect size on the net-section tensile strength of the foam is investigated. A fracture study is also conducted, and the effect of density and loading rate on the fracture behavior of foam is investigated. A minimal notch-strengthening effect is observed in specimens with center hole, and a notch-weakening effect is observed in specimen with edge notches. Furthermore, the fracture toughness increases with the increase in the foam density and decreases with the increase in loading rate.
Preliminary experience with nesiritide in the pediatric population.

Nesiritide is a recombinant formulation of brain-type natriuretic factor. Preliminary experience in the adult population suggests that nesiritide may be an effective agent in the treatment of decompensated congestive heart failure. Given its physiologic effects, it may be an effective agent in the pediatric population; however, to date, there are no reports regarding its use in infants and children. The authors retrospectively review their experience with nesiritide in 5 pediatric patients. The cohort of 5 patients included a diverse population with 2 patients who were status postcardiothoracic surgery, 2 with adult respiratory distress syndrome, and 1 in the recovery phase from septic shock. Although no direct measurement of cardiac output was feasible as none of the patients had a pulmonary artery catheter, other indicators of increased cardiac output were noted. These included improved peripheral perfusion with warming of the extremities and improvement of peripheral pulses in all of the patients, incr...
Optimization of the MacAdam-modified 1965 Friele color-difference formula.

The adjustable parameters in a MacAdam-modified version of Friele’s 1965 proposal for calculating color differences have been optimized, according to a criterion of MacAdam, to fit PGN experimental data. The mean-square error of fitting is 0.030. The distribution of the resulting color-metric coefficients more closely approximates those of the PGN data than do previous versions of Friele’s proposals. The optimized primaries have chromaticity coordinates of x = 0.74054, y = 0.25946 for the red; x = −1.11696, y = 2.11696 for the green; and x = 0.13939, y = −0.03454 for the blue primary.
Is the Time-Mean Northern Hemisphere Flow Baroclinically Unstable?

Abstract The dynamical stability of the Northern Hemisphere wintertime mean atmosphere is investigated in a linearized primitive equation model. In the absence of any damping on the perturbation, exponentially growing modes are found for the zonal-mean and zonally varying basic states. Their growth rates are 0.41 and 0.38 days−1, respectively. Both have the form of midlatitude baroclinic wave trains. Three distinct idealized profiles of linear damping are then imposed on the perturbation vorticity and temperature. The damping is strongest below 800 mb and weak or nonexistent in the rest of the troposphere. It is specified to be proportional at all levels to a single parameter, Rs, the strength of damping at the surface. For the zonal-mean basic state, as Rs is increased linearly, the growing modes decrease their growth rates almost linearly, and change their structure only slowly. For an average damping timescale in the boundary layer of about one day (Rs = 2 days−1), the growing baroclinic modes are effe...
Grassland Vegetation in the Southern Great Plains during the Last Glacial Maximum

New pollen records from White Lake in the Southern High Plains and from Friesenhahn Cave on the southeastern Edwards Plateau of Texas indicate that the glacial-age vegetation of the southern Great Plains was a grassland. The High Plains was a treeless Artemisia grassland and the Edwards Plateau, at the south edge of the Great Plains, was a grassland with pinyon pines and deciduous trees in canyons and riparian habitats. The glacial-age grasslands differ from modern shortgrass and tallgrass prairies and may have no modern analog. The dominance of prairie vegetation during the last glacial maximum is compatible with late Pleistocene mammalian faunas and late-glacial grassland pollen records from the region. Earlier interpretations of a pine-spruce forest on the High Plains were based on pollen assemblages that are here shown to have been altered by postdepositional deterioration, resulting in differential preservation of conifer pollen grains. Accordingly, the "Tahoka Pluvial" and other "climatic episodes" defined by High Plains pollen records are abandoned.
Vibriosis in the Red Swamp Crawfish

Abstract Systemic infections of the red swamp crawfish Procambarus clarkii with Vibrio mimicus and V. cholerae are described. Infections are favored by elevated temperatures and low dissolved oxygen. Mortality rates between 5 and 25% were observed, and affected crawfish were lethargic but exhibited no gross clinical signs. Serotyping of 15 bacterial isolates from 15 separate cases indicated that a single serotype was involved.
Examining the metastatic niche: targeting the microenvironment.

Some of the most common cancer types, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer, show a predilection to metastasize to bone. The molecular basis of this preferential growth of cancer cells in the bone microenvironment has been an area of active investigation. Although the precise molecular mechanisms underlying this process remain to be elucidated, it is now increasingly being recognized that the unique characteristics of the bone niche provide homing signals to cancer cells, and create a microenvironment conducive for the cancer cells to colonize. Concomitantly, cancer cells release several regulatory factors that result in abnormal bone destruction and/or formation. This complex bidirectional interplay between tumor cells and bone microenvironment establishes a “vicious cycle” that leads to a selective growth advantage for the cancer cells. The molecular insights gained on the underpinnings of bone metastasis in recent years have also provided us with avenues to devise innovative approaches for therapeutic intervention. The goal of this review is to describe our current understanding of molecular pathophysiology of cancer metastases to bone, as well as its therapeutic implications.
Beyond Binders Full of Women: NSF ADVANCE and Initiatives for Institutional Transformation

To address issues of gender inequity in STEM fields and academia more broadly, in 2001, the National Science Foundation (NSF) began the ADVANCE Institutional Transformation (IT) program. This research draws on concepts of gendered organizations and findings of universities as special cases of gendered bureaucracy to analyze initiatives developed by ADVANCE institutions for the purpose of creating a more equitable academy. Through an empirical analysis of the initiatives at four cohorts of ADVANCE schools, we examine ADVANCE as an equity program that seeks organizational and cultural change (i.e., institutional transformation), but conceptualizes equity in terms of the aggregate number of women in STEM fields (i.e., representation). We conclude by discussing the unevenness of institutional change that requires addressing gendering processes at both surface and “deep” levels, the importance of transparency and accountability at all incongruous levels of academic bureaucracy, and how feminist goals may be co...
Re-emergence of childhood stuttering in Parkinson's disease: a hypothesis.

OBJECTIVE To characterize speech patterns in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) who have a history of childhood stuttering. BACKGROUND Childhood stuttering usually resolves, but it re-emerges in some patients after stroke or other brain disorders. This phenomenon of recurrent stuttering has not been characterized in childhood stutterers who later develop PD. METHODS/PATIENTS Twelve patients with a history of childhood stuttering that remitted and subsequently recurred were included in the study. A structured interview was administered to seven patients, and six were able to answer questions about childhood stuttering. The Johnson Severity Scale (JSS) (range 0–7) and a Situation Avoidance Scale (SAS) were used to rate stuttering severity (range 0–15) and avoidance (range 0–15). RESULTS The mean age at onset of childhood stuttering was 6.2 years (range 5–10); the mean latency from the onset of childhood stuttering to adult stuttering was 46.1 years; and the stuttering recurred on average 5.9 years (range 0–21) after the onset of PD. The stuttering characteristics in childhood and adulthood included repetitions of sounds and syllables at the beginnings of words, blocks and interjections, physical tension, and a worsening of symptoms with stress. The patients rated themselves as having mild-to-moderate childhood stuttering by the JSS (mean 3.0, range 2–4) and mild-to-moderate stuttering and avoidance by the SAS (mean stuttering score 5.3, range 3–7; mean avoidance score 4.2, range 3–6). There was no apparent association between the severity of childhood stuttering and the severity of PD, but those patients who had higher Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale scores tended to have more and worse symptoms of stuttering. CONCLUSION Our patients provide evidence for the hypothesis that childhood stuttering may re-emerge in adulthood with the onset of PD. Mov. Disord. 16:114–118, 2001. © 2001 Movement Disorder Society.
EFFICACY OF ANESTHESIA DURING NEONATAL CIRCUMCISION † 895

Circumcision is a frequently performed surgical procedure in neonates. Given the reluctance of some health-care providers to use a dorsal penile nerve block (DPNB) during circumcision, coupled with our desire to promote adequate pain control in neonates, we performed a prospective, blinded, randomized control trial to compare the efficacy of DPNB and a less invasive form of local anesthesia (EMLA cream) for reduction of pain during circumcision. The study population consisted of neonates ready for discharge from the NICU at Strong Memorial Hospital, a 52-bed facility serving the 11 county Finger Lakes region of NY. After parental consent, infants were randomized to receive either DPNB (0.7-1.0cc 1% lidocaine, sc, 3 min prior to circ) or EMLA (0.5g topically, 1h prior to circ). Circs were performed by a single individual. Infants were videotaped (from the waist up) and vital signs monitored. Tapes were reviewed and scored at six specified events during the procedure using a modified Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) (min score 0; max 6) by a second individual, and behavioral and physiologic data were collected and analyzed by a third individual, both unaware of the infant's group assignment. Using the average NIPS score as the main outcome variable, to achieve a 5% significance and 80% power, sample size was 22 patients in each group. A third, nonrandomized group of infants who were circumcised by an Ob, without any anesthesia, was also taped and scored (n=14). Of 50 infants randomized, 6 were not included in analysis because of faulty recording equipment. NIPS scores were significantly lower in DPNB infants(2.4±0.3) compared with EMLA infants (4.9±0.3), p<.001. There was also a significant increase in heart rate over the duration of the circ in EMLA, but not in DPNB infants, p<.001. Infants receiving either form of anesthesia had significantly lower NIPS scores compared with infants circumcised without anesthesia, all of whom scored 6 throughout the procedure. There were no significant morbidities in any of the treatment groups. Thus, DPNB provides better pain amelioration than does EMLA cream; however, there may be some benefit provided by EMLA compared with no anesthesia during neonatal circumcision.
Subjective reactivity to the first cigarette of the day as a predictor of smoking relapse: a preliminary study.

We examined subjective responses to smoking the first cigarette of the day and investigated how these responses related to smoking cessation treatment outcome. Data from participants (N = 207) in a clinical trial of message framing for smoking cessation with bupropion, obtained prior to the targeted quit day, were used to examine indices of craving, withdrawal, and affect before and after smoking the first cigarette of the day. After smoking the initial cigarette, craving, withdrawal symptoms, and negative affect were lessened, and positive affect increased. Greater decreases in craving as measured by the questionnaire on smoking urges-brief (QSU-Brief) predicted relapse at the end of treatment (6 weeks) and at the 3-month follow-up time point. These associations do not appear to be mediated by established measures of dependence. Thus, this preliminary study provides evidence that there are significant changes in craving, withdrawal, and affect related to smoking the first cigarette of the day, with the largest of these changes observed for craving. Moreover, changes in tobacco craving in response to the first cigarette of the day may be a novel predictor of smoking relapse that should be tested in future studies.
Increasing Mexican American Doctoral Degrees: The Role of Institutions of Higher Education

Mexican Americans continue to be severely underrepresented among doctoral degree recipients. Although much more research is warranted on this topic, the institutional support model presented can se...
Pain, lower-extremity muscle strength, and physical function among older Mexican Americans.

Abstract Al Snih S, Raji MA, Peek MK, Ottenbacher KJ. Pain, lower-extremity muscle strength, and physical function among older Mexican Americans. Objective To examine the relation between pain on weight bearing, lower-extremity muscle strength, and physical function among older Mexican Americans. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Five Southwestern states: Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and California. Participants A population-based sample of 544 noninstitutionalized Mexican-American men and women age 71 years and older. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Pain on weight bearing, lower-extremity muscle strength, and physical function. Results Of the 544 subjects, 244 (44.9%) reported pain on weight bearing. Mean muscle strength in men ranged from 9.3kg for knee extension, 12.8kg for hip flexion, to 13.0kg for hip abduction. In women, mean strength ranged from 6.6kg for knee extension, 9.5kg for hip flexion, to 8.6kg for hip abduction. Mean of physical function score was 70.7 for men and 60.6 for women. Pain on weight bearing was negatively associated with summary lower-extremity muscle strength only in women (−.05, P P P P P Conclusions Among older Mexican Americans, the presence of pain was associated with decreased muscle strength in women and decreased physical function in both men and women. High muscle strength was associated with high physical function in both men and women.
Training micro‐business owner‐managers: a challenge to current approaches

Despite the importance of micro‐businesses to the UK economy, training has failed to recognise and take into account the way owner‐managers run such firms. These owner‐managers tend to combine informally absorbed information, heuristics and other short‐cut methods in a more intuitively‐based approach to decision making. Does not, however, advocate that more formalised and comprehensive forms of decision making should be adopted. Instead, suggests that intuitive methods of decision making may be the most appropriate for micro‐business owner‐managers. As such, training should attempt to reduce the types of bias that are inherent in more intuitive approaches to decision making.
Electronic Communication in Fullerene Dimers. Electrochemical and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Study of the Reduction of C120O

Cyclic voltammetry (cv) and differential pulse voltammetry (dpv) studies of C120O reveal that this bis(fullerene) undergoes six sequential, one-electron reductions to form the ions [C120O]n- where n is −1 to −6. The first two reductions of C120O occur at potentials that are close to that for the reduction of C60 to [C60]- and it appears that the two electrons are added successively to each of the two fullerene cages. Similarly, the second two reductions of C120O occur at potentials that are close to the reduction potential for the conversion of [C60]- to [C60]2-. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectra have been observed for both [C120O]2- and [C120O]4-. For [C120O]2- the EPR spectrum in o-dichlorobenzene at 77 K consists of a doublet-like feature (g = 2.0016) that is surrounded by features characteristic of a triplet state (g = 2.0030). It is concluded that for [C120O]2- the spectrum indicates that there is significant interaction between the two electrons that have been added to the fullerene and that t...
Digitalis Toxicity: A Fading but Crucial Complication to Recognize

Digoxin usage has decreased in the treatment of congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation as a result of its inferiority to beta-adrenergic inhibitors and agents that interfere with the deleterious effects of the activated renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. As a result of reduction of usage and dosage, glycoside toxicity has become an uncommon occurrence but may be overlooked when it does occur. Older age, female sex, low lean body mass, and renal insufficiency contribute to higher serum levels and enhanced risk for toxicity. Arrhythmias suggesting digoxin toxicity led to its recognition in the case presented here.
Operant behavioral consultations as conducted by master's and doctoral level psychologists in Virginia

Abstract Compared the similarities and differences between the steps engaged in by master's and doctoral level school psychologists in Virginia as they conducted operant behavioral consultations. The data used in the comparisons came from a questionnaire completed by 42 master's level psychologists and 24 doctoral level psychologists. Two of the 12 major steps in conducting operant behavioral case consultations revealed significant differences, with the doctoral psychologists reporting a higher frequency of baseline observations being conducted and a greater frequency of observation during treatment. The doctoral psychologists also reported committing almost three times as much time to each case as did the master's level psychologists. Some discussion and questions are raised with regard to the implications of the above differences in relation to efficiency and outcomes of interventions by both groups.
Controlling unsolicited serial publications

Kovacic is the Assistant Head of the Acquisitions Department at the University of Cincinnati Libraries. All libraries receive them. Sometimes they are received regularly. Often they accumulate uncontrolled in boxes, on shelves, or in corners of serials departments. Usually they are titles for which no library records exist. They are unsolicited serial publications (otherwise known as "snags"): periodical issues, volumes of continuations, sets, and series. They may be one-time samples, ongoing gifts, or new publications that are received as a result of existing subscriptions or memberships. They may even be nothing more than mistakes that the publisher has not yet caught. Surprisingly, while all libraries must deal With this category of material, nothing appears in the library literature on the topic. Ultimately, three factors determine the answer to the question of what to do with such publications: the source of the material, the reason for its receipt, and whether it will continue to be received on a regular basis. These three factors are very much interrelated, as illustrated by the examples in figure 1. In some cases, a letter or brochure may supply all the necessary information. Quite often, though, there is only the issue or volume itself. Some way of finding this information is necessary in order to help librarians decide what to do with the material. The process described in this paper was developed by the author at the Pennsylvania State University Libraries for controlling unsolicited gift and exchange material, and was later expanded at the University of Cincinnati Libraries to deal with all types o f unsolicited publications. It is based on determining a publication's source, the reason for its receipt, and the pattern of its receipt, and provides an effective means of controlling un-
Uncovering the connectivity of the brain in relation to novel vision rehabilitation strategies

With advances in assistive technology, the development of retinal prostheses, and the use of stem cells for retinal and corneal repair, the paradigm of vision rehabilitation is evolving. Now more than ever, clinicians need novel strategies for rehabilitative treatment, assessing outcomes, and determining overall rehabilitative success. The capacity of the adult brain for reorganization following damage and training is likely underestimated, and uncovering the neurophysiology underlying neuroplastic change can reveal opportunities for evaluating, predicting, and even influencing rehabilitative outcomes.
C60 intercalated graphite: Predictions and experiments

Abstract We propose a new class of Graphite Intercalation Compounds (GICs) containing C 60 and alkali metals. The compound C 32 K 4 C 60 is predicted and attempts to synthesize it using a C 8 K precursor and benzene-dissolved C 60 are reported. C 8 K samples exposed to C 60 and benzene display a reproducible resistive transition at 19.5K indicative of superconductivity. C 8 K samples exposed to benzene alone show no transition for T > 4.2 K . Possible origins of the superconductivity are discussed.
Gender Differences in Depression: Assessing Mediational Effects of Overt Behaviors and Environmental Reward through Daily Diary Monitoring

Gender differences in the prevalence of depression are well documented. To further explore the relation between gender and depression, this study used daily diaries to examine gender differences within thirteen behavioral domains and whether differential frequency of overt behaviors and environmental reward mediated the relationship between gender and depression severity. The sample included 82 undergraduate students [66% females; 84% Caucasian; Mean age = 20.2 years]. Overall, females engaged in a significantly greater breadth of behavioral domains and reported a higher level of environmental reward. Females spent more time in the domains of health/hygiene, spiritual activities, and eating with others. Males spent more time in the domains of physical activity, sexual activity, and hobbies and recreational experiences. Females found social activities, passive/sedentary behaviors, eating with others, and engagement in “other” activities more rewarding. Gender had a significant direct effect on depression severity, with females reporting increased depression. This effect was attenuated by the mediator (total environmental reward) such that to the extent females exhibited increased environmental reward, the gender effect on depression was attenuated. These data support behavioral models of depression, indicate increased reinforcement sensitivity among females, and have clinical relevance in the context of assessment and behavioral activation interventions for depression.
CARF and WYL domains: ligand-binding regulators of prokaryotic defense systems.

CRISPR-Cas adaptive immunity systems of bacteria and archaea insert fragments of virus or plasmid DNA as spacer sequences into CRISPR repeat loci. Processed transcripts encompassing these spacers guide the cleavage of the cognate foreign DNA or RNA. Most CRISPR-Cas loci, in addition to recognized cas genes, also include genes that are not directly implicated in spacer acquisition, CRISPR transcript processing or interference. Here we comprehensively analyze sequences, structures and genomic neighborhoods of one of the most widespread groups of such genes that encode proteins containing a predicted nucleotide-binding domain with a Rossmann-like fold, which we denote CARF (CRISPR-associated Rossmann fold). Several CARF protein structures have been determined but functional characterization of these proteins is lacking. The CARF domain is most frequently combined with a C-terminal winged helix-turn-helix DNA-binding domain and “effector” domains most of which are predicted to possess DNase or RNase activity. Divergent CARF domains are also found in RtcR proteins, sigma-54 dependent regulators of the rtc RNA repair operon. CARF genes frequently co-occur with those coding for proteins containing the WYL domain with the Sm-like SH3 β-barrel fold, which is also predicted to bind ligands. CRISPR-Cas and possibly other defense systems are predicted to be transcriptionally regulated by multiple ligand-binding proteins containing WYL and CARF domains which sense modified nucleotides and nucleotide derivatives generated during virus infection. We hypothesize that CARF domains also transmit the signal from the bound ligand to the fused effector domains which attack either alien or self nucleic acids, resulting, respectively, in immunity complementing the CRISPR-Cas action or in dormancy/programmed cell death.
Four distinct tests for CP/T violation in e−e+ → τ−τ+

Abstract Due to τ polarimetry, on-going experiments with unpolarized e−e+ collisions enable four distinct tests for CP/T violation in Z0 → τ−τ+, and in γ∗ → τ−τ+. Nine measurable (slashed/primed) vertex intensity parameters are useful signatures for CP/T violation respectively. Should such signature (s) be discovered, vertex intensity relations can be used as a check and to characterize the effect in terms of the polar parametrization of the Z0 → τ−τ+ or γ∗ → τ−τ+, helicity amplitudes.
The binding of bivalent metals by deoxyribonucleic and ribonucleic acids.

Abstract Dissociation constants for DNA and RNA complexes of several bivalent metals have been determined at pH 7.2 by two methods. Equilibrium dialysis has provided KMgDNA = KCaDNA = 8.0 × 10−3 (μ = 0.15); KMgDNA = KCaDNA = 1.2 × 10−2 (μ = 0.20); KMgRNA = KCaRNA = 4.8 × 10−3 (μ = 0.15); KMgRNA = 8.1 × 10−3 (μ = 0.20). The method using a cation-exchange resin has given KCaDNA = 6.11 ± 0.31 × 10−3 and KMnDNA = 3.64 ± 0.28 × 10−3, both at μ = 0.15. The nature of the binding sites has been discussed. The dialyzability and ultraviolet absorbancy of both DNA and RNA have been shown to vary with the type and concentration of salt in solution.
In vitro culture of the egg parasitoid Telenomus heliothidis: the role of teratocytes and medium consumption in development.

The solitary egg parasitoid Telenomus heliothidis Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) was reared from egg to adult in vitro. Both sexes of adults emerged, mated, and the females produced viable offspring in the natural host, Heliothis virescens F. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). While the rearing medium was important in rearing, wasp fitness was influenced by other factors. The presence of teratocytes influenced parasitoid survival and development. In addition, the quantity of medium ingested by larvae affected the survival, size, longevity, and fecundity of adults. RESUME Elevage in vitro de la parasite d'oeux, Telenomus heliothidis: le role des teeratocytes et la quantite du milieu sur le developpement L'oeuf isole parasitoid Telenomus heliothidis (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) a ete obtenu d'un oeuf a un adulte in vitro. Les deux sexes adultes ont surgi, se sont accouples et les femelles ont reprodui des progeniture viables du milieu naturel, Heliothis virescens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Pendant que le milieu d'elevage etait important dans l'elevage, le bien ětre de la guepe a ete influence par d'autres facteurs. La presence de teratocytes a influence la survivance et le developpement de la parasite. De plus, la quantite du milieu absorbee par la larve a affecte la survivance, le developpement et la longevite, et la fecondite des adultes.
Counterfactual reasoning as a key for explaining adaptive behavior in a changing environment

Abstract It is crucial for animals to detect changes in their surrounding environment, and reinforcement learning is one of the well-known processes to explain the change detection behavior. However, reinforcement learning itself cannot fully explain rapid, relatively immediate changes in strategy in response to abrupt environment changes. A previous model employed reinforcement learning and counterfactual reasoning to explain adaptive behavior observed in a changing market simulation environment. In this paper, we used the same model mechanisms to simulate data from two additional tasks that require participants, who played the role of intelligence analysts, to detect the changes of a computer-controlled adversary’s tactics based on intelligence evidence and feedback. The results show that our model captures participants’ adaptive behavior accurately, which further supports our previous conclusion that counterfactual reasoning is a missing piece for explaining adaptive behavior in a changing environment.
Design of reactive porous polymer supports for high throughput bioreactors: poly(2-vinyl-4,4-dimethylazlactone-co-acrylamide- co-ethylene dimethacrylate) monoliths.

Enzymatic bioreactors with both high flow characteristics and mechanical stability based on macroporous poly(2-vinyl-4,4-dimethylazlactone-co-acrylamide-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) monoliths have been prepared. Covalent immobilization of trypsin on these support is achieved in a single reaction step using the azlactone functional groups. Optimization of hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties of the monolith affords a support that does not shrink in water and leads to immobilized enzyme that shows high activity in the hydrolysis of both low and high molecular weight substrates such as l-benzoyl arginine ethyl ester and casein. The catalytic activity of the monolithic reactor is maintained even at a flow velocity of 180 cm/min, which substantially exceeds those reported in the literature for packed bed reactors. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 62: 30–35, 1999.
Substance P (neurokinin-1) receptor mRNA is selectively expressed in cholinergic neurons in the striatum and basal forebrain

In the striatum substance P (neurokinin-1) receptor, mRNA is selectively localized in large neurons that also express mRNA encoding choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) by in situ hybridization histochemistry. Substance P receptor mRNA is also localized in ChAT mRNA-containing neurons in the medial septum and basal forebrain cell groups. Thus, in the rat forebrain the substance P receptor appears to be expressed selectively by cholinergic neurons. Striatal neurons that contain substance P also utilize gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) as a transmitter. These neurons make synaptic contact with striatal cholinergic neurons, which are shown here to express the substance P receptor, and with other GABAergic neurons in the striatum and substantia nigra, which express GABA receptors but not substance P receptors. This suggests that individual striatal neurons may differentially affect target neurons dependent on the receptors expressed by those target neurons.
Overview of fatigue behavior in copper single crystals—V. Short crack growth behavior and a new approach to summing cumulative damage and predicting fatigue life under variable amplitudes

Abstract In an attempt to understand effects of strain interaction on the kinetics of short crack growth under variable strain amplitudes, multistep tests have been performed in strain control on copper single crystals. The paper illustrates effects of variable amplitude on crack initiation, crack propagation and crack population, and how these effects cause non-linear damage summation. Based on numerous results related to short crack growth and local strain variation, a new approach to summing cumulative damage and predicting fatigue life is offered here. A warning is given that this approach applies to materials and loading conditions which emphasize strain localization.
Influenza defense: expanding our arsenal with peptide antivirals

Jeremy Jones, Curtis R Brandt & Stacey Schultz-Cherry† †Author for correspondence University of Wisconsin, Dept of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, 1300 University Avenue, Rm 417 SMI, Madison, WI 53706, USA Tel.: +1 608 265 6462; Fax: +1 608 262 8418; slschul2@wisc.edu ‘...development of prevention and treatment options against influenza must remain at the forefront of medical research, as success in this field may well mean the difference between control or chaos in a pandemic situation.’
Efficacy and safety of endoscopic balloon dilation of symptomatic upper and lower gastrointestinal Crohn's disease strictures.

Goals: To evaluate efficacy and safety of endoscopic balloon dilation with or without intralesional steroid injection, of symptomatic upper gastrointestinal (UGI) and lower gastrointestinal (LGI) Crohn's disease (CD) strictures. Background: Patients with CD commonly develop obstructive symptoms secondary to gastrointestinal strictures. When these do not resolve with medical management, surgery is usually the only alternative. Limited data are available on the safety and efficacy of endoscopic through-the-scope (TTS) balloon dilation of CD strictures. Study: We performed a retrospective review of TTS balloon dilations done on CD-related UGI and LGI strictures. Postdilation intralesional steroid injections were done at the discretion of the endoscopist. Stricture was defined as luminal stenosis < 10 mm in diameter, through which a scope could not be passed. Technical success was defined as the ability of the scope to traverse the stricture postdilation. Long-term success rate was claimed if a patient remained asymptomatic and did not require surgery or further endoscopic dilation. Results: Over 4 years, we performed 29 stricture dilations on 17 patients (10 female, 7 male) with 20 strictures. The mean follow-up period was 18.8 months (range, 5-50 months). Stricture locations were as follows: rectal, 5; sigmoid colon, 2; colo-colonic anastomosis, 3; ileocolonic anastomosis, 4; ileum, 1; descending colon, I; cecum, 1; and distal duodenal bulb, 3 patients. Technical success was achieved in 28 of 29 stricture dilations (96.5%). Ten strictures (34.5%) were dilated to <15 mm and 19 (65.5%) to ≥15 mm diameter. Long-term success rate in the <15 mm group was 70%, and in ≥15 mm group was 68.4%. Four quadrant steroid injections were done on 11 strictures. The recurrence rate in this group was 10% and that in the nonsteroid group was 31.3%. The overall long-term success rate was 76.5% by intent-to-treat analysis. Three perforations occurred (all colonic) during 29 stricture dilations, a complication rate of 10% with no mortalities. Conclusion: We report the first series of TTS balloon dilations with or without intralesional steroid injection, of both primary and anastomotic UGI and LGI strictures in CD patients. Long-term success was achieved in 76.5% patients with a complication rate of 10%. This mode of therapy appears safe and effective and can be considered as an alternative to surgery in selected patients with medically refractory CD-associated GI strictures. Success rates were better in patients who received four quadrant steroid injections. No difference was seen in stricture recurrence rate or complications based on diameter of TTS balloon used.
Investigation of the formation of physical damage on automotive finishes due to acidic reagent exposure

Automotive paints with clear-coat surfaces can be physically damaged by exposure to acidic reagents produced in a smog chamber designed to reproduce real environmental conditions. Visual and reflectance microscopy observations show that deposition of material formed from the reaction of the clear coat and the reagent drop occurs on the paint surface after the drop evaporates to a critical size, with the greatest deposition occurring at the edge of the drop. This type of deposition suggests a free-energy minimization process favoring the formation of stable nuclei at the reagent drop edge. With heating after the drop evaporation to stimulate exposure to the sun, a damaged area containing sulfur that is in the shape of a circular ring is observed at the location of the deposits. The majority of the visual damage appears to result from an interaction between the deposit and the paint at elevated temperatures. Results from profilometry, scanning electron microscopy, and reflectance microscopy show that the damaged areas are ring-shaped cracked blisters on the surface resulting from the clear coat separating into layers.
Use of Pretreatment Zones and Zero-Valent Iron for the Remediation of Chloroalkenes in an Oxic Aquifer

Pretreatment zones (PTZs) composed of sand, 10% zero-valent iron [Fe(0)]/sand, and 10% pyrite (FeS2)/sand were examined for their ability to prolong Fe(0) reactivity in aboveground column reactors and a subsurface permeable reactive barrier (PRB). The test site had an acidic, oxic aquifer contaminated with tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE). The 10% FeS2 and 10% Fe(0) PTZs removed dissolved oxygen and affected the pH and Eh in the PTZ. None of the PTZs had any effect on pH or Eh in the 100% Fe(0) zone. Nitrate and sulfate were removed more quickly in the Fe(0) zones preceded by either the 10% Fe(0) PTZ or 10% FeS2. PCE first-order degradation rate constants (kobs) decreased significantly (>80%) with increasing column pore volumes regardless of the PTZ material used. kobs finally leveled off after approximately 1 yr of operation. The column results predict that the PRB will experience a breakthrough of PCE in 3−5 yr and illustrate the importance of incorporating temporal variations in de...